Water Crisis Looming in the Horizon
Groundwater is the most abundant source of freshwater on earth. It accounts for 99 per cent of Earth’s freshwater and fulfls the everyday water needs of about 50 per cent of the world’s population according to IGRAC. In the Indian context, this hidden resource becomes even more important as more than 60 per cent of irrigated agriculture and 85% of drinking water supplies in India are dependent on groundwater according to World Bank. This also makes India the largest user of groundwater in the world. Our dependency on groundwater is increasing day by day. And because we have insufcient data and insight into the availability, current state and use of groundwater, this ever-increasing dependency is likely to make us vulnerable to a water crisis in the future. While the issue of groundwater is becoming serious day by day, some solutions are also emerging from the grassroots. Various HCL Foundation partner organisations are working towards pond rejuvenation that does not only recharge groundwater but helps communities fnd a way to manage the water crisis efciently.