Context:
A recent UN report warns that climate change is pushing several regions toward “water bankruptcy”, where water resources fail to meet rising demand, increasing risks of conflict and instability.
Key Highlights:
- Climate Change Impacts
- Rising temperatures causing erratic rainfall patterns.
- Increased frequency of floods and droughts.
- Himalayan regions (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, J&K) witnessing snow droughts due to weakened Western Disturbances.
- Hydrological Concerns
- Early snowfall melts gradually, sustaining river flow.
- Late snowfall melts rapidly, reducing soil moisture benefits.
- Erratic precipitation affecting:
- Agriculture
- Hydropower generation
- River flow timing
- Global Interconnectedness
- Water crises in one basin affect others through:
- Trade
- Migration
- Shared river systems
- Potential to trigger local and international tensions.
- Policy Recommendations
- Transparent water accounting systems.
- Protection and recharge of aquifers.
- Promotion of rainwater harvesting.
- Adoption of water-efficient crops.
- Shift from supply-side bias to demand-side management.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Western Disturbances: Mediterranean-origin weather systems bringing winter rainfall to north India.
- Aquifer: Underground water-bearing rock layer.
- Concept of Water Bankruptcy.
- Snowmelt’s role in perennial Himalayan rivers.
- Himalayan rivers: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra systems.
Relevant Mains Points:
GS 1 – Indian Geography
- Himalayan hydrology and snow-fed rivers.
- Impact of climate variability on river regimes.
GS 3 – Environment
- Water security and climate resilience.
- Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
- Link between water stress and conflict.
- Way Forward
- Develop national-level water accounting framework.
- Strengthen groundwater governance under Atal Bhujal Yojana.
- Enhance basin-level planning.
- Promote climate-adaptive agriculture.
- Encourage transboundary water diplomacy.
UPSC Relevance:
Important for GS 3 (Environment, Climate Change, Water Security) and GS 1 (Indian Geography). Frequently relevant for both Prelims and Mains.