urbanisation and economic development, although India is likely to remain essentially an agricultural nation for some time to come. Between 1950 and 2000 the urban population increased by over 350% and now accounts for some 30% of the total (UN, 2002), or approximately 280 million people. By 2030 some 40% of the population will be urbanised, accounting for some 575 million people (Hugo, 2003), living in over 4 378 towns and cities and contributing in excess of 60% Of the country's GDP. The population is expected to stabilise at an estimated 1.5 billion by 2050. Of the urban population, 90% had access to clean drinking water in 2002 (Planning Commission, 2002) compared to 85% in 1993, although the corresponding figures for the rural population are 78% in 1993 (WRI, 1995) and 70% in 2002. Some 19% of rural households have a toilet compared to 80% in urban areas (Planning Commission, 2002). Sewage systems are present in only 70 out of the 300 major cities, and only 30% of wastewater generated in municipal areas is treated (Planning Commission, 2002), and not necessarily to a good standard. Between 1950 and 2000 the gross irrigation potential increased from 19.5 to 95 million hectares, and further increases are expected. India has a wide range of geography and climate that influences water resources, utilisation INFRASTRUCTURE TO 2030: TELECOM, LAND TRANSPORT, WATER AND ELECTRICITY - ISBN 92-64-02398-4 © OECD 2006 5. THE IMPACTS OF CHANGE ON THE LONG-TERM FUTURE DEMAND FOR WATER SECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE and agriculture. In general, agriculture relies on the seasonal monsoon rainfalls: 50% of precipitation falls in just 15 days and over 90% of rivers flow in just four months, a variability that brings both drought and flood. Most of the interior is arid though fertile, meaning that agriculture could be expanded. In India's 2002 national water policy, drinking water was given the top priority in water allocation ahead of irrigation, which has significant implications for future water sector development. Nonetheless, some 