Worsening Heatwave and Water Supply Challenges in India

India is facing intensifying challenges in water supply due to worsening heatwave conditions. With temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in several northern cities and high night-time temperatures, the demand for water and electricity has increased significantly. The potential disruption in rainfall due to a possible Super El Nino further exacerbates the situation.

Current Water Storage Status

• Central Water Commission data indicates a decline in water storage from 71.08 billion cubic metres (BCM) on April 30 to 63.23 BCM by May 14, a reduction of nearly 8 BCM in two weeks.
• Thirteen major reservoirs have fallen below 50% of their normal storage levels.

Impact of Industrial and Agricultural Expansion

• India's expansion in water-intensive sectors like ethanol blending, data centres, and manufacturing is concentrated in water-stressed regions.
• Despite recurring droughts, Maharashtra and Karnataka continue sugarcane cultivation, a water-intensive crop.
• States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka are emerging as data-centre hubs, requiring significant water for cooling.

Consequences of the Broader Crisis

• In Rajasthan's Barmer district, a lift canal shutdown has left villages dependent on a single hand pump.
• Delhi faces reduced water-treatment capacity due to low flows and pollution in the Yamuna, amid surging summer demand.
• Bengaluru's water crisis in 2024 highlighted the collapse of urban systems due to depleted groundwater and encroached lakes.

Rising Temperatures and Groundwater Depletion

• Rising temperatures accelerate evaporation and worsen groundwater depletion.
• India extracts approximately 251 billion cubic metres of groundwater annually, accounting for about a quarter of the global total.
• Per capita water availability has decreased from around 5,000 cubic metres in 1950 to 1,486 cubic metres in 2021.
• Research indicates that 11 of India's 15 major river basins are nearing severe water stress.

Macroeconomic Implications

• Water shortages can impact food production, leading to inflation and broader policy implications.

Challenges with Local Bodies and Municipal Planning

• Local bodies are underprepared for recurring drinking-water emergencies with most cities lacking comprehensive water-security plans.
• Municipal systems overly rely on groundwater extraction and emergency tanker supplies.
• Utilities face significant transmission and distribution losses of up to 40%.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Cities need to strengthen water storage infrastructure and enforce rainwater harvesting.
• Reviving lakes and wetlands, reducing pipeline leakages, and expanding wastewater recycling are essential steps.
• There is an urgent need for a comprehensive and holistic long-term plan for water resource management.