Water is a crucial resource for India’s economic growth, agriculture, and daily life. However, with increasing demand, erratic rainfall patterns, and inefficient usage, the country faces a severe water crisis. According to the NITI Aayog Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) 2018, India is experiencing the worst water crisis in its history, with 21 major cities expected to exhaust their groundwater by 2030. To ensure sustainable water management, India needs integrated policies, efficient governance, and technological interventions.

Current Water Crisis in India

1. Depleting Groundwater:

   • India is the world’s largest extractor of groundwater, accounting for 25% of global groundwater withdrawal (World Bank, 2023).
   • States like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan face alarming depletion due to excessive irrigation.

2. Water Pollution:

   • Over 70% of surface water in India is contaminated, making it unsafe for consumption (NITI Aayog).
   • Industrial discharge, sewage dumping, and agricultural runoff pollute major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna.

3. Inefficient Water Usage:

   • Over 80% of India’s water is used for agriculture, but inefficient irrigation techniques lead to significant wastage.
   • Flood irrigation, widely practiced, has less than 40% efficiency in water use.

4. Urban Water Crisis:

   • Rapid urbanization has led to water scarcity in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi, where groundwater is depleting at an unsustainable rate.
   • Chennai faced “Day Zero” in 2019 when all four major reservoirs dried up.

Government Initiatives for Water Management

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

• Launched in 2019, aims to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024.
• As of March 2024, over 70% of rural households have access to tap water connections.

Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY)

• A ₹6,000 crore scheme to improve groundwater management in seven states facing acute shortages.
• Promotes community participation and data-driven decision-making.

Namami Gange Programme

• Launched in 2014, focuses on Ganga river rejuvenation by reducing industrial effluents and sewage treatment.
• Over 400 projects have been sanctioned under this initiative.

Per Drop More Crop

• Part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), promotes micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems) to improve efficiency in agriculture.

Challenges in Water Management

1. Inter-State River Disputes: Conflicts over river water sharing, such as the Cauvery and Krishna river disputes, delay effective management.
2. Climate Change Impact: Unpredictable monsoons and rising temperatures increase drought and flood risks.
3. Poor Infrastructure: Leakage and inefficiencies in water distribution lead to 30-40% loss in many urban areas.
4. Lack of Public Awareness: Excessive water usage and lack of conservation practices worsen the crisis.

Way Forward: Solutions for Sustainable Water Management

1. Strengthening Rainwater Harvesting

   • Implementing rooftop harvesting in urban areas and reviving traditional water conservation structures.

2. Expanding Micro-Irrigation

   • Encouraging drip irrigation can save up to 50% of water in agriculture.

3. Treated Wastewater Reuse

   • Mandating wastewater recycling for industries and urban areas to reduce freshwater dependency.

4. Integrated River Basin Management

   • Formulating a National River Policy to resolve inter-state disputes and ensure equitable water distribution.

5. Strict Regulations on Water Pollution

   • Enforcing penalties on industrial polluters and upgrading sewage treatment plants.

Conclusion

India’s water crisis demands urgent action. Efficient management, conservation policies, and technology-driven solutions can ensure sustainable water security. With government initiatives, community participation, and policy reforms, India can achieve water sustainability for future generations.