Mind the Water Gap Please

The ongoing water crisis. We’ve all heard of it, that’s for sure. But do we really understand its true implications? From encroachment of lakes, to the over extraction of groundwater, we really seem to be taking water for granted. Once present in abundance, whether from the chain of lakes that spanned our Green City, or from the mighty glaciers of the Himalayas, water meant much more than politics and daylight robbery. Through the course of this 3 part series called ‘Liquid Life’, I hope to explore the true meaning of water, and delve into its fascinating depths, drop by drop.

Once a verdant haven, the Garden City now grapples with a harsh reality: the water gap, a term that describes the imbalance between water demand and supply. The situation here mirrors the situation of India as a whole, where over-extraction, pollution, and erratic rainfall patterns are some of the main contributors to the problem. According to the World Water Map by National Geographic, India ranks among the most water-stressed countries globally, with per capita water availability dwindling at an alarming rate.

In Bangalore, the water gap paints a grim picture. With rapid urbanization and population growth, the demand for water has skyrocketed, while supply constantly struggles to keep pace. Statistics reveal that the city’s water demand outstrips its supply by a staggering 50%, highlighting the severity of the crisis. Lakes, once lifelines of the city, now resemble barren wastelands due to encroachment and pollution. Groundwater levels plummet as borewells are overexploited to quench the city’s insatiable thirst. Residents face erratic water supply, with almost 20% of people forced to rely on expensive tankers for their daily needs.

Addressing this crisis demands urgent action on multiple fronts. On an individual level, adopting water-saving practices is of utmost importance. Simple measures like fixing leaks and using water-efficient appliances can significantly reduce consumption. Rainwater harvesting also holds immense potential to increase water supply, especially in a city blessed with ample rainfall. It promotes water conservation, decreases demand, and reduces the need for imported water, all of which help us avert the disastrous ongoing water crisis.

Looking at the issue from a national level, policymakers must prioritise sustainable water management. Investing in infrastructure for rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment can alleviate the strain on existing resources. Strict regulations will be needed to curb industrial pollution and promote responsible water usage in agriculture.

International cooperation is equally crucial. Collaborative efforts in technology transfer and research can yield innovative solutions to water scarcity, benefiting not only India but the global community as a whole. Especially considering the fate of the planet’s water woes by 2050. Global water demand is projected to increase by 20% to 25% by 2050, while the number of watersheds facing less predictable water supplies, is expected to increase by 19%. For the Middle East and North Africa, this means 100% of the population will live with extremely high water stress by 2050.

That’s a problem not just for consumers and water-reliant industries, but for political stability all around the world.

The urgency to address India’s water crisis in particular, cannot be overstated. The water gap serves as a stark reminder of the challenges we face. By uniting efforts at all levels – individual, national, and international – we will hopefully be able to navigate these sweltering streams towards a future where every drop certainly counts.

#savetheEarth #watergap #ClimateAction #waterstress #onechance #shalmalisirsi