NEW DELHI: Facing an acute water shortage that is likely to get worse, the government on Monday launched a countrywide water conservation scheme focussing on 256 districts with the lowest availability of groundwater. India’s per capita water availability has fallen from 1,816 cubic metres in 2001 to 1,545 cubic metres in 2011. It is projected to decrease further to 1,345 cubic metres per capita per year by 2025 in a business as usual scenario. “Each district would draft a water conservation plan, with focus on rainwater harvesting. The water conservation strategies fall under five categories—rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional water bodies and tanks, reuse of water and recharge structures, watershed development and intensive afforestation.

Source: Mint July 01, 2019 18:11 UTC