Water scarcity is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. Today, a quarter of the world’s population experiences extreme water shortages, and nearly 40% of the global population is affected by water scarcity. This critical issue threatens not only environmental balance but also socio-economic stability. Alarmingly, projections suggest that water scarcity could displace as many as 700 million people by 2030, fuelling migration and social unrest.

India ranks among the most water-stressed nations, with significant challenges in managing its water resources effectively. The NITI Aayog Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) highlights large gaps in water availability, efficiency, and management. Central and western India are particularly vulnerable, facing both prolonged droughts and severe monsoon floods. Urban areas grapple with deteriorating infrastructure that hampers water distribution, while rural regions struggle to access safe drinking water. Compounding these issues is the unregulated extraction of groundwater for agriculture over the last seven decades, leading to a decline in groundwater levels by as much as four metres in certain areas. India’s groundwater usage accounts for 25% of the global total, an unsustainable figure that highlights the gravity of the problem. Contaminated water sources further exacerbate health risks, contributing to 21% of communicable diseases and over 200,000 deaths annually in the country.

The Growing Demand for Water

The demand for water across industrial, domestic, and agricultural sectors continues to rise rapidly. Freshwater consumption in India’s industrial sector grew from 56 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2010 to an estimated 102 BCM in 2025, with projections suggesting it will reach 151 BCM by 2050. Unfortunately, these escalating demands are accompanied by widespread inefficiencies. Irrigation, which consumes the largest share of water, has an efficiency rate of just 38%, compared to the global standard of 50-60%. Industrial water use is similarly inefficient, exceeding global benchmarks by 2 to 3.5 times. Meanwhile, urban domestic water supply systems face significant losses, with leakage and inefficiencies resulting in water wastage of 30-40%, far above the acceptable global benchmark of 10-15%.

India’s per capita water availability is also declining alarmingly. From 1816 cubic metres in 2001, it dropped to 1486 cubic metres in 2021 and is projected to shrink further to 1367 cubic metres by 2031. This places the nation on the brink of being classified as water-scarce, a scenario that demands immediate and sustained intervention.

Addressing Water Risks

Globally, only 3% of the Earth’s water is freshwater, and two-thirds of this is locked in glaciers and ice caps. The remaining 1% is distributed across 410 basins, with 90 of these, many located in India are facing severe stress. According to the United Nations, global freshwater demand is expected to exceed supply by more than 40% by 2030. Such figures underline the urgent need for effective water management strategies.

India’s National Water Mission (NWM) has outlined a series of measures to address these challenges. These include improving water conservation through research, encouraging the recycling of wastewater, reducing urban water supply losses, and promoting eco-friendly sanitation systems. Additional initiatives focus on water audits, labelling water-efficient appliances, and offering incentives for adopting sustainable practices.

Groundwater Recharge and Sustainable Irrigation

Recharging groundwater is an essential aspect of addressing water scarcity. Increasing the porosity of soil and reducing surface runoff can significantly enhance groundwater levels. This can be achieved by protecting the soil with mulch, employing low-depth tilling, and introducing natural vegetation in barren lands to improve water retention. In urban areas, using permeable materials such as pervious concrete and porous asphalt can help rainwater seep into the ground.

Improving irrigation efficiency is another vital step. Scientific water management practices, such as precision farming and the use of soil moisture sensors, can optimise water usage. Advanced irrigation systems like drip irrigation and sprinklers can further minimise wastage and improve water use efficiency in agriculture, which is India’s largest water-consuming sector.

Reducing Industrial and Domestic Water Usage

Industries play a crucial role in water conservation by adopting advanced technologies that reduce consumption. For instance, ozonation cooling systems and air cooling systems can significantly lower water demand. Recycling industrial wastewater through advanced processes like reverse osmosis (RO) and membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems should be standard practice. Shifting to renewable energy sources can also make a significant difference, as renewable energy generation requires far less water compared to traditional thermal power plants. A 75% transition to renewables could reduce water demand by nearly half.

In the domestic sector, addressing inefficiencies in water distribution is critical. Conducting regular water audits, implementing smart metering systems to detect leaks, and maintaining water infrastructure can help reduce losses. Encouraging the use of water-efficient plumbing fixtures and promoting the reuse of treated wastewater for non-potable applications can also ease the burden on freshwater resources. Raising public awareness about conservation practices can amplify these efforts and ensure community involvement.

Harnessing Water Harvesting and Reviving Ecosystems

Water harvesting complements natural cycles by capturing and storing rainwater for future use. Active systems collect rainwater in tanks and reservoirs, which can be used directly or released into the ground to recharge aquifers. Passive systems, on the other hand, rely on natural processes, such as vegetation and soil, to retain and filter rainwater.

Rejuvenating polluted rivers and lakes is equally crucial. Global success stories like the restoration of the Thames in the UK and the Singapore River illustrate how focused interventions can transform polluted waterways into thriving ecosystems. In India, the Ganga Action Plan and similar projects demonstrate the potential for large-scale rejuvenation. Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) has contributed to numerous restoration projects, including the Haora River in Tripura and Unkal Nala in Karnataka, showcasing the positive impact of ecosystem revival on local communities and biodiversity.

Evaluating River Interlinking Projects

India’s river interlinking project is an ambitious initiative aimed at addressing regional water shortages by creating a network of interconnected rivers. First proposed during British colonial rule in the 19th century, the idea gained renewed momentum in the 1970s and remains one of the most debated water management strategies in the country. The project envisions transferring surplus water from flood-prone rivers to drought-affected areas, thereby balancing regional water availability.

The proposal includes three key components: the Himalayan River interlinking, the Peninsular River interlinking, and intra-state interlinking projects. The Himalayan component aims to channel water from rivers such as the Ganga and Brahmaputra to northern and western regions, while the Peninsular component focuses on linking rivers like the Godavari and Krishna to address water deficits in southern India.

The potential benefits of river interlinking are immense. It could mitigate floods in surplus regions, alleviate droughts in water-scarce areas, improve agricultural productivity, enhance navigational facilities, and provide opportunities for hydropower generation. These outcomes would not only address water scarcity but also foster economic growth and social development.

However, the project is not without its challenges. Critics highlight concerns about ecological disruption, including the alteration of river ecosystems and potential harm to biodiversity. Large-scale infrastructure development required for the project could lead to the displacement of communities and loss of livelihoods. Additionally, the reallocation of water resources may spark inter-state disputes and socio-political tensions.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the project’s long-term implications. Studies on sediment transport, changes in monsoon patterns, and the impact on atmospheric moisture cycles are crucial. Transparent policymaking and stakeholder engagement will be essential to address these challenges and build consensus for sustainable implementation.

Policy and Community-Led Initiatives

Government schemes like the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) aim to integrate water conservation measures with infrastructure development. Community-led initiatives, such as participatory groundwater management in Gujarat, highlight the importance of local involvement in achieving sustainable outcomes. These efforts need consistent monitoring, policy reinforcement, and public support to succeed.

A Sustainable Future Through Collaboration

The growing water crisis calls for immediate and collective action. Governments, industries, communities, and individuals all have a role to play in safeguarding this precious resource. By adopting innovative solutions, improving efficiency, and fostering collaboration, we can mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and ensure a sustainable future.

Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) remains committed to engineering innovative and practical solutions to address water challenges. Through its expertise and collaborative approach, TCE is paving the way for a better, more equitable world where water is managed responsibly and shared fairly among all.