Climate-resilient water infrastructure in India

India receives an annual precipitation of about 3880 BCM and the average water availability is 1999 BCM. Out of this, utilizable water resources are 1126 BCM due to topographic constraints, distribution effects and so forth. In India, agriculture remains the principal source of livelihood for about 54.6% of the population. The overall water demand of the country in 2010 was estimated at 710 BCM, of which the water use in irrigation was about 557 BCM (78%). With limited water resources available for fulfilling the water requirement of all the sectors, it is projected that by 2050 our overall water demand (1180 BCM) would outgrow the total utilizable water resources, namely 1126 BCM. Moreover, the groundwater table in various regions of the country is seeing a decline at an alarming rate.

Additionally, climate change poses significant and far-reaching threats in all spheres of life and the economy. The erratic rainfall pattern makes a significant contribution to the frequent occurrence of floods and droughts in the country.

This paper attempts to put in context the impact of climate change observed on various facets of water resources, the need to develop and invest in climate-resilient water infrastructure, and to highlight several initiatives taken by the government of India in this direction.