Water Quality Worsens India's Scarcity Crisis, Study Reveals
Water Quality Worsens India's Scarcity Crisis, Study Reveals
IN · Published Oct 30, 2026
• A recent review published in 'Green Technology, Resilience, and Sustainability' highlights that India's water scarcity is not solely a matter of quantity but also of quality.
• The study, led by Abhijeet Das and Satchidananda Mishra, emphasises that poor water quality exacerbates scarcity, even in regions with adequate freshwater supply.

Impact & Risks

The water crisis in India poses significant risks to agriculture, industry, and urban populations. Over-extraction of groundwater, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plain and peninsular India, is leading to aquifer depletion and salinity intrusion, threatening agricultural productivity. Urban areas like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai face frequent water shortages, impacting millions of residents and industries. The overuse of water for agriculture, especially for water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane, further strains resources. Industrial activities, including coal power plants and textile production, contribute to water pollution, reducing the availability of clean water. The situation is exacerbated by climate variability and inefficient water management practices, putting nearly 600 million people under high to extreme water stress.

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