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Rivers, as waterways

Whether the world and India needs an energy transition is no longer in question. Rather, the question is how to achieve it, and how soon. The answer to both of those questions could depend on how India gets the manufacturing and supply chain story right, as it will be not just India that benefits, but the world stands to gain as well.

India is dealing with a growing water stress crisis brought on by things like climate change, population growth, pollution, and changes in land use. Currently, there are about 1400 cubic meters of water available per person, but by 2050, that number is predicted to fall to 1200 cubic meters. Already, a large portion of India is deemed to be water-stressed.

A recent report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), warns of the introduction of more than 37,000 invasive alien species due to human activities to marine, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems globally.

The Ganges and Narmada rivers, in particular, have been severely degraded as a result of India's reliance on dams for irrigation and hydropower. Despite decades of significant environmental movements opposed to dams, they largely failed because they couldn't stop the work already in progress.

Domestic wastewater, in particular greywater, significantly contributes to the composition of all wastewater. It is becoming more widely accepted that greywater, as opposed to blackwater, is a valuable resource rather than just waste.

The integral role of dams in shaping modern India, as highlighted in India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's speech where he referred to them as the 'temples of modern India,' is undeniable.

Mula Mutha, a river under seige

Hailing from Mawtangor village in Meghalaya’s Mawsynram block, Larishisha Pdahsiej has always been keen on supporting her community and being an active participant in the village’s development.

Irrigated agriculture consumes the largest share of freshwater resources, including both surface water and groundwater. As high as 40 percent of irrigation is dependent on groundwater, accounting for 70 percent of the total groundwater extractions world over and this share is predicted to increase with climate change.