Investigation into sustainable water use in India using combined large-scale earth system-based modelling and census-based statistical data

Abstract

Sustainable water use and water scarcity are major concerns in developing countries such as India. Rapidly growing population along with increasing economic and technological development in India have resulted in increased water use leading to severe water scarcity. The present study aims to quantify and assess sustainable water use and water scarcity in India. A data-intensive approach is employed at a State spatial resolution and monthly temporal scales during the period 1991–1999. The Water Stress Index (WSI), which is defined as the ratio of total water use to available water, is used as a measure of blue water scarcity. The total available water includes surface water and groundwater wh..