THIRSTY INDIA

P.P - Environmental Issues

Semester 09 - 5th Year

GROUP MEMBERS :

1918 - Bhavya Mewada

1937 - Gurusha Sood
 Introduction:
India's geographical location plays a significant role in its water scarcity issues.

MONSOON GROUNDWATE CLIMATE

TOPOGRAPHY RIVERS R DEPLETION CHANGE
DEPENDENCE

Variability in India's diverse topography,
monsoons in both including the Himalayan
time and space leads mountain range and
to there being Deccan Plateau, influences
extremities. Some rainfall patterns, causing
places experiencing heavy rainfall in windward
floods while others regions and reduced
experiencing rainfall in leeward regions,
droughts. contributing to water
scarcity.
India's major rivers, like the
Ganges, Brahmaputra, and
Yamuna, provide
significant water resources,
but their seasonal flow,
monsoon rain dependency,
pollution, and
mismanagement
contribute to water
scarcity.
Urbanization,
industrialization, and
agriculture have led to
excessive groundwater
extraction, causing
declining water tables,
aquifer depletion, and
coastal saltwater intrusion,
exacerbated water scarcity.
India is at risk due to climate
change, causing altered
precipitation patterns, rising
temperatures, and increased
extreme weather events,
which further strain water
resources and worsen water
scarcity issues.

01 |
 Causes of Water Scarcity

India's Water Scarcity Challenges

• Uneven Rainfall Distribution: India's monsoon climate
results in uneven rainfall distribution, leading to flooding and
prolonged dry spells.
• Population Growth: Rapid population growth,
urbanization, and industrialization increase water demand,
leading to overexploitation of water resources.
• Agricultural Practices: Inefficient irrigation methods,
overuse of chemical fertilizers, and cultivation of
water-intensive crops contribute to water wastage and
depletion of groundwater resources.
• Groundwater Depletion: Excessive extraction of
groundwater, especially for agriculture, leads to declining
water tables and aquifer depletion.
• Pollution: Industrial discharge, untreated sewage,
agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal
contaminate water bodies, exacerbating water scarcity.
• Climate Change: Alternated precipitation patterns, rising
temperatures, and increased extreme weather events stress
water resources and disrupt traditional water management
systems.
• Deforestation and Land Degradation: Urban expansion,
unsustainable land-use practices, and inadequate
infrastructure hamper effective water resource allocation
and conservation.

05 |
02 |
03 |
05 |
 Impacts of Water Scarcity

Water Scarcity Impacts in India

Agriculture:
Water scarcity can lead to reduced crop yields and increased
vulnerability for farmers. Water scarcity can disrupt industrial
operations, causing production losses and increased costs.

Industry:
Water scarcity can disrupt production processes in industries like
manufacturing, textiles, food processing, and power
generation.Disruption can result in production losses, increased
costs, and economic impacts.

Urban Areas:
Rapid urbanization and population growth can lead to
inadequate supply, water rationing, and public health concerns.

Ecosystems:
Water scarcity can alter hydrological cycles, reduce habitat
quality, and threaten biodiversity.

Health and Sanitation:

Water scarcity can lead to waterborne diseases like diarrhea,
cholera, and typhoid.

Livelihoods:
Reduced water availability can lead to income losses, food
insecurity, migration, and socio-economic disparities.

06 |
Water-Scarcity Affected Countries: Global
 Impacts of Water Scarcity Globally
India's Water Scarcity Impact

Agricultural Impact:
Water scarcity could reduce agricultural productivity, impacting global
food supplies and prices. Crop failures and food shortages could
disrupt international food markets and exacerbate food insecurity.

Economic Impact:
Water scarcity could disrupt industrial production, supply chains, and
trade, affecting global markets and economic stability. Reduced
economic growth could have ripple effects on the global economy.

Climate Change:
Water scarcity contributes to global climate variability and
environmental degradation. Addressing water scarcity requires global
cooperation on climate mitigation and adaptation.

Migration and Displacement:

Water scarcity can trigger migration and displacement, leading to
social, political, and humanitarian challenges. Global cooperation is
needed to address root causes of migration and support vulnerable
populations.

Water Resources Management:

Water scarcity and competition for shared water resources can lead to
regional tensions and conflicts.

Environmental Sustainability:
Degradation of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and pollution of water
bodies can affect global ecological balance and contribute to climate
change.

08 |
 BOSTON
EFFICIENT ISRAEL
USAGE IN RECYCLING
COMPANIES WASTEWATER
AND
SAUDI
CERTIFICATION
ARABIA-
DESALINATIO
N

NORTHERN CHINA
CAPE TOWN EFFICIENT
WATER DRAINAGE AND
CONSERVATION IRRIGATION IN
TRAINING TO AGRICULTURAL
KIDS, PRACTICES
LEAK DETECTION
PIPING ETC

SAN FRANCISCO
UTILIZING
LOW-FLOW
SHOWER HEADS,
WATER SAVING

FAUCETS/TOILETS

UNITED
KINGDOM
WATER METERS
AT HOMES
INFORMING THE
CITIZENS ABOUT
THEIR USAGE
 Traditional Methods:

Baoris of Rajasthan & Gujarat: also known as Stepwells are an architectural marvel,
built in 9th century as a source of water for the neighbourhood community during
water scarcity. It was also a community gathering space for locals and royals.

09 |
 Traditional Methods:

Johads of Rajasthan are small earthen check dams that capture and
conserve rainwater, improving percolation and groundwater recharge.

10 |
 Fog Harvesting Method:

Warka Waters comprising a bamboo frame that supports a mesh polyester material inside, in which atmospheric
water vapor from either rain, fog, or dew, condenses against the cold surface of the mesh, forming droplets of liquid
water that trickle down into a reservoir found at the bottom of the structure a fabric canopy shades the lower sections
of the tower to prevent the collected water from evaporating.
11 |
 Groundwater Recharge:

Rain Gardens - Green Streets Bioswales - Green Parking Recharge Pits

12 |
 Recycle of Water:

Desalination Plant:

Greywater Recycle:
13 |
 Rainwater Harvesting:

14 |
 Hydro-Urbanism : City Scale

01 |
References:
- https://www.dezeen.com/tag/water-harvesting/
- https://www.wipo.int/wipo_magazine/en/2018/03/article_0003.html
- https://parametric-architecture.com/designing-with-purpose-incorporating-rainwater-harvesting/
- https://inhabitat.com/httpinhabitat-comwp-adminpost-phppost519497actioneditmessage1/cloud-harvester-2/
- https://www.designboom.com/architecture/warka-water-tower-bamboo-sustainable-clean-drinking-water-air-02-15-2019/
- https://social.niti.gov.in/uploads/sample/water_index_report.pdf
- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindubusinessline.com%2Feconomy%2Fagri-business%2Fwh
y-india-struggles-to-cope-with-droughts%2Farticle27050442.ece&psig=AOvVaw1PWxi4VcyvgORGa2uyecXb&ust=17084498463
99000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCKC04-X1t4QDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ownguru.com%2Fblog%2Flist-of-15-important-rivers-in-india%2F&
psig=AOvVaw3bNxLHRggABaoETZ0haoik&ust=1708450566069000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBEQjRxq
FwoTCKiXs7z4t4QDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.m.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FFile%3AIndia_southwest_summer_mon
soon_onset_map_en.svg&psig=AOvVaw2CCkrTDxUBEs0Rx3Zfn9h_&ust=1708450490021000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=8
9978449&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCJiIkJf4t4QDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAQ
- https://allamericanenviro.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/shutterstock_1149473114.jpg
- https://populationmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Water-shortages-rect-no-logo.png
- https://www.sketchbubble.com/en/presentation-water-crisis-in-india.html
- https://impacx.io/blog/top-cities-breaking-the-mold-in-water-conservation/
-
Thank You
1. What is the environmental issue in the topic.
2. What are the causes of the environmental issue in the topic.
3. Statistical data of the environmental issue in the topic.
4. Who are the immediately affected due to the environmental issue in the topic.
5. How does the environmental issue affect globally.
6. What are the probable solution pertaining to the environmental issue in the topic. Generic solution not required.

- Water Scarcity in India

-
-how is the location of India in the geological context responsible for water scarcity?

India's geographical location plays a significant role in its water scarcity issues. Here's how:

1. Monsoon Dependence: India's climate is heavily reliant on the monsoon season, which provides the majority of its rainfall. However, this
rainfall is highly variable in both time and space, leading to regions experiencing floods while others suffer from droughts. Irregular monsoon
patterns can result in insufficient rainfall, leading to water scarcity in various parts of the country.

2. Topography: India's diverse topography, including the Himalayan mountain range and the Deccan Plateau, affects rainfall patterns. The
Himalayas block the moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean, leading to heavy rainfall in the windward side (northern and northeastern
regions) and creating rain shadows on the leeward side (northwestern regions), where rainfall is significantly reduced, contributing to water
scarcity.

3. Rivers: While India has several major rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna, which provide a significant water resource, their
flow is seasonal and highly dependent on monsoon rains. Additionally, many rivers face pollution and mismanagement issues, reducing their
usability for drinking water and agriculture, exacerbating water scarcity.

4. Groundwater Depletion: Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural activities have led to excessive groundwater extraction,
especially in regions with erratic rainfall patterns. This overexploitation has resulted in declining water tables, depletion of aquifers, and
saltwater intrusion in coastal areas, aggravating water scarcity.

5. Climate Change: India is vulnerable to climate change impacts, including altered precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and increased
frequency of extreme weather events like droughts and floods. These changes further stress water resources and exacerbate water scarcity
issues.

Overall, India's geological and geographical features interact with human activities and climate change to create complex water scarcity
challenges, necessitating sustainable water management practices and adaptation strategies.
Water scarcity in India arises from a combination of natural and human-induced factors:

1. **Uneven Distribution of Rainfall**: India's monsoon climate results in uneven distribution of rainfall across different regions and seasons.
Some areas receive excessive rainfall leading to flooding, while others face prolonged dry spells, contributing to water scarcity.
2. **Population Growth**: Rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrialization have increased the demand for water across various
sectors such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use, leading to overexploitation of water resources.
3. **Agricultural Practices**: Agriculture is the largest consumer of water in India, with inefficient irrigation methods, overuse of chemical
fertilizers and pesticides, and cultivation of water-intensive crops contributing to water wastage and depletion of groundwater resources.
4. **Groundwater Depletion**: Excessive extraction of groundwater, particularly for agriculture, without adequate recharge mechanisms has led
to declining water tables and depletion of aquifers in many parts of the country.
5. **Pollution**: Pollution of surface and groundwater sources due to industrial discharge, untreated sewage, agricultural runoff containing
pesticides and fertilizers, and improper waste disposal contaminates water bodies, making water unfit for consumption and further
exacerbating water scarcity.
6. **Climate Change**: Climate change impacts, such as altered precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and increased frequency of
extreme weather events like droughts and floods, are exacerbating water scarcity by further stressing water resources and disrupting
traditional water management systems.
7. **Deforestation and Land Degradation**: Deforestation, urban expansion, and unsustainable land-use practices contribute to soil erosion,
reduced groundwater recharge, and degradation of watersheds, negatively impacting water availability and quality.
8. **Water Management Challenges**: Inadequate infrastructure, inefficient water management practices, lack of proper water governance,
and institutional weaknesses hamper effective allocation, distribution, and conservation of water resources, aggravating water scarcity issues.

Addressing water scarcity in India requires a multi-faceted approach, including sustainable water management practices, efficient use of water
resources, promotion of water-saving technologies, conservation of ecosystems, and policies to address population growth and climate change
impacts.
Various stakeholders are involved in addressing water scarcity in India, each playing a crucial role in implementing solutions and managing water
resources effectively. Here are some key stakeholders:

1. Government Agencies: Government bodies at the national, state, and local levels, such as the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Water
Commission, State Water Resource Departments, and Municipal Corporations, are responsible for formulating policies, implementing water
management strategies, regulating water usage, and investing in water infrastructure projects.

2. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs and civil society organizations work alongside government agencies to raise awareness
about water scarcity issues, advocate for sustainable water management practices, conduct research, and implement community-based water
conservation and management projects.

3. Private Sector: Private companies, especially those in industries reliant on water resources such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy
production, and mining, have a stake in addressing water scarcity. They can contribute by adopting water-efficient technologies, implementing
water recycling and reuse systems, and supporting community water initiatives as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

4. Farmers and Agricultural Communities: Farmers, as major water users, are directly affected by water scarcity. They play a crucial role in water
conservation through adopting efficient irrigation techniques, crop diversification, rainwater harvesting, and participating in watershed
management programs.

5. Local Communities: Local communities living in water-stressed regions are directly impacted by water scarcity and play a crucial role in
community-based water management initiatives, including rainwater harvesting, watershed restoration, groundwater recharge, and participatory
irrigation management.

Effective collaboration and coordination among these stakeholders are essential for addressing water scarcity comprehensively and sustainably
in India.
- Geology, Soil Strata
- Traditional Water Harvesting (eg: Stepwells)
- Water Harvesting at different scales (Human scale, Architectural scale, Neighborhood scale, City scale)
- Green Infrastructure Techniques
- Concept of Hydro-Urbanism
- Fog-Harvesting Technology
- Warka Water Towers
- Methods to contribute towards groundwater replenishment. Increasing water catchment areas…