Originally written by:ADITYA KALRA AND RISHIKA SADAM
Link to the article: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01/31/asia-pacific/society/india-luxury-symbol-water/
In India’s elite circles, luxury is no longer defined only by high-end cars, sprawling homes, or exclusive travel. A quieter, more telling symbol has begun to emerge. As climate stress and groundwater depletion intensify across the country, assured access to clean, abundant water is fast becoming one of the most coveted markers of privilege.
From Basic Need to Premium Asset
Once taken for granted, water has moved into the realm of scarcity in many Indian cities. Frequent shortages, declining water tables, and erratic monsoons have pushed affluent households to seek private solutions. Luxury villas and gated communities now advertise uninterrupted water supply as a key selling point, often backed by private borewells, water treatment plants, and large-scale storage systems.
In urban centres like Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Chennai, and Hyderabad, premium residences are investing heavily in infrastructure that guarantees round-the-clock access to clean water something that is increasingly out of reach for large sections of the population.
The Rise of Private Water Security
For India’s wealthy, water security has become an extension of lifestyle planning. Rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, advanced purification units, and private water tankers contracted on long-term agreements are now common features in high-end homes. Some luxury developments even maintain their own mini water ecosystems, recycling wastewater for landscaping and non-potable use.
Bottled water, too, has evolved beyond utility. Artisanal mineral water brands, imported glacier water, and custom-packaged premium water are finding a niche among elite consumers, especially at exclusive events and private gatherings.
Access to reliable water is now being equated with peace of mind. For affluent families, it represents insulation from civic failures and environmental uncertainty. Real estate developers have taken note, positioning “water resilience” as a core element of luxury living on par with security, privacy, and smart-home technology.
This shift reflects a broader change in how luxury is perceived: less about visible excess, more about control over essentials that are becoming scarce.
While water is turning into a premium commodity for some, millions across India continue to struggle for daily access. The growing divide underscores an uncomfortable reality: what is a basic human necessity for all is increasingly becoming a private asset for a few.
As water scarcity deepens, its transformation into a luxury symbol raises urgent questions about sustainability, equity, and long-term resource management. In modern India, true privilege may no longer be measured by what one owns but by what one never has to worry about turning off the tap.
