WB water alarm: Groundwater hits rock bottom

The report says that while there is an inverse relation between the irrigation levels of cropped area and the population below the poverty line in those areas, the poverty-reducing impact of irrigation is declining. In 1973-74, a one per cent increase in irrigated crop area helped reduce the BPL population by more than 0.5 per cent. By 1999-2000, this ration had fallen to 0.18 per cent.

The groundwater and water storage situation, however, is more worrying. Over the past two decades, 84 per cent of additions to net irrigated area came from groundwater sources, implying a disastrous drain on underground aquifers.

Tamil Nadu is among the worst affected states — only 26 per cent of its groundwater is being used safely. While 37 per cent is over-exploited, the usage of another 37 per cent is close to unsustainable. Across the country, 15 per cent of aquifers are in critical condition — this number is expected to rise to a frightening 60 per cent by 2003.

Among the report’s recommendations:

• Urgent need for large investments in water storage. Most of India’s river basins have a storage capacity of only about 30 days, as compared to the Colorado and Murray-Darling Rivers, which have a storage capacity of 900 days. For a semi-arid country, India’s water storage capacity is very low at 200 cubic metres per capita. The report argues that major investments are required to increase the capacity in both surface and groundwater reservoirs through small projects like local rainwater-harvesting and big dams.

• Official figures show water supply covers 94 per cent of villages and 90 per cent of cities. The report, however, says this is an indication of the infrastructure in place, not services actually provided.

• The India Water Vision had estimated that water supply for all would need $1.6 billion a year for the next 25 years. The Tenth Five Year Plan has reversed the trend of decreasing allocations, they now stand at an average Rs 170 billion ever year. The World Bank, however, estimates that rehabilitating the existing infrastructure alone requires Rs 200 billion annually. The India Water Vision projected a need for new investments of about Rs 180 billion each year.

• The World Bank’s assistance strategy for India’s water sector reforms from hereon will be dramatically different. Lending will increase from $200 million to about $900 million annually.