Syllabus: GS I, Subject: Geography, Topic: Resources – World and India, Issue: Water resource
Water crisis in India:
Causes:
- Rapid urbanization, industrialization, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate change..
- Agriculture accounts for 72% of water withdrawals.
- Perennial rivers and streams are drying up, affecting water availability.
- Siltation in reservoirs and water bodies reduces storage capacity and efficacy.
- Increased tube well density leads to groundwater depletion surpassing recharge.
- Pollution from sewage and other sources deteriorates water quality.
The way ahead:
- Rainwater harvesting for enhancing water quantity and quality.
- Emphasis on programs like ‘per drop more crop’ and ‘Gaon ka pani gaon mein’.
- Revival of ponds and water bodies, along with monitoring groundwater levels.
| +1 advantage for mains (Data points)
● According to the World Resources Institute, 17 countries, including India, face extremely high water stress. ● In Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana, groundwater consumption to availability ratio is 172%, 137%, 137% and 133%. |
