Subject: Indian Geography

Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available supply under prevailing institutional arrangements. India's diverse geographical and climatic conditions, coupled with varying developmental pressures, create distinct patterns of water stress across regions.

Causes of Water Stress

• Physical Water Scarcity: Natural factors like uneven rainfall distribution, with regions like Western Rajasthan receiving less than 250mm while Meghalaya receives over 11,000mm annually.
• Economic Water Scarcity: Lack of infrastructure and resources to access available water, particularly in regions like Eastern India.
• Anthropogenic Factors: Over-extraction of groundwater, urbanization, and inefficient irrigation practices leading to water depletion.

Regional Variations in Water Stress

Northern India

• Indo-Gangetic Plains: Despite high rainfall, faces severe water stress due to:
  • Intensive agriculture and Green Revolution practices.
  • Over-exploitation of groundwater for irrigation.
  • Punjab and Haryana show critical levels of groundwater depletion.

Western India

• Arid Regions: Natural water scarcity due to:
  • Low rainfall and high evaporation rates.
  • Limited surface water resources.
  • Rajasthan and Gujarat face chronic water stress.

Southern India

• Peninsula Region: Experiences varying degrees of water stress:
  • Dependent on monsoon rainfall.
  • Tamil Nadu faces stress due to interstate water disputes.
  • Karnataka experiences seasonal variations in water availability.

Eastern India

• High Rainfall Region: Yet faces water stress due to:
  • Poor water management infrastructure.
  • Flooding during monsoons and scarcity in dry seasons.
  • Bihar and West Bengal struggle with water quality issues.

The regional variations in water stress emphasize the need for region-specific water management strategies. The implementation of schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana, along with sustainable water management practices, can help address these challenges while ensuring equitable water distribution across regions.