Water is one of the basic human needs. This requirement has remained mismanaged under the contemporary Indian administration. This article tries to interpret some of the issues of water in relation to population leading to an assessment of the current state. It is not only that water problems are precarious in the population sector but, as a whole, the country has been facing a water crisis both for agriculture as well as for basic needs. Some key data have been gathered, mapping conducted and an integrated picture of the present position is examined briefly to clarify future needs.