India faces a severe water crisis, with only 4% of global freshwater resources for 18% of the world’s population. To tackle this, initiatives like Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025 focus on conservation, emphasizing women’s role.
Key programs include Atal Bhujal Yojana for groundwater management, Jal Jeevan Mission for rural tap water access, and Amrit Sarovar to revive water bodies. Agriculture consumes 80% of India’s freshwater, over-exploiting groundwater. Policies should involve communities, integrate ecological practices like Orans (sacred forests), and address climate change impacts. Conservation methods include rainwater harvesting, fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and minimizing wastage. Climate change is worsening water shortages, demanding resilient water policies.
The 5 R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle – guide sustainable practices. Strengthening policies, engaging communities, and adopting efficient water use can ensure long-term water security for India.