Questions and Answers
Which sector accounts for the highest percentage of groundwater utilisation in India?
What is the total replenishable groundwater resources in India?
Which of the following states is indicated as utilising groundwater at a moderate rate?
In which regions of India is groundwater utilisation reported to be relatively high?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary reason for the high demand for irrigation water in agriculture?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main purpose of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana?
Signup and view all the answers
Which regions in India have seen success from the green revolution strategy primarily due to irrigation technologies?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is irrigation deemed necessary for crops such as rice and sugarcane?
Signup and view all the answers
What effect does provided irrigation generally have on agricultural productivity?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a major challenge faced by farmers even in areas with sufficient rainfall, according to the content?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Water Resources in India
- Major rivers like Krishna, Kaveri, Brahmaputra, and Ganga are crucial for water supply, though Brahmaputra and Ganga have not been fully harnessed.
- Agriculture dominates water usage with 89% of surface water and 92% of groundwater being utilized for farming.
- Groundwater resources in India total approximately 432 cubic kilometers, with high utilization rates in north-western states and parts of southern India.
Groundwater Utilization
- Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu show particularly high groundwater usage.
- States like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Kerala utilize a small fraction of their groundwater resources.
- Moderate groundwater consumption is noted in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tripura, and Maharashtra.
Water Demand for Agriculture
- Irrigation is essential due to the irregular and insufficient rainfall across many regions, especially in north-western India and the Deccan plateau.
- Failure or disruption in monsoon can lead to droughts affecting crop production, highlighting the necessity for irrigation.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
- Launched in 2015-16 to enhance access to irrigation for all agricultural farms, aiming for rural prosperity.
- Objectives include increasing physical access to water, expanding cultivable areas under assured irrigation, and promoting efficient water use.
Water Pollution Issues
- Water resources are deteriorating due to pollutants like chemicals and waste, significantly affecting freshwater quality.
- The Yamuna river is identified as the most polluted, with organic and bacterial contamination being primary pollution sources.
- Toxic substances not only harm surface water but can also seep into groundwater.
Water Conservation and Management Techniques
- Growth in water demand necessitates conservation efforts through effective management legislation and development of water-saving technologies.
- Recycling and reusing water, especially reclaimed wastewater, is promoted to reduce industrial and urban water costs.
Rainwater Harvesting
- Rainwater harvesting approaches include capturing and storing rainwater for multiple uses, benefiting groundwater aquifer recharging.
- It serves as a sustainable method to lessen dependence on groundwater for domestic needs and can be implemented via rooftops and open spaces.
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal)
- Focused on sustainable groundwater management in 8,220 water-stressed Gram Panchayats across 80 districts.
- The program aims to transform community attitudes towards water conservation and management, targeting behavioral changes in water use.
Challenges and Trends
- The increasing trend in water demand may lead to conflicts and social upheaval if not managed sustainably.
- Awareness and integration of water resource management practices are crucial for sustaining availability and ensuring equitable distribution in the future.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the critical aspects of groundwater resources and their utilization in agriculture, surface, and industrial sectors. This quiz delves into the percentages of groundwater and surface water used, particularly in the context of major river basins in India. Test your knowledge on the importance of efficient water management in agriculture.
