An Interview with IAS Subodh Agarwal Digital Innovations in Rajasthan's Water Distribution

Water is the most essential resource for life on Earth, needed by humans, animals, and plants to survive. In India, water scarcity is a major issue, affecting a rapidly growing population. According to a NITI Aayog report, many Indians experience severe to extreme water shortages. The situation is made worse by India's heavy reliance on an increasingly unpredictable monsoon season for water.

Climate change is expected to put even more pressure on water resources, with natural disasters becoming more frequent and severe. This ongoing crisis hits Indian farmers the hardest, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and a threat to their livelihoods. Effective water management could greatly benefit them, and Rajasthan's new digital water distribution system might be a step in the right direction. Let's explore insights from Dr. Subodh Agarwal IAS, a senior IAS officer who has served as Secretary in the Water Resources Department of Rajasthan.

The NITI Aayog report highlights that India uses 2-3 times more water to produce one ton of crops compared to developed countries. The agricultural sector, which consumes about 80% of the nation's water resources, is especially vulnerable to unpredictable monsoons and decreasing groundwater levels.