India is one of the most water stressed nations in the world. In India alone, an estimated 30% of the populations still do not have access to potable, clean water. Our gross per capita availability of fresh water is estimated to reduce by 37% from current levels by 2050 (UNEP, 2007). In recent times, there has been significant global attention on climate change and its multiple impacts on livelihoods and water availability. But unlike other potential climate change disasters, the water stress problem is something that millions have been living with for decades now. However, unlike the big problems of energy and GHG emissions, the solutions to the water crisis cannot come from grand breakthroughs in technology or through policy interventions. Water has been and will continue to be predominantly a local issue that needs to be managed by local stakeholders. Changing consumer profiles, insensitivity towards usage, urban centric growth (as opposed to the earlier community/livelihood centric growth), and lack of transparency have aggravated the water availability scenario in our communities. The infrastructure of water distribution in urban centers of India suffers from poor accountability – thus leading to lack of awareness and misuse. It is not surprising that the “cost” of water does not take into account the current and future impacts to the economic, social and environmental balance of the extended ecosystem. Added to this is the issue of equitable distribution of water. The commoditization of water is responsible for this to a large extent, resulting in transport of water over large distances to “consumers” – which is clearly unsustainable. This along with maintenance of water sources and treatment of sewage are some of the issues related to urban water.

Schools: The water cycle in nature is dynamic…How do we adapt? What can be done about water pollution? What will happen to our sources of water due to global warming (Himalayas, Western Ghats), and how do we ensure we protect them ?
Colleges: Do we have to pay for water? Who owns water? If it is to be distributed through a market system, like it is done now, what is the right price? How do we ensure equitable distribution? How do we safeguard our water resources?

Further Reading: http://www.indiawaterportal.org/, http://www.unwater.org/