The water crisis in South India is exacerbated by depleting groundwater levels, erratic monsoons, and mismanagement of water resources, leading to severe shortages and conflicts over water access. Efforts towards sustainable water management and conservation are imperative to address this pressing issue.
Tags: GS Paper – 1 – Water Resources- Conservation of Resources
For Prelims: Water Crisis in South India, El Niño, Monsoon, NITI Aayog, MGNREGA for water conservation, Jal Kranti Abhiyan.
For Mains: Reasons and Implications of Water Crisis in South India.
Context:
- The southern states of India, particularly Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, are facing a severe water crisis due to significantly low water levels in major reservoirs.
Current Situation of the Water Crisis in the Southern States:
Current Water Situation:
- According to the Central Water Commission, the water levels in most major reservoirs across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are critically low, with many reservoirs filled to only 25% of their capacity or even less.
- Dams such as Tungabhadra in Karnataka and Nagarjuna Sagar on the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border are facing severe water scarcity, with their water levels plummeting to 5% or less of their full capacity.
- Similarly, the water levels in Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu and Srisailam dam on the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border are alarmingly low, with both reservoirs holding less than 30% of their total capacity.
Comparison of Water Levels Across Regions:
- Southern Region: The southern region of India is experiencing the most severe impact, with reservoirs collectively filled to only 23% of their capacity. This level is notably lower compared to both the previous year and the 10-year average.
- Other Regions: In contrast, reservoir levels in northern, central, western, and eastern India are relatively closer to their 10-year averages. These regions are not experiencing as drastic a decline in water levels compared to the southern region.
Exception in Kerala:
- Kerala stands out among the southern states with a more favourable water situation. Most major dams in Kerala are filled to at least 50% of their capacities, indicating better water management and conservation efforts.
- Reservoirs such as Idukki, Idamalayar, Kallada, and Kakki are reported to have relatively healthier water levels compared to other regions in the southern part of India.
Factors Contributing to Water Scarcity in South India:
- Rainfall Deficiency and El Niño Effect:
- El Niño events, characterised by warming sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, disrupt normal weather patterns globally, leading to reduced rainfall in affected regions.
- Lower rainfall caused by El Niño has resulted in drought-like conditions and prolonged dry periods, exacerbating water scarcity in the region.
- Delayed Monsoon and Post-Monsoon Deficiency:
- Deficiency in rainfall during the Monsoon and post-monsoon seasons has significantly contributed to the depletion of water levels in reservoirs.
- Delayed onset of monsoon and inadequate rainfall during critical periods have worsened the situation, with over 50% of regions in the country experiencing rainfall deficiency during the post-monsoon period of October-December 2023.
- Increased Temperature and Evaporation:
- Rising temperatures due to global warming accelerate evaporation rates, leading to faster depletion of water from reservoirs and water bodies.
- Higher temperatures exacerbate drought conditions, increasing water demand for agriculture, urban consumption, and industrial purposes.
- Groundwater Depletion:
- Excessive extraction of groundwater for irrigation, especially in regions with limited surface water sources, has led to groundwater depletion.
- South India’s predominant cultivation of water-intensive crops like rice, sugarcane, and cotton further exacerbates groundwater depletion.
- Pollution of Water Bodies:
- Industrial discharge, untreated sewage, and solid waste dumping pollute water sources, making them unfit for consumption and reducing the available water supply.
- Studies, such as one by the Environmental Management & Policy Research Institute (EMPRI), highlight significant pollution levels in water bodies, such as Bengaluru’s, due to industrial effluents and sewage.
- Mismanagement and Inequitable Distribution:
- Inefficient water management practices, including wastage, leakage, and unequal distribution of water resources, aggravate water scarcity.
- Mismanagement issues contribute to the severity of the crisis, hindering effective utilisation and equitable distribution of available water resources.
Government Initiatives To Tackle the Water Crisis in India:
- MGNREGA for water conservation
- Jal Kranti Abhiyan
- National Water Mission
- Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY)
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Implications of the Water Crisis in India:
- Health Issues:
- Inadequate access to safe drinking water leads to health problems like dehydration, infections, and diseases, resulting in significant mortality rates.
- Approximately 2 lakh people in India die annually due to insufficient water supply, highlighting the severe health consequences of the crisis.
- India, with 18% of the world’s population, has water resources sufficient for only 4% of its people, exacerbating the health risks associated with water scarcity.
- By 2023, an estimated 91 million Indians will lack access to safe water, further intensifying health challenges.
- Ecosystem Damage:
- Water scarcity threatens wildlife and natural habitats, disrupting biodiversity and ecological balance.
- Wild animals often encroach into human settlements in search of water, leading to conflicts and endangering both wildlife and human populations.
- Reduced Agriculture Productivity:
- Agriculture, which consumes about 80% of India’s water resources, faces significant challenges due to water scarcity.
- Reduced water availability negatively impacts crop yields, food security, and contributes to increased poverty among farmers.
- Economic Losses:
- Water scarcity adversely affects industrial production, energy generation, and escalates the costs associated with water supply and treatment.
- Industries reliant on water face operational challenges, impacting overall productivity and economic growth.
- The tourism sector, trade activities, and social welfare initiatives suffer due to water scarcity, leading to economic losses.
- Future Economic Concerns:
- According to the World Bank’s report ‘Climate Change, Water, and Economy’ (2016), countries grappling with water shortages may experience substantial setbacks in economic growth by 2050.
- Continued water scarcity threatens to impede India’s economic development and exacerbate existing socio-economic disparities, necessitating urgent measures to address the crisis.
Way Forward:
- Adopting Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM):
- Embrace a holistic ‘One Water’ approach that integrates various stakeholders, including communities, businesses, industries, policymakers, and conservationists, to manage water sources sustainably.
- Implement Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) strategies to ensure inclusive and sustainable water management practices for ecological and economic benefits.
- Promoting Water-Efficient Farming:
- Encourage farmers to adopt water-efficient farming techniques such as drip irrigation, precision agriculture, crop rotation, and agroforestry.
- Implement recommendations from reports like the MS Swaminathan committee’s ‘More Crop and Income Per Drop of Water’ (2006), which highlights the potential of drip and sprinkler irrigation to save water and boost crop yields significantly.
- Infrastructure Investment and Conservation Measures:
- Invest in infrastructure for water storage and distribution to optimise water usage and mitigate the effects of water scarcity.
- Implement conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and watershed management to enhance water availability and resilience.
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Launch public awareness campaigns to promote water conservation practices and raise awareness about the importance of sustainable water management.
- Engage communities, educational institutions, and civil society organisations to drive behavioural change and foster a culture of water conservation.
- Coordinated Multilevel Governance:
- Foster coordinated efforts at the national, state, and local levels to address the challenges posed by water scarcity effectively.
- Establish mechanisms for collaboration and coordination among government agencies, stakeholders, and communities to develop and implement water management policies and initiative
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q.1. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (2021)
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar
Ans: A
Q.2. With reference to ‘Water Credit’, consider the following statements: (2021)
- It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.
- It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank.
- It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Mains:
Q.1 What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020)
Q.2 Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (2020)
FAQs on Water Crisis in South India:
1. What is causing the water crisis in South India?
The water crisis in South India is primarily caused by a combination of factors including erratic rainfall patterns, overexploitation of groundwater resources, inefficient water management practices, rapid urbanization, and the impact of climate change. These factors have led to dwindling water supplies in many regions, exacerbating the crisis.
2. Which states in South India are most affected by the water crisis?
States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are among the most affected by the water crisis in South India. These states face significant challenges in ensuring access to safe and reliable water sources for both urban and rural populations, with some regions experiencing acute water scarcity during certain times of the year.
3. How is the agricultural sector impacted by the water crisis in South India?
The agricultural sector in South India heavily relies on water for irrigation purposes. However, the water crisis has severely affected agricultural productivity in many regions, leading to crop failures, loss of livelihoods for farmers, and economic distress. Water scarcity has also resulted in conflicts over water allocation between different user groups, including farmers and urban communities.
4. What measures are being taken to address the water crisis in South India?
Various measures are being implemented to address the water crisis in South India, including rainwater harvesting, watershed management projects, groundwater recharge initiatives, and the promotion of water-efficient irrigation techniques. Additionally, policymakers are focusing on improving water governance, increasing public awareness about water conservation, and exploring alternative water sources such as recycled wastewater and desalination.
5. How can individuals contribute to mitigating the water crisis in South India?
Individuals can contribute to mitigating the water crisis in South India by adopting water-saving practices in their daily lives, such as fixing leaky faucets, using water-efficient appliances, and reducing water consumption in households and industries. Moreover, raising awareness about the importance of water conservation, supporting community-based water management initiatives, and participating in reforestation efforts can also help alleviate the impacts of the water crisis in the region.
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