Imperative for Paradigm Shift in Water Policy: A Case of Drinking Water Provision in Kanyakumari

Freshwater is the fulcrum on which our lives revolve. Without it, there is no life. Its utility cannot be substituted easily by any other material. But, its availability is only limited and the demand for it is ever increasing. Freshwater is becoming scarce both in quantitative and qualitative terms. But, instead of using it prudently as an economic good, it is taken for granted and abused. The reason for this state of affairs is that the approach that we are following is the same old supply-oriented approach that we had followed in the era of plenty. Hence, a paradigm shift in approach to water policy is needed. This paper not only portrays the real scenario of the drinking water supply but also analyses the ways and means to find a solution for the water crisis existing in India particularly in Kanyakumari district. This paper consists of three parts. The first part brings out the quantity and quality aspects of the freshwater available and the demand for it. The second part explains the drinking water scenario. Details regarding the changes in approach and policies are presented in the third section.