Water gaps are defined as the difference between renewable water availability and water consumption while maintaining adequate flows in aquatic environments.
Key Findings
- Global
- Water gaps of nearly 458 billion cubic meters per year exist across all continents.
- The world will experience harsher conditions at 1.5°C warming, with even more severe impacts at 3°C.
- However, global warming will change precipitation patterns, reducing water gaps in some countries E.g., Nigeria.
- India-Specific findings
- India is among the countries facing the largest water gaps, along with the US, China, etc., and is projected to see the most significant increase under warming scenarios.
- Water gaps are expected to rise the most in the Ganges-Brahmaputra, Godavari River basins, etc.
Status of water resources in India
- India holds 18% of the global population but only 4% of its water resources, with over 600 million people already facing severe water shortages.
- By 2030, water demand is expected to double the available supply, leading to severe scarcity and a potential ~6% GDP loss (NITI Aayog).
Factors Driving Water Crisis
- Over Population, over extraction of ground water, water contamination and Pollution, Poor Water Management, climate change etc.
Measures Undertaken for Water Conservation
|
