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.

Sachin Jangir
Recommended for IMA 160 (AIR 140) & NDA 152 (AIR 128).

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