South India's Water Crisis

"Navigating South India's Water Crisis: Compounding Challenges and Urgent Actions"

GS PAPER 3

Severity of Water Deficit in South India's Reservoirs:

Only 23% of reservoir holding capacity filled, 9 percentage points lower than the rolling decadal average.
Imminent crisis highlighted by The Hindu's analysis of Central Water Commission data.
Previous summertime water crisis in 2017; current situation anticipated to be worse
(Note: The Central Water Commission (CWC) is a distinguished technical organization in India specializing in water resources. It currently operates as an attached office under the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation within the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.)

Factors Exacerbating the Crisis:

Influence of El Niño events making monsoons more erratic; ongoing event among the five strongest in recorded history.
2023 recorded as the warmest year on record, with predictions of worsening conditions in 2024 and beyond.
General election leading to millions spending additional time outdoors, potentially exacerbating water usage.
excess use of rainfed rivers like Kaveri

Persistent Issues in Policy and Implementation:

Despite improvements in policies and forecasting, on-ground preparedness remains inadequate.
Factors like unplanned urban growth, over-extraction of groundwater, low water reuse efficiency, insufficient community involvement, and degradation of catchment areas persist.

Impact of Climate Change on Compounding Crises:

Climate change intensifying crises in low- and middle-income countries like India.
Altered weather patterns increasing the likelihood of simultaneous crises, worsening socio-economic conditions for marginalized groups.
Water crisis seen as both a standalone issue and a compounding factor for other crises.

Government Response and Lessons Learned:

Region's precarious water situation after a single year of deficient rain suggests failure in learning or ignoring lessons from past crises.
Governments and policymakers need reminding that crises are not solely about water or the fault of climate change.