Global Water Scarcity and Conflicts

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the rainfall patterns in the Cauvery basin?

The southwest monsoon is responsible for flooding in the lower reaches of the basin.

The southwest monsoon provides the majority of rainfall across the entire basin.

Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, ensuring consistent water supply.

The northeast monsoon is the primary source of water for tanks in Tamil Nadu due to its favorable topography and soil conditions. (correct)

What is the primary reason for the conflict over water resources in the Cauvery basin?

The absence of a comprehensive water-sharing agreement between the states involved.

The lack of effective water management practices in the region.

The unequal distribution of rainfall, with the upper reaches receiving significantly more water.

The increasing demand for water due to population growth and industrial development. (correct)

Which state in the Cauvery basin has experienced significant growth due to factors like the establishment of an IT city, leading to increased water demand?

Pondicherry

Karnataka (correct)

Kerala

Tamil Nadu

Which soil type is known for its fertility and is prevalent in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu?

Red soils Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of the Cauvery basin's total area covered by agricultural land?

66.21% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of water for tanks in Tamil Nadu during the northeast monsoon?

Rainfall Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of the southwest monsoon on the Cauvery basin?

It mainly affects the upper reaches of the basin, with rainfall decreasing downstream. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following states has limited interests in the Cauvery river's water?

Kerala Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate length of the Cauvery river?

802 kilometers Signup and view all the answers

Which soil type is found primarily in the delta region of Tamil Nadu and is known for its moisture retention?

Alluvial soils Signup and view all the answers

What primarily drives water scarcity according to the outlined content?

Population growth and economic development Signup and view all the answers

Which region is particularly highlighted as experiencing high levels of water scarcity?

The Northern Hemisphere's middle to low latitudes Signup and view all the answers

Which river dispute is mentioned as one of the most contended in India?

Cauvery water dispute Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor contributing to interstate water disputes in India?

Agricultural dependence on water Signup and view all the answers

Which nations are involved in conflicts over the Nile River?

Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia Signup and view all the answers

What defines demand-driven water scarcity?

Water consumption measured against use Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a water dispute mentioned?

Ganges River dispute Signup and view all the answers

What role does water play in the socio-economic development of India?

It is essential for agriculture and economic growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary crop grown in the Cauvery basin?

Rice Signup and view all the answers

In which season is the Kuruvai rice crop grown in Tamil Nadu?

June-September Signup and view all the answers

What is the total surface runoff of the Cauvery river?

21.4 cu km Signup and view all the answers

What is the population density of the Cauvery basin?

478 persons per sq.km Signup and view all the answers

What is the per capita water availability of renewable surface water resources in the Cauvery basin?

676 CuM Signup and view all the answers

When did the Cauvery dispute begin?

19th century Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the 1892 agreement?

To allow Mysore to deal with irrigation works and give practical security to Madras Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Cauvery water was allocated to Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry in the 1924 agreement?

75 per cent Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the dam constructed across the Cauvery river?

Krishnarajasagara dam Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for the excessive use of Cauvery water by Bangalore?

Population growth Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason behind the re-emergence of the Cauvery water dispute after 1956?

The re-organization of states, which increased the number of riparian states from two to four Signup and view all the answers

What was the demand of the Farmer's association in Tamil Nadu in 1986?

To form a tribunal to sort the water sharing dispute Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's final award in 2007?

Neither Karnataka nor Tamil Nadu was satisfied with the decision Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court's verdict in the Kaveri water dispute in 2018?

Karnataka was allocated more water than Tamil Nadu Signup and view all the answers

What was the main feature of the agreements of 1892 and 1924 between the erstwhile princely state of Mysore and the Madras presidency?

It restricted the extent of area that could be irrigated by the two states using the Cauvery waters Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason behind the protests and violence in Karnataka during 2012-2016?

The order to release 15,000 cfs of water per day to Tamil Nadu despite drought conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Cauvery Management Authority?

To implement the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Award as modified by the Supreme Court Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu go on a hunger strike in 1993?

To demand the implementation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's interim order Signup and view all the answers

What was the total allocation of water to all the riparian states according to the Supreme Court's verdict in 2018?

740 TMC Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason behind the construction of four dams by Karnataka on the Cauvery river between 1960 and the late 1980s?

To meet the growing water demands of its people Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Global Water Scarcity and Water Conflicts

Water scarcity arises from the growing water demand driven by population growth and economic development.
Defined as a condition where the demand for water across all sectors exceeds supply.
Areas in middle to low latitudes of the northern hemisphere typically face significant water scarcity.
Conflicts over water resources have been a historical global issue, impacting many nations involved in river sharing, like India, Pakistan, and Sudan.

The Cauvery River Basin

The Cauvery River is the fourth longest in South India, stretching 802 km (498.34 mi) and draining an area of 81,155 sq.km.
Originates in the Western Ghats and flows into the Bay of Bengal, with major stretches in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Receives rainfall from the southwest monsoon (June-September) and northeast monsoon (November-January), influencing agricultural patterns.

Climate, Soil, and Land Use

Rainfall patterns vary significantly; the southwest monsoon is predominant in Karnataka, while Tamil Nadu primarily relies on the northeast monsoon.
Principal soil types include black, red, lateritic, and alluvial soils, with agricultural land covering around 66.21% of the basin.
Major crops include rice and sugarcane, with varying irrigation methods based on seasonal monsoon patterns.

Water Availability and Population Dynamics

Cauvery flows with a total surface runoff of 21.4 cu km, and potentially utilizable water is about 27.8 cu km.
The population in the basin was about 38.76 million as of 2011, with a density of 478 persons per sq.km, and about 70% are rural.
Per capita water availability indicates chronic scarcity, with 676 CuM of renewable surface water available.

Major Water Use

The Cauvery River serves crucial agricultural needs, especially rice production, deeply intertwining socio-economic factors.
Urban demands, particularly from Bangalore, significantly strain the river's resources, with a population surge impacting availability.

Conflict Timeline (Pre- and Post-Independence)

Pre-independence conflicts (19th century) initiated due to irrigation projects between the Mysore state (now Karnataka) and Madras presidency (now Tamil Nadu).
The 1892 and 1924 agreements aimed to regulate water sharing but faced limitations leading to ongoing disputes.
Post-independence, the reorganization of states marked a new phase of contention over resource allocation.

Federal Trial and Final Verdict

Formation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) in 1990 enhanced legal recognition of the dispute, culminating in a 2007 award that both states contested.
Supreme Court's 2018 verdict resulted in Karnataka receiving a larger share (284.75 TMC) compared to Tamil Nadu (404.25 TMC) for the next 15 years.
The establishment of the Cauvery Management Authority was mandated to implement the court's decision and manage the ongoing dispute effectively.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of water scarcity, its causes, and effects on the environment and nations. Learn about the impact of population growth and economic development on water resources and conflicts over shared water resources.