# India water scarcity management initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-water-scarcity-management-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-08-24T11:01:39.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

India is implementing diverse strategies to address water scarcity through both traditional restoration and modern policy initiatives.

In rural and regional areas, communities are reviving ancient water management structures like stepwells, johads, and tanks. These historical systems, such as the Moosi Rani Sagar stepwell in Rajasthan, have shown success in stabilizing water levels and providing climate-resilient alternatives to modern infrastructure by improving soil infiltration.

Simultaneously, urban centers are focusing on wastewater reclamation. In Odisha, officials are promoting a ‘treat, reuse and recover’ model to manage sludge and resource recovery. In Delhi, the Reclaimed Water Policy 2026 aims to significantly increase the reuse of treated sewage for non-potable purposes, including construction and landscaping, to preserve potable water supplies.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: India advances wastewater reuse policies in Odisha and Delhi

Indian regions in Odisha and Delhi are implementing new policies to treat and reuse wastewater for non-potable purposes to combat urban water scarcity and promote resource recovery.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-advances-wastewater-reuse-policies-in-odisha-and-delhi

### 2026-08-21: India revives ancient water systems to combat scarcity

India is reviving ancient water-harvesting structures, such as stepwells, to combat water scarcity and climate change as modern systems face depletion.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-restores-ancient-water-infrastructure-to-combat-scarcity

---
Cite as: India water scarcity management initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-water-scarcity-management-initiatives