India’s Water Resources

Although India has just 4% of the world’s renewable freshwater, it supports around 18% of the global population. The country receives about 4,000 billion cubic meters (BCM) of rainfall annually, which is the main source of freshwater. Natural water sources include rivers, groundwater, and glaciers, while treated wastewater and desalinated water are man-made sources.

Water Distribution on Earth

• 97% of Earth’s water is saltwater, and only 3% is freshwater.
  
• Of the freshwater:
  
  • Two-thirds is frozen in glaciers.
    
  • Most of the remaining is groundwater; very little is available on the surface or in the air.

India’s Water Availability

• India covers 2.45% of the world’s land area and holds 4% of global freshwater.
  
• Annual rainfall is about 1,170 mm, adding up to 4,000 cubic km.
  
• Per person, this equals about 1,720 cubic meters of water.

Types of Water Resources

Surface Water

• Major sources: Rivers, lakes, ponds, tanks.
  
• India has about 10,360 rivers, with a yearly flow of 1,869 cubic km, but only 690 cubic km (37%) is usable due to storage issues.
  
• Himalayan rivers carry 90% of their water in just 4 months.
  
• The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak river systems hold 60% of surface water but cover less than a third of India’s area.
  

Groundwater

• India has 432 cubic km of replenishable groundwater.
  
• 46% is in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin.
  
• It supports over half of India’s irrigation and about 20 million tube wells.
  
• To manage this, India has constructed about 5,000 major and medium dams.

Lagoons and Lakes

• Due to its long coastline, India has many lagoons and lakes, especially in Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal.
  
• These waters are usually brackish, used for farming (like coconut and paddy) and fishing.

Dams and Rivers

• India has nearly 5,000 dams.
  
• The 59 major dams store 170 BCM of water.
  
• 15% of India’s food production relies on groundwater, which is rapidly depleting.
  
• There is a growing need to shift towards surface water for sustainable use.

Water Usage in India

• Irrigation uses 78% of water.
  
• Households use 6% and industries use 5%.
  
• Groundwater supplies:
  
  • 45% of irrigation
    
  • 80% of drinking water

Per Capita Water Availability

• Defined as “water stress” if < 1700 m³/year; “scarcity” if < 1000 m³/year.
  
• India’s availability:
  
  • 1951: 5,200 m³
    
  • 1991: 2,309 m³
    
  • 2001: 1,902 m³
    
  • 2025 (projected): 1,401 m³
    
  • 2050 (projected): 1,191 m³

Water Pollution and Scarcity

• 70% of surface water is polluted.
  
• Major pollutants:
  
  • Sewage, industrial waste, agricultural runoff.
    
• Ganga alone receives 2.9 billion gallons of untreated wastewater daily.
  
• Only 29% of wastewater in cities is treated.
  
• In 2012, 54% of rural women walked 200 m to 5 km daily for water.
  
• Overuse of groundwater is worsening the rural water crisis.

Water Stress in India: Key Issues

• Agriculture uses the most water.
  
• Urbanization is straining resources.
  
• Climate change will impact glaciers and monsoons.
  
• Rising temperatures increase evaporation and irregular rainfall.
  
• Aquifers are depleting due to overuse.
  
• Water pollution from untreated waste is a serious threat.

Is India’s Water Safe?

• High pollution levels in rivers and lakes.
  
• Waste from homes, farms, and factories is a major issue.
  
• India’s waste treatment capacity is inadequate, especially in urban areas.

Government Initiatives

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Water conservation drive.
  
• PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana: Focuses on irrigation efficiency.
  
• National Water Mission, Namami Gange, CAMPA, etc.
  
• Atal Bhujal Yojana: Groundwater management with community participation.
  
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to provide tap water to every rural home by 2024.
  
• Jal Kranti Abhiyan: Converting water-stressed villages into water-surplus ones.

Best Water Conservation Practices

• Rajasthan: Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan
  
• Maharashtra: Jalyukt Shivar to make villages drought-free.
  
• Telangana: Mission Kakatiya for tank restoration and small irrigation.

Conclusion

Water is essential for life, but India faces serious challenges due to overuse, pollution, and mismanagement. While the country has significant water resources, conserving and managing them wisely is crucial. Both government efforts and public participation are vital to ensure sustainable water use for future generations.