"International Journal of Geography, Geology and Environment"

Author(s): Sheetal Katoch

Abstract: Water is the most precious natural resource as it is essential for human survival and life on earth. But the availability of freshwater for human consumption is highly under stress because of a variety of factors. By Water scarcity we mean insufficient freshwater resources to meet the human and environmental demands of a particular area. Adequate access to safe drinking water is a priority for global development. Though most of the countries are progressing, billions of people still lack safe water. However, with the challenges of population growth, profligate use and changes in weather patterns due to global warming, many countries, both rich and poor are facing water scarcity in the 21st century. This problem of water Crisis is most visible in India. India is facing one of its major and most serious water Crisis. India has only 4% of the world’s fresh water resources despite a population of over1.3 billion people. In addition to the uneven availability of freshwater, water scarcity in India results from drying up of rivers and their reservoirs in the summer months, right before the onset of the monsoons throughout the country. The crisis has especially worsened in the recent years due to climate change which results in delayed monsoons, consequently drying out reservoirs in many regions. Other factors attributed to the shortage of water in India are a lack of proper infrastructure, rapid groundwater depletion, government oversight and unchecked water pollution. While discussing the seriousness of this problem, this paper explains the impact of water crisis, factors responsible for water shortage in India and government efforts to tackle the problem of water crisis.

Pages: 24-29 | Views: 538 | Downloads: 167

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