The primary objective of this research centre is to carry out in-depth investigations into critical hydrological issues and communicate the findings to the public in clear, accessible language. The ultimate goal is to demystify science and keep society informed with accurate, evidence-based knowledge. CHSC is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.

With a vision for nation-building, CHSC aims to assist the government in fostering a scientifically informed society. This aligns well with the country’s Vision 2030¹ as well as the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations².

Scientists predict that India will become a water-scarce country by 2050³ (Fig. 1). Although such predictions are not free from uncertainties⁴, it is a fact that India’s population is rising steadily, and the gap between water supply and demand is widening rapidly (Fig. 2). In 1951, shortly after independence, India’s population was approximately 361 million⁵, and the per capita water availability was 5177 cubic metres per year³. Today, with the population soaring to about 1465 million⁶, this share has dropped to less than 1485 cubic metres per capita per year⁷. Over the next two and a half decades, the population is expected to rise to 1665 million, while per capita water availability will decline further to around 1140 cubic metres per year³. Internationally, 1700 cubic metres per capita per year is considered the minimum requirement for an individual to maintain a comfortable standard of living^8–9. When availability drops below 1000 cubic metres, a country is said to have entered a state of water emergency¹⁰.