Water fall-outs

Industrial water use has triggered off a host of problems

In developed and developing countries alike, competition among water users is increasing. Tensions are particularly high in water-scarce areas where domestic, agricultural and industrial water needs are pitted against each other. In developing countries like India, where every segment of the economy is growing rapidly, the conflict will become unmanageable if not addressed now. Even today most big cities in India are getting piped water from far-off places. This is putting tremendous
pressure on the local population whose water is being snatched to feed urban and industrial growth.
This practice, also known as the "zero sum game of water management", is one where authorities increase water supply to one user by taking it away from another. This practice almost invariably leads to discontent in the different parts of the country.

Industry-community conflict
A major outcome of increasing industrial water use has been the increase in conflict between local communities and the industry on issues ranging from water pollution to water scarcity. In areas where there is water scarcity, industries are under tremendous pressure from community and government alike to reduce water use.

Depletion of groundwater by industries, supply of water meant for irrigation to industries, preferential treatment given to industries by the government are some of the major reasons for the conflict between industry and community over water use.

Another major reason for this ongoing conflict is water pollution. Protest and public interest litigations have become quite common on this issue.