Future Conflicts: Water Scarcity and Migration.
According to a study by the National Institute of Hydrology, the accelerating pace of development in India is likely to intensify the water crisis, potentially leading to conflicts among states. Over the past 40–50 years, water usage has increased dramatically. For the past decade, per capita water demand has ranged from 100 to 120 liters daily and is expected to rise to 125 liters by 2025. The total demand has now exceeded 790 billion liters.
Data from the National Water Commission indicates that in 1997, water availability was 575 cubic kilometers, but it has now decreased to around 500 cubic kilometers, while the demand has risen to approximately 800 cubic kilometers. According to the Central Water Commission, groundwater levels are projected to drop to 1,434 cubic meters by 2025 and further to 1,219 cubic meters by 2050. The World Bank has warned that within the next 20 years, 60% of groundwater sources will be in a dangerous state, which is alarming, considering 70% of our water demand is met through groundwater.
