India's Post Independence: - Scarcity of Water and Inter-State Challenges for Water Distribution & Global Climate

Water is a vital natural resource essential for human survival, economic development, agriculture, and ecological balance. Post-independence India faces severe water scarcity due to rapid population growth, urbanisation, industrialisation, climate change, and inefficient water management. Declining per-capita water availability, over-extraction of groundwater, pollution, and uneven regional distribution have intensified inter-state water disputes, particularly over major river basins such as the Cauvery, Krishna, and Godavari. Climate change has further aggravated the crisis by causing erratic monsoons, frequent droughts and floods, glacier retreat, and rising sea levels, thereby threatening water security, food production, and public health. This paper examines the historical and contemporary dimensions of water scarcity in India, the impact of global climate change on water resources, and the growing challenges of inter-state water distribution. It analyses India’s legal and institutional frameworks, including constitutional provisions, tribunal mechanisms, and major Supreme Court judgments, while evaluating government initiatives such as the National Water Policy, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and National Action Plan on Climate Change. The study highlights the need for cooperative federalism, sustainable water management, climate-resilient policies, and community participation to ensure equitable and sustainable water use in India.