INDIA GROUNDWATER
North India lost 450 cubic km of groundwater in 2 decades, climate change to worsen depletion: Study
About 450 cubic kilometres of groundwater was lost in northern India during 2002-2021 and climate change will further accelerate its depletion in the years to come, according to a new study. This is about 37 times the quantity of water the Indira Sagar dam -- India's largest reservoir -- can hold at full capacity, lead author Vimal Mishra, Vikram Sarabhai Chair Professor of Civil Engineering and Earth Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar, said.
Not politics, not interest rates: India's surging economy at risk from water
India is facing a growing water crisis, with the country's growing water stress potentially impacting its growth. The country's growing water stress could affect agricultural production and industrial operations, leading to food inflation and declines in income for affected businesses and workers, especially farmers. Contaminated water kills about 200,000 Indians each year, and the government is focusing on conserving the resource, recycling waste water, and reducing the country's over-reliance on the annual monsoon, especially in the agricultural sector.
Water stress pouring into economic stress
According to a CSE analysis, India experienced extreme weather events on 235 of the 273 days during Jan 1-Sep 30, 2023. The water emergency, however, is not just about scarcity. Rivers are polluted, traditional water harvesting systems are gone, catchments are deforested, groundwater levels are depleting and water bodies are disappearing. India has over 18% of the world's population, but only 4% of its freshwater resources. A 2018 NITI Aayog report stated that India is 'suffering from the worst water crisis in its history'.
Ghaziabad pulled out an alarming 123% of groundwater last year; Noida not far behind
Ghaziabad and Noida face severe water crises as groundwater extraction rates soar, with Ghaziabad extracting 123% of its total last year. Efforts to replenish are falling short, causing concern in overexploited areas like Muradnagar. Experts stress balance in extraction and recharge, urging sustainable management amid rising depletion. Initiatives like AMRUT 2.0 offer hope, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to mitigate future shortages.
Stocks of the new political order: 4 stocks from irrigation pumps and allied sector
It is not that earlier farmers were not getting money under schemes initiated by the Modi government. But the first file which was signed by PM Modi after taking over office for the third time was related to releasing money to the farmers. While there is no doubt that focus on increasing farmer income and boosting agricultural productivity has been on the priority list of the government for the last ten years. But sometimes, a change in the political equation ensures that messaging and amplification of that policy changes is done more in terms of numbers and more effectively. There is a greater likelihood that more money would be pushed toward rural India and given the past track record of it is very likely that policy measures to boost productivity in agriculture will come. Which means another round of re-rating of some stocks in the chain which works in the rural economy.
Delhi turning into Bengaluru? A dive into national capital's water woes
Dehi water crisis: Delhi faces a worsening water crisis, with videos of residents struggling for water going viral. The blame game among politicians, including the AAP government and neighbouring states, has escalated. Despite efforts to increase water production, the city's infrastructure challenges and mismanagement persist. Groundwater overexploitation and inter-state disputes exacerbate the complex situation.
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Is the world running out of water supplies? These cities have acute drinking water crises.
The water crisis is being caused due to outdated supply infrastructure and mismanagement. Solutions are needed that leverage technology.
Water scarcity an opportunity to solution providers: JP Morgan
Water scarcity in India presents opportunities for companies offering solutions, according to a J.P. Morgan report. India has 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its freshwater. Key companies like Larsen & Toubro, Voltas, and Thermax are improving water efficiency and availability. The agriculture sector faces high groundwater exploitation, with the north-west region at critical risk. Additionally, 40% of power plants are in water-scarce areas, stressing the need for innovations like solar PV to reduce reliance on freshwater.
Climate tech has a promising future in India: Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor, Environmental Defense Fund, India
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) wants India to become the first major economy to industrialise without carbonising, says Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor, Environmental Defense Fund, India.
Water shortage, poor drainage, traffic jams pressing issues in South Delhi
With voting on May 25 for the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat, residents share the issues they face. The region faces water scarcity, traffic congestion, and inadequate drainage. Residents prioritised basic amenities over political issues like the chronic water crisis and infrastructural challenges. Candidates like Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Sahi Ram Pehalwan promise solutions, focusing on healthcare, education, and sports facilities in the region.
Why urban villagers in outer Delhi constituency feel like outsiders; All you need to know
In the Outer Delhi constituency, urban villagers feel neglected and marginalised, as basic amenities and infrastructure improvements continue to elude them. Despite being part of the bustling capital, these residents often feel like outsiders in their own city. Here’s a closer look at their struggles and concerns.
Bengaluru turning Rajasthan? Water crisis to worsen situation in Karnataka that's already India's second-largest arid region
Bengaluru's tech prowess is overshadowed by a severe water crisis. The city's infrastructure strain, political promises, and ongoing projects like Cauvery V stage underscore the critical need for sustainable water management in the bustling tech hub.
India’s hot summer creates winners in its pricey stock market
The coming months will also see hundreds of millions of voters attend campaign rallies and head to the polls in a parliamentary election that lasts for weeks starting mid-April. Such increased activity will likely amplify the impact of extreme weather and boost demand for products to tackle heat.
IPL 2024 Live in US: Indian Premier League matches in India's 'Silicon City' are under scanner. Here's why
IPL 2024 season is underway successfully but its Bengaluru venue, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, appears to have hit a bumper. Meanwhile, the action won't stop as all the live action around IPL 2024 will be available in the US, that too, for free.
Water, make it a political issue
Approaching elections bring water to the forefront as a critical, politicised issue. Winter rainfall shortage, groundwater depletion, and El Nino's impact exacerbate water stress. Addressing reservoir capacities, warmer summers, and climate disruptions is crucial for sustainable water management.
Bengaluru water crisis: India’s most innovative cities are running out of water
During the construction of Egypt's pyramids, the Indus Valley civilisation thrived with advanced cities, art, and undeciphered writing. Now, a drought is driving tech professionals away from Bengaluru, as water shortages worsen in southern India. The region's economic importance and political challenges make addressing water scarcity crucial for its future prosperity and global impact.
World Water Day 2024: Close the tap before it's dry
Decades back, agriculture was termed a 'gamble on the monsoon'. Earlier, with surface water being tapped through canal irrigation systems, parts of India were somewhat insulated from this. However, groundwater, which was supposed to be a reserve for challenging times, became a primary resource. India is the largest user of groundwater in the world. The Gangetic belt, with its cropping patterns, has exploited wells to the extent of 78%, and may face critically low groundwater availability in a few years.
DryLuru: India’s Silicon Valley either looking up at the skies or awaiting tankers for water
India’s technology city is either looking up at the skies or awaiting tankers for water. Since Cauvery alone cannot fulfill Bengaluru’s water needs, experts say the city needs an approach integrating multiple sources for long-term solutions. What happened earlier this month is just a warning.
India looks for new Bengalurus as its Silicon Valley goes downhill
Bengaluru's severe water crisis and traffic congestion are prompting tech giants to consider relocating from the $245 billion IT hub. The city's civic challenges may impact India's IT industry landscape, compelling companies to explore emerging cities.
Crops, consumption and connectivity: the 3Cs at the core of India’s agricultural asymmetries
The country is the largest producer of many crops but it still has to resort to imports to meet domestic demand. Experts say we have to plug the gaps in the supply chain linking production and consumption centres to make the sector efficient and reduce import dependency.
Methi vs Hilbah: This bitter herb connects India to Yemen
India’s trade links with Yemen are ancient, but during the British Raj, the connections became even closer with the colony of Aden, and the larger Aden Protectorate, comprising much of south Yemen, being controlled from the Bombay Presidency
2023: As India gasps for breath, NGT cracks whip to spur authorities strive for cleaner air, water
A highlight of the tribunal's directions involved restoring the pristine sanctity of rivers, many of which are venerated entities like the Ganga and Yamuna. Express orders were passed for not discharging sewage into the rivers and for protecting the floodplains. Acknowledging the pressing issue of pollution of the Ganga and its tributaries in West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, the NGT sought a report from each district from the District Ganga Protection Committees headed by the District Magistrate across the five states.
Arsenic found in groundwater in 25 states, fluoride in 27 states
The CGWB under the Ministry of Jal Shakti conducts regular monitoring and assessment of groundwater quality including ground water contamination of Arsenic and Fluoride. The board has carried out various studies in collaboration with other institutions, he said.
UN report warns India heading towards groundwater depletion tipping point
A new report by the United Nations warns that some areas in the Indo-Gangetic basin in India have already reached the tipping point of groundwater depletion, and the entire northwestern region is expected to face critically low groundwater availability by 2025. The report highlights that the world is approaching six environmental tipping points, including groundwater depletion, which can lead to irreversible changes in ecosystems and climate patterns.
By 2080, India could lose groundwater by 3 times the current rate: Study
A study led by the University of Michigan warns that if Indian farmers continue to draw groundwater at the current rate, the rate of groundwater depletion could triple by 2080. This could have severe implications for the country's food and water security, as well as the livelihoods of over one-third of its population.
An impending water crisis can cripple India's agriculture sector. Here's how to tackle it
Consuming over 80% of the country's freshwater, agriculture in India is one of the key areas being disrupted by climate change. Farmers often rely on groundwater resources to secure their crops against uncertain weather patterns. According to the Water Resources Group (WRG), by 2030, India will only have 50% of the water it needs. This imminent crisis is likely to be the worst in India's history and will disproportionately impact agriculture.
High arsenic concentration in groundwater in 18 districts of Bihar: Study
High arsenic concentration has been found in groundwater in 18 districts of Bihar, as well as its correlation with incidences of gallbladder cancer at these places, according to a new study, a senior official said. People in these districts are drinking water with arsenic concentration greater than the World Health Organisation's permissible limit of 10 microgram per litre, he said.
Water-stressed Karnataka proposes penalty for unnecessary use of water, restricting groundwater extraction
However, the policy promises measures to tackle the challenges ahead by proposing measures such as penalties for unwise use of water, restricting groundwater extraction, among others, as it aims to provide directions for strengthening water resources management and to optimise the use of the state's limited water resources, officials from the Water Resources Department said.
Bihar sends groundwater samples for testing amid worries about high uranium concentration
Bihas has sent groundwater samples collected from Nalanda, Nawada, Katihar, Madhepura, Vaishali, Supaul, Aurangabad, Gaya, Saran and Jehanabad for scientific analysis. The uranium concentration reported in previous studies in the state will be compared with the new findings. While the Bureau of Indian Standard does not have a standard for uranium in drinking water, WHO has set standards for uranium in drinking water as 30 g/L.
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