SSB Lecturette Notes: WATER SCARCITY

Fresh SSB batches start around the 1st & 15th of every month.

“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” – W.H. Auden

Introduction

• Water scarcity occurs when demand for fresh water exceeds available supply.
• It affects both quality and quantity of water and is a pressing challenge of the 21st century.
• As of 2025, over 2 billion people globally face water stress; India is among the most water-stressed nations.
• Water scarcity impacts health, agriculture, economy, and peace, making conservation a global priority.

Types of Water Scarcity

• Physical Water Scarcity: Natural water sources (rivers, lakes, aquifers) run dry; common in arid regions.
• Economic Water Scarcity: Water exists but poor infrastructure, mismanagement, or poverty limit access; seen in urban slums and rural areas.

Causes of Water Scarcity

• Overpopulation and urbanization increase demand beyond supply systems.
• Over-extraction for agriculture — 80% of India’s water is used in farming, often inefficiently.
• Pollution of water bodies due to industrial waste, untreated sewage, and chemical runoff.
• Climate change causes irregular monsoons, shrinking glaciers, and prolonged droughts.
• Groundwater depletion from excessive borewell use.

Impact on India

• India has 18% of world’s population but only 4% of water resources.
• 21 Indian cities (including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai) may run out of groundwater soon (NITI Aayog report).
• Rural women walk 2–5 km daily for water in drought-prone regions.
• Agriculture suffers from unreliable irrigation, leading to crop failures and farmer distress.
• Inter-state water disputes (Cauvery, Yamuna, Krishna) worsen political tensions.

Government Measures

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, watershed management.
• Jal Jeevan Mission (2019): Tap water to every rural household by 2024 (extended to 2026).
• Atal Bhujal Yojana: Community-led groundwater management.
• Namami Gange: River rejuvenation for clean, flowing Ganga.
• Smart Cities Mission: Urban water management and recycling systems.

Solutions and Way Forward

• Rainwater harvesting mandatory in buildings and institutions.
• Drip and sprinkler irrigation to reduce agricultural water usage.
• Public awareness campaigns to reduce wastage and promote responsible use.
• Recycling and reuse of greywater in urban homes and industries.
• Interlinking of rivers through a carefully evaluated national river grid.

Conclusion

• Water scarcity is not just an environmental issue but a social, economic, and survival issue.
• Ensuring water security requires collective effort: governance, technology, and individual responsibility.
• In a future where water wars may replace oil wars, saving every drop today ensures peace tomorrow.