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India's Springs Drying Up: 20 Crore Lives at Risk, Government Data Reveals Crisis
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News18•29-09-2026, 23:45
India's Springs Drying Up: 20 Crore Lives at Risk, Government Data Reveals Crisis
- •For the first time, comprehensive government data on natural springs in India has been compiled, revealing a shocking crisis.
- •The Ministry of Jal Shakti's report, 'First Census of Springs,' surveyed 14,468 springs across 10 states, with Manipur (3,941) and Maharashtra (3,652) having the most.
- •Hundreds of perennial springs are rapidly drying up, threatening the 15% of India's population (20 crore people) who depend on them for daily needs.
- •Maharashtra has 114 dried-up springs and 265 under severe threat, while Manipur has 65 dried-up springs and a staggering 1,336 under severe threat.
- •The report suggests scientific mapping, mandatory conservation during infrastructure development, and spring-shed management to revive these vital water sources and ensure water security.
Key Questions Answered
The report's second volume records the actual status of 14,468 natural springs across 10 states in the country.
Manipur ranked first nationwide with a total of 3,941 springs, while Maharashtra secured second place with 3,652 springs.
According to NITI Aayog, approximately 15 percent of the country's population, translating to about 20 crore people, depends directly on these natural water sources.
