Kurukshetra Magazine July 2022 - 3 | Monthly Yojana & Kurukshetra Magazine (English) - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Kurukshetra      July  2022 30
Water is crucial for the existence of life 
on earth. It is an essential component 
to achieve inclusive and sustainable 
growth in an economy. It is vital to 
ensure food security, health and hygiene in rural 
areas. In fact, easy access to adequate water is 
both, a direct component of economic well-being 
as well as an input for enhancing productive 
capabilities. Judicious use of water resources 
assumes utmost importance, particularly when 
changing environment, increasing population, 
urbanisation, and related developmental 
activities create additional pressure on available 
water resources. Sustainable water management 
along with adequate water infrastructure are 
the key factors in maintaining a healthy and 
productive workforce, expanding agriculture and 
allied activities, creating gainful employment 
opportunities, and improving rural livelihood. 
Water Resources of India
The average annual water availability of a 
country/region is largely dependent upon the 
hydro-meteorological and geological factors which 
generally remain constant. India accounts for 
nearly 4 percent of fresh water resources of the 
World as against 17.7 percent of total population 
and 2.4 percent of the land area. The main water 
resources of India consist of the precipitation on 
its territory which is estimated to be around 4000 
Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) per annum and trans-
Dr H L Sharma
The Government of India is committed towards the rational and efficient water management in the country. To this effect many 
schemes and programmes have been launched to ensure adequate water facilities in every nook and corner of the country. 
Water needs to be used and managed judiciously by maintaining a proper balance between availability and utilisation for its 
long-term sustainability. In this direction proper water resource management through rainwater harvesting, natural farming 
and crop diversification with the active participation of local communities and NGOs is imperative. Public awareness regarding 
the judicious and rational use of water also needs to be promoted through education, information and communication. 
Water Management for Sustainable Rural Livelihood
boundary flows received in its rivers and aquifers 
from the upper riparian countries (Table 1). On an 
average out of total precipitation,1869 BCM (46.7 
percent) water remains available as natural runoff. 
However, due to geological and other factors, 
the utilisable water availability is limited only to 
1137 BCM (28 percent of total precipitation) per 
annum; comprising of 690 BCM of surface and 447 
BCM of replenishable groundwater.
Table 1: Water Resources of India
S. No. Source Water (km3)
1 Annual precipitation 4000
2 Run-off received from upper 
riparian countries
500
3 Estimated utilisable water 1869
4 Average annual natural flow 
in rivers and aquifers 1137
(i) Surface 690
(ii) Ground 447
5 Water demand 634
(i) Agriculture 541
(ii) Domestic 42
(iii) Industry, Energy & 
Others
51
Sources:  (i)  National Water Mission under National Action 
Plan on Climate Change, 2008, GOI.
 (ii)    Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 
2020, Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI
W
Page 2


Kurukshetra      July  2022 30
Water is crucial for the existence of life 
on earth. It is an essential component 
to achieve inclusive and sustainable 
growth in an economy. It is vital to 
ensure food security, health and hygiene in rural 
areas. In fact, easy access to adequate water is 
both, a direct component of economic well-being 
as well as an input for enhancing productive 
capabilities. Judicious use of water resources 
assumes utmost importance, particularly when 
changing environment, increasing population, 
urbanisation, and related developmental 
activities create additional pressure on available 
water resources. Sustainable water management 
along with adequate water infrastructure are 
the key factors in maintaining a healthy and 
productive workforce, expanding agriculture and 
allied activities, creating gainful employment 
opportunities, and improving rural livelihood. 
Water Resources of India
The average annual water availability of a 
country/region is largely dependent upon the 
hydro-meteorological and geological factors which 
generally remain constant. India accounts for 
nearly 4 percent of fresh water resources of the 
World as against 17.7 percent of total population 
and 2.4 percent of the land area. The main water 
resources of India consist of the precipitation on 
its territory which is estimated to be around 4000 
Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) per annum and trans-
Dr H L Sharma
The Government of India is committed towards the rational and efficient water management in the country. To this effect many 
schemes and programmes have been launched to ensure adequate water facilities in every nook and corner of the country. 
Water needs to be used and managed judiciously by maintaining a proper balance between availability and utilisation for its 
long-term sustainability. In this direction proper water resource management through rainwater harvesting, natural farming 
and crop diversification with the active participation of local communities and NGOs is imperative. Public awareness regarding 
the judicious and rational use of water also needs to be promoted through education, information and communication. 
Water Management for Sustainable Rural Livelihood
boundary flows received in its rivers and aquifers 
from the upper riparian countries (Table 1). On an 
average out of total precipitation,1869 BCM (46.7 
percent) water remains available as natural runoff. 
However, due to geological and other factors, 
the utilisable water availability is limited only to 
1137 BCM (28 percent of total precipitation) per 
annum; comprising of 690 BCM of surface and 447 
BCM of replenishable groundwater.
Table 1: Water Resources of India
S. No. Source Water (km3)
1 Annual precipitation 4000
2 Run-off received from upper 
riparian countries
500
3 Estimated utilisable water 1869
4 Average annual natural flow 
in rivers and aquifers 1137
(i) Surface 690
(ii) Ground 447
5 Water demand 634
(i) Agriculture 541
(ii) Domestic 42
(iii) Industry, Energy & 
Others
51
Sources:  (i)  National Water Mission under National Action 
Plan on Climate Change, 2008, GOI.
 (ii)    Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 
2020, Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI
W
Kurukshetra      July  2022 31
The surface water account for nearly 61.44 
percent of total usable water sources in the 
country. The major sources of surface water 
are; rivers, lakes, ponds and tanks. Most of the 
surface water resources in India are also getting 
polluted with industrial, agricultural and domestic 
effluents, which in turn limits the availability of 
usable water resources. 
Owing to its universal availability, easy 
access, and low cost of extraction, groundwater 
has become the most preferred source of fresh 
water for various uses in India. It acts as a buffer 
stock during the times of drought and a resilient 
resource for mitigating the adverse effects of 
climate change on agriculture. The main source 
of groundwater recharge is rainfall, which 
contributes nearly 64 percent of the total annual 
recharge. Variability in the onset, withdrawal 
and quantum of rainfall during the monsoon 
season has profound impacts on water resources, 
power generation, agriculture, economics, and 
ecosystems in the country.
The total annual groundwater recharge in the 
country hovered between 431 to 447 BCM during 
2004 to 2020 (Fig. 1). The annual extractable 
groundwater resources have been 91 to 92 percent 
of total recharge during the period under context. 
The annual groundwater extraction for irrigation, 
domestic and industrial use was 231 BCM in 2004, 
but it up surged to 245 BCM in 2020. The overall 
annual groundwater extraction has been in the 
range of 58-63 percent of extractable water during 
the period under context.
Figure 1: Ground Water Resource Assessments 
of India (BCM)
The largest user of ground and surface water 
in the country is irrigation sector which accounted 
for about 89 percent of total ground as well as 
surface water extraction in 2020. (Fig.2).
Figure 2: Ground and Surface Water Extraction 
for Different Uses in India (2020)
Source: Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2020, 
Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI.
Source: Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2020, 
Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI.
Per Capita Availability of Water 
Per capita availability of water in the 
country has been falling progressively due to 
rapid population growth and environmental 
factors. The average annual per capita water 
availability in India was as high as 5,177 cubic 
meters in the year 1951 (Fig. 3). It sharply slid 
down to 1,869 cubic meters in the year 2001 and 
to 1,545 cubic meters in 2011. As per the report 
released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on dated 
25 March 2021, per capita annual availability of 
water in the country is estimated to be at 1,486 
cubic meters in the year 2021. It is expected to fall 
to 1,341 cubic meters in 2025 and further to 1,140 
cubic meters by the years 2050. The per capita 
 (%)
 (%)
Page 3


Kurukshetra      July  2022 30
Water is crucial for the existence of life 
on earth. It is an essential component 
to achieve inclusive and sustainable 
growth in an economy. It is vital to 
ensure food security, health and hygiene in rural 
areas. In fact, easy access to adequate water is 
both, a direct component of economic well-being 
as well as an input for enhancing productive 
capabilities. Judicious use of water resources 
assumes utmost importance, particularly when 
changing environment, increasing population, 
urbanisation, and related developmental 
activities create additional pressure on available 
water resources. Sustainable water management 
along with adequate water infrastructure are 
the key factors in maintaining a healthy and 
productive workforce, expanding agriculture and 
allied activities, creating gainful employment 
opportunities, and improving rural livelihood. 
Water Resources of India
The average annual water availability of a 
country/region is largely dependent upon the 
hydro-meteorological and geological factors which 
generally remain constant. India accounts for 
nearly 4 percent of fresh water resources of the 
World as against 17.7 percent of total population 
and 2.4 percent of the land area. The main water 
resources of India consist of the precipitation on 
its territory which is estimated to be around 4000 
Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) per annum and trans-
Dr H L Sharma
The Government of India is committed towards the rational and efficient water management in the country. To this effect many 
schemes and programmes have been launched to ensure adequate water facilities in every nook and corner of the country. 
Water needs to be used and managed judiciously by maintaining a proper balance between availability and utilisation for its 
long-term sustainability. In this direction proper water resource management through rainwater harvesting, natural farming 
and crop diversification with the active participation of local communities and NGOs is imperative. Public awareness regarding 
the judicious and rational use of water also needs to be promoted through education, information and communication. 
Water Management for Sustainable Rural Livelihood
boundary flows received in its rivers and aquifers 
from the upper riparian countries (Table 1). On an 
average out of total precipitation,1869 BCM (46.7 
percent) water remains available as natural runoff. 
However, due to geological and other factors, 
the utilisable water availability is limited only to 
1137 BCM (28 percent of total precipitation) per 
annum; comprising of 690 BCM of surface and 447 
BCM of replenishable groundwater.
Table 1: Water Resources of India
S. No. Source Water (km3)
1 Annual precipitation 4000
2 Run-off received from upper 
riparian countries
500
3 Estimated utilisable water 1869
4 Average annual natural flow 
in rivers and aquifers 1137
(i) Surface 690
(ii) Ground 447
5 Water demand 634
(i) Agriculture 541
(ii) Domestic 42
(iii) Industry, Energy & 
Others
51
Sources:  (i)  National Water Mission under National Action 
Plan on Climate Change, 2008, GOI.
 (ii)    Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 
2020, Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI
W
Kurukshetra      July  2022 31
The surface water account for nearly 61.44 
percent of total usable water sources in the 
country. The major sources of surface water 
are; rivers, lakes, ponds and tanks. Most of the 
surface water resources in India are also getting 
polluted with industrial, agricultural and domestic 
effluents, which in turn limits the availability of 
usable water resources. 
Owing to its universal availability, easy 
access, and low cost of extraction, groundwater 
has become the most preferred source of fresh 
water for various uses in India. It acts as a buffer 
stock during the times of drought and a resilient 
resource for mitigating the adverse effects of 
climate change on agriculture. The main source 
of groundwater recharge is rainfall, which 
contributes nearly 64 percent of the total annual 
recharge. Variability in the onset, withdrawal 
and quantum of rainfall during the monsoon 
season has profound impacts on water resources, 
power generation, agriculture, economics, and 
ecosystems in the country.
The total annual groundwater recharge in the 
country hovered between 431 to 447 BCM during 
2004 to 2020 (Fig. 1). The annual extractable 
groundwater resources have been 91 to 92 percent 
of total recharge during the period under context. 
The annual groundwater extraction for irrigation, 
domestic and industrial use was 231 BCM in 2004, 
but it up surged to 245 BCM in 2020. The overall 
annual groundwater extraction has been in the 
range of 58-63 percent of extractable water during 
the period under context.
Figure 1: Ground Water Resource Assessments 
of India (BCM)
The largest user of ground and surface water 
in the country is irrigation sector which accounted 
for about 89 percent of total ground as well as 
surface water extraction in 2020. (Fig.2).
Figure 2: Ground and Surface Water Extraction 
for Different Uses in India (2020)
Source: Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2020, 
Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI.
Source: Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2020, 
Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI.
Per Capita Availability of Water 
Per capita availability of water in the 
country has been falling progressively due to 
rapid population growth and environmental 
factors. The average annual per capita water 
availability in India was as high as 5,177 cubic 
meters in the year 1951 (Fig. 3). It sharply slid 
down to 1,869 cubic meters in the year 2001 and 
to 1,545 cubic meters in 2011. As per the report 
released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on dated 
25 March 2021, per capita annual availability of 
water in the country is estimated to be at 1,486 
cubic meters in the year 2021. It is expected to fall 
to 1,341 cubic meters in 2025 and further to 1,140 
cubic meters by the years 2050. The per capita 
 (%)
 (%)
Kurukshetra      July  2022 32
annual water availability of less than 1,700 cubic 
meters is considered as water-stressed condition, 
whereas below 1,000 cubic meters it is considered 
as water scarcity condition. Due to wide temporal 
and spatial variations of precipitation, the water 
availability of many regions in the country is much 
below the national average and can be considered 
as water stressed/ scarce state.
Figure 3: Per Capita Availability of Water 
 in India (Cubic Meters)
due to ever increasing population, inadequate 
water storage for meeting future demands, over-
exploitation of groundwater resources, poor 
quality of water, low water use efficiency, and so 
on.
Over-Exploitation of Water Resources
The blatant, indiscriminate and irrational use 
of groundwater has led to its extraction in excess 
of annual replenishment in several parts of the 
country, particularly in the river basins lying in 
north-western region and parts of south India. 
The overall stage of groundwater extraction (ratio 
of annual withdrawal to annual availability) in the 
country was at nearly 62 percent in 2020. This ratio 
stood very high (more than 100 percent) in the 
states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. 
Over extraction of groundwater has resulted in 
adverse environmental impacts including declining 
groundwater levels and deterioration in quality. 
The climate change also poses challenges to water 
security as more extreme rates of rainfall and 
evapotranspiration intensify the impacts of floods 
and droughts. The groundwater needs to be used 
and managed judiciously by maintaining a proper 
balance between availability and utilisation for its 
long-term sustainability. In this context, rainwater 
harvesting is one of the most important initiatives 
which can help in a long way in sustaining the 
water supply in rural areas.
Stressed Water Demand 
Water use has been increasing worldwide by 
about 1 percent per year since the 1980s due to 
population growth, socio-economic development, 
and changing consumption patterns. Unfortunately , 
India is not an exception to this trend, as it has 
emerged as the largest consumer of groundwater 
in the world. India is placed at 13
th
 rank among 
the world’s seventeen extremely water-stressed 
countries. As per the report submitted by the 
Committee on Restructuring the Central Water 
Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water 
Board (CGWB) 2016, if the current pattern of 
demand continues, nearly half of the demand for 
water will remain unmet by 2030, which can cause 
social upheaval and disruptions.
Government Initiatives
Steps for conservation, augmentation and 
Sources: (1)  Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater 
in India (2020), Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI.
   (2)  Per Capita Availability of Water, Press release by 
Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI on March 25, 2021. 
Water for Rural Livelihood
Water is a core component to ensure 
sustainable rural livelihood. It is an essential input 
to achieve growth with equity along with health 
and hygiene of rural masses. All the agricultural 
and allied activities like livestock, horticulture, 
floriculture, fisheries, etc. cannot grow and sustain 
without the adequate supply of water. Many other 
job oriented activities in rural areas like food 
processing also require a considerable amount of 
water. In order to improve rural livelihood, expand 
local economies, create decent jobs, and maintain 
a healthy and productive workforce in rural 
areas, it is essential to provide improved access 
to irrigation and drinking water through efficient 
water management. 
Challenges in Water Management
India is facing a number of challenges in 
water management such as high inter-temporal 
and spatial variations in the availability of water 
resources due to varied hydro-meteorological 
conditions, declining per-capita water availability 
Page 4


Kurukshetra      July  2022 30
Water is crucial for the existence of life 
on earth. It is an essential component 
to achieve inclusive and sustainable 
growth in an economy. It is vital to 
ensure food security, health and hygiene in rural 
areas. In fact, easy access to adequate water is 
both, a direct component of economic well-being 
as well as an input for enhancing productive 
capabilities. Judicious use of water resources 
assumes utmost importance, particularly when 
changing environment, increasing population, 
urbanisation, and related developmental 
activities create additional pressure on available 
water resources. Sustainable water management 
along with adequate water infrastructure are 
the key factors in maintaining a healthy and 
productive workforce, expanding agriculture and 
allied activities, creating gainful employment 
opportunities, and improving rural livelihood. 
Water Resources of India
The average annual water availability of a 
country/region is largely dependent upon the 
hydro-meteorological and geological factors which 
generally remain constant. India accounts for 
nearly 4 percent of fresh water resources of the 
World as against 17.7 percent of total population 
and 2.4 percent of the land area. The main water 
resources of India consist of the precipitation on 
its territory which is estimated to be around 4000 
Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) per annum and trans-
Dr H L Sharma
The Government of India is committed towards the rational and efficient water management in the country. To this effect many 
schemes and programmes have been launched to ensure adequate water facilities in every nook and corner of the country. 
Water needs to be used and managed judiciously by maintaining a proper balance between availability and utilisation for its 
long-term sustainability. In this direction proper water resource management through rainwater harvesting, natural farming 
and crop diversification with the active participation of local communities and NGOs is imperative. Public awareness regarding 
the judicious and rational use of water also needs to be promoted through education, information and communication. 
Water Management for Sustainable Rural Livelihood
boundary flows received in its rivers and aquifers 
from the upper riparian countries (Table 1). On an 
average out of total precipitation,1869 BCM (46.7 
percent) water remains available as natural runoff. 
However, due to geological and other factors, 
the utilisable water availability is limited only to 
1137 BCM (28 percent of total precipitation) per 
annum; comprising of 690 BCM of surface and 447 
BCM of replenishable groundwater.
Table 1: Water Resources of India
S. No. Source Water (km3)
1 Annual precipitation 4000
2 Run-off received from upper 
riparian countries
500
3 Estimated utilisable water 1869
4 Average annual natural flow 
in rivers and aquifers 1137
(i) Surface 690
(ii) Ground 447
5 Water demand 634
(i) Agriculture 541
(ii) Domestic 42
(iii) Industry, Energy & 
Others
51
Sources:  (i)  National Water Mission under National Action 
Plan on Climate Change, 2008, GOI.
 (ii)    Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 
2020, Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI
W
Kurukshetra      July  2022 31
The surface water account for nearly 61.44 
percent of total usable water sources in the 
country. The major sources of surface water 
are; rivers, lakes, ponds and tanks. Most of the 
surface water resources in India are also getting 
polluted with industrial, agricultural and domestic 
effluents, which in turn limits the availability of 
usable water resources. 
Owing to its universal availability, easy 
access, and low cost of extraction, groundwater 
has become the most preferred source of fresh 
water for various uses in India. It acts as a buffer 
stock during the times of drought and a resilient 
resource for mitigating the adverse effects of 
climate change on agriculture. The main source 
of groundwater recharge is rainfall, which 
contributes nearly 64 percent of the total annual 
recharge. Variability in the onset, withdrawal 
and quantum of rainfall during the monsoon 
season has profound impacts on water resources, 
power generation, agriculture, economics, and 
ecosystems in the country.
The total annual groundwater recharge in the 
country hovered between 431 to 447 BCM during 
2004 to 2020 (Fig. 1). The annual extractable 
groundwater resources have been 91 to 92 percent 
of total recharge during the period under context. 
The annual groundwater extraction for irrigation, 
domestic and industrial use was 231 BCM in 2004, 
but it up surged to 245 BCM in 2020. The overall 
annual groundwater extraction has been in the 
range of 58-63 percent of extractable water during 
the period under context.
Figure 1: Ground Water Resource Assessments 
of India (BCM)
The largest user of ground and surface water 
in the country is irrigation sector which accounted 
for about 89 percent of total ground as well as 
surface water extraction in 2020. (Fig.2).
Figure 2: Ground and Surface Water Extraction 
for Different Uses in India (2020)
Source: Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2020, 
Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI.
Source: Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2020, 
Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI.
Per Capita Availability of Water 
Per capita availability of water in the 
country has been falling progressively due to 
rapid population growth and environmental 
factors. The average annual per capita water 
availability in India was as high as 5,177 cubic 
meters in the year 1951 (Fig. 3). It sharply slid 
down to 1,869 cubic meters in the year 2001 and 
to 1,545 cubic meters in 2011. As per the report 
released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on dated 
25 March 2021, per capita annual availability of 
water in the country is estimated to be at 1,486 
cubic meters in the year 2021. It is expected to fall 
to 1,341 cubic meters in 2025 and further to 1,140 
cubic meters by the years 2050. The per capita 
 (%)
 (%)
Kurukshetra      July  2022 32
annual water availability of less than 1,700 cubic 
meters is considered as water-stressed condition, 
whereas below 1,000 cubic meters it is considered 
as water scarcity condition. Due to wide temporal 
and spatial variations of precipitation, the water 
availability of many regions in the country is much 
below the national average and can be considered 
as water stressed/ scarce state.
Figure 3: Per Capita Availability of Water 
 in India (Cubic Meters)
due to ever increasing population, inadequate 
water storage for meeting future demands, over-
exploitation of groundwater resources, poor 
quality of water, low water use efficiency, and so 
on.
Over-Exploitation of Water Resources
The blatant, indiscriminate and irrational use 
of groundwater has led to its extraction in excess 
of annual replenishment in several parts of the 
country, particularly in the river basins lying in 
north-western region and parts of south India. 
The overall stage of groundwater extraction (ratio 
of annual withdrawal to annual availability) in the 
country was at nearly 62 percent in 2020. This ratio 
stood very high (more than 100 percent) in the 
states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. 
Over extraction of groundwater has resulted in 
adverse environmental impacts including declining 
groundwater levels and deterioration in quality. 
The climate change also poses challenges to water 
security as more extreme rates of rainfall and 
evapotranspiration intensify the impacts of floods 
and droughts. The groundwater needs to be used 
and managed judiciously by maintaining a proper 
balance between availability and utilisation for its 
long-term sustainability. In this context, rainwater 
harvesting is one of the most important initiatives 
which can help in a long way in sustaining the 
water supply in rural areas.
Stressed Water Demand 
Water use has been increasing worldwide by 
about 1 percent per year since the 1980s due to 
population growth, socio-economic development, 
and changing consumption patterns. Unfortunately , 
India is not an exception to this trend, as it has 
emerged as the largest consumer of groundwater 
in the world. India is placed at 13
th
 rank among 
the world’s seventeen extremely water-stressed 
countries. As per the report submitted by the 
Committee on Restructuring the Central Water 
Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water 
Board (CGWB) 2016, if the current pattern of 
demand continues, nearly half of the demand for 
water will remain unmet by 2030, which can cause 
social upheaval and disruptions.
Government Initiatives
Steps for conservation, augmentation and 
Sources: (1)  Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater 
in India (2020), Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI.
   (2)  Per Capita Availability of Water, Press release by 
Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI on March 25, 2021. 
Water for Rural Livelihood
Water is a core component to ensure 
sustainable rural livelihood. It is an essential input 
to achieve growth with equity along with health 
and hygiene of rural masses. All the agricultural 
and allied activities like livestock, horticulture, 
floriculture, fisheries, etc. cannot grow and sustain 
without the adequate supply of water. Many other 
job oriented activities in rural areas like food 
processing also require a considerable amount of 
water. In order to improve rural livelihood, expand 
local economies, create decent jobs, and maintain 
a healthy and productive workforce in rural 
areas, it is essential to provide improved access 
to irrigation and drinking water through efficient 
water management. 
Challenges in Water Management
India is facing a number of challenges in 
water management such as high inter-temporal 
and spatial variations in the availability of water 
resources due to varied hydro-meteorological 
conditions, declining per-capita water availability 
Kurukshetra      July  2022 33
efficient management of water resources are 
primarily taken by the State Governments, as 
water is a State subject. In order to support and 
supplement the efforts of the State Governments, 
Central Government provides technical and 
financial assistance to the States through various 
schemes and programmes. At the central level, 
the Ministry of Jal Shakti is the nodal agency 
responsible for policy formulation, planning, 
funding and coordination of programmes for 
sustainable water management. 
Government of India is committed towards 
the rational and efficient water management to 
ensure sustainable rural livelihood in the country. 
To this effect, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee 
Yojana (PMKSY) was launched on 1 July 2015 with 
the motto of Har Khet Ko Paani. The scheme is 
being implemented to expand cultivated area with 
assured irrigation, reduce wastage of water and 
improve water use efficiency. The scheme also 
focuses on creating protective irrigation by 
harnessing rainwater at micro level through Jal 
Sanchay and Jal Sinchan. Micro-irrigation is also 
incentivised through subsidy to ensure water use 
efficiency in the agriculture sector by promoting 
appropriate technological interventions like 
drip and sprinkler irrigation technologies and 
encourage the farmers to use water saving 
and conservation practices. Focusing on water 
conservation, capacity building and minimising 
wastages, the National Water Mission (NWM) was 
launched in the year 2009. It also aims at ensuring 
equitable distribution of water both within and 
across States through integrated water resource 
development and management.
The Government of India has accorded high 
priority not only to improve irrigation facilities in 
rural areas but also on providing clean and safe 
drinking water to every rural household. As a part 
of this endeavour, Prime Minister announced Jal 
Jeevan Mission-Har Ghar Jal (JJM) on 15 August 
2019. The JJM aims to provide adequate and safe 
drinking water to every rural household through 
a functional tap connection by the year 2024. For 
the implementation of this pan India movement 
on water, there is provision of an outlay of Rs 3.60 
lakh crore in partnership with States. With the 
objective to improve water availability conditions 
in the country, a campaign for water security and 
conservation under Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) was 
launched in the year 2019 in 256 water-stressed 
districts. Realising the utmost importance of 
rainwater conservation and recharge, a campaign 
under Jal Shakti Abhiyan,“Catch The Rain 2022” 
was launched by Hon’ble President of India Shri 
Ram Nath Kovind on March 29, 2022. The Ministry 
of Jal Shakti has proposed the implementation 
of this campaign with the theme catch the 
rain where it falls, when it falls from April to 
November 2022. The recommendations for the 
implementation of the campaign are (i) water 
conservation and rain water harvesting (ii) 
renovation of traditional and other water bodies 
(iii) re-use of bore well recharge structures and (iv)
watershed development. Central Government has 
formulated a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for 
Water Resources Development which envisages 
transfer of water from water surplus basins to 
water deficit basins through inter-linking of rivers. 
Under the NPP, the National Water Development 
Agency has identified 30 links (16 Peninsular and 
14 under Himalayan Component) to be pursued in 
a consultative way. 
It has been observed that the regions where 
the crops like paddy, wheat and sugarcane are 
grown have higher groundwater stress levels. 
In view of this, Crops Diversification Programme 
(CDP) is being implemented in the original green 
revolution states viz. Punjab, Haryana and Western 
UP since 2013-14, to shift towards less water 
requiring crops such as oilseeds, pulses, coarse 
cereals, nutri cereals, cotton, etc. An amount of 
Rs 120 crore as Central share was earmarked for 
implementation of the programme during 2021-
22. The crop diversification in the country has 
also been promoted through the MSP policy. In 
recognition of river Ganga’s significant economic, 
environmental, cultural and religious value, the 
Government of India has declared river Ganga as 
the national river in 2008. Further, the Government 
of India launched the Namami Gange Mission in 
2014 as an integrated and multi-sectoral mission 
for conservation of Ganga and its tributaries. The 
Mission aims to protect, conserve and rejuvenate 
the basin of river Ganga. 
Future Initiatives
The total population of India is estimated 
to be around 1,388 million in 2021. Due to 
Page 5


Kurukshetra      July  2022 30
Water is crucial for the existence of life 
on earth. It is an essential component 
to achieve inclusive and sustainable 
growth in an economy. It is vital to 
ensure food security, health and hygiene in rural 
areas. In fact, easy access to adequate water is 
both, a direct component of economic well-being 
as well as an input for enhancing productive 
capabilities. Judicious use of water resources 
assumes utmost importance, particularly when 
changing environment, increasing population, 
urbanisation, and related developmental 
activities create additional pressure on available 
water resources. Sustainable water management 
along with adequate water infrastructure are 
the key factors in maintaining a healthy and 
productive workforce, expanding agriculture and 
allied activities, creating gainful employment 
opportunities, and improving rural livelihood. 
Water Resources of India
The average annual water availability of a 
country/region is largely dependent upon the 
hydro-meteorological and geological factors which 
generally remain constant. India accounts for 
nearly 4 percent of fresh water resources of the 
World as against 17.7 percent of total population 
and 2.4 percent of the land area. The main water 
resources of India consist of the precipitation on 
its territory which is estimated to be around 4000 
Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) per annum and trans-
Dr H L Sharma
The Government of India is committed towards the rational and efficient water management in the country. To this effect many 
schemes and programmes have been launched to ensure adequate water facilities in every nook and corner of the country. 
Water needs to be used and managed judiciously by maintaining a proper balance between availability and utilisation for its 
long-term sustainability. In this direction proper water resource management through rainwater harvesting, natural farming 
and crop diversification with the active participation of local communities and NGOs is imperative. Public awareness regarding 
the judicious and rational use of water also needs to be promoted through education, information and communication. 
Water Management for Sustainable Rural Livelihood
boundary flows received in its rivers and aquifers 
from the upper riparian countries (Table 1). On an 
average out of total precipitation,1869 BCM (46.7 
percent) water remains available as natural runoff. 
However, due to geological and other factors, 
the utilisable water availability is limited only to 
1137 BCM (28 percent of total precipitation) per 
annum; comprising of 690 BCM of surface and 447 
BCM of replenishable groundwater.
Table 1: Water Resources of India
S. No. Source Water (km3)
1 Annual precipitation 4000
2 Run-off received from upper 
riparian countries
500
3 Estimated utilisable water 1869
4 Average annual natural flow 
in rivers and aquifers 1137
(i) Surface 690
(ii) Ground 447
5 Water demand 634
(i) Agriculture 541
(ii) Domestic 42
(iii) Industry, Energy & 
Others
51
Sources:  (i)  National Water Mission under National Action 
Plan on Climate Change, 2008, GOI.
 (ii)    Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 
2020, Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI
W
Kurukshetra      July  2022 31
The surface water account for nearly 61.44 
percent of total usable water sources in the 
country. The major sources of surface water 
are; rivers, lakes, ponds and tanks. Most of the 
surface water resources in India are also getting 
polluted with industrial, agricultural and domestic 
effluents, which in turn limits the availability of 
usable water resources. 
Owing to its universal availability, easy 
access, and low cost of extraction, groundwater 
has become the most preferred source of fresh 
water for various uses in India. It acts as a buffer 
stock during the times of drought and a resilient 
resource for mitigating the adverse effects of 
climate change on agriculture. The main source 
of groundwater recharge is rainfall, which 
contributes nearly 64 percent of the total annual 
recharge. Variability in the onset, withdrawal 
and quantum of rainfall during the monsoon 
season has profound impacts on water resources, 
power generation, agriculture, economics, and 
ecosystems in the country.
The total annual groundwater recharge in the 
country hovered between 431 to 447 BCM during 
2004 to 2020 (Fig. 1). The annual extractable 
groundwater resources have been 91 to 92 percent 
of total recharge during the period under context. 
The annual groundwater extraction for irrigation, 
domestic and industrial use was 231 BCM in 2004, 
but it up surged to 245 BCM in 2020. The overall 
annual groundwater extraction has been in the 
range of 58-63 percent of extractable water during 
the period under context.
Figure 1: Ground Water Resource Assessments 
of India (BCM)
The largest user of ground and surface water 
in the country is irrigation sector which accounted 
for about 89 percent of total ground as well as 
surface water extraction in 2020. (Fig.2).
Figure 2: Ground and Surface Water Extraction 
for Different Uses in India (2020)
Source: Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2020, 
Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI.
Source: Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2020, 
Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI.
Per Capita Availability of Water 
Per capita availability of water in the 
country has been falling progressively due to 
rapid population growth and environmental 
factors. The average annual per capita water 
availability in India was as high as 5,177 cubic 
meters in the year 1951 (Fig. 3). It sharply slid 
down to 1,869 cubic meters in the year 2001 and 
to 1,545 cubic meters in 2011. As per the report 
released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on dated 
25 March 2021, per capita annual availability of 
water in the country is estimated to be at 1,486 
cubic meters in the year 2021. It is expected to fall 
to 1,341 cubic meters in 2025 and further to 1,140 
cubic meters by the years 2050. The per capita 
 (%)
 (%)
Kurukshetra      July  2022 32
annual water availability of less than 1,700 cubic 
meters is considered as water-stressed condition, 
whereas below 1,000 cubic meters it is considered 
as water scarcity condition. Due to wide temporal 
and spatial variations of precipitation, the water 
availability of many regions in the country is much 
below the national average and can be considered 
as water stressed/ scarce state.
Figure 3: Per Capita Availability of Water 
 in India (Cubic Meters)
due to ever increasing population, inadequate 
water storage for meeting future demands, over-
exploitation of groundwater resources, poor 
quality of water, low water use efficiency, and so 
on.
Over-Exploitation of Water Resources
The blatant, indiscriminate and irrational use 
of groundwater has led to its extraction in excess 
of annual replenishment in several parts of the 
country, particularly in the river basins lying in 
north-western region and parts of south India. 
The overall stage of groundwater extraction (ratio 
of annual withdrawal to annual availability) in the 
country was at nearly 62 percent in 2020. This ratio 
stood very high (more than 100 percent) in the 
states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. 
Over extraction of groundwater has resulted in 
adverse environmental impacts including declining 
groundwater levels and deterioration in quality. 
The climate change also poses challenges to water 
security as more extreme rates of rainfall and 
evapotranspiration intensify the impacts of floods 
and droughts. The groundwater needs to be used 
and managed judiciously by maintaining a proper 
balance between availability and utilisation for its 
long-term sustainability. In this context, rainwater 
harvesting is one of the most important initiatives 
which can help in a long way in sustaining the 
water supply in rural areas.
Stressed Water Demand 
Water use has been increasing worldwide by 
about 1 percent per year since the 1980s due to 
population growth, socio-economic development, 
and changing consumption patterns. Unfortunately , 
India is not an exception to this trend, as it has 
emerged as the largest consumer of groundwater 
in the world. India is placed at 13
th
 rank among 
the world’s seventeen extremely water-stressed 
countries. As per the report submitted by the 
Committee on Restructuring the Central Water 
Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water 
Board (CGWB) 2016, if the current pattern of 
demand continues, nearly half of the demand for 
water will remain unmet by 2030, which can cause 
social upheaval and disruptions.
Government Initiatives
Steps for conservation, augmentation and 
Sources: (1)  Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater 
in India (2020), Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI.
   (2)  Per Capita Availability of Water, Press release by 
Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI on March 25, 2021. 
Water for Rural Livelihood
Water is a core component to ensure 
sustainable rural livelihood. It is an essential input 
to achieve growth with equity along with health 
and hygiene of rural masses. All the agricultural 
and allied activities like livestock, horticulture, 
floriculture, fisheries, etc. cannot grow and sustain 
without the adequate supply of water. Many other 
job oriented activities in rural areas like food 
processing also require a considerable amount of 
water. In order to improve rural livelihood, expand 
local economies, create decent jobs, and maintain 
a healthy and productive workforce in rural 
areas, it is essential to provide improved access 
to irrigation and drinking water through efficient 
water management. 
Challenges in Water Management
India is facing a number of challenges in 
water management such as high inter-temporal 
and spatial variations in the availability of water 
resources due to varied hydro-meteorological 
conditions, declining per-capita water availability 
Kurukshetra      July  2022 33
efficient management of water resources are 
primarily taken by the State Governments, as 
water is a State subject. In order to support and 
supplement the efforts of the State Governments, 
Central Government provides technical and 
financial assistance to the States through various 
schemes and programmes. At the central level, 
the Ministry of Jal Shakti is the nodal agency 
responsible for policy formulation, planning, 
funding and coordination of programmes for 
sustainable water management. 
Government of India is committed towards 
the rational and efficient water management to 
ensure sustainable rural livelihood in the country. 
To this effect, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee 
Yojana (PMKSY) was launched on 1 July 2015 with 
the motto of Har Khet Ko Paani. The scheme is 
being implemented to expand cultivated area with 
assured irrigation, reduce wastage of water and 
improve water use efficiency. The scheme also 
focuses on creating protective irrigation by 
harnessing rainwater at micro level through Jal 
Sanchay and Jal Sinchan. Micro-irrigation is also 
incentivised through subsidy to ensure water use 
efficiency in the agriculture sector by promoting 
appropriate technological interventions like 
drip and sprinkler irrigation technologies and 
encourage the farmers to use water saving 
and conservation practices. Focusing on water 
conservation, capacity building and minimising 
wastages, the National Water Mission (NWM) was 
launched in the year 2009. It also aims at ensuring 
equitable distribution of water both within and 
across States through integrated water resource 
development and management.
The Government of India has accorded high 
priority not only to improve irrigation facilities in 
rural areas but also on providing clean and safe 
drinking water to every rural household. As a part 
of this endeavour, Prime Minister announced Jal 
Jeevan Mission-Har Ghar Jal (JJM) on 15 August 
2019. The JJM aims to provide adequate and safe 
drinking water to every rural household through 
a functional tap connection by the year 2024. For 
the implementation of this pan India movement 
on water, there is provision of an outlay of Rs 3.60 
lakh crore in partnership with States. With the 
objective to improve water availability conditions 
in the country, a campaign for water security and 
conservation under Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) was 
launched in the year 2019 in 256 water-stressed 
districts. Realising the utmost importance of 
rainwater conservation and recharge, a campaign 
under Jal Shakti Abhiyan,“Catch The Rain 2022” 
was launched by Hon’ble President of India Shri 
Ram Nath Kovind on March 29, 2022. The Ministry 
of Jal Shakti has proposed the implementation 
of this campaign with the theme catch the 
rain where it falls, when it falls from April to 
November 2022. The recommendations for the 
implementation of the campaign are (i) water 
conservation and rain water harvesting (ii) 
renovation of traditional and other water bodies 
(iii) re-use of bore well recharge structures and (iv)
watershed development. Central Government has 
formulated a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for 
Water Resources Development which envisages 
transfer of water from water surplus basins to 
water deficit basins through inter-linking of rivers. 
Under the NPP, the National Water Development 
Agency has identified 30 links (16 Peninsular and 
14 under Himalayan Component) to be pursued in 
a consultative way. 
It has been observed that the regions where 
the crops like paddy, wheat and sugarcane are 
grown have higher groundwater stress levels. 
In view of this, Crops Diversification Programme 
(CDP) is being implemented in the original green 
revolution states viz. Punjab, Haryana and Western 
UP since 2013-14, to shift towards less water 
requiring crops such as oilseeds, pulses, coarse 
cereals, nutri cereals, cotton, etc. An amount of 
Rs 120 crore as Central share was earmarked for 
implementation of the programme during 2021-
22. The crop diversification in the country has 
also been promoted through the MSP policy. In 
recognition of river Ganga’s significant economic, 
environmental, cultural and religious value, the 
Government of India has declared river Ganga as 
the national river in 2008. Further, the Government 
of India launched the Namami Gange Mission in 
2014 as an integrated and multi-sectoral mission 
for conservation of Ganga and its tributaries. The 
Mission aims to protect, conserve and rejuvenate 
the basin of river Ganga. 
Future Initiatives
The total population of India is estimated 
to be around 1,388 million in 2021. Due to 
Kurukshetra      July  2022 34
stagnant water resources on the one hand and 
ever increasing population on the other hand, 
per capita annual water availability in the country 
has come down sharply during the last 70 years. 
It is estimated to decline to 1,341 cubic meters 
by 2025.  If the current trends in the demand 
and supply of water continue, then soon India is 
likely to become a water-scarce country. This will 
have serious implications for the sustainability 
of agriculture, food security, livelihoods, rural 
sanitation, and sustainable growth. For making 
India a water secure nation, especially the rural 
regions of the country, a lot of challenges are 
needed to be addressed from both, the demand 
as well as the supply side of water. From the 
demand side; population pressures, changing 
cropping pattern, high rate of urbanisation, rapid 
industrialisation, and issues relating to climate 
change need to be urgently addressed. On the 
supply side; proper conservation, storage, and 
distribution of water need to be prioritised. To 
meet the increasing demand of water for irrigation 
and drinking purposes increased public investment 
for the creation of water infrastructure is also the 
need of the hour.
Over exploitation of groundwater is also a 
cause of concern. Groundwater is not only the 
main source of irrigation for about 60 percent of 
the net irrigated area but also fulfills more than 85 
percent demand for potable water in rural areas. 
The problem with the groundwater is that it is not 
only depleting at a rapid rate, but in some parts 
of the country it is highly contaminated with the 
presence of arsenic and fluoride. In this context, 
necessary technological interventions are needed 
for the treatment and removal of contaminants 
and promotion of the re-use of water. Rainwater 
harvesting and artificial recharge of groundwater 
by utilising surplus rainfall runoff is also the best 
supply side water management option for the 
sustainability of groundwater sources. 
The existing cropping pattern is skewed 
towards cultivation of sugarcane, paddy and wheat 
which has led to depletion of fresh groundwater 
resources at an alarming rate in many parts of 
our country. Crop diversification can be used as 
a useful tool to promote sustainable agriculture. 
Natural farming can also be promoted to sustain 
agricultural production with eco-friendly processes 
in harmony with nature. In order to widen the 
access and availability of water in rural areas, 
there is the need to take steps to preserve and use 
the water judiciously with the active community 
participation. Emphasis should be on addressing 
critical gaps in the value chain through technology 
infusion, optimal water management to achieve 
‘Per Drop, More Crop’.
Proper water resource management, revival 
of aquifers, and traditional rainwater harvesting 
structures with the active participation of local 
communities and NGOs also need to be promoted. 
The groundwater resources should be managed  
carefully, through improving the recharge of 
water resources and plugging over-exploitation to 
prevent the critical and semi-critical assessment 
units from further worsening. Last but not least, 
public awareness regarding the rational use of 
water needs to be promoted through education, 
information and communication. 
References
1. Central Ground Water Board, GOI. 
Groundwater Year Book India, 2019-20.
2. Department of Water Resources, GOI, Dynamic 
Ground Water Resources of India, 2020.
3. H.L. Sharma, (2020), Status of Safe Drinking 
Water and Sanitation in Rural India, 
Kurukshetra, 68 (12), October, 42-45.
4. Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI. Master Plan for 
Artificial Recharge to Groundwater in India, 
October 2020.
5. Central Water Commission, GOI, Water 
Resources at a Glance, 2021.
6. Department of Water Resources, GOI, Water 
Resources Information System, 2021.
7. H.L. Sharma, (2022), “xzkeh.kfodklesa—f"kdk;ksxnku”, 
Kurukshetra (Hindi Ed), 68 (03), January, 18-
23.
8. Ministry of Jal Shakti, GOI, Survey to Identify 
Water Stressed Areas, 2022.
9. H.L. Sharma, (2022), “Strengthening Rural 
Economy”, Kurukshetra), 70 (05), March, 27-32.
(The author is Associate Professor of 
Economics, Govt. P.G. College Bilaspur, Views 
expressed are personal. Email: hlsharmablp@
gmail.com)