4.1.4. Water Demand and Utilisation

India has traditionally been an agrarian economy, and about two-thirds of its population have been dependent on agriculture. Hence, the development of irrigation to increase agricultural production has been assigned a very high priority in the Five Year Plans.

India's economy relies significantly on agriculture, which requires ample water supply. To support this, the government has prioritized irrigation projects in its development plans. This means that water management is critical for agricultural productivity, directly impacting food security and the economy.

Think of a farmer needing rain to grow crops. Just as rain is crucial, irrigation systems are like a farmer's lifeline, helping ensure they have enough water even during dry seasons.

In India, agriculture accounts for most of the surface and groundwater utilisation, with irrigation needs dominating water consumption. Agriculture accounts for 89 per cent of the surface water and 92 per cent of the groundwater utilisation.

The majority of water resources in India are used for agriculture, reflecting its importance in the economy. Irrigation helps farmers grow enough food. The high percentages highlight how critical managing water resources effectively is to sustain farming and the livelihoods that depend on it.

Imagine a sponge soaking up water. Just like this sponge holds more water for later use, irrigation systems help store and use water for farming, making sure crops can grow even when it doesn’t rain.

The total replenishable groundwater resources in the country are about 432 cubic km. Groundwater utilisation is high in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu, but some states like Chhattisgarh and Odisha use only a small portion of their groundwater potential.

Groundwater is a significant resource, but its use varies widely across the country. Some states utilize it extensively, while others do not tap into their potential. This discrepancy can lead to regions facing water shortages, as those with high usage may deplete their resources faster than they can replenish.

Think of a bank account. If you withdraw money more than you deposit, you will run out of funds. Similarly, overusing groundwater can lead to wells running dry, especially in areas heavily reliant on it.

Irrigation is vital in India due to irregular rainfall patterns. Areas like the north-western region and Deccan Plateau are especially prone to droughts, making water for irrigation essential to maintain agricultural productivity.

Different regions in India experience varying rainfall, leading to some areas frequently facing droughts where crops cannot grow without irrigation. Therefore, providing consistent water through irrigation is crucial for food production, making agricultural planning essential for national food security.

Imagine planning a picnic. If you know there's a chance of rain, you bring an umbrella or a tent. Similarly, irrigation acts as a backup plan for farmers, ensuring their crops have sufficient water even when rains are unpredictable.

The per capita availability of water is dwindling due to population growth and pollution. The overuse of groundwater is causing the groundwater table to decline, impacting agriculture and increasing salinity in soils.

As more people need water, the available amount per person decreases. Pollution from various sources further reduces the quality and availability of clean water. Moreover, excessive groundwater extraction leads to lower water tables, which can make it difficult for plants to access water, harming crops.

This can be likened to a group of friends sharing a pizza. If more people join and want their share, each friend gets less. Just like that, as the population grows, the available water per person shrinks, affecting everyone.

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