Ineffective water management practices contribute to water scarcity by water loss, inefficient allocation and degradation of water resources
Water is an indispensable factor in the survival of humanity on this planet. For everything related to humans, we have one or other alternative. But for water, there is no alternative. Water is essential for life, playing a critical role in various bodily functions and processes. Science and religion have a consensus on one point. The first life on the planet originated in water. Water is often referred to as the “elixir of life” because it is essential for all living organisms’ existence and survival. Without water, life as we know it would not be possible. All our civilizations and international co-operations have taken place through water bodies.
But the recent water shortage plaguing the silicon city of India, Bengaluru, has sent shocking waves among the city dwellers, who, despite having financial stability, are finding it difficult to get water for their daily use. If it’s Bengaluru today, it will be in other cities shortly. According to a recent United Nations report, multiple zones within India’s Indo-Gangetic basin have surpassed a critical level of groundwater depletion, with the entire northwestern region projected to face significantly diminished groundwater resources by 2025.
Groundwater depletion occurs when the water extraction rate from aquifers exceeds the recharge rate, leading to a decline in groundwater levels over time. In the Indo-Gangetic basin, excessive groundwater pumping for irrigation, urban water supply, and industrial use has resulted in the widespread depletion of aquifers. The conversion of agricultural lands to high-rise commercial buildings also affects proper recharging.
Ineffective water management practices contribute to water scarcity by exacerbating water loss, inefficient allocation, and degradation of water resources. Over-extraction of groundwater, inefficient irrigation techniques, leaky distribution systems, and inadequate conservation measures all contribute to the mismanagement of water resources.
Urban planners should leave a “water buffer space” within every 1 km radius for proper recharging of the groundwater. For this, they should construct beautiful artificial lakes that harvest rainwater and recycled water. Similarly, in every household or high-rise building, the Government should see that they have proper working rainwater harvesting facilities.
Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation is a basic human right and is essential for preventing waterborne diseases and maintaining health and hygiene. Without sufficient water, people cannot meet their basic drinking, cooking, and sanitation needs, jeopardising their health and well-being. Water is a key driver of socio-economic development, supporting various sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism. Water infrastructure investments, water-based industries, and water-related services contribute to economic growth and job creation. In regions where water is already scarce or shared by multiple parties, disputes over water allocation, usage rights, and infrastructure development can arise, leading to tensions and conflicts. In India, we have seen severe conflicts over water sharing in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. More such tensions will erupt in future when water scarcity increases.
The developments in science and technology can artificially produce anything related to human life, including food products or even human babies; however, research to date has not made it possible to produce water artificially. Hence, we need to maintain the natural water balance on this planet without disturbing it. In the current pace of urbanisation and environmental degradation being carried out by humans, it would be very difficult to regenerate water if it gets depleted.
(The writer is an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies; views are personal)
