WATER POLITICS

A new report has revealed that the Ganga River Basin, home to nearly half of India’s population and a major contributor to its economy, is facing “high to extremely high” levels of water stress. The findings highlight growing concerns over water security in the region that supports almost 44% of India’s GDP and drives much of its agriculture, energy production, and industry.

A Basin Under Pressure

According to the study by China Water Risk and the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Ganga is among the ten major rivers originating from the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region that are under mounting stress. The basin, which covers 60 to 77% of India’s land area, experiences intense water demand relative to its available resources. The report classifies such areas as “highly water stressed” when over 40% of renewable water resources are used annually.

The Ganga Basin alone sustains nearly 45% of India’s population, provides about 25% of its installed coal power capacity, and supports vast agricultural activity. Rapid urbanisation, unchecked groundwater extraction, and a changing climate have worsened the imbalance between supply and demand. With the region’s dependence on glacial meltwater and monsoon rains, any disruption in precipitation patterns or reduced snow cover could deepen the crisis further.

Climate and Economic Risks Intertwined

The study highlights that India’s water stress problem is not only an environmental challenge but also a critical economic risk. The Ganga Basin is the backbone of India’s industrial and agricultural production. As demand for water continues to grow, the strain on limited resources threatens both livelihoods and long-term economic stability. Cities across northern India, including those along the Ganga’s stretch, are already facing frequent water shortages, affecting industries and local communities alike.

Researchers warn that water scarcity could slow down growth in key sectors and lead to social and political tensions if not addressed through integrated policies. They argue that water security should be treated as a fundamental component of national economic planning rather than as a separate environmental concern. The report calls for urgent coordination between state and central governments to manage shared water resources efficiently and to prioritise sustainability over short-term extraction.

Toward a ‘Waternomics’ Approach

The report introduces the concept of “waternomics,” emphasising that the management of water must be deeply embedded in India’s economic framework. It recommends that policymakers account for water availability and risk in every major development plan, from agriculture to energy. This approach seeks to ensure that economic growth does not come at the cost of depleting critical freshwater sources.

The findings also highlight the need for improved data, better infrastructure for water reuse, and investment in nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration and groundwater recharge. Addressing water stress, the authors note, will require regional cooperation, stronger monitoring systems, and behavioural change at both policy and community levels. Without these interventions, India’s most important river basin could face a future where the demand for water far exceeds its capacity to renew, placing the nation’s economic and ecological balance at serious risk.

References:

New Report! No Water, No Growth 2 – Rising “mother” river risks threaten half the total GDP of 16 Asian countries

https://cwrrr.org/water-nomics/