India has 18% of the world’s population but has access to only 4% of the world’s freshwater. Hence, water scarcity has faced an increasing threat in India. While India stood at 133 in the ranking of per capita availability of water, as against that, it is the world’s second-largest consumer of water, exploiting almost 20.1% of the global freshwater usage. Per capita water consumption is projected to rise from 85 liters per capita daily in 2000 to 170 liters per capita by 2050, a process which creates an obligation on sustainable water management for India.And India’s Water Crisis is inextricably connected to these factors, and more.
Water scarcity and water pollution
Economic growth, urbanization, and population growth have increased both demand for and pressure on water resources, which are already scanty. More than 70% of surface water in India is polluted because of untreated wastewater, creating serious health issues. According to the WHO, almost half of India’s morbidity can be attributed to water-related diseases. Groundwater is getting over-exploited in India with the figure going over 230 cubic kilometers each year, which is more than 25% of the global annual consumption.
Climate change has a deep impact
Climate change worsens water issues, dictating erratic precipitation, longer dry spells, and cyclonic floods in agriculture-based regions. Fewer rains lead to restricted groundwater recharge. Heavy downpour causes waterlogging and pollution. Indian areas are quite vulnerable in terms of water-related disasters since 12% of Indian territory is susceptible to floods, while 28% is drought-prone. Historical data suggests that the floods contribute to a whopping 47% of all disasters in India during the last century.
Government initiatives for water management
India has introduced several missions aimed at increasing water availability, including the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), serving the various needs of urban and rural households for access to safe drinking water. Such current initiatives operate as individual schemes, thereby perpetuating unsustainable groundwater extraction. Hence, the budget ahead will be an opportunity for integrated investments into long-term sustainable water solutions.
Key Strategies for Sustainable Water Management
Enhanced Wastewater Treatment Plants (WTPs)
While only 29% of municipal wastewater undergoes treatment, a staggering 71% enters into the water bodies as untreated effluent. The government must either allocate funds for constructing large sewage treatment plants (STPs) with recycling systems for wastewater to enable reuse in irrigation, industry, and agriculture or compel municipal councils to take it up.
Urban Rainwater Harvesting
India only stores rainfall for 30 days, unlike developed nations, where it is for 900 days. Mandating rainwater harvesting in new constructions and retrofitting existing structures would enhance groundwater recharge and mitigate water scarcity.
Smart grids to reduce loss by leakage
Little leaks from a multitude of different sources is estimated to account for at least 40% of water distributed. Smart grids, based on real-time monitoring and sensors, can detect leakages, optimize distribution, and minimize wastage.
The National River Linking Project
Diversion of water from surplus river basins to deficit areas, the Ken-Betwa river link for instance, can facilitate balanced regional water sharing and control floods and droughts, respectively.
Promotion of drip irrigation
Since 90% of extracted groundwater is used for agricultural purposes, drip irrigation systems should be established to minimize water loss, as they provide water directly at the root of the plant. The budget must encourage widespread adoption.
Zero liquid discharge for Industry
Making zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems mandatory in industries assures treatment and recycling, thus, reducing the need for freshwater. Eco-industrial parks could incentivize water sharing amongst industries.
Desalination plants
With renewable energy sources driving desalination plants as an investment, such an approach could provide a long-term sustainability alternative for the water-scarce regions. Seawater can then be converted into potable water and the waste turned into energy.
Sustainable water security for all
A strategic action plan with identifiable targets, timetables, and lines of responsibility is essential in realizing universal access to clean water. The combined efforts involving government policy, private sector involvement, and community action can drive water conservation activities. Also, public awareness campaigns on responsible water use would play a vital role. Ensuring sustainable water management is not just an economic necessity but a moral responsibility.
With strategic investments, India can secure a water-abundant future, aligning with its vision of “Water for All” and a Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Doulton water filters can be a great tool with households for water savings and sustainability. With zero water wastage and no need of electricity for operation, Doulton can become an effective tool to ensure clean drinking water in the most sustainable way.