Question

Give two main reasons why water scarcity occurs in India.

Answer 1

Hint: India is a nation in South Asia that is formally known as the Republic of India. It is the world's second-most populous nation, the seventh-largest by land area, and the world's most populous democracy.

Complete answer:
The shortage of fresh water supplies to satisfy the average water demand is known as water scarcity. Water scarcity in India is a persistent problem that affects nearly one million people every year. In addition to affecting India's vast rural and urban populations, water scarcity has a significant impact on the environment and agriculture. India has just 4 percent of the world's freshwater supply, despite its population of over 1.3 billion people.

The drying up of rivers and reservoirs in the summer months, just before the start of the monsoons across the country, contributes to India's water scarcity, as does the disproportionate availability of freshwater. Climate change has added to the problem in recent years, resulting in delayed monsoons and, as a result, the drying out of reservoirs in many areas.

The two main reasons for water scarcity in India are as follows:
- India has seen industrialization since independence. The growth of large industrial houses and an increase in the number of factories have put enormous strain on freshwater resources.
- The increase in the number of densely populated urban areas has put pressure on water resources. Independent water boring systems in many homes and communities have reduced the water table.

Note: According to the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), at least 21 major Indian cities, including the capital New Delhi, will run out of groundwater entirely by 2020. According to the study, approximately 200,000 people die each year in India due to a lack of access to safe drinking water.