What are the implications of India's depleting groundwater reserves according to a recent study
By 2080, India could lose groundwater by 3 times the current rate: Study.
The implications of India's depleting groundwater reserves, as per a recent study suggesting that India could lose groundwater by three times the current rate by 2080, are as follows:
- Water Scarcity: Depleting groundwater reserves will exacerbate water scarcity in the country, leading to increased competition for limited water resources. This could impact various sectors like agriculture, industries, and households.
- Food Security: In a country heavily dependent on groundwater for irrigation, the depletion of reserves will significantly impact agriculture. Reduced availability of water for irrigation could lead to lower crop yields, affecting food security and potentially contributing to rising food prices.
- Environmental Damage: Over-extraction of groundwater can lead to adverse environmental effects such as land subsidence, saltwater intrusion, and loss of wetlands. These can disrupt ecosystems and threaten biodiversity.
- Health Consequences: Inadequate access to clean and safe water due to declining groundwater reserves can increase the risk of waterborne diseases. This could particularly affect marginalized communities with limited access to alternative water sources.
- Economic Impact: Water scarcity and declining groundwater reserves can have significant economic implications, affecting industries that rely on water for production processes. In addition, the cost of extracting water from deeper levels or implementing alternative water supply solutions can increase expenses for both individuals and businesses.
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