Water Scarcity and Urban Challenges

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the outcomes of a large and growing population in relation to water scarcity?

Increased availability of freshwater resources

Insufficient water supply for irrigation (correct)

Enhanced hydroelectric power generation

Improved quality of life in urban areas

What major environmental challenge is highlighted due to pollution in water sources?

Enhanced irrigation methods

Decreased groundwater levels (correct)

Increased crop yields

Sustainable urban infrastructure

What main issue arises from the agricultural practices discussed in the content?

Development of long-term water conservation strategies

Increased reliance on rainfall for crops

Excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers (correct)

Improved urbanization opportunities

What initiative has the Government of India launched to address water supply issues in rural areas?

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Signup and view all the answers

What significant impact does intensive industrialization have on freshwater resources?

It exerts pressure on existing freshwater resources. Signup and view all the answers

How does heavy rain contribute to water issues in cities like Kolkata?

It can cause flooding and disrupt daily life. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of having poor-quality water available for use?

Hazards for human consumption. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common water management issue faced by farmers?

Overreliance on surface water exclusively. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a major consequence of shifting to water-intensive crops?

Salinisation of the soil Signup and view all the answers

What is one ecological consequence mentioned as a result of flooding?

Extensive soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

What does the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchaee Yojana aim to provide?

Access to protective irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What natural issue has been exacerbated by the multi-purpose projects?

Water-borne diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which traditional water-harvesting system is noted as being used in Jaisalmer?

Khadins Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan?

To store drinking water Signup and view all the answers

What agricultural adaptation was made in the flood plains of Bengal?

Creating inundation channels Signup and view all the answers

What problem arose from excessive water use from irrigation in rural areas?

Land degradation Signup and view all the answers

Which factor influences the flow of water into the bamboo pipes used in irrigation?

The positions of the pipes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the last channel section in water distribution?

To drop water near the roots of the plant Signup and view all the answers

In a region with high annual rainfall but highly polluted water, what is the situation regarding water scarcity?

The region suffers from water scarcity Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is a valid reason against multi-purpose river projects?

They lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood. Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about regions that have high rainfall and large populations?

They likely face challenges with water distribution. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do diversion units have in water application?

They enable precise watering of plants. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of water management, what is a potential issue in regions with low rainfall and low population?

Inefficiencies in water distribution Signup and view all the answers

How does the position of pipes affect water flow in the irrigation system described?

It directly controls the amount of water delivered. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a spillway in a dam?

To allow water to flow either intermittently or continuously Signup and view all the answers

How are dams primarily classified based on height?

Low, medium height, and high dams Signup and view all the answers

Which king is credited with the construction of the Hauz Khas tank in Delhi?

Iltutmish Signup and view all the answers

What did Jawaharlal Nehru refer to as the ‘temples of modern India’?

Dams and their irrigation systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a classification based on the structure of dams?

Metal dams Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary historical function of dams mentioned in the content?

To impound rivers and rainwater for irrigation Signup and view all the answers

In addition to height, how else can dams be classified?

By structure and purpose Signup and view all the answers

What type of lake was Bhopal Lake recognized as in the 11th Century?

One of the largest artificial lakes of its time Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of maintaining tankas in some houses in western Rajasthan?

To store rainwater for later use Signup and view all the answers

Which state in India has made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory for all houses?

Tamil Nadu Signup and view all the answers

How many households in Gendathur, Karnataka, have installed the rooftop rainwater harvesting system?

200 households Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Meghalaya's bamboo drip irrigation system?

It diverts stream water using bamboo pipes Signup and view all the answers

What is the flow rate of water from the bamboo pipes at the site of the plant in Meghalaya?

20-80 drops per minute Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable reason for the decline of rooftop rainwater harvesting in western Rajasthan?

Availability of canal water Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to transport water in Meghalaya's irrigation system?

Gravity flow Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of rooftop rainwater harvesting mentioned in the content?

It conserves and stores water Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is a significant issue driven by rising populations and poor water quality.
Urbanization and industrialization in post-independence India have exacerbated water supply challenges.
Heavy industrial use of water and pollution from chemicals, wastes, and agriculture lead to declining groundwater levels.
Water-borne diseases and environmental degradation associated with excessive water use are emerging concerns.

Historical Water Management and Dams

Bhopal Lake, a major artificial lake from the 11th century, and the 14th-century Hauz Khas tank illustrate historical water management efforts.
Dams are built to manage rivers and rainwater; they are classified by structure (embankment, masonry) and height (low, medium, high).
Jawaharlal Nehru referred to dams as "temples of modern India," aiming to promote agricultural and industrial development.

Agricultural Practices and Consequences

Shift to water-intensive crops has ecological implications, including soil salinization and erosion.
Sedimentation reduces nutrient availability, negatively impacting agricultural productivity.
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchaee Yojana aims to provide irrigation access to farmers, enhancing agricultural sustainability.

Traditional Water Harvesting

Ancient water-harvesting methods include khadins and johads, particularly in Rajasthan.
Rooftop rainwater harvesting has been a traditional practice but is declining in some areas due to reliance on alternative water sources.
Tamil Nadu mandates rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in homes, promoting sustainable water management.

Bamboo Drip Irrigation in Meghalaya

A 200-year-old bamboo drip irrigation system channels water from springs to agricultural areas using gravity.
This method allows for efficient water delivery directly to the roots of plants, minimizing waste and ensuring effective irrigation.

Key Challenges and Future Directions

Despite advances, many regions still lack access to clean and adequate water supply.
Ongoing industrial pollution threatens the integrity of water resources, necessitating stricter regulations and sustainable practices.
Community engagement and education on water conservation and management strategies are essential for addressing water scarcity issues.

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Description

This quiz explores the pressing issue of water scarcity in urban areas, highlighting the impact of population growth and agricultural practices. It also examines the juxtaposition of heavy rainfall and water shortages, as illustrated by an incident in Kolkata. Test your knowledge on the relationship between urban life and water management.