Water Distribution and Sustainability
- India is moving closer to a water shortage as a result of the overuse of water supplies and a decrease in water supply brought on by climate change.
- In addition to this, a number of government initiatives, particularly those that concern agriculture, have led to the overuse of water. India’s economy is water-stressed as a result of these causes. In this situation, water resources and conservation are essential.
- India generally consumes around 1,100 billion cubic meters of water annually, and by 2050, that amount is expected to rise to 1,447 billion cubic meters.
- Despite having 16% of the world’s population, India only possesses 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. Due to varying weather patterns and ongoing droughts, India is under drought conditions.
- Many areas of India are facing fast groundwater depletion, according to the Central Ground Water Board, as a result of the 230 billion meter cubes of groundwater that are withdrawn each year for the irrigation of agricultural crops.
- In India, between 122 and 199 billion meter cubes of groundwater are thought to have been drained.
The strategies for fulfilling the objectives of the “National Water Mission” are detailed in this Comprehensive Mission Document:
The document contains two volumes covering the financial requirements and reports of separate sub-committees necessary for the mission. The various subcommittee includes the Surface Water Management committee; Efficient use of water for various purposes committee; Domestic and Industrial Water management committee; Policy and Institutional framework committee; Groundwater management committee; Basin level planning and management.
- A huge public water database, an analysis of the effects of climate change on water resources.
- Focus on vulnerable regions, such as those that are overused,
- 20 percent more water use efficiency, and
- Promotion of integrated basin-level water resource management.
- Encouragement of state and community initiatives for water conservation, supplementation, and preservation.
National Water Mission
India has struggled to maintain its fast economic expansion while fighting the threat posed by global climate change. It is likely to experience significant dangers as a result of the anticipated climatic changes because of the economy’s deep ties to its natural resources and sectors that are sensitive to climates, such as forestry, agriculture, and water. The following effects of significant climate change on water supplies have been noted by the government. Water storage and conservation are major issues for every country due to the fact that water supply per person is decreasing yearly, groundwater levels are declining, there are more lengthy droughts, and there are more floods due to excessive rainfall.
In 2011, the National Water Mission officially started. The National Water Mission is one of eight National Missions established by the Indian government as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Through integrated water resource development and management, NWM’s primary objective is conservation of water, minimizing wastage, and assuring a more equitable system both across and within States. The Mission will consider the demands of the National Water Policy and provide a system to optimize water usage by increasing water use efficiency by 20% through regulatory mechanisms with varying rights and pricing.