Water resources of India | Rivers and Groundwater - Lakes and Reservoirs - Water Management Policies - Key aspects of water resources in India

Water resources of India:

India has a total annual utilizable water resource of bcm (690 bcm surface water + 433bcm ground water). Irrigation is the largest user of India’s water reserve, accounting for 78% of the total water reserve, followed by the domestic sector (6%) and industrial sector (5%).

India has around 10,360 rivers and their tributaries with a length of more than 1.6 kilometers. The total yearly flow in India’s river basins is estimated to be 1,869 cubic kilometers. India accounts for 18% of the world’s population and about 4% of the world’s water resources.

India’s primary source of freshwater is precipitation, which is estimated to be around 4,000 billion cubic meters (BCM) annually. Surface water, subsurface river flow, groundwater, and frozen water are all-natural sources of freshwater.

Despite having an extensive river system, safe clean drinking water as well as irrigation water supplies for sustainable agriculture are in shortage across India, in part because it has, as yet, harnessed a small fraction of its available and recoverable surface water resource. India harnessed 761 cubic kilometers (20 percent) of its water resources in 2010, part of which came from unsustainable use of groundwater.

Water resources of India

Key aspects of India's water resources:

India is endowed with diverse water resources, including rivers, lakes, groundwater, and precipitation. The country's water resources are crucial for sustaining agricultural activities, meeting industrial demands, providing drinking water, and supporting ecosystems. 

Here are some key aspects of India's water resources:

1. Rivers:

India has several major rivers, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and others.

These rivers play a vital role in irrigation, transportation, and supporting ecosystems.

2. Groundwater:

Groundwater is a significant source of water for agriculture and domestic use.

The availability of groundwater varies across regions, with some areas heavily dependent on aquifers.

3. Lakes and Reservoirs:

India has numerous lakes and reservoirs, both natural and man-made.

Large reservoirs, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam and the Sardar Sarovar Dam, contribute to irrigation, hydropower generation, and water supply.

4. Monsoon Rainfall:

The Indian subcontinent experiences a monsoon climate, with the southwest monsoon bringing the majority of the annual rainfall.

Adequate monsoon rains are crucial for agriculture, and variations in monsoon patterns can impact water availability.

5. Water Scarcity Challenges:

Despite abundant water resources, India faces challenges related to water scarcity in certain regions.

Unequal distribution of water resources, increasing population, and over-extraction of groundwater contribute to water scarcity concerns.

6. Water Pollution:

Water pollution is a significant issue, with industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and inadequate sewage treatment affecting water quality.

Efforts are ongoing to address pollution through policies and initiatives.

7. Water Management Policies:

The Indian government has implemented various water management policies to address issues such as water conservation, watershed management, and sustainable use of water resources.

Initiatives like the National Water Mission focus on efficient water use and conservation.

8. Inter-State Water Disputes:

Some of India's rivers are shared between multiple states, leading to inter-state water disputes. Resolving these disputes is crucial for equitable water distribution.

It's important to note that water resource dynamics can change over time due to factors such as climate change, population growth, and evolving agricultural and industrial practices. Regular monitoring, conservation efforts, and sustainable water management practices are essential to ensure the availability of water resources for current and future generations.