India, the world’s most populous nation, is facing a deepening water crisis. Decades of shortages are intensifying, with cities and villages struggling.
Daily Struggle for Millions
In Delhi’s Vivekananda Camp slum, residents get just two hours of brackish tap water daily. Tankers provide a single extra bucket for drinking and cooking for each of the 1,000 residents. This scenario is far from unique.
Arid Rajasthan sees tap water flow for a mere hour every four days. Rural areas near Mumbai force women and children on long treks exceeding a mile just to fetch water.
2024: A Year of Records and Crisis
This year’s scorching summer, one of the hottest on record, exacerbated the crisis. Rivers and lakes dry up, and water tables plummet. The impact is widespread.
Water crisis disrupts agriculture and industry alike. Food inflation rises, and social unrest becomes a growing concern. Contaminated water tragically claims the lives of 200,000 Indians annually. The urgency for solutions is clear. Public and private efforts focus on conservation, wastewater recycling, and reducing dependence on the monsoon, particularly in agriculture.
Economic Concerns Mount
Ratings agency Moody’s warned that India’s water stress could hinder its economic growth. This is a serious threat, considering India boasts the highest growth rate among major economies.
Government Plans Ambitious Action
The government aims to triple wastewater recycling by decade’s end, reaching 70%. Additionally, they plan to cut freshwater extraction from 66% – the world’s highest – to under 50% by 2030. A new national program will recommend crops based on local water availability. “Water budgeting” will determine crop choices, ensuring sustainable water use in each village.
India’s water crisis demands immediate and effective solutions. The country’s future growth and well-being depend on it.
Reference- Reuters story, National Geographic, BBC, The Guardian