Water scarcity, including depleting levels of ground water is a subset of problems associated with climate change and unfortunately both of them are global man-madedisasters.To overcome this problem, huge investments in infrastructure as well as institutions is required. As serious as it may sound, there still is time torepairthe damage done. In my view the following measures should be adopted -

Immediate review ofNational Water Policy, setting up ofNational Water Authority and formation of strict laws on water usage. Until and unless a properly executed law is not brought into existence - all other measures will fail.

Indian Rivers Inter-linkProjectis still under study. Feasibility tests for many projects have been completed but due to some or the other reasons, work is yet to begin. Only Krishna-Godavari interlink has so far been carried out. Interlinking rivers will help transporting water from flood hit areas to drought hit areas and can help tackle both these issues together.Although the project has various economical, ecological and political consequences; it is an urgent need and states governments need to work in collaboration.

Water in flood hit areas or areas with water adequacy can bechannelized underground using some form of innovative designs to replenish aquifers.This water can be used up during dry seasons using the age old tube well mechanism.