Background

As per recent reports by NITI Aayog, India is one of the most water strained nations in the world and is home to 18% of the total population with only 4% of the total water resources. The impact of this disproportion is already evident in regions across the country, and further exacerbated by the growing urban population, which is resulting in increasing levels of demand for water. At present, the water supply available in urban bodies is approximately 69.25 liters per capita per day, whereas the demand in most urban areas is roughly 135 LPCD. This gap between the availability and demand of water is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. 

The increase in groundwater depletion as well as the pollution of water sources is further compounding this water crisis. Official projections show that over half of the Indian population will be residing in urban areas by 2050, and facing a severe water shortage. To ensure continued access to safe and clean water, especially among socioeconomically weaker communities that already face staggered access to clean water supply, efforts to conserve and preserve water need to be amplified. Thus, sustainable and environmentally conscious urban planning is the need of the hour.