India’s Water Future—A Way Forward

Abstract

Problems and challenges faced by the Indian water sector warrant both potential supply and demand-side interventions. Several interventions have been suggested and these interventions have also been ranked by experts to know their importance in bridging the future supply–demand gap. A matrix of main as well as a sub-set of interventions highlighting their specific focus/purpose, their coverage in the past, and their potential in bridging the supply–demand gap covering in the short and long-term implementation phase is also presented. The supply-side interventions could bridge the supply–demand gap by about 40% and the demand-side (mostly technology and institutions related) interventions could bridge the gap by about 60%. Selection of these interventions to suit different segments of the river basins is emphasized. Need for a portfolio of implementable policies and programmes that could integrate both supply and demand-side interventions supported by well-functioning water institutions (governance) is also emphasized.