Analysis of Vulnerability to Water Stress at a Nationwide Scale

Water stress is amongst one of the largest potential threats that will take over the world in near future. India is currently, under no such stress; however, it is expected to become moderate water scarce country by 2050. Therefore, an analysis has been performed to determine the potential zones of water stress in India. The water stress indices have been used as a tool of vulnerability analysis, which requires population data, water demands and runoff generated from hydrological model. Results indicate that western part of India is more vulnerable than the eastern part. Moreover, western part of Mad-hya Pradesh, central part of Maharashtra, eastern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are in medium to high vulnerability zones. The results would help in identifying adaptation and mitigation strategies of the states as per their respective vulnerability zones.