Environment and ecology India’s Water Governance and Water Crisis Context: India supports nearly one-fifth of the world’s population but possesses only about 4% of global freshwater resources. According to the NITI Aayog Composite Water Management Index, nearly 600 million people face high to extreme water stress. Although India receives substantial annual rainfall, only about 1,100 billion cubic metres of water is considered usable due to: Limited storage infrastructure Uneven rainfall distribution Ecological constraints Declining Per Capita Water Availability Per capita water availability in India has declined from over 5,000 cubic metres after Independence to around 1,400 cubic metres today. India is the world’s largest groundwater user, accounting for nearly one-fourth of global groundwater extraction. Excessive groundwater dependence has caused declining water tables in several regions. India’s water crisis is both hydrological and institutional in nature. Water Governance Structure in India Water governance in India involves the Union Government, State Governments, and local bodies. The Ministry of Jal Shakti is the nodal authority for water resources, drinking water, and sanitation. The Central Ground Water Board assesses groundwater resources and aquifer management. NITI Aayog evaluates State performance through the Composite Water Management Index. Major Government Initiatives Jal Jeevan Mission Launched in 2019 to provide tap water connections to rural households. The mission has been extended till 2028 for universal rural coverage. Atal Bhujal Yojana Atal Bhujal scheme was launched on 1 April 2020. This scheme will improve the existing condition of several water bodies of the country. Focuses on groundwater sustainability in water-stressed regions. Promotes participatory aquifer management and groundwater budgeting. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) Centrally sponsored scheme Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched during the year 2015-16. Encourages micro-irrigation and efficient water management in agriculture. Aims to improve irrigation efficiency as agriculture consumes most freshwater resources.…
