The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a new report titled “2021 State of Climate Services“. As per the report, Terrestrial water storage (TWS) dropped at a rate of 1 cm per year in 20 years (2002-2021).
- The biggest losses have occurred in Antarctica and Greenland.
- In India, the TWS has been lost at a rate of at least 3 cm per year. In some regions, the loss has been over 4 cm per year too. India has recorded the highest loss in terrestrial water storage if the loss of water storage in Antarctica and Greenland is excluded.
- India is, therefore, the ‘topmost hotspot of TWS loss’. The northern part of India has experienced the maximum loss within the country.
What is Terrestrial water storage (TWS)?
- Terrestrial water storage (TWS) is the sum of all water on the land surface and in the subsurface, ie surface water, soil moisture, snow and ice and ground water.
Per capita water availability
- In India, per capita water availability is reducing due to an increase in population. The average annual per capita water availability has been consistently decreasing. It reduced to 1,545 cubic metres in 2011, from 1,816 cubic metres in 2001.
- It is projected to further decrease to 1,367 cubic metres in 2031.
- Five of the 21 river basins in India are ‘absolute water scarce’ (per capita water availability below 500 cubic metres).
(Source: Down To Earth)
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