6 Indian cities that could face a water shortage in the near future

Water scarcity isn't just Bangalore's battle; it's a nationwide crisis looming over India's urban landscape. Several major cities could soon be grappling with severe water shortages, presenting formidable challenges for residents and policymakers alike.

Mumbai: With increasing water demand, erratic rainfall patterns, and diminishing water sources, the city is facing a looming crisis. The situation is compounded by rapid urbanisation, inadequate infrastructure, and inefficient water management practices. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) often imposes water cuts due to dwindling water stocks in the seven lakes that supply water to the city and a lack of alternative water sources.

Jaipur: The city's expanding population and growing industrialisation have intensified water demand, surpassing available supply. Jaipur relied on the Ramgarh Dam as its primary surface water source for much of the 20th century. However, by the late 1980s and early 1990s, the viability of the dam as a water source diminished, compelling a complete transition to groundwater reliance. Consequently, this shift has led to a swift depletion of the city's aquifers, exacerbating the water scarcity issue.

Bathinda: Bathinda is grappling with water scarcity driven by agricultural overexploitation and dwindling groundwater reserves. The region's heavy reliance on groundwater for irrigation, coupled with inefficient water usage practices, has resulted in significant aquifer depletion.