Water gaps are defined as the difference between renewable water availability and water consumption while maintaining adequate flows in aquatic environments.

Key Findings 

• Global 
  • Water gaps of nearly 458 billion cubic meters per year exist across all continents.
  • The world will experience harsher conditions at 1.5°C warming, with even more severe impacts at 3°C.
    • However, global warming will change precipitation patterns, reducing water gaps in some countries E.g., Nigeria.
• India-Specific findings
  • India is among the countries facing the largest water gaps, along with the US, China, etc., and is projected to see the most significant increase under warming scenarios.
  • Water gaps are expected to rise the most in the Ganges-Brahmaputra, Godavari River basins, etc.

Status of water resources in India

• India holds 18% of the global population but only 4% of its water resources, with over 600 million people already facing severe water shortages.
• By 2030, water demand is expected to double the available supply, leading to severe scarcity and a potential ~6% GDP loss (NITI Aayog).

Factors Driving Water Crisis 

• Over Population, over extraction of ground water, water contamination and Pollution, Poor Water Management, climate change etc.