Increasing Water Gap in India
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Water
Source: DTE
Context: India is grappling with a severe water crisis exacerbated by rising temperatures, with 2024 being the hottest year since 1901, intensifying heatwaves and widening the water gap.
What is Water Gap?
The water gap refers to the difference between renewable water availability and water consumption in a specific region, indicating unsustainable water use when demand exceeds supply.
Data Insight: Heat’s Role in Water Gap
• 2024 was India’s hottest year since 1901, with temperatures rising by 0.9°C in January 2025 compared to the previous year.
• Heatwaves caused 733 deaths in 2024, highlighting the extreme stress on water resources.
• Under 1.5°C warming, India’s water gap is projected to increase by 11.1 cubic km/year, worsening to 17.2 cubic km/year at 3°C warming.
Causes of Increasing Water Gap:
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures disrupt rainfall patterns, leading to reduced water availability and prolonged droughts.
Example: In 2024, India recorded its hottest year since 1901, with heatwaves causing a 0.9°C temperature rise in January 2025.
• Overexploitation: Excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation and urban expansion depletes natural reserves.
Example: India accounts for 25% of global groundwater extraction, with 21 major cities expected to run out of groundwater by 2030.
• Population Growth: Rapid urbanization and industrialization increase water demand, worsening scarcity.
• Inefficient Water Management: Poor infrastructure and wastage in supply systems lead to significant water loss.
Example: Only 8% of wastewater in India is treated, leading to significant water loss and pollution.
• Pollution: Industrial and agricultural runoff contaminate rivers and lakes, reducing usable freshwater resources.
Example: The Central Pollution Control Board states that 75% of India’s rivers are unfit for drinking due to contamination.
Consequences of Water Gap:
• Agricultural Stress: Reduced irrigation water lowers crop yields, threatening food security and farmers’ livelihoods.
Example: In 2024, 60% of India’s districts faced drought-like conditions, affecting crop yields and increasing food prices.
• Health Risks: Water scarcity compromises sanitation, increasing cases of waterborne diseases.
Example: Over 163 million Indians lack access to clean water, contributing to 21% of communicable diseases.
• Economic Losses: Water shortages disrupt industries, halting production and causing financial losses.
• Ecological Damage: Overuse of water bodies dries up rivers and wetlands, harming biodiversity.
Example: The Ganga-Brahmaputra basin, home to 10% of the world’s biodiversity, faces a water gap of 56.1 cubic km/year.
Measures to Counter Water Gap:
• Sustainable Water Use: Adopt efficient irrigation techniques and promote rainwater harvesting for conservation.
Example: Tamil Nadu’s rainwater harvesting mandate increased groundwater levels by 50% in urban areas.
• Policy Interventions: Implement stricter regulations on groundwater extraction to prevent overuse.
• Infrastructure Development: Construct reservoirs, check dams, and recharge wells to improve water storage.
Example: The Jal Shakti Ministry reported a 15 billion cubic metre increase in groundwater recharge in 2024 due to government initiatives.
• Public Awareness: Educate citizens on water-saving techniques and responsible consumption.
• Climate Adaptation: Develop resilient strategies to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures on water availability.
Example: The National Action Plan on Climate Change focuses on water resource management to combat climate-induced water stress.
Conclusion:
Water scarcity is one of India’s biggest climate challenges. Immediate policy interventions and sustainable water management are critical to closing the water gap. Strong adaptation strategies can mitigate risks and protect vulnerable communities.
• What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (UPSC-2020)