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Crucial for food security, public health, economic stability, climate change adaptation, and inter-state relations. Highlights the need for sustainable resource management and policy reform.
India faces a severe and escalating water crisis, characterized by extreme water stress, rapidly declining per capita water availability, and unsustainable groundwater extraction, exacerbated by climate change and agricultural policies.
Population vs. Freshwater
18% of global population on just 4% of its freshwater
Per Capita Water Availability
Projected 1,446 cubic metres by 2031 (down from 5,000 at Independence)
Groundwater Extraction
Largest extractor globally (247.22 billion cubic metres annually, ~1/4th of all global extraction)
Regional Over-extraction
Punjab extracts 156.36% of annual recharge
Static syllabus anchors
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Agricultural Policies & Supply Chains |
| Conceptual area | Climate Change & Conventions |
Institutions & roles
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Niti Aayog | Predicts |
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Factual recall
Environmental catastrophe will be a tragedy authored by everyone
05 Jun 2026 · India is grappling with a severe water crisis marked by extreme scarcity, rapidly falling per capita availability, and unsustainable groundwater extraction, driven by agricultural policies and climate change impacts on monsoon patterns.
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Water Scarcity and Groundwater Depletion in India
UPSC has asked 2 linked questions on Water Scarcity and Groundwater Depletion in India in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.
