Context:
India faces a severe water scarcity challenge, driven by population pressure, inefficient agricultural practices, and climate variability, requiring systemic and innovative solutions.
Key Highlights:
- Data & Trends
- India has 18% of global population but only 4% of freshwater
- Per capita availability declined from:
- 1,816 m³ (2001) → 1,486 m³ (2021)
- Agriculture uses ~90% of water resources
- Climate and Rainfall Patterns
- 55% of tehsils: increased rainfall (>10%)
- 11% (Indo-Gangetic plains): critical decline during sowing season
- Agricultural Concerns
- Low water productivity: $0.52 per cubic meter
- Shifting 3.6 million hectares from rice → millets/pulses could save:
- 29 billion cubic meters annually
- Urban Water Challenges
- Only 28% of wastewater treated
- Potential treated wastewater economy:
- ₹3.2 lakh crore by 2047
- 1 lakh+ jobs creation
- Key Concepts & Approaches
- Blue Water: Rivers, lakes, groundwater
- Green Water: Soil moisture for crops
- Regenerative Agriculture: Enhances soil and water retention
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Difference between blue water vs green water
- Water stress threshold: <1700 m³ per capita
- Importance of millets (climate-resilient crops)
Relevant Mains Points:
- Agriculture & Economy:
- Green Revolution → food security but water stress
- Need for crop diversification and subsidy reforms
- Urban Governance:
- Promote blue-green infrastructure (wetlands, permeable surfaces)
- Prevent encroachment of water bodies
- Water Governance Issues:
- Lack of transparent water accounting
- Inefficient pricing and subsidy distortions
- Environmental Concerns:
- Depleting aquifers and climate change impacts
- Need to protect forests and ecosystems
- Way Forward:
- Promote regenerative agriculture practices
- Implement real-time water accounting using digital tools
- Reform water pricing and governance systems
- Scale up wastewater treatment and reuse economy
- Encourage community participation in water conservation
UPSC Relevance:
- GS 3: Environment, Agriculture, Economy
- GS 2: Water Governance
- GS 1: Geography (Water Resources)