Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, March 22: India has a population of roughly 16 percent of the world’s population, but just 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. India has become one of the world’s most water-stressed countries as a result of changing weather patterns and periodic droughts, as well as increased pressure on groundwater resources due to over-reliance.
According to government figures from 2021, more than 90% of India’s groundwater is used for agricultural irrigation. The remaining 24 billion cubic metres meet around 85% of the country’s drinking water needs.
Only 17 percent of India’s 191 million rural households had access to running water as of 2019. According to a report published by the Central Groundwater Board in 2017, approximately 40% of India’s 700 districts reported ‘critical’ or ‘overexploited’ groundwater levels.
Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are the two largest states in terms of area and population and are among around a dozen states where the magnitude of water problem is not just large, but also complex. Karnataka, Bihar, Haryana, Gujarat and Maharashtra are among the other states facing the challenge.
World Water Day is celebrated every year on 22 March. It was first celebrated in the year 1993. According to United Nations (UN) data, even today 220 crore people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water. The UN estimates that India’s 4 major cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai will face severe water crisis by 2030.
In such a situation, it is very important to create awareness about water conservation.
