Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (150 words) (UPSC GS 1 2023/10 marks)

Introduction:

Freshwater resources are essential for sustaining life, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems on our planet.

According to the United Nations, only about 2.5% of the world's water is freshwater, with the majority of it locked in glaciers and polar ice caps, leaving only about 0.3% readily accessible for human use.

(a) Crisis of Availability of Freshwater Resources:

1. Population Growth:

   - Rapid population growth increases water demand for drinking, sanitation, and agriculture.

   - Example: India's growing population strains its freshwater resources, leading to water scarcity in many regions.

2. Climate Change:

   - Alters precipitation patterns, causing droughts in some areas and floods in others.

   - Example: The prolonged droughts in California, USA, have reduced freshwater availability.

3. Over-Extraction:

   - Unsustainable groundwater pumping and overuse of surface water deplete freshwater reserves.

   - Example: The depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer in the United States due to agricultural irrigation.

4. Pollution:

   - Contaminants from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources make freshwater sources unfit for consumption.

   - Example: The pollution of the Ganges River in India, affecting millions who depend on it for water.

5. Deforestation:

   - Loss of forests reduces the capacity of watersheds to store and release water.

   - Example: Amazon rainforest deforestation affecting the Amazon River basin's water cycle.

(b) Crisis of Access to Freshwater Resources:

1. Infrastructure Deficiency:

   - Lack of proper infrastructure impedes the distribution of freshwater to communities.

   - Example: Many African countries face challenges in providing clean water due to insufficient infrastructure.

2. Economic Disparities:

   - Poorer communities often lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

   - Example: Slums in developing countries often lack access to safe drinking water.

3. Conflict and Governance:

   - Political instability and conflicts can disrupt access to water sources.

   - Example: The Syrian civil war led to the contamination and destruction of water infrastructure.

4. Privatization:

   - The privatization of water services can result in limited access for those who cannot afford it.

   - Example: Protests in Bolivia against water privatization in Cochabamba in 2000.

5. Geographical Disparities:

   - Geographical factors like remoteness can limit access to freshwater resources.

   - Example: Remote indigenous communities in the Amazon basin may struggle to access clean water.

Conclusion

The crisis of freshwater resources is driven by both the diminishing availability of clean water due to various factors and the unequal access to available resources, which is often exacerbated by economic, social, and political factors.
Addressing these challenges requires a combination of conservation efforts, sustainable water management practices, improved infrastructure, and social equity initiatives.