As the population grows and the demand for water increases in various sectors, the amount of Water availability per person declining. This concerning trend was discussed by environmental experts at a seminar hosted by the Orissa Environmental Society (OES) under the theme “Water Crisis – From Global to Local”. They expressed their worries about the potentially alarming situation that we may soon face.
Be it domestic, agricultural, industrial or business, In India, the per capita water availability in 1951 was 5,200 cubic meters, but it is on the path of diminishing to 1,401 cubic meters by 2025. On the other hand, surface water resources are becoming increasingly polluted, thus becoming unusable and acting as sources of various waterborne diseases. Odishaconnect.com
Global warming and climate change are exacerbating the water crisis further. The melting of polar ice and mountain glaciers and the expansion of surface water are causing sea levels to rise. It affects coastal areas are particularly affected by erosion and other challenges.
Similarly, natural calamities such as floods, cyclones and droughts are on the rise which makes water-related issues more acute. In such a scenario, it is imperative that humanity displays wisdom in the use of water, prevents the pollution of water sources and takes appropriate measures for harvesting rainwater to adequately address the water crisis.
Participating in the seminar as the chief speaker, Gaurang Charan Pati, former Chairman, Central Ground Water Board, Government of India highlighted various aspects of the water crisis in the current scenario. He explained how water is critical to sustainable development and the green revolution for meeting the food security of the exploding population.
As groundwater constitutes 96% of the available freshwater for human consumption, measures need to be undertaken for its effective management and enhance the water use efficiency and reduce its pollution.
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