Is water crisis looming over India? Warning given in Moody’s report, increased concern about water

New Delhi: A new warning has emerged regarding the increasing water shortage in India. Global credit rating agency Moody’s Ratings has said in its report that if water resources are not managed properly, the country may face a serious water crisis in the coming years. According to the report, the current system of water use and distribution is surrounded by many challenges, due to which the problem can become deeper.

In its report, Moody’s has described India’s water management system as weak and less effective. The agency says that the process of distribution of water between different areas is very slow. Apart from this, subsidies given on agriculture and electricity use in many states are continuously increasing government expenditure. About 80 percent of the available fresh water in India is used for agriculture. Since many important decisions related to water management fall under the jurisdiction of states, the policies and priorities of each state are different. This affects the better use of water resources.

Why may water crisis increase?

According to the report, there are many reasons which can further increase the water shortage in future.

1. Lack of balanced distribution of water among different areas.
2. Increasing water demand due to expansion of digital and technological industries.
3. Natural challenges like drought, floods, irregular monsoon and climate change.

Due to all these reasons, the gap between water availability and demand may continuously increase.

Speed ​​of water distribution becomes a concern

Moody’s believes that redistribution of water between agriculture, domestic use and industry is not happening as fast as it should. This problem may become more serious in areas where the demand for water is increasing rapidly. Different policies of the states are also becoming a hindrance in better utilization of water resources. In such areas where there is already water shortage, the situation may become more challenging in the future.

Demand for water increased due to digital economy

Digital services are expanding rapidly in India. Industries related to data center, cloud computing and artificial intelligence are continuously growing. These areas require large amounts of water to cool servers and other technical processes. Experts believe that if water resources are not used in a balanced manner along with technological development, both the demand and pressure of water may increase in the coming years.

Many big challenges before the country

India is already facing many environmental challenges. Drought, flood, weather irregularities and climate change are directly affecting water availability. Apart from this, loss of water in the pipeline network and excessive exploitation of groundwater is also a matter of concern. There are reports of continuous falling groundwater level from many states, which may affect both drinking water and irrigation in future.

Water reserves in Mumbai decreased rapidly

The water situation in the country’s financial capital Mumbai is also a matter of concern. The city is supplied with water from seven major lakes, but the water level in these reservoirs is continuously decreasing. According to Municipal Corporation data, the total water stock available in the reservoirs is now very less. Looking at the current situation, the city is said to have water available for almost a month.

Water problem persists in Delhi also

People are facing water shortage in many areas of the national capital Delhi. In some areas, regular water supply is not being provided for several days. According to the information, less water is being produced in the city compared to normal days. Due to this, water availability has been affected in many areas and people are facing problems.

Vigilance is necessary for Chennai also

Chennai currently has adequate reserves of drinking water and the needs of the city can be met for many months to come. However, here too a continuous decline in groundwater level is being recorded. Along with this, technical and digital industries are expanding rapidly in the city, due to which the demand for water may increase in future. Experts believe that if water resources are not managed properly from now on, Chennai may also have to face water crisis in future.