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Questions and Answers
What is the primary source of usable freshwater mentioned?
What is the primary source of usable freshwater mentioned?
Which factor contributes significantly to varying water availability?
Which factor contributes significantly to varying water availability?
What is one of the main causes of water scarcity in regions with adequate water resources?
What is one of the main causes of water scarcity in regions with adequate water resources?
Which agricultural practice is identified as the largest consumer of water?
Which agricultural practice is identified as the largest consumer of water?
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By 2025, what is the projected number of people living in absolute water scarcity?
By 2025, what is the projected number of people living in absolute water scarcity?
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What is a primary reason for the over-exploitation of water resources?
What is a primary reason for the over-exploitation of water resources?
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Which of the following regions is commonly associated with water scarcity due to low rainfall?
Which of the following regions is commonly associated with water scarcity due to low rainfall?
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What approach is suggested to facilitate higher food-grain production sustainably?
What approach is suggested to facilitate higher food-grain production sustainably?
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What is a primary consequence of over-exploitation of groundwater resources?
What is a primary consequence of over-exploitation of groundwater resources?
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Which of the following accurately describes the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)?
Which of the following accurately describes the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)?
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What multi-purpose function do modern dams serve beyond irrigation?
What multi-purpose function do modern dams serve beyond irrigation?
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What was a key historical achievement in hydraulic engineering in ancient India?
What was a key historical achievement in hydraulic engineering in ancient India?
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What significant problem does the increasing number of industries pose?
What significant problem does the increasing number of industries pose?
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What is a critical aspect of the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal)?
What is a critical aspect of the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal)?
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How does pollution affect available water resources despite the quantity being adequate?
How does pollution affect available water resources despite the quantity being adequate?
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In the context of multi-purpose river projects, what has changed since independence?
In the context of multi-purpose river projects, what has changed since independence?
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What evidence has been found regarding irrigation techniques in ancient India?
What evidence has been found regarding irrigation techniques in ancient India?
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What are modern urban colonies likely to rely on for water supply?
What are modern urban colonies likely to rely on for water supply?
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Which approach is crucial for sustainable management of water resources?
Which approach is crucial for sustainable management of water resources?
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What major environmental issue may arise from water mismanagement?
What major environmental issue may arise from water mismanagement?
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Which of the following reflects a consequence of industrialization in relation to water resources?
Which of the following reflects a consequence of industrialization in relation to water resources?
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What is the primary purpose of underground tanks or tankas in arid regions of Rajasthan?
What is the primary purpose of underground tanks or tankas in arid regions of Rajasthan?
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Which method was primarily used in Meghalaya for rainwater harvesting?
Which method was primarily used in Meghalaya for rainwater harvesting?
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What is the relationship between the rainfall in Cherapunjee and water scarcity in Shillong?
What is the relationship between the rainfall in Cherapunjee and water scarcity in Shillong?
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What technique is used in the Western Himalayas for agriculture?
What technique is used in the Western Himalayas for agriculture?
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In Gendathur, how much rainwater can a single household collect annually with the rooftop harvesting system?
In Gendathur, how much rainwater can a single household collect annually with the rooftop harvesting system?
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What factor has contributed to the decline of rooftop rainwater harvesting in western Rajasthan?
What factor has contributed to the decline of rooftop rainwater harvesting in western Rajasthan?
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What substance is often filtered through sand and bricks in the rooftop harvesting systems?
What substance is often filtered through sand and bricks in the rooftop harvesting systems?
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In the context of traditional rainwater harvesting, what are khadins and johads used for?
In the context of traditional rainwater harvesting, what are khadins and johads used for?
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What is a characteristic feature of the bamboo drip irrigation system in Meghalaya?
What is a characteristic feature of the bamboo drip irrigation system in Meghalaya?
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Which region is known for constructing underground rooms adjacent to tankas for cooling purposes?
Which region is known for constructing underground rooms adjacent to tankas for cooling purposes?
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What percentage of water requirements in Shillong is typically met through rooftop rainwater harvesting?
What percentage of water requirements in Shillong is typically met through rooftop rainwater harvesting?
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What is a common misconception about areas receiving high rainfall?
What is a common misconception about areas receiving high rainfall?
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What legal measure has Tamil Nadu implemented regarding rooftop rainwater harvesting?
What legal measure has Tamil Nadu implemented regarding rooftop rainwater harvesting?
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Which technique does the roof runoff water need to undergo before reaching storage tanks?
Which technique does the roof runoff water need to undergo before reaching storage tanks?
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What is the primary environmental concern associated with dams as mentioned in the content?
What is the primary environmental concern associated with dams as mentioned in the content?
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Which of the following statements about the Sardar Sarovar Dam is accurate?
Which of the following statements about the Sardar Sarovar Dam is accurate?
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What consequence of sedimentation in reservoirs is highlighted in the content?
What consequence of sedimentation in reservoirs is highlighted in the content?
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Which term describes a structure intended for directing or obstructing water flow?
Which term describes a structure intended for directing or obstructing water flow?
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What is one of the major purposes of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchaee Yojana?
What is one of the major purposes of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchaee Yojana?
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What is a significant drawback of large dams as mentioned in the passage?
What is a significant drawback of large dams as mentioned in the passage?
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What is a defining characteristic of embankment dams?
What is a defining characteristic of embankment dams?
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What ecological consequence can arise from the alteration of natural river flows due to dams?
What ecological consequence can arise from the alteration of natural river flows due to dams?
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What is one aspect of the Krishna-Godavari dispute?
What is one aspect of the Krishna-Godavari dispute?
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Which of these types of dams uses masonry in its construction?
Which of these types of dams uses masonry in its construction?
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What issue arises from the submergence of land for dam reservoirs?
What issue arises from the submergence of land for dam reservoirs?
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Which term refers to a water feature designed for various usages, including irrigation and hydroelectric power?
Which term refers to a water feature designed for various usages, including irrigation and hydroelectric power?
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What traditional practice is mentioned as an alternative to multi-purpose dam projects?
What traditional practice is mentioned as an alternative to multi-purpose dam projects?
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What advantage does the Sardar Sarovar Dam provide to the surrounding regions?
What advantage does the Sardar Sarovar Dam provide to the surrounding regions?
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Study Notes
Water Scarcity and Conservation
- Three-fourths of Earth's surface is water, but usable freshwater is a small proportion, primarily from surface runoff and replenished groundwater.
- The hydrological cycle ensures water is renewable.
- Despite water's renewability, many regions face scarcity due to over-exploitation, high demand, and unequal access.
- Water scarcity is not limited to regions with low rainfall; it can also occur in areas with ample resources due to population growth, poor water quality, and/or unequal access.
- Growing populations, intensifying industries, and urban lifestyles drive increased water consumption and strain existing resources.
- Agriculture is the largest water consumer, with irrigated farming over-exploiting groundwater.
- Developing drought-resistant crops and dry farming methods is crucial to revolutionize agriculture.
- Industries' growing demand for water and energy exacerbates the problem further.
Multi-Purpose River Projects
- Traditional hydraulic structures like dams, reservoirs, embankments, and canals are crucial for water management.
- Modern dams have evolved into multi-purpose projects that integrate irrigation, electricity generation, water supply, flood control, recreation, and navigation.
- Multi-purpose projects, despite their intention, have faced criticisms:
- Impact on river's natural flow and sediment load.
- Fragmentation impacting fish migration and aquatic life.
- Reservoir creation leads to vegetation and soil decomposition.
- Shifting to water-intensive commercial crops exacerbates soil issues (e.g., salinization).
- Flood control issues due to reservoir sedimentation.
- Environmental and health concerns are issues.
Rainwater Harvesting
- Traditional methods of rainwater harvesting, like 'guls' and 'kuls' in the Himalayas or 'khadins' and 'johads' in Rajasthan, existed in ancient India.
- Rooftop rainwater harvesting was (and is) common to store drinking water.
- Underground tanks ('tankas') were prevalent in arid regions, providing reliable storage.
- Many rural and urban areas have successfully adapted rainwater harvesting methods for water conservation.
- Tamil Nadu made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory, incentivizing its practice.
- Modern methods include using PVC pipes and filters for efficient collection.
Water Conservation Proposals
- Implementing water conservation practices (e.g., rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation techniques).
- Promoting drought-resistant crops and dry farming.
- Addressing unequal access to water.
- Reducing water consumption in industries and households.
- The Atal Bhujal Yojana aims to promote water conservation behavior in communities.
Inter-state Water Disputes
- Water disputes, particularly over major river projects and their diversion, often occur between states, as seen in cases like the Krishna-Godavari dispute.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchaee Yojana (PMKSY)
- Aims to improve irrigation and water access on farms, boost efficiency, and implement sustainable methods.
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Description
Explore the critical issue of water scarcity and the various conservation strategies in place. This quiz delves into the reasons behind water scarcity, the importance of the hydrological cycle, and the impact of population growth and agriculture on freshwater resources. Test your knowledge on the challenges and solutions regarding water management.
