Water Stress: Definition and Regional Variations in India

What is Water Stress?
Water stress refers to the situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply, or where water quality restricts its usage. It arises due to the overuse of water resources, climate change, and population growth, leading to scarcity in meeting daily water needs for agriculture, industries, and households. India, with its large population and diverse climatic conditions, faces significant water stress, affecting economic growth, food security, and livelihoods.

Regional Differences in Water Stress
Water stress varies across India due to geographical, climatic, and socio-economic factors:

1. North-Western India: States like Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana experience severe water stress due to arid climates, over-extraction of groundwater, and inefficient agricultural practices. For instance, Punjab’s water table is depleting rapidly due to intensive paddy cultivation, making the region vulnerable to droughts.
2. Southern India: States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka face frequent water disputes, like the Cauvery river dispute, due to unequal distribution of river waters and erratic rainfall patterns. These regions often rely on monsoons, and their failure leads to severe droughts and water shortages.
3. Eastern and Northeastern India: These regions, such as Assam and West Bengal, are relatively water-rich but still experience water stress due to floods, water contamination, and poor infrastructure. In recent years, urban water management has been a growing concern, especially in cities like Kolkata.
4. Central India: Regions like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra face water stress due to irregular rainfall and over-dependence on monsoons, leading to recurrent droughts, like the Marathwada drought of 2016.

Conclusion
Water stress in India is a complex issue driven by regional variations in climate, water management practices, and socio-economic factors. Addressing these differences requires localized solutions, sustainable water management, and policy interventions to ensure long-term water security.