As India grapples with its perennial water crisis, exacerbated by its vast population and limited resources, the pressing question remains: Can the nation ever achieve the dream of water sufficiency?
With a staggering 18% of the world’s population but access to only 4% of its water resources, India stands as one of the most water-stressed countries globally. As the summer months approach, the spectre of water scarcity looms large, casting a shadow over the lives of millions. Recent findings from the Union housing and urban affairs ministry’s inaugural ‘Pey Jal Survekshan’ shed light on the grim reality facing many Indian cities. Out of 485 cities surveyed, a mere 46 municipalities boasted a 100% pass rate for water quality, signalling a pervasive lack of access to clean drinking water. This revelation is particularly alarming given India’s vast urban landscape, with over 4,000 cities and towns, including 300 urban centres housing populations exceeding 100,000. The survey’s comprehensive assessment encompassed 830 water treatment facilities, 941 water bodies, 1,044 wastewater treatment facilities, and 2,005 parks, aiming to evaluate the efficacy of rainwater harvesting infrastructure. The results underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms and investments in water management infrastructure nationwide. Addressing India’s water woes demands a multi-faceted approach, encompassing policy interventions, technological innovations, and community engagement initiatives. Efforts to improve water quality, enhance conservation practices, and promote sustainable water use must be prioritised at all levels of governance. Furthermore, the integration of smart technologies, such as IoT-enabled water monitoring systems and data analytics platforms, can facilitate real-time insights into water distribution and consumption patterns, enabling more efficient resource allocation.
As India navigates its water crisis, collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organisations will be paramount. Strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives can drive innovation and foster holistic solutions to the country’s water challenges. Ultimately, achieving water security in India requires a concerted and sustained effort, grounded in the principles of equity, sustainability, and resilience. Only through collective action and unwavering commitment can the nation aspire to fulfil the fundamental human right to clean and accessible water for all. Elaborating on the various categories under the ‘Pey Jal Survekshan Awards’, the then Secretary in the ministry, Manoj Joshi, said based on the survey scores for access and coverage, and water quality and sustainability parameters, nine awards will be given to cities and nine to states based on their cities’ performance. “Special awards are being given to cities for good quality water bodies, reuse of treated used water and pioneers in sustainable water use,” Joshi said in the statement. Well, given the sordid realities on the ground, that can be no more than cold comfort.