Water scarcity is possibly going to pose the greatest challenge on account of its increased demand coupled with shrinking supplies due to over utilisation and pollution. The per capita availability of water is dwindling day-by-day due to increase in population. The available water resources are also getting polluted with industrial, agricultural and domestic effluents, and this, in turn, is further limiting the availability of usable water resources.

The tensions and disputes on sharing and control of this scarce resource are becoming contested issues among communities, regions, and states. As water availability varies over space and time, the competition for this essential resource intensifies.

The assessment, efficient use and conservation of water, therefore, become necessary to ensure development. Without proper management, the degradation of environment and water scarcity will continue to escalate conflicts.

Available water resources are degrading rapidly. The major rivers generally retain better water quality in less densely populated upper stretches, but in plains, river water is used intensively for irrigation, drinking, domestic and industrial purposes. The drains carrying agricultural, domestic, and industrial effluents join the rivers, further reducing the quality and availability of water resources.