India’s Water Management Challenges and Policy Approach

India is grappling with a severe water management crisis, characterized by unequal distribution, over-extraction, pollution, and fragmented governance. With a large share of the population dependent on rivers and groundwater for daily needs, sustainable water access is critical for the country's socio-economic stability and environmental resilience.

Key Dimensions of India’s Water Crisis

1. Water Availability and Stress

• India ranks among the world’s most water-stressed countries.
• According to the NITI Aayog (2018) report, nearly 600 million people face high to extreme water stress.
• Water scarcity could lead to a 6% loss in GDP if not addressed effectively.
• States like Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan extract groundwater at rates far exceeding replenishable levels, leading to alarming depletion rates.

2. Water Pollution and Quality Degradation

• As per the Central Pollution Control Board (2022), there are 311 identified polluted river stretches across India.
• Urban waste and untreated sewage continue to pollute key freshwater sources, including rivers and lakes.
• Industrial effluents and chemical waste contaminate groundwater reserves, posing serious health and agricultural risks.

3. Fragmented Governance and Policy Frameworks

• India’s river systems often traverse multiple states, leading to inter-state conflicts over water-sharing.
• Despite the National Water Policies of 1987, 2002, and 2012, integrated water resource management remains under-implemented.
• The Ministry of Jal Shakti, established in 2019, proposed a new water policy, but comprehensive legal and institutional reforms are still pending.

Sustainable Water Resource Management: The Way Forward

• Groundwater continues to support around 60% of India’s irrigation and 85% of rural drinking water needs.
• The Source-to-Sea (S2S) approach emphasizes the connection between rivers, coasts, and oceans to promote integrated and sustainable water management.
• Urban initiatives like Delhi's waterbody restoration projects demonstrate the value of nutrient management and ecological balance.

Conclusion: Towards Holistic and Resilient Water Governance

India must adopt a science-based and inclusive approach to water governance. This includes:

• Aligning policies with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
• Integrating freshwater and marine ecosystem policies
• Leveraging technology-driven solutions for real-time water monitoring
• Promoting stakeholder collaboration and strengthening regulatory frameworks

Water security is central to India’s future. A cohesive strategy involving policy innovation, public awareness, and institutional accountability will be vital to overcome the country’s water crisis.