The proud founder and an expert, Vikram completed his masters in Economics from Kumaon University and further pursued masters in mergers and acquisitions, investment, and institutional development. His constant focus on solidarity, trust, pride, and innovation within the work environment and his tremendous efforts have earned his company the recognition of India's Best Companies to Work for 2023 by Great Place to Work in India.

Water is the essence of life, a universal right, and a shared responsibility. This year marked the first major United Nations (UN) conference dedicated to water conservation, as water scarcity is one of the most emerging and pressing challenges faced by humanity today. As the world's population continues to grow, the demand for freshwater has surged, putting immense strain on already dwindling water resources. Climate change has further exacerbated the problem, leading to erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events. Therefore, water scarcity has become a grim reality for billions of people around the globe.

If we talk about our country, India’s population has inflated to over 139 crore in July 2023. Such population growth with other combined factors like climate change, unsustainable water management practices, industrialization, and rapid urbanization in developing countries has led to the overconsumption of water, depleting vital groundwater reserves. Climate change-induced disruptions to rainfall patterns have made water availability increasingly unpredictable in many regions. Take for instance the flash floods in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim lately which has created further water scarcity problems. Additionally, mismanagement of water resources, inefficient irrigation techniques, and all types of pollution is consistently contributing to the depletion of freshwater sources.

The consequences of water scarcity and contamination of water are far-reaching and severe. One of the most immediate impacts is on public health, as communities lacking access to safe and clean drinking water. This is resulting in increased risk of waterborne diseases. Agriculture, a major water consumer, also suffers significantly, leading to reduced crop yields and food shortages. This, in turn, triggers economic losses and threatens livelihoods, especially in countries heavily reliant on agriculture. Ecosystem is also under severe threat, as diminished water flow disrupts aquatic life and biodiversity, i.e. lakes, wetlands, and rivers facing habitat loss.

As the effects of water scarcity continue to mount, the need for sustainable solutions becomes increasingly urgent. There are several approaches that can be adopted to address this crisis effectively. Water conservation and efficiency measures, such as rainwater harvesting and water recycling, can play a significant role in reducing water consumption. Additionally, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, investing in drought-resistant crop varieties, encouraging precision farming can enhance water efficiency in agriculture. From a business perspective, corporates or manufacturing units can adopt sustainable water management systems like water bottling plants, commercial RO plants, water treatment & recreational cycling plants, rain water harvesting and even focusing on atmospheric water generators.

Wastewater treatment and reuse are critical in mitigating water scarcity, as treated water can be reused for non-potable purposes, reducing overall demand. Furthermore, the restoration and protection of ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, can enhance water retention, filtration, and recharge processes, thereby contributing to improved water quality and flow regulation.

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) is an essential approach that involves the coordinated planning and management of water resources across different sectors. By considering social, economic, and environmental factors, IWRM aims to achieve equitable and sustainable water allocation.

International cooperation is also vital, as water scarcity often transcends national borders. For instance, 153 countries globally share 286 transboundary rivers and lake basins and 592 transboundary aquifer systems, but only 50 percent of basin areas have an operational arrangement for water co-operation. Diplomacy and agreements between countries can help foster responsible water management and prevent conflicts over shared water resources.

To be concluded, water scarcity is a grave challenge that necessitates immediate and concerted action. It affects various aspects of human life, from health and food security to economies and ecosystems. Sustainable water management practices, along with innovative and collaborative solutions, are crucial to ensure a water-secure future for generations to come. It is very important to conserve water using advanced solutions in order to protect blue and green eco-system. It is high time to adopt smart solutions and techniques to water smarter. Thus, the profound words of W.H. Auden summarises it all when he said, “thousands have lived without love, not one without water.”