Innovative solutions to Bengal's water crisis

Water resources are finite, critical for economic growth, and essential for ecology.

- S K SARKAR AND K K SHARMA

Water resources are finite, critical for economic growth, and essential for ecology. India's water resources are under tremendous pressure. India's per capita water availability is likely to touch the water-scarce scenario by 2050. By 2050, India's water demand is expected to be 1180 billion cubic meters (BCM), which will far exceed the water availability at 1126 BCM. The irrigation sector is the highest water-consuming sector, much above the trends in developed countries. Rain alone fulfills only 20 percent of water demand, while the balance relies heavily on depleting groundwater resources. Seventy-eight percent of monsoon rainwater flows into the ocean every year, and 6 percent of annual rainwater is saved or stored every year.

Although West Bengal is a water-surplus state, it faces a significant water scarcity problem in some districts where groundwater depletion, climate change, and increased demand are major contributing factors. Over-extraction and inefficient water use have led to declining groundwater levels, especially in the Gangetic basin. Changes in rainfall patterns and increased temperature are exacerbating the scarcity, especially in Purulia. Population growth, urbanization, and industrialization are increasing the demand for water, putting strain on existing water resources. There are regional variations: while some areas, like the 'Gangetic Alluvial Zone,' have access to surface water, others, like Purulia, face more water scarcity.