By 2050, India is projected to experience a staggering 50% decline in per capita water availability, raising existential concerns about the nation's ability to sustain its people and progress.
Liya Thomas
Water is one of the most precious natural resources and a key element in the
socio- economic development of a country. About 71% of earth’s surface is
covered by water; but it is distributed in such a way that only a small fraction of
the total water available on the earth is useful for human consumption. To put it
in perspective, three-fourths of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, hence
known as the ‘water planet’. Out of this, the oceans cover about two-thirds
surface, which is unfit human consumption. Only around 2.7% is available for
human use out of which the maximum is covered under ice sheets and glaciers,
thus inaccessible. Finally it comes down to just 1% of the water that can be
considered to be fit and available for human use.
India accounts for about 2.45% of world’s surface area and 4% of the world’s
water resources. Rainfall is the main source of fresh water in India. From
precipitation alone, including snowfall, India receives 4000 cubic km of water; of
which a large part is lost through
process of evaporation and plant
transpiration. It is troubling to know that India, a nation cradled by mighty rivers
and vast coastlines, finds itself confronting a severe water crisis that threatens
its very existence. As one of the most populous country, India's water demand
continues to surge, fueled by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and
unsustainable agricultural practices. The statistics are sobering: by 2050, India is
projected to experience a staggering 50% decline in per capita water availability,
raising existential concerns about the nation's ability to sustain its people and
progress.
In the midst of this crisis, it is the women of India who carry the heaviest burden.
Tasked with the arduous responsibility of fetching water from distant sources,
these resilient matriarchs spend countless hours each day traversing long
distances, their physical and mental well-being sacrificed at the altar of water
insecurity. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Poverty is the worst form of violence,"
and the lack of access to water perpetuates this cycle of deprivation and
inequality.
While urban areas grapple with the challenges of meeting the water demands of
their growing populations, rural India faces a different set of struggles. Over 41%
of rural households lack access to safely managed drinking water within their
premises, highlighting the stark disparities in water access across the country.
This divide echoes the words of Dr. Rajendra Singh, the renowned "Waterman of
India": "Water has no boundaries, but we have created boundaries for water."
Agriculture, the backbone of India's rural economy, bears the weight of an
unquenchable thirst. A staggering 89% of surface water and 92% of
groundwater are consumed by agricultural activities, reflecting the immense
strain placed on this vital resource. Inefficient irrigation practices and the
cultivation of water-intensive crops have exacerbated the crisis, leaving many
regions grappling with water scarcity and depleted groundwater reserves. As the
ancient Sanskrit proverb warns, "Unchecked greed leads to depletion, even of the
ocean."
The Path Ahead: A Confluence of Wisdom and Action
As India navigates this multifaceted crisis, a holistic and sustainable approach is
imperative. The time to act is now. India's water crisis demands a collective
response, one that harnesses traditional wisdom, embraces innovative
technologies, and prioritizes sustainable management practices. By addressing
this crisis head-on, we can pave the way for a water-secure future, where every
citizen has access to this precious resource, and our nation's progress is not
hindered by the threat of water scarcity.
Rainwater harvesting, an ancient practice deeply rooted in Indian culture, has
emerged as a critical strategy in the nation's quest for water security. Capturing
and storing rainwater for various uses, including groundwater recharge and
irrigation, fosters resilience against water scarcity and drought. The southern
state of Tamil Nadu, once plagued by severe water shortages, has embraced
rainwater harvesting with remarkable success, replenishing groundwater levels
and mitigating the impact of erratic monsoon patterns. In the arid regions of
Rajasthan, initiatives like the Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan have
revived traditional water conservation practices, fostering community
participation and empowerment.
Rainwater harvesting increases water availability, checks the declining ground
water table, improves the quality of groundwater through dilution of
contaminants like fluoride and nitrates. Traditional rainwater harvesting in rural
areas is done by using surface storage bodies like lakes, ponds, irrigation tanks,
etc. Urban areas need to think creatively, which can specially benefit from
rainwater harvesting as water demand has already outstripped supply in most of
the cities and towns.
Beyond traditional practices, India must also embrace innovative technologies
and interventions to address its water woes. Groundwater table monitoring,
facilitated by advanced remote sensing and Geographic Information System
(GIS) technologies, can provide valuable insights into the status of aquifers and
inform sustainable water management strategies. Water quality restoration
through advanced treatment techniques is vital, particularly in regions affected
by high levels of contaminants.
No sustainable solution can be truly effective without the active participation of
communities. Awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of
responsible water management practices, empowering individuals to become
stewards of this precious resource. In the drought-prone regions of Maharashtra,
grassroots movements like the "Paani Foundation" has successfully mobilized
local communities to revive and maintain traditional water harvesting systems,
transforming arid landscapes into water-sufficient areas. Such efforts not only
address the immediate water crisis but also instill a sense of ownership and
responsibility among communities, ensuring the long-term sustainability of
water conservation efforts. Additionally, interventions such as groundwater
table monitoring, water quality restoration, pricing mechanisms, circular water
economy promotion, and efficient irrigation techniques are vital.
Governments have taken commendable steps to address the nation's water
crisis, with initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aimed at providing safe
and adequate drinking water to every rural household by 2024. Another such
promising initiative is the "Atal Bhujal Yojana," a groundwater management
program launched in 2020, which aims to promote sustainable practices like
artificial recharge, water budgeting, and participatory groundwater
management. By involving local communities and leveraging advanced
technologies, this program has the potential to address the critical issue of
groundwater depletion in priority areas across seven states.
Furthermore, the integration of water conservation efforts with other national
priorities, such as climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture, can
yield multiple benefits. For instance, the promotion of climate-smart agricultural
practices like drought-resistant crop varieties, mulching, and agroforestry can
not only enhance water-use efficiency but also contribute to carbon
sequestration and soil health.
Rain-fed agriculture accounts for 68% of India's cropped area. With huge tract of
land falling under arid and semi-arid region, Watershed Management is the most
viable option in the rain fed areas of the country. Watershed management refers
to efficient management and conservation of surface and groundwater
resources.
It involves prevention of runoff and storage and recharge of
groundwater through various methods like percolation tanks, recharge wells,
etc. The success of watershed management in Ralegan Siddhi village,
Maharashtra has been remarkable. Through watershed management, the village
which was perennially drought hit was made water surplus. It boosted the
economic activities and made the village and villagers self-reliant bringing about
a significant environmental and social change.
As India marches towards water security, concerted efforts must prioritize
sustainable practices, community involvement, and gender inclusivity.
Upholding a policy environment that integrates gender considerations and
measures progress against gender goals is paramount. Initiatives like the
"Saheli" project in Rajasthan, which trained and employed women as "water
ambassadors," have demonstrated the transformative potential of empowering
women in water management. Ultimately, ensuring equitable access to water not
only enhances socio-economic outcomes but also fosters peace and resilience in
the face of escalating water challenges.
Lastly, fostering regional cooperation and trans-boundary water management
strategies is imperative for addressing the complex challenges of shared water
resources. The Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan exemplifies the
potential for international cooperation in water resource management. Only
through a comprehensive and inclusive approach, one that harnesses the
collective wisdom and efforts of all stakeholders, can India navigate the
turbulent waters of this crisis and emerge as a beacon of hope, demonstrating to
the world that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome through
unity, determination, and a deep reverence for nature's gifts.
Let us pay heed to the wise warning posed by the Thirukkural, "Water is the very
source of life, without which nothing lives." Yes. It is time for India to embrace
this timeless wisdom and chart a course towards a sustainable water future,
where every drop is cherished, every river is revered, and every citizen can
access this fundamental human right without compromise.
