In the vast expanse of India, the presence of water is undeniable, yet its accessibility and abundance fluctuate dramatically from one region to another. While certain areas are blessed with an ample supply of this life-sustaining resource, others grapple with the formidable issues of scarcity and pollution, which relentlessly plague their inhabitants.
Now let’s take a closer look at the question
The availability of water in India is subject to considerable variation across different regions. While certain areas are blessed with abundant water resources, others grapple with the dual challenges of scarcity and pollution. These disparities can be traced back to a multitude of factors, including geographical positioning, climatic conditions, infrastructural development, and the implementation of water management strategies.
When contemplating the issue of water availability in India, the words of the esteemed Mahatma Gandhi promptly spring to consciousness: “Ample water exists to satisfy the necessities of all, yet not the insatiable desires of mankind.” This profound proclamation accentuates the utmost significance of judicious water stewardship and impartial allocation of this invaluable asset.
Here are some interesting facts related to water availability in India:
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Water Stress: According to a report by NITI Aayog, nearly 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress, affecting both rural and urban areas.
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Regional Disparities: The availability of water varies greatly across different states and regions in India. While states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal experience water surplus, regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu face severe water scarcity.
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Groundwater Depletion: India is the largest extractor of groundwater globally. Excessive extraction, often for agricultural purposes, has led to depletion of groundwater levels in many parts of the country, leading to long-term sustainability concerns.
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Rainfall Patterns: India experiences a monsoon climate, with the majority of rainfall occurring during the monsoon season (June-September). Variations in monsoon patterns can result in droughts or excessive flooding, impacting water availability.
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Water Pollution: Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to increased water pollution in various water bodies across India. The Ganga and Yamuna rivers, for example, face significant pollution challenges, affecting both water quality and availability.
Here is a table showcasing the state-wise availability of water resources in India:
| State | Water Availability (Billion Cubic Meters) |
|---|---|
| Kerala | 77 |
| Punjab | 22 |
| Rajasthan | 21 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 18 |
| Gujarat | 16 |
| Tamil Nadu | 14 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 16 |
| West Bengal | 12 |
It is essential for India to prioritize efficient water management practices, promote conservation, and invest in infrastructure to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country.
Here are some additional responses to your query
In addition, no major city in India is known to have a continuous water supply and an estimated 72% of Indians still lack access to improved sanitation facilities. In spite of adequate average rainfall in India, there is a large area under scarce water conditions/drought-prone.
India covers around 2.45 % of the world’s surface area and has 4% of the world’s water resources. In India, rainfall is the primary source of freshwater. For a country of its size, India receives the second most amount of rainfall.
Drinking water in India is mostly derived from groundwater that is pumped via handpumps from borewells, tubewells, dugwells, and surface water sources like rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. The National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO) data – 76th round provides an overview of the various sources of drinking water available in urban and rural India.
In 2015, India achieved 93 per cent coverage of access to improved water supply in rural areas.
Further, as reported, out of around 16.99 lakh rural habitations in villages across the country, 16.73 lakh (98.46%) habitations have provision of potable drinking water with sources at a reasonable distance. However, 0.26 lakh (1.54%) rural habitations are reported to have water quality issues in drinking water sources.
See related video
This video explores the water crisis in Maharashtra, India, where over 50% of villages in rural areas are grappling with severe water shortages. Villagers, especially women and children, are compelled to travel long distances in extreme heat to fetch water, putting their health and well-being in jeopardy. Despite government initiatives, the implementation of solutions has been ineffective, leaving villagers desperate for a reliable water supply. With only polluted and muddy water available, the villagers are calling on the government to provide clean water tankers to meet their basic needs. This ongoing water crisis in Maharashtra underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the acute water shortage.
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Furthermore, Is water accessible in India?
Answer will be: The country has 18 percent of the world’s population, but only 4 percent of its water resources, making it among the most water-stressed in the world.
Moreover, Does India have water shortage?
Response will be: India, now the world’s most populous nation, will be the hardest hit from water scarcity. Despite holding 18% of the world’s population, it only has enough water resources for 4% of its people, hence making it the world’s most water-stressed country, the World Bank said.
Accordingly, What is the availability of water in India?
The answer is: "Based on the study titled ‘Reassessment of Water Availability in India using Space Inputs, 2019’ conducted by Central Water Commission, the average annual per capita water availability for year 2021 and 2031 has been assessed as 1486 cubic meter and 1367 cubic meter respectively," the minister said in Lok Sabha.
How does India get its water? In reply to that: 45% of total irrigation and 80% of domestic water come from ground water reserve. India has abundant ground water reserve which gets replenished every year mostly by monsoon precipitation. However, in some states viz. Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over exploitation of ground water has led to water scarcity.
Just so, Does India have a good water supply? In reply to that: In addition, no major city in India is known to have a continuous water supply and an estimated 72% of Indians still lack access to improved sanitation facilities. In spite of adequate average rainfall in India, there is large area under the less water conditions/drought prone.
Keeping this in consideration, Where does drinking water come from in India?
Response: Drinking water in India is mostly derived from groundwater that is pumped via handpumps from borewells, tubewells, dugwells, and surface water sources like rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. The National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO) data – 76th round provides an overview of the various sources of drinking water available in urban and rural India.
Secondly, Will India become a water scarce country? The answer is: Studies shows that the projected per capita water availability will become 1401 m3 and 1191 m3 by 2025 and 2050 respectively and eventually India is likely to become a water scarce country (India-WRIS wiki 2015, Gangwar 2013). India’s total annual utilizable water resources is 1123 bcm (690 bcm surface water + 433bcm ground water).
Herein, Will India provide tap water to every household by 2024? These factors, combined with the current initiative by the Government of India to provide tap water connections to every household by 2024, have created unprecedented urgency to implement effective solutions to increase access to safe water and sanitation.