Water Resources Management

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for constructing dams?

Aesthetic purposes

Decorative structures

Coastal protection

Flood control (correct)

Water scarcity is caused by excessive use and equal access to water among different social groups.

False

List two uses of dams.

Irrigation and electricity generation.

Three-fourth of the earth's surface is covered with _____, but only a small proportion is freshwater.

water Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Dams = Barrier across flowing water Water Scarcity = Lack of sufficient freshwater Rain Water Harvesting = Collecting and storing rainwater Irrigation = Watering crops using controlled methods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for water scarcity?

Increased rainfall Signup and view all the answers

Rainwater harvesting is a method used to enhance water conservation.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main causes of water scarcity mentioned?

Over-exploitation and bad quality of water. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of creating dams on rivers?

Difficulties in aquatic fauna migration Signup and view all the answers

Creating large dams has never caused any environmental movements.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one method of rainwater harvesting practiced in arid regions.

Khadins or Johads Signup and view all the answers

The movement focused on opposing the construction of the Tehri Dam is known as the __________.

Tehri Dam Andolan Signup and view all the answers

Match the rainwater harvesting method with its location:

Guls/Kuls = Western Himalayas Rooftop harvesting = Rajasthan Inundation channels = Bengal Khadins = Jaisalmer Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant impact of dam construction on soil?

Extensive soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

Rainwater harvesting can only be used for agricultural purposes.

False Signup and view all the answers

What often motivates local communities to oppose dam constructions?

Loss of land and livelihood Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Water Resources

Water covers three-fourths of Earth's surface, but only a small portion is freshwater usable for humans.
Water availability varies geographically and temporally.
Water scarcity arises from over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access.
Water resources are being overused to expand irrigated agriculture in dry seasons.
Water quality issues also contribute to scarcity even in areas with adequate supply.

Water Conservation and Management

Crucial for health and safety.
Critical for food security and livelihoods.
Vital for protecting natural ecosystems.

Multi-Purpose River Projects

Ancient civilizations used sophisticated hydraulic structures like dams, reservoirs, and canals for irrigation.
Modern India continues this tradition, with dams built in major river basins.

Dams

Dams are barriers that obstruct, direct, or alter water flow, commonly creating reservoirs.
Dams are used for irrigation, electricity generation, water supply, flood control, recreation, and fish breeding.

Side Effects of Dams

Alter natural river flow.
Harm river-dwelling life.
Make existing land unusable due to submersion.
Cause environmental degradation.
Trigger new environmental movements.
Displace communities.
Disrupt natural ecosystems.
Can cause severe erosion.
Create problems leading to earthquakes, waterborne diseases, and pollution.

Rainwater Harvesting

Collecting rainwater for future use.
Used in various ways: storage, direct use, or recharge.
Diverse methods used:
- Diversion channels ('guls' or 'kuls') in the Western Himalayas for agriculture.
- Rooftop rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan for drinking water.
- Inundation channels in Bengal for irrigation.
- 'Khadins' and 'Johads' in arid and semi-arid regions for storing and using rainwater.
- Tankas (storage systems) in Rajasthan -Tamil Nadu's rainwater harvesting systems are compulsory.

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Description

Explore the critical aspects of water resources, including availability, scarcity, and management strategies. This quiz delves into water conservation, the role of multi-purpose river projects, and the significance of dams in modern agriculture. Test your knowledge on how water resources impact health, ecosystems, and food security.