PER CAPITA WATER SUPPLY NEEDS TO CHANGE IN INDIA
Dev Kumar Dwivedi
Water Supply and Wastewater Specialist cum International Team Leader
The per capita water supply refers to the average amount of water available per person daily. It is an important indicator of water resource availability and management. India is facing significant challenges in meeting the per capita water supply needs of its growing population.
According to the World Bank, India's per capita water availability was 1,545 cubic meters in 2011, which is significantly lower than the global average of 5,000 cubic meters. This scarcity is due to a combination of factors, including increasing population, urbanization, industrialization, and climate change.
To address this challenge, the Indian government has implemented various policies and programs to improve water resource management and increase water supply. These include rainwater harvesting, watershed management, river interlinking, and water conservation measures. Additionally, the government is promoting public awareness about water conservation and sustainable water use practices.
Despite these efforts, India continues to face challenges in meeting the per capita water supply needs of its population. Water scarcity is a major concern, particularly in rural areas and during the dry season. To address this issue, it is essential to continue investing in water infrastructure, promoting water conservation, and implementing sustainable water management practices.
With a rapidly growing population and increasing urbanization, the demand for water has been outpacing the available supply. This has led to issues such as water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate access to clean water. Efforts to reduce the per capita water supply in India involve implementing more efficient water management practices, promoting water conservation, investing in infrastructure for water treatment and distribution, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving this vital resource. Addressing agricultural water usage and industrial water pollution are critical aspects of managing water supply at a national level.