This article is relevant to UPSC Civil Services Exam, specifically for Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) and Paper 3 (Environment and Disaster Management).
UPSC Relevance
This article is relevant to UPSC Civil Services Exam, specifically for Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) and Paper 3 (Environment and Disaster Management).
What You Need to Know
India is facing a severe water crisis, with its big cities increasingly running dry due to a combination of factors including erratic rainfall patterns, over-extraction of groundwater, and rising water demand. The country's reliance on groundwater has led to significant depletion of aquifers, exacerbated by population growth, urbanization, and climate change.
Why It Matters for UPSC
The water crisis in India has severe consequences, including a significant impact on the country's economy, public health, and food security. With 70% of India's water being used for agriculture, the crisis affects not only urban areas but also rural communities. If not addressed, the crisis could lead to widespread water scarcity, affecting millions of people and the economy.
Current Relevance
The issue is currently relevant as the government has been taking steps to address the crisis, including implementing policies to regulate groundwater extraction and promote water conservation. The recent news about Mumbai's municipal corporation restricting water supply to industrial, commercial, and sports establishments highlights the severity of the issue.
Key Points for Revision
- •India extracts about 230 cubic kilometers of groundwater annually, meeting over 60% of its irrigation and 85% of its rural drinking water supply.
- •The annual groundwater recharge was assessed at 448.52 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2025, while the annual extractable groundwater resource has been assessed as 407.75 bcm.
- •The average stage of groundwater extraction for the country is 60.63%, with Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan facing severe depletion.
- •Over-extraction of groundwater has led to significant depletion of aquifers, exacerbated by population growth, urbanization, and climate change.
- •Contaminated groundwater adds to the problem, with nearly one-fifth of tested samples across 440 districts showing contamination.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the primary reason for India's water crisis?
(a) Over-extraction of groundwater
(b) Climate change
(c) Population growth
(d) Urbanization
The primary reason for India's water crisis is the over-extraction of groundwater, which has led to significant depletion of aquifers.
Q2. What percentage of India's water is used for agriculture?
(a) 40%
(b) 50%
(c) 60%
(d) 70%
India uses about 70% of its water for agriculture, making it a significant user of water resources.