31, July 2025
India’s Water Future for 2047: Unpacking the Role of Conservation Practices in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Author(s): Dr. Dipesh Jha, Dr. Shreedhar R Nimavat
Authors Affiliations:
- Temporary Assistant Professor, Mahatma Gandhi Department of Rural Studies, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat-395007, India
- Assistant Professor, Mahatma Gandhi Department of Rural Studies, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat-395007, India
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Abstract: As India embarks on its journey to achieve sustainable development by 2047, the nation's water security challenges have emerged as a critical imperative. With a projected population of 1.64 billion by 2050, India's water demands are expected to exceed available supplies by 50.00%. Climate change, population growth, and inefficient water management practices have created a perfect storm, threatening the country's water resilience. The consequences of inaction are dire. Water scarcity already affects over 600 million people in India, with an estimated economic loss of 2.00% of GDP. Moreover, the agricultural sector, which accounts for 80.00% of India's water use, is facing significant challenges due to water scarcity, affecting the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The energy sector, which relies heavily on water for cooling, is also vulnerable to water scarcity, with an estimated 40.00% of India's thermal power plants facing high to extreme water risk. However, there is a silver lining. By prioritizing water security, India can unlock significant economic benefits, enhance food security, and ensure sustainable development. A study by the World Bank estimates that every dollar invested in water security generates a return of $3 to $5 in economic benefits. Moreover, water-efficient practices in agriculture can increase crop yields by up to 30.00% while reducing water use by up to 40.00%. To achieve water security, India must adopt a multi-faceted approach that encompasses policy reforms, technological innovation, and community participation. The government's Jal Shakti Abhiyan, launched in 2019, is a step in the right direction, aiming to conserve water, enhance water efficiency, and promote water harvesting. However, more needs to be done to address the scale and complexity of India's water challenges.
Key Words: Sustainable development, Resilience, Water security, Watershed management, Policy reforms, Technological innovation, Community participation.
Dr. Dipesh Jha, Dr. Shreedhar R Nimavat (2025); India’s Water Future for 2047: Unpacking the Role of Conservation Practices in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals, International Journal of Research Culture Society, ISSN(O): 2456-6683, Volume – 9, Issue – 7, Pp. 217-222. Available on – https://ijrcs.org/