The Central Water Commission (CWC) has released the study titled ‘Assessment of Water Resources of India 2024. The study highlights critical insights into the country’s water availability and its implications for water stress levels:
Key Findings:
- Increased Water Availability:
- India’s average annual water availability (1985-2023) is now estimated at 2,115.95 billion cubic meters (BCM), a rise from the previous estimate of 1,999.2 BCM (1985-2015).
- This increase is attributed to the inclusion of trans-boundary water in the Brahmaputra, Ganga, and Indus basins.
- Top and Bottom Basins (Water Availability):
- Top Three Basins:
- Brahmaputra: 592.32 BCM
- Ganga: 581.75 BCM
- Godavari: 129.17 BCM
- Bottom Three Basins:
- Sabarmati: 9.87 BCM
- Pennar: 10.42 BCM
- Mahi: 13.03 BCM
- Top Three Basins:
- Water Stress Levels:
- The Falkenmark Indicator OR Water Stress Index defines thresholds for water scarcity:
- Water stress: Per capita water availability < 1,700 cubic meters.
- Water scarcity: < 1,000 cubic meters.
- Absolute water scarcity: < 500 cubic meters.
- Based on the 2019 assessment, India’s annual per capita water availability for 2021 was 1,486 cubic meters, reflecting a “water stress” condition.
- The Falkenmark Indicator OR Water Stress Index defines thresholds for water scarcity:
- Projected Per Capita Water Availability for 2024:
- Using the updated water availability (2,115.95 BCM) and a population estimate of 1.398 billion, the per capita availability improves to 1,513 cubic meters. Despite the increase, it remains in the “water stress” category.
Conclusion:
- The increase in water availability is a positive development, but rising population and uneven distribution of resources continue to challenge water security.
- Regional disparities are significant, with basins like Brahmaputra and Ganga experiencing abundant resources, while others like Sabarmati and Pennar face critical shortages.
- India’s per capita water availability is declining over the years due to population growth, underscoring the need for sustainable water management strategies.
