The need for water that households and industries require threatens the irrigation supply. Water serves as an essential resource which fulfills agricultural requirements as well as industrial needs and supports domestic needs. India dedicates 80% of its entire water supply to agricultural production.

Implications of Increasing Industrial & Domestic Water Demand on Irrigation

1. The water supply destined for crop cultivation decreases because industries and urban areas consume higher amounts of water together with the water needed for energy generation especially within regions that already experience water shortages.
2. The excessive water extraction activities of industries together with urban consumers cause further groundwater depletion problems that affect farmers with borewell and well-based sources.
3. Industrial effluents along with domestic sewage reduce both the amount of available irrigation water and the overall soil health due to water quality deterioration.
4. Water governance should be established to resolve conflicts that develop when water requirements compete between farmers and industrial and municipal sectors.
5. The reduction in rural income becomes more likely as irrigation becomes rain-dependent when crop production volumes decrease due to water scarcity.

Policy Measures to Balance Competing Water Demands 1. Efficient Water Management in Agriculture
1. The implementation of micro-irrigation systems including drip systems and sprinklers should be encouraged to reduce water waste. The implementation of crop diversity practices should focus on selecting low-water-consuming plant species.

2. Managed Water Resources Require a Strong System of Governance Together with Robust Institutional Frameworks
A fair water distribution system should adopt Integrated Water Resource Management as a framework.
The State Water Regulatory Authorities should receive the authority to perform inspections of industrial and domestic water consumption.

3. Industrial & Urban Water Conservation
Water recycling requirements along with treatment obligations must apply to every industrial facility.
Smart water metering systems together with rainwater harvesting should be implemented in urban areas.

4. Groundwater Regulation & Conservation
Industrial organizations need to restrict their groundwater extraction activities.
The government should enhance the water management programs established through Jal Shakti Abhiyan.

5. Strengthening Institutional Arrangements
– Foster public-private partnerships (PPPs) for sustainable water management.
– Promote community-based water governance through Pani Panchayats and Watershed Committees.