Building water security in a rapidly drying India
India is facing severe water stress, with many major river basins falling below the scarcity threshold due to climate change and poor infrastructure management. The article outlines the need for climate-proofing water systems and better resource management to avoid a national water bankruptcy.
Why it matters
Water scarcity is a critical threat to India's economic stability and public health, requiring urgent policy intervention and infrastructure investment.
Indian cities — from Bengaluru to Mussoorie (Uttarakhand) — are reeling under severe water stress. June saw a monsoon rainfall deficit of over 40% . Delhi is facing a severe shortage, and water supply has plummeted to about 70% of the total demand of 1,250 million gallons per day. Research by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) further finds that 11 out of 15 major river basins in India are experiencing water stress, with annual water availability below 1,700 m 3 per person. Several of them, including the Krishna, Cauvery, Mahi, and Tapi basins, are below the water scarcity threshold of 1,000 m 3 per person.
The article relies on data from reputable organizations like CEEW and UNU-INWEH to present a factual overview of a national crisis.
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