Growing Industrialization and Management of Water Resources in India

Abstract

Water is an essential element of life on Earth and is critical to all aspects of development. The principles related to water and development serve as a guide to achieving environmental, social and economic balance. India has undergone economic liberalization since 1991, and this has indeed accelerated the pace of industrialization. During these years, there has been a significant increase in the industrial sector, rapid expansion of urban areas, and the emergence of new industries, service sectors, and manufacturing hubs. While this industrial boom has certainly boosted the country's economic progress, it has also had its environmental and social impacts. A major problem is the stress on water resources. The decline in surface water availability, increased exploitation of tributaries, and pollution of rivers and reservoirs have led to uneven water availability. The increasing demand for water from industries, urban centres, and industrial clusters has increased the pressure on these important resources. Industrial activities in sectors such as textiles, chemicals, power generation and manufacturing are major contributors to problems such as wastewater discharge, salinity and thermal pollution. The increasing demand for industrial water, coupled with challenges in wastewater management and increasing water pollution have led to overuse and contamination of our water resources. For example, waste from chemical industries has significantly damaged water quality. In response, various policy and technical measures have been devised. Initiatives such as water conservation, rainwater harvesting, water reuse, water distribution management, and improvements in industrial water management have helped to some extent.

            Managing water resources in the future calls for a comprehensive, well-coordinated approach that fits the specific needs of each region. This means getting local communities involved, leveraging technology effectively, using natural methods, and planning strategically for the long haul. While industrialization is increasing the demand for water, we can still halt the over-exploitation of water resources. By implementing the right management practices, policies, and technologies, we can ensure that water remains available for everyone in a way. This research paper examines into the relationship between industrialization and water resource management in India from 1991 to 2019. It explores how industrial growth has affected water resources, the ways in which these resources have been exploited, the pollution that has resulted, and the effectiveness of policies aimed at promoting management.