Purulia district in West Bengal, India, is experiencing acute water scarcity, threatening agriculture, health, and livelihoods.
The region is most vulnerable to drought due to rising temperatures and irregular precipitation. Agricultural production has declined by 65%, resulting in famine, land degradation, economic loss, and mass displacement. Groundwater depletion and low agricultural yields compound the problem. India has only 4% of the world's freshwater resources and accounts for 25% of worldwide groundwater exploitation.
Over 163 million people do not have access to clean water, ranking eighth in the Global Climate Risk Index 2021. With over 80% of its population at risk of weather failures, India faces a serious threat from climate change.
Purulia, a subtropical region in West Bengal, India, is experiencing a serious water problem due to climate change and land fragmentation. The region has significant evaporation rates and little precipitation, with undulating terrain contributing to approximately half of all water runoff. This leads to low rainfall and high temperatures around 50ºC. Agricultural problems include insufficient irrigation, land fragmentation, drought-induced crop failures, and significant water shortages during the summer. Due to the stony terrain, groundwater is scarce, with about 1% of the land irrigated. Women bear the burden of this catastrophe, undergoing laborious excursions to get water from distant riverbeds twice a day. Solar taps supplied by the government offer little relief, leaving many people reliant on contaminated river water for all activities.
Women, girls, and children are more likely to get infections when they are exposed to contaminated water on a regular basis. The entire district is experiencing a serious water crisis, with parched riverbeds providing the only water source for bathing, sanitation, and household duties. Many young people turn to unlawful sand mining from the riverbed for a consistent income, but this carries substantial environmental dangers, including habitat destruction, erosion, and flooding. Water scarcity makes agricultural practices unsustainable, driving marginal workers to leave Purulia.
To overcome the water crisis in Purulia, West Bengal, India, a multifaceted approach is required. The region's long-term water security depends on the implementation of sustainable water management methods. This could include promoting water conservation techniques like rainwater gathering, drip irrigation, and watershed management to improve agricultural water use and reduce reliance on groundwater. Investing in water infrastructure, such as reservoirs, canals, and water treatment facilities, can help local residents improve their access to and quality of water.
Furthermore, community engagement and empowerment are essential components of any solution. Involving local communities, particularly women, in decision-making and water management projects can result in more sustainable and inclusive outcomes. Education and awareness programs on water conservation, hygiene, and sustainable agriculture can also help to alleviate the water problem and improve the region's general well-being.
A CSR Initiative of
Designed and Executed by
Implemented by
Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
