The factors contributing to the growing need for water in India in both rural and urban areas

Water is essential for the existence of the biotic world including human beings.

It is required nearly for all activities of humankind and its requirement has increased to a great extent but the supply of usable water is limited and water is also being depleted, by excessive utilization, pollution or careless management. Further water is not available everywhere in same quantity.

There are also four major sources of water-surface water, ground water, atmospheric water and ocean water but water on the earth surface is derived from rainfall. All of this water is not available for use because much of it is lost by evaporation, as run-off to rivers, lakes, ponds.

According to an estimate the men annual flow of water in India is about 1869 billion Cubic meters but because of the topographical, hydrological and other constraints only about 690 billion cubic meters of available surface water can be utilized.

This water has multiple uses. Among the economic used of water, irrigation is of vital significance particular in rural areas. Water is also used in power generation industries, transport, and sanitation. Major problem related to water is that most part of India is located in tropical and subtropical region where evapotranspiration is high. So, demand for irrigation purpose is also high.

The distribution of rainfall is very uneven which is confined to only rainy season and also winter and summer seasons are more or less dry in most part of the country. Hence agriculture is not possible without assured irrigation in dry period. Rainfall is also highly variable and uncertain. Not only arrival and withdrawal of rainfall is uncertain but its continuity and intensity.

The water requirement of certain crops such as rice sugarcane, Jute etc, is comparatively high. The high yielding crops also needs regular moisture supply. Apart from agricultural need, the drinking water supply and sanitation also constitute basic necessity of life. It is also crucial for achieving the goal of health for all. Despite the efforts to extend drinking water facilities to people, there are many gaps. Increasing population in town and cities also putting pressure on water resources.

According to an estimate about 90% of the towns have potable water supply but its quality and quantity is below the norms set for the purpose. The water pollution with growing need of water is also a great concern. However, the National Water Policy has assigned highest priority for drinking, water supply.

The drinking water requirements of most of the big cities of India are net from artificial reservoirs but in rural areas, water for domestic purposes is obtained from ground water resources. Ground water sources in rural areas are getting water sources in rural areas in getting depleted by over exploitation for agricultural purposes. In urban areas adequate availability of water is a prerequisite for industrial development.

A recent estimates that the requirement for industrial uses by 2025 would be 120 bcm. Thus, with growing population, industrial activities, agricultural activities the need of water is also growing but water resources problems are multifaceted pertaining to availability, use, quality and management, if the present pattern and pace of use continues, India will face a critical shortage of water of simitable quality to meet future needs.

Irrigation by wells and tube wells has increased very rapidly in recent years; this has caused the lowering of the water table and depletion of ground water resources. More than one hundered districts in ten states such as Punjab, Haryana, Gujrat, and karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, TamilNadu and Uttar Pradesh have already been declared as over exploited and dark districts.