India, a country with a population of over 1.3 billion, is one of the most populous countries in the world. It is also one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with a rapidly increasing demand for water resources. The external water footprint of India refers to the amount of water that is required to produce goods and services outside the country’s borders. In this essay, we’ll explore the external water footprint of India and the impact it has on the country and the world.
India is the second-most populous country in the world, with a huge demand for water for its industrial, agricultural and domestic activities. In this context, the concept of water footprint has gained significance in recent years. Water footprint is a measure of the amount of water used to produce the goods and services consumed by an individual, a country or a region. The external water footprint of India refers to the volume of water used to produce its imported commodities which are consumed domestically or exported. In this article, we will explore the external water footprint of India and its implications on the country’s water resources.
The Definition of External Water Footprint
Before delving into the external water footprint of India, let’s first define what the term means. The external water footprint is the volume of water used to produce goods and services in one country that are consumed in another country. It is a measure of how much water is used to produce the goods and services that are imported or exported by a country, and it includes both the water used in the production process and the water used to grow the crops or raise the animals used in that production.
The Impact of External Water Footprint
The external water footprint of a country has a significant impact on the global water resources. It is an essential indicator of water scarcity and can help identify regions where water resources are under threat. The external water footprint also reveals the water dependency of a country on other countries, which can have significant economic and political implications.
The Calculation of External Water Footprint
The external water footprint of a country can be calculated using the Water Footprint Network’s methodology. The methodology takes into account the amount of water used in the production of goods and services, the water used to grow the crops or raise the animals used in that production, and the water used in the production process.
The External Water Footprint of India
India is a country with a high external water footprint. The country’s external water footprint is driven by its exports of agricultural products, textiles, and other goods. The external water footprint of India is estimated to be around 1,100 billion cubic meters per year, which is equivalent to around 28% of the country’s total water footprint.
The Agriculture Sector
The agriculture sector is the most significant contributor to India’s external water footprint. The country is the world’s largest exporter of rice and cotton, and the production of these crops requires a substantial amount of water. The water required to grow these crops is mostly sourced from groundwater sources, which are rapidly depleting in many regions of the country.
The Textile Industry
The textile industry is another significant contributor to India’s external water footprint. India is the world’s second-largest exporter of textiles and clothing, and the production of these goods requires a substantial amount of water. The textile industry is water-intensive, and the production of cotton textiles is particularly water-intensive.
The Impact of External Water Footprint of India
The impact of India’s external water footprint extends beyond the country’s borders. India’s exports of water-intensive crops and goods contribute to water scarcity in other countries. The external water footprint of India has a significant impact on the global water resources, and it is essential to address the issue to ensure sustainable water use.
Addressing the Water Crisis in India
The water crisis in India is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address. The government of India has taken several steps to address the issue, including the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, which aims to conserve and manage water resources.
One of the most effective ways to address the water crisis in India is to promote sustainable water use. This can be achieved by promoting water-efficient technologies in agriculture and industry, promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, and increasing public awareness about the importance of water conservation.
The government of India has also launched several initiatives to improve access to clean and safe drinking water. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to provide universal access to toilets and improve sanitation facilities in rural and urban areas. The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide piped drinking water to all households in the country by 2024.
FAQs: What is the external water footprint of India?
What is the external water footprint of a country?
The external water footprint of a country is the amount of water that is used outside the country’s borders to produce goods and services consumed by its citizens. It includes the water used in the production of imported goods and services, as well as the water used in the production of exported goods.
What is India’s external water footprint?
India’s external water footprint is the second-highest in the world, with only China having a higher external water footprint. According to a study by the Water Footprint Network, India’s external water footprint is around 250 billion cubic meters per year, which is equivalent to the annual flow of the Ganges River.
Why is India’s external water footprint so high?
India’s external water footprint is high because of the country’s dependence on water-intensive crops such as rice and cotton, which are among the most water-intensive crops in the world. India also exports a significant amount of agricultural products, which require water for their production.
What are the implications of India’s high external water footprint?
India’s high external water footprint means that the country is heavily reliant on water resources outside of its borders to sustain its consumption patterns. It also means that India is indirectly contributing to the water scarcity in other countries, particularly those that are water-stressed and have limited water resources.
What can be done to reduce India’s external water footprint?
To reduce its external water footprint, India can focus on increasing its water efficiency in agriculture and industrial sectors, as well as promoting sustainable consumption patterns. This can be done by implementing water-efficient technologies, reducing water-intensive crops, and promoting the use of water conservation techniques. In addition, policies that promote sustainable trade, including water footprint labeling on products, can also help to reduce India’s external water footprint.
