India Faces Growing Water Scarcity Amid Declining Per Capita Availability
• India is grappling with increasing water scarcity, with per capita water availability declining from 1,545 m³ in 2011 to 1,486 m³ in 2021, and a projected 1,367 m³ by
• This is already below the water-stress threshold of 1,700 m³. The country, which accounts for 18% of the global population but only 4% of its freshwater resources, is the largest user of groundwater globally, extracting about 25% of the total. Over-extraction has led to critical levels in states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. Factors such as monsoon variability, urbanisation, and inefficient agricultural practices are exacerbating the crisis.
Impact & Risks
The water scarcity crisis poses significant risks to India's agriculture, urban water supply, and overall economic stability. Approximately 600 million people are already facing high to extreme water stress, according to a NITI Aayog index. Cities like Chennai and Bengaluru have experienced severe water shortages in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management. Over-reliance on groundwater and inefficient water use in agriculture are key contributors to the crisis.
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