India’s Water Crisis
How is India’s inability to provide clean drinking water affecting its economy and people?
January 14, 2014
1. India is facing a fresh water crisis. India has just 4% of the world’s fresh water — but 16% of the global population.
2. Half of India’s water supply in rural areas, where 70% of the country’s population lives, is routinely contaminated with toxic bacteria.
3. Every year, about 600,000 Indian children die of diarrhea or pneumonia, often caused by toxic water or poor hygiene.
4. Lack of clean water has even gone beyond affecting the health of Indians.
5. Employment in manufacturing in India has declined in recent years and a prime reason is that companies face difficulties getting clean water.
From Rains or Not, India Is Falling Short on Drinkable Water by Gardiner Harris (New York Times)
Takeaways
India has just 4% of the world's fresh water, but 16% of the global population.
Half of India's water supply in rural areas is routinely contaminated with toxic bacteria.
Every year, about 600,000 Indian children die of illnesses associated with unclean drinking water.
Lack of clean water is hurting India’s manufacturing sector, resulting in employment declines.
