Hindu Editorial Analysis : 17-June-2024
India is facing a serious water crisis that affects millions of people across the country. Recently, reduced river flows and falling water tables have made summers more challenging. This essay explores the causes and consequences of the water crisis in India, as well as potential solutions.
Causes of the Water Crisis
Overexploitation of Resources
- High Water Demand: India has 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its water resources.
- Groundwater Depletion: More than 60% of irrigated agriculture relies on groundwater, but excessive extraction is depleting aquifers faster than they can be replenished.
Pollution and Poor Infrastructure
- Contaminated Water: Industrial waste and agricultural runoff pollute rivers and lakes, making them unsafe for drinking.
- Infrastructure Issues: Leaking pipes and canals waste significant amounts of water. For example, iron and arsenic were found in the drinking water of many rural households, causing serious health issues.
Climate Change
- Erratic Rainfall: Unpredictable weather patterns disrupt monsoon seasons, leading to droughts in some areas, like Karnataka, while others, like Delhi, face water emergencies.
Inefficient Management
- Lack of Coordination: Different departments handling water resources often do not communicate effectively, leading to poor planning and implementation of water-sharing agreements.
Status of Water Scarcity
Access to Water
- Millions Affected: Many people lack access to safe drinking water and rely on polluted sources or struggle to afford clean water.
- Inequitable Distribution: Monsoon rains vary greatly across regions, leaving some areas water-rich and others in severe drought.
Groundwater Dependence
- Critical for Survival: Groundwater is essential for agriculture and drinking water in rural areas. Approximately 30% of India’s freshwater is stored underground.
Solutions to Overcome the Crisis
Government Initiatives
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Aims to improve water availability and groundwater conditions in stressed areas.
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Provides tap connections to rural households, ensuring access to potable water.
- National Water Mission (NWM): Focuses on conservation and management of water resources nationwide.
Community Efforts
- Local Revitalization: Activists and experts are reviving local water bodies through grassroots initiatives, showing significant improvements in community water availability.
Sustainable Practices
- Rainwater Harvesting: Promoting the collection and storage of rainwater can help reduce dependency on groundwater.
- Improved Irrigation Techniques: More efficient agricultural practices can save water and ensure better crop yields.
Why In News
Recently, it has been observed that reduced river flows and falling water tables have made summer harsher in several parts of the country, leading to increased stress on agricultural practices and drinking water supplies.
MCQs about Water Crisis in India
- What percentage of the world’s population does India represent, and what percentage of the world’s water resources does it have?
A. 25% of the population; 10% of water resources
B. 18% of the population; 4% of water resources
C. 15% of the population; 5% of water resources
D. 20% of the population; 8% of water resources
- What is a major consequence of overexploiting groundwater in India?
A. Increased agricultural yield
B. Contamination of surface water
C. Depletion of aquifers
D. Improved infrastructure
- Which initiative aims to provide tap connections to every rural household in India?
A. National Water Mission
B. Jal Shakti Abhiyan
C. Jal Jeevan Mission
D. Atal Bhujal Yojna
- What role does climate change play in India’s water crisis?
A. It reduces the need for irrigation.
B. It leads to unpredictable rainfall patterns.
C. It improves groundwater levels.
D. It increases industrial water use.
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