The World Resources Institute, a global research non-profit organization, has placed India in the 13th position among the world’s 17 most water-stressed countries. The ranking is derived from the Aqueduct tool that determines water risk scores based on 13 indicators of water risk. Aqueduct’s Global Water Risk Atlas and other tools help users comprehend emerging worldwide water risks and opportunities, aiding them in making informed decisions regarding their management.
Global Water Stress – A Detailed Understanding
Framed as part of WRI’s Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas, Baseline Water Stress (BWS) indicates that one-quarter of the global population is exposed to exceptionally high water stress levels. This suggests that irrigated agriculture, industries, and municipalities withdraw more than 80% of their accessible supply annually. BWS measures the ratio of total water use compared to the yearly renewable surface water supplies.
Rising Global Water Demand
Since the 1960s, we’ve seen water consumption more than double due to the ever-increasing need for it. At the same time, water-stressed nations are primarily located in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with 12 out of the top 17 residing here. This can be attributed to the regions’ geographical conditions—hot and dry—that cause an imbalance in water supply and demand. Expected economic losses from climate-related water scarcity in this region are the highest, according to the World Bank.
| Ranking | Country |
|---|---|
| 1 | Qatar |
| 2 | Israel |
| 3 | Lebanon |
| 13 | India |
| 17 | Botswana |
Analyzed Findings For India
India ranks 13th among extremely high water-stressed countries based on Aqueduct’s assessment. When Northern India was considered for water stress for the first time, the region reported significant groundwater depletion. The list places Chandigarh at the top, closely followed by Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. India’s water crisis goes beyond Chennai, which recently experienced a water shortage.
Potential Implications of Water Stress
Water stress can lead to food insecurity as it affects agricultural irrigation, which requires large water quantities. Additionally, livelihood loss due to increasing water scarcity might force people to migrate—an issue further compounded by financial instability. According to the World Bank, rising water scarcity could erode nations’ GDP, leading to economic issues and many other problems.
Recommendations for Mitigating Water Stress
To tackle the issue of baseline water stress or excessive water withdrawal, countries should consider more efficient irrigation technologies. Water conservation efforts should focus on restoring water bodies like lakes, floodplains, and ponds, with greater emphasis on groundwater recharging to prevent a groundwater crisis. Finally, robust and reliable data regarding rainfall, surface, and groundwater can assist India in managing its water risk and developing strategies to strengthen resilience.
