Subject: Indian Geography

India, blessed with 17.4% of the world's population but only 4% of global freshwater resources, faces a paradoxical situation of water scarcity despite substantial water endowments. The interplay of natural abundance and anthropogenic pressures has created a critical water crisis that demands immediate attention.

Natural Endowments

• River Systems: India hosts 12 major river systems and numerous tributaries providing surface water resources.
• Monsoon Pattern: Receives an average annual rainfall of 1,170mm, contributing significantly to water resources.
• Groundwater Reserves: Houses one of the world's largest groundwater aquifer systems.

Causes of Water Scarcity

• Spatial and Temporal Distribution:

  • Uneven rainfall distribution with 90% concentrated in monsoon months.
  • Regional disparities between water-surplus and water-deficit regions.

• Agricultural Practices:

  • Over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
  • 86% of water demand in agricultural states like Haryana comes from farming sector.

• Infrastructure and Management Issues:

  • Inadequate storage infrastructure and poor maintenance of existing facilities.
  • High transmission losses in canal systems and urban water supply networks.

• Climate Change Impact:

  • Irregular monsoon patterns affecting traditional water availability.
  • Increased frequency of droughts and floods disrupting water security.

Administrative and Policy Challenges

• Poor Water Governance:

  • Lack of integrated water resource management.
  • Implementation gaps in water conservation policies.

• Urban Water Crisis:

  • Rapid urbanization leading to increased water demand.
  • Inadequate sewage treatment facilities causing water pollution.

The government's initiatives like Jal Shakti Abhiyan focusing on 151 water-stressed districts and the National Water Mission demonstrate commitment towards addressing these challenges. However, success requires a holistic approach combining traditional knowledge with modern water management techniques, exemplified by projects like "Catch the Rain" and AMRUT 2.0.