World is increasingly advancing towards a massive water shortage in 50 years, the vast mass of population is unaware about water conservation and efficient use of water. While those not getting enough are fighting for every drop, those getting more than needed are not much bothered.

But the fact remains that the world is going to face a massive water crisis in 40-50 years. There could be water riots in most places, governments and multinational corporations would compete with each other to gain control over this important natural resource. Privatisation of water instead of community control would add to the woes.

In earlier times, people moved from one place to another in search of water and settled wherever water was easily available in sufficient quantity. This explains why earlier cities or city-based civilizations were contextual to the presence of rivers. Rivers formed the basis of water needed for daily existence. The use of underground water was not prevalent. When these rivers changed course leading to famines, these civilizations collapsed.

Many dynasties of China such as the Tang, Yuan and Ming in the 7th to 10th Century AD lost their existence to severe drought. The Pueblo people who built the Mesa Verde civilization (in North America) suffered due to 23-year severe drought in the 13th century. People fought fratricidal war over water. The famous Mayan empire, that grew in Mexico and Central America, was abandoned by the turn of the 10th century BC due to drought. Our own Indus Valley Civilization that was an urban wonder collapsed.

People in earlier times either perished or moved out for better existence. But such large scale migration is not possible in present day time due to presence of strong territorial governments. Also, this is a big challenge for society and government to prevent such migration and make life easier. Science has made that possible but need must prevail over greed for delivery.

This would be possible only if water is taken as a scarce natural resource owned by the community that would also work for its conservation. 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. Our planet which is often termed the ‘Water Planet’ has only about 3% of this water as freshwater- which is not saline as against 97% which is saline and belongs to the Oceans. Of this 3% only about 1% is available for human use.

The fight for water is for this 1% that is found in rivers, lakes, other water bodies and underground water. The world must wake up to the situation to avoid this catastrophe. Since Air and water are two crucial factors of existence, this would be a fight for survival. What is needed is water conservation and equitable distribution.

The UN has declared that about 2.3 billion of the world population are water stressed, out of which about 700 million are highly and critical water stressed. We must not lose sight of the fact that water has to be shared by 7 billion population which is ever increasing.

One such example where water is being exploited is use of underground water by water mafias. Since it is a natural resource, one cannot dig into the earth at will. Water aquifers are common and one cannot draw water from there without impacting availability for others. Unchecked boring and massive commercial utilisation goes against equitable distribution. The water table is going down in most cities due to this massive overuse.

Creating water bodies to catch rainwater will help in recharging aquifers and increasing availability. Responsible and effective use of water and finding alternative would help. As for example using drip irrigation to give water to roots in place of sprinkle irrigation, growing crops such as paddy and sugarcane that need massive water only in places of abundant natural water would help to make agriculture more meaningful.

We must understand that humans cannot create water but only witness its transformation from one form to another in the water cycle.