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Is India Prepared for the Future Water Crisis?

Reporter 12
22 Mar, 2025

Water scarcity poses a significant threat to India's future, with projections indicating that by 2030, the country's water demand could double the available supply, potentially leaving 40% of the population without access to drinking water . This alarming scenario underscores the critical role of the Ministry of Jal Shakti in steering India towards sustainable water management. On this World Water Day, it's imperative to assess the ministry's preparedness in addressing the impending water crisis.

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Establishment and Mandate of the Ministry of Jal Shakti

In 2019, the Government of India established the Ministry of Jal Shakti by merging the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation with the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. This consolidation aimed to create a unified entity responsible for the comprehensive management of water resources and supply across the nation. The ministry's mandate encompasses policy formulation, planning, and coordination of programs for the conservation and effective management of water resources.

jalshakti-dowr.gov.in

Key Initiatives and Programs

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Launched in 2019, JJM aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households by 2024. As of February 1, 2025, the mission has successfully provided tap water connections to 12.20 crore additional rural households, bringing the total coverage to over 15.44 crore households, accounting for 79.74% of all rural households in India . This initiative not only ensures access to potable water but also reduces the burden on women and children who traditionally bear the responsibility of water collection.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Initiated in 2019, JSA focuses on water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies. Initially targeting 256 water-stressed districts, it now encompasses all 740 districts in India . The campaign emphasizes community participation and the use of scientific methods for water conservation, aiming to inculcate a sense of responsibility among citizens towards sustainable water use.

PMF IAS

Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY): This scheme focuses on sustainable groundwater management, particularly in regions facing critical groundwater issues. By involving local communities in the planning and implementation of groundwater management strategies, ABY aims to promote the judicious use of groundwater resources .

PMF IAS

Development of Water Resources Information System (DWRIS): The DWRIS scheme aims to create a comprehensive database of water resources in India. Implemented by the Central Water Commission, it utilizes remote sensing and GIS mapping technologies to monitor and manage water resources effectively .

jalshakti-dowr.gov.in

National Water Policy 2020: The revised policy recommends shifting the irrigation water fee structure from crop, acreage, or season-based charges to a volumetric basis. This change aims to motivate farmers to adopt more water-efficient agricultural practices, thereby reducing water wastage in irrigation .

World Economic Forum

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Despite these initiatives, several challenges hinder the ministry's efforts:

Groundwater Depletion: India's groundwater usage accounts for approximately one-fourth of the global usage, surpassing that of China and the United States combined. Unregulated extraction, especially for agricultural purposes, has led to a significant drop in water tables, with declines of up to 4 meters in some regions . Addressing this requires stringent groundwater regulation and the promotion of water-efficient irrigation techniques.

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The Economic Times

Policy and Legislative Gaps: Water being a state subject often leads to political disputes over water-sharing between states. Experts have highlighted issues ranging from policy gaps to legislative provisions affecting overall water management in the country . Harmonizing state and central policies is crucial for integrated water resource management.

The Times of India

Wikipedia

Climate Change Impacts: Climate change exacerbates water scarcity through altered precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events. This necessitates the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and agricultural practices to mitigate adverse effects on water resources.

Urbanization and Industrialization: Rapid urbanization and industrial growth increase water demand and pollution. Implementing efficient wastewater treatment and promoting the reuse of treated water are essential to ensure sustainable urban water management .

Institute for Sustainable Communities

Transboundary Water Issues: China's plans to construct a massive hydroelectric dam in Tibet on the Yarlung Tsangpo river have raised concerns in India regarding potential disruptions in river flow, which is vital for agriculture and drinking water downstream . Engaging in diplomatic dialogues and establishing water-sharing agreements are imperative to safeguard India's water interests.

Financial Times

Strategies for Enhanced Preparedness

To bolster its preparedness for future water crises, the Ministry of Jal Shakti can consider the following strategies:

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): Adopting an IWRM approach that considers the holistic management of surface water, groundwater, and rainwater can lead to sustainable utilization of water resources.

Technological Innovations: Leveraging technology for real-time monitoring of water resources, predictive analytics for drought and flood forecasting, and the development of climate-resilient crop varieties can enhance water management efficiency .

AP News

Community Participation: Empowering local communities through awareness programs and involving them in decision-making processes can lead to more effective implementation of water conservation practices.

Policy Reforms: Establishing clear policies for water pricing, groundwater regulation, and inter-state water sharing can address existing legislative gaps and promote equitable distribution of water resources.

International Collaboration: Engaging in transboundary water cooperation with neighboring countries can ensure the sustainable management of shared water resources and mitigate potential conflicts