India’s heatwave and stress on water supplies

India is currently facing a severe environmental crisis as extreme heatwaves and water scarcity threaten the well-being of millions. This summer, India recorded an all-time high temperature of over 52.9°C in Delhi and similar record temperatures in Haryana, and Rajasthan, underscoring the intensity of the heatwaves gripping the nation, and the reported death toll has now reached over 143. Moreover, official figures do not include heat as a cause of death, leaving many deaths uncounted. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declares heatwaves when temperatures exceed 40°C in the plains, 30°C in hills, and 37°C in coastal areas. This dual challenge of extreme heat and dwindling water supplies threatens the livelihoods, health, and well-being of millions of people, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions.

Climate change has significantly increased the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in India, resulting in heat-related illnesses, heat stress, and at least 40,000 suspected heat stroke cases. The prolonged heatwave is a result of the naturally occurring El Niño phenomenon, which involves the unusual warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. El Niño also produced a high pressure system that blocked the cooling effects of a moist sea breeze from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.  This warming, combined with rapidly increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide and methane, contributes significantly to the severity and frequency of such heatwaves.

India's water crisis is currently reaching alarming levels. The residents of Delhi, now heavily reliant on water tankers, struggle as these prove insufficient, forcing many to buy bottled water to meet their needs. Additional water supplies from neighbouring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh are being sought to address the capital's urgent water needs and avoid further hardships. To give more relief, the Renuka Dam Project was also initiated, which could supply 23,000 litres of water per second (23 cumecs) to Delhi, but it is estimated that it will take 6-7 years to fully commission, which will add a burden to this pressing situation.

Water scarcity is estimated to affect more than 330 million people in 2024, with half of the nation's land area experiencing drought-like conditions. Experts predict that the country will experience severe water stress as the annual per capita water availability falls below 1,000 cubic metres. Major cities like Chennai and Bengaluru face 'Day Zero' scenarios where water supplies are nearly exhausted. According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), water levels in 150 major reservoirs across the country have dropped to 23%, which is 77% less than last year’s levels at this time. This impacts the Rabi crop, especially in states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

The situation is particularly dire in rural areas and agricultural sectors. In Punjab and Haryana, regions crucial for India's food production, their groundwater levels are declining rapidly. These states, which produce 50% of the national rice supply and 85% of the wheat stocks, are heavily dependent on water-intensive agriculture. The declining water levels threaten crop yields, impacting food security and the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The El Nino phenomenon's lower rainfall, which leads to drought and prolonged dry spells in Asia, is responsible for the country's depleting water levels.

Climate change has altered the quantity and frequency of rainfall, making monsoon patterns more erratic and droughts and floods more common. Such disruptions are expected to continue, placing additional stress on India's already strained water resources. According to the IPCC, heatwaves, which previously occurred once every 10 years without human-caused warming, are now expected to occur 2.8 times more frequently (or once every 3.6 years) and are 1.5°C hotter due to climate change caused by burning fossil fuels. In the case of the five-year period from 2021-26, the 15th Finance Commission had suggested an allotment of Rs 1,60,153 crore to the different State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs) to deal with all sorts of disasters during this period. 

To address this dual challenge of heatwaves and water scarcity, India needs a multifaceted approach. First, mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are essential to slowing down the pace of climate change. Expanding renewable energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency will help reduce the country's carbon footprint.

Second, improving water management practices, investing in rainwater harvesting infrastructure, and promoting water-efficient technologies in agriculture are crucial steps. Urban planning should prioritise green spaces and cooling centres to provide relief during extreme heat events.

Third, public awareness and community involvement are key to managing the crisis. The community-based water management programs will enable local populations to manage their water resources efficiently and sustainably. Also, it is high time that the government considers adding heatwaves as a category of natural disaster in the National Disaster Management Act 2005.

Fourth, government initiatives like the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, which promotes water conservation and management, are steps in the right direction. However, the scale of the problem requires greater coordination and commitment from all sectors of society. Proactive and innovative management of water resources, leveraging technology, and fostering community participation are critical to building resilience against future heatwaves and water scarcity.

Fifth, it is worth noting that Delhi currently uses only 10% of treated wastewater. Inspired by Bengaluru, where the state government has maximised the use of treated wastewater following a water crisis, Delhi needs to increase this percentage significantly. With the monsoons about to start in North India, the Delhi government can take full advantage of this situation by recharging its groundwater aquifers, storing excess water, and using it judiciously. This approach can eventually lead to Delhi becoming "water positive," providing much-needed relief to its residents.

Lastly, India's heatwave and water scarcity challenges are formidable but not insurmountable. It can navigate this crisis by adopting a holistic approach that combines mitigation, adaptation, and community engagement, as the survival of millions of Indians is dependent on timely and effective action to address these pressing environmental issues.