Sat Mar 22 05:40:12 UTC 2025: ## Global Water Crisis Deepens: Billions Face Scarcity, Underscoring Urgent Need for Action

**New Delhi, March 22, 2025** – A new report highlights the escalating global water crisis, affecting billions worldwide and disproportionately impacting developing nations like India. Two-thirds of the world’s population experiences severe water scarcity for at least one month annually, with over two billion people lacking adequate water supply. The Middle East and North Africa are hardest hit, with countries like Bahrain and Kuwait using over 80% of their water resources.

In India, the situation is equally dire. According to NITI Aayog, nearly 600 million Indians face high-to-extreme water stress, resulting in an estimated 200,000 deaths annually due to unsafe water. Major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai are grappling with severe shortages. This scarcity forces many, particularly women and girls in rural areas, to walk kilometers daily to collect water, impacting their education and livelihoods.

The report also points to significant water wastage, exacerbated by inefficient household plumbing and the burgeoning bottled water industry. A UN University study reveals that the industry’s rapid growth masks the failure of public water systems to provide reliable access for all, contributing to groundwater depletion and plastic pollution. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions and improved public water management to address this critical issue. While pricing water could encourage conservation, the report cautions against unchecked privatization, potentially exacerbating inequalities. The UN’s recognition of water as a human right is underscored by the stark reality that billions still lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation. The report calls for urgent action to address water scarcity and ensure equitable access to this essential resource.

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