The Stream, May 1: Water Problems Could Hinder India’s Economic Growth

India’s flawed water management could hinder its economic growth and political stability, Reuters reported, citing the expert charged with developing the country’s new water resource strategy.

Agriculture & Drought
A shortage of water in India’s Maharashtra state could affect the region’s sugar output unless it receives adequate rains during the June-September monsoon season, The Wall Street Journal reported.

This past April was the wettest in the United Kingdom in a century, according to the country’s Met Office. Yet, the heavy rainfall has not yet made a difference to the drought in many parts of the U.K., which was caused by two consecutive dry winters.

Recurring dry spells, more frequent droughts and leaky irrigation canals are taking their toll on southern Kyrgyzstan’s agriculture, according to EurasiaNet.

Fracking
The Institute of Medicine will examine whether hydraulic fracturing poses health risks in the United States, Bloomberg News reported.

Pennsylvania has lifted the temporary ban on water withdrawals that it imposed following a recent drought, Reuters reported. The water restrictions forced some energy companies to suspend shale gas drilling in April.

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