Most people would probably agree that India -- one of the BRICs -- is a geopolitical up-and-comer. But while the world's second most populous country has experienced a long-running economic boom and seen progress in many areas, the nation still faces numerous challenges. Aside from inadequate infrastructure, high levels of wealth inequality and extreme poverty, and widespread corruption, India lacks sufficient quantities of resource essential for growth -- and survival. In "Terrifying Water Crisis Faces India; Most Cities to Run Dry," Rediff.com elaborates further:
If you are afraid because your tap has been running dry lately, then it is time you braced yourself for worse times to follow. Terrifying times, in fact.
By the year 2020, says a recent World Bank report, most major Indian cities will run dry. Given the state of the monsoon this year, it would appear that the World Bank report has come true almost a decade earlier.
Severe water shortage had already led to a growing number of conflicts across the country, with 90 per cent of India's territory served by inter-state rivers.
India's supply of water too is rapidly dwindling primarily due to mismanagement of water resources, although over-pumping and pollution are also significant contributors.
Climate change is expected to worsen the situation by causing erratic and unpredictable weather, which could drastically diminish the supply of water coming from rainfall and glaciers.
However, we are not still ready to accept the reality of depleting groundwater reserves in India. This condition has caused a major water crisis.
Click here to see more, including an online slide show.
The titration is approaching completion ...
Posted by: kevinearick | December 13, 2009 at 01:11 AM
But don't interfere with coke and other soda sellers "right to deplete the water for short term profit
Posted by: gin | December 13, 2009 at 11:44 AM