Water Scarcity in India: Ranking and Impact
India is witnessing a significant water scarcity issue, with varying degrees across different states. This article examines which Indian states face the most severe shortages of drinking water, as well as the broader impacts on the economy and society. We also explore government initiatives to address these challenges.
State-Wise Water Scarcity Rankings
According to recent data, Kerala ranks highest in terms of households with access to safe drinking water, with an impressive 97.6% coverage. In contrast, Andhra Pradesh trails significantly, with only 33.5% of households having access to safe drinking water. The national average stands at 85.5%, indicating a substantial variation across the country.
Les Ranks and Impact
The entire state of Karnataka, along with adjoining areas of Telangana and Maharashtra, is facing severe water scarcity. This can be attributed to a combination of lower-than-normal rainfall over the past year and the unique characteristics of underground aquifers in these regions.
Government Initiatives
In response to the water scarcity, the government has declared 18 states and union territories as drought-affected. This decision allows these regions to offer 50 additional days of work to each household under the rural job guarantee scheme. Notable states that will benefit from this include Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), these states will also be eligible to provide 150 days of manual work per household in the financial year 2017-18. Additionally, the Centre is providing Rs. 24,000 crore (approximately $3 billion USD) - half of the total budgeted allocation for this year - to states. This financial assistance aims to help states prepare for the period when the monsoon may be below normal.
Investigating Specific Regions
Maharashtra, particularly the Marathwada region, is among the most affected areas. This includes Latur, Bidar and the adjacent areas of Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Groundwater levels are decreasing rapidly in these regions, exacerbating the problem of water scarcity.
Widespread Water Scarcity in India
The issue of water scarcity is not limited to these regions. In total, 308 districts across 13 states in India are suffering from water shortages. These states include Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and more. As ground water levels continue to decline rapidly, the situation becomes increasingly critical.
Conclusion
India’s water crisis is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The government’s initiatives and the efforts of various non-government organizations are crucial steps in addressing the water scarcity issue. It is essential to ensure that every household has access to safe drinking water, which is a fundamental need for survival and development.
Stay Informed and Stay Involved
For more updates and information on water scarcity in India, do follow me on LinkedIn where I am Aachri Tyagi. Your support and engagement are vital in making a positive impact.