Average water consumption around the world is about 53 liters per head per day. In India, we expect to soon have only about 20 liters available per head per day. We have had droughts for a long time, and now with global climate change, things will become even more difficult. The glaciers are receding from the Himalayan Mountains. They are about one fifth the size they were about 60 years ago.

The waters from the Himalayan glaciers provide water for about 70 percent of all the people in Asia. In India, we have three major rivers - the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra – and it is likely that they will drain to small rivers. In most of northern India, there will be no water according to some leading water experts. Right now there are floods. The flood area has increased from 25 million hectares to 60 million hectares in the last 30 years. That is an indication that after the water is draining away, and these will become dry areas. This will happen in less than 30 years. It is a very serious matter.

India can still store only relatively small quantities of its fickle rainfall. Whereas arid rich countries (such as the United States and Australia) have built over 5,000 cubic meters of water storage per capita, and China can store about 1,000 cubic meters per capita, India’s dams can store only 200 cubic meters per person. Moreover, India can store only about 30 days of rainfall, compared to 900 days in major river basins in arid areas of developed countries.

The ‘Water in India’ PowerPoint presentation is packed with statistical data and highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of water resources in India. Some of the areas covered in the presentation are physiographic details, national water resources, statewide ground water analysis, annual water requirement and much more.

This PPT will be useful for water management consultants, hydro power officials, students, teachers and anyone wanting some in depth knowledge of the state of water in India today.