Let’s Figure Out India’s Water Crisis

The over exploitation of ground water, coupled with sloppy rain water harvesting, is making matters worse.

Agricultural irrigation accounts nearly 90 percent of total groundwater used.(Photo:Istockphoto)

Various parts of the country are reeling under a severe drought and a water crisis. Data also reveals that the situation is getting worse by the day.

The per capita water availability in the country has come down 70 percent from 1951 to 2011, in a span of 60 years.

While growth of population is one of the reasons for this, the over exploitation of ground water coupled with lack of harvesting is making matters worse.

THE SHOCKING NUMBERS

India has been facing the water crisis since a long time with a growing demand for 135 litres per capita daily in urban areas and 40 litres per capita daily in rural areas.

Agricultural irrigation accounts nearly 90 percent of total groundwater used therefore, the groundwater usage is much higher in states heavily dependent on agriculture.

A recent European Commission report counted more than 20 million boreholes in India which is up from tens of thousands in the 1960s.

330 million people in India which is around a quarter of the population, are facing acute water shortage.

It is time we take charge of the situation and save water or invite downfall.

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Video editor: Prashant Bhardwaj