India is home to 18% of the world’s population, but it has only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. India’s per capita water availability has declined from 5,177 cubic meters in 1951 to 1,544 cubic meters in 2011. The situation is expected to worsen, with the per capita availability predicted to decline further to 1,140 cubic meters by 2050.

India’s water resources are divided into two broad categories: surface water and groundwater. Surface water includes rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, while groundwater is stored in aquifers beneath the earth’s surface. India has 14 major river basins that provide water for irrigation, drinking, and other uses. However, many of these rivers are highly polluted, and their flow has been significantly reduced due to human activities.

Groundwater is an essential source of water in India, especially in areas where surface water is scarce. Over-extraction has led to a decline in water levels in many parts of the country. In some areas, the water table has dropped so low that it is no longer possible to extract water easily, forcing farmers to dig deeper and more expensive wells.

India has a vast network of rivers and lakes, with the major rivers being the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and the Indus. The country’s rivers are the primary source of surface water, providing water for irrigation, industrial, and domestic use. However, the availability of surface water varies greatly across the country, with some regions experiencing water scarcity.

In addition to natural water bodies, India has also built several dams and reservoirs to store water for use during dry periods. The construction of large dams, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam, has enabled the country to regulate the flow of its rivers and provide water for irrigation and power generation.

Groundwater is an important source of water in India, accounting for over 60% of the country’s irrigated area. It is primarily used for irrigation, but also for domestic and industrial purposes. Groundwater is stored in aquifers, which are natural underground reservoirs.

The availability of groundwater is influenced by rainfall, soil type, and the geology of the region. Over the years, exploitation has led to a decline in water levels, especially in the northwestern regions of the country, highlighting the urgent need for better management of groundwater resources.

1. Water scarcity: India is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, and demand continues to rise. Climate change is exacerbating the problem through more frequent droughts and floods.
2. Pollution: Many rivers and water bodies are highly polluted due to untreated wastewater from industries and households, leading to declining water quality and serious health and environmental risks.
3. Over-extraction of groundwater: Excessive pumping has caused water tables to fall sharply in many regions, affecting agriculture and drinking-water supply.
4. Poor water management: Inefficient and ineffective practices lead to wastage and mismanagement of available water resources.

1. Investing in water conservation: Rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and soil conservation can increase water availability and reduce the impact of droughts and floods.
2. Improving water-use efficiency: Efficient irrigation technologies, water-efficient appliances, and better management practices in agriculture, industry, and households.
3. Reducing pollution: Strict regulations, wastewater treatment facilities, and promotion of eco-friendly industries are essential to restore water quality.
4. Regulating groundwater extraction: Strict rules, water-efficient farming, and alternative sources (treated wastewater, desalinated water) can prevent further depletion.
5. Implementing better water-management practices: Effective governance at local, state, and national levels, community participation, and promotion of water-saving technologies.
6. Investing in research and development: Innovation in conservation technologies, treatment methods, and low-water farming techniques.