India's Water Dilemma: How Mumbai's Thirst is Draining Rural Areas Dry
Rural side of India is facing scarcity of water because of Mumbai
Nearly 70 per cent of India's water is contaminated. By 2030, India's water demand is projected to be double the amount available as reiterated by the Interconnected Disaster Risks Report in October 2023. The potential scarcity would affect millions and adversely impact the country's GDP.
The ongoing water scarcity in rural areas has sparked a heated debate, with fingers pointed at Mumbai, the country's financial capital, for diverting water resources away from these regions. As the country grapples with the challenges of climate change, extreme heatwaves, and a burgeoning population, the struggle for access to clean water is becoming increasingly dire.
"India's Water Crisis: How Mumbai's Thirst is Draining Rural Areas Dry Amidst Sweltering Heat and Barren Wells"
Climate change is shifting weather patterns, bringing longer-lasting and more intense droughts.Wells rapidly run dry early in the extreme heat. Well brings water from a river where people wash and animals graze. The wells are also the source of major reservoirs supplying some 60 percent of water to Mumbai.
Mumbai is India's second-biggest and rapidly expanding city, with an estimated population of 22 million, is a significant contributor to the water crisis in rural areas. The city's rapid growth and urbanization have led to an unprecedented demand for water, which is being met by diverting resources from nearby rural areas. This has resulted in a severe imbalance in water distribution, with rural areas bearing the brunt of the crisis.
Demand is increasing in the worlds most populous nation of 1.4 billions but supplies are shrinking with challenges like climate change and extreme heat.
Image of increased urbanization in Mumbai(Image Source : Alamy )
Conclusion
India's water crisis is a complex issue that requires immediate attention and action. By adopting a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of the crisis, India can ensure access to clean water for all its citizens, both in urban and rural areas. It is time for policymakers, urban planners, and citizens to come together to find sustainable solutions to this critical issue. The future of India's water security depends on it.
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