Indian Cities Face Severe Water Stress

Summary Notes on Water Crisis in India

Current Water Stress Situation

• Severe water stress in major Indian cities such as Bengaluru and Mussoorie.
• June 2026 saw a monsoon rainfall deficit of over 40%.
• Delhi's water supply is approximately 70% of the total demand, which is 1,250 million gallons per day.
• Research by CEEW indicates that 11 out of 15 major river basins in India face water stress, with availability dropping below 1,700 m³/person.
• Certain river basins (e.g., Krishna, Cauvery, Mahi, Tapi) are below the water scarcity threshold of 1,000 m³/person.

Global Context

• UNU-INWEH Report highlights a potential global water bankruptcy, with 3 billion people globally encountering severe water scarcity for at least one month a year.

India's Water Resource Distribution

• India has 4% of the world’s water resources while supporting 18% of the global population, indicating significant uneven distribution.
• The country has historically faced water uncertainty, hampered by poor infrastructure management and high levels of water pollution.

Government Schemes Addressing Water Crisis

• Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to improve water supply infrastructure.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Focuses on irrigation development.

Proposed Interventions to Achieve Water Security

1. Invest in Climate-Proofing Water Systems:

   • Conduct granular climate risk assessments for prioritizing investments.
   • Urban Challenge Fund to support cities with investments (e.g., Visakhapatnam secured ₹1,501 crore).

2. Enable Water Reuse:

   • Shift from linear to circular water use; treat and reuse water for non-potable tasks (e.g., landscaping, data centre cooling).
   • Thane Municipal Corporation initiative for treated wastewater reuse could generate an economic opportunity of ₹3 lakh crore by 2047 and create 100,000 jobs.

3. Scale-up Micro-Irrigation Systems:

   • Current coverage at 20% of potential 72 million hectares.
   • Suggested redesign of subsidies targeting small farmers (0.4 hectares as base).
   • Promote low-water, high-value crops and implement strengthened Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop risk management.

4. Improve Data Collection:

   • Emphasis on acquiring data at the river basin level for effective water management and efficiency assessments.
   • Artificial intelligence and smart metering technologies being used in urban areas like Delhi and Bhubaneswar for loss detection and better consumption data.

Important Points on Economic Significance

• Water is not only a resource for survival but also drives livelihoods and ecosystems.
• Sustainable management and rehabilitation of water resources is foundational to social welfare in the country.
• Transparent governance and community trust are necessary for political will to implement these solutions effectively.

Conclusion

• Addressing India's water scarcity crisis requires a comprehensive approach that integrates technology, infrastructure investments, policy support, and community participation for a water-secure future.