Abstract:
Overexploitation of freshwater caused by the increasing population and urbanization over the
past few decades has resulted in water scarcity in National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
Water footprint (WF) is a useful tool to better understand the linkages between humanity's
activities and their growing pressure on the freshwater resources. It indicates the amount of
water required to produce all the goods and services by the individual or community, or
geographic area directly and indirectly (virtual water). It is measured in terms of water volumes
consumed (evaporated) and/or polluted per unit of time. Many studies have been carried out
pertaining to the water requirement of NCT of Delhi. The present study is focused on the
assessment of the WF of NCT of Delhi. The total WF of NCT of Delhi for the year 2010 has
been assessed as 15,926 MCM per annum. Out of this 6530, 780 and 865 MCM per annum has
been contributed from domestic, agriculture and industrial sector respectively and rest (7751
MCM per annum) is as virtual water import. Certain assumptions were made due to nonavailability
of some of the data. With the availability of more data, the assessment can be
improved. Quantification of WF of NCT of Delhi indicates that domestic sector is the major
water consumer. Sector wise results can facilitate authorities to develop improved management
policies, action plans and strategies for better management of freshwater resources.
