10 Questions
Explain the concept of water scarcity.
Water scarcity refers to the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage in a region.
What is the main purpose of multi-purpose river projects?
The main purpose of multi-purpose river projects is to bring various benefits like water supply, flood control, electricity generation, and irrigation to multiple sectors.
How do multi-purpose river projects help in flood control?
Multi-purpose river projects help in flood control by regulating water flow and managing water levels to prevent devastating floods in downstream areas.
Explain how water becomes a renewable resource.
Water becomes a renewable resource through the water cycle, where water evaporates from oceans and lands, forms clouds, and returns to the Earth as precipitation.
Why is rooftop rainwater harvesting gaining popularity in Rajasthan despite high water availability due to the Indira Gandhi Canal?
Rooftop rainwater harvesting is gaining popularity in Rajasthan to promote self-sufficiency in water supply and reduce dependence on centralized water sources like the Indira Gandhi Canal.
What are some negative consequences of multi-purpose river projects?
Some negative consequences of multi-purpose river projects include large-scale displacements of people, loss of livelihoods, and environmental impacts like habitat destruction.
How do urban centers impact water resources according to the text?
Urban centers with large populations and dense urban lifestyles often strain water resources rather than help in their proper utilization.
What was the reaction of Sabarmati basin farmers in Gujarat when higher priority was given to water supply in urban areas during droughts?
The Sabarmati basin farmers in Gujarat were agitated when higher priority was given to water supply in urban areas, especially during droughts.
Why is it important to regulate and dam rivers properly?
Regulating and damming rivers properly is crucial to ensure sustainable water management, prevent floods, and maintain natural flow and sediment transport in rivers.
What benefits do multi-purpose river projects bring to industries and homes?
Multi-purpose river projects generate electricity for industries and homes, providing a reliable source of energy and supporting economic activities.
Study Notes
Water Scarcity
- Only a small proportion of the Earth's surface water is freshwater that can be used.
- Freshwater is mainly obtained from surface runoff and groundwater, which is continually renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle.
- Despite being a renewable resource, water scarcity is a growing concern, with predictions suggesting that by 2025, nearly two billion people will live in absolute water scarcity.
Causes of Water Scarcity
- Over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access to water among different social groups are major contributors to water scarcity.
- Large and growing populations require more water for domestic use and food production, leading to over-exploitation of water resources.
Agriculture and Water Usage
- Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of water, with farmers relying on wells and tube-wells for irrigation to increase their produce.
- Developing drought-resistant crops and dry farming techniques can help alleviate water scarcity.
Water Conservation
- Conserving water is crucial to prevent ecological crises and ensure sustainable development.
- Individuals can contribute to water conservation through everyday practices, such as reducing water waste and adopting water-efficient habits.
India's Water Resources Management
- Ancient India had sophisticated hydraulic structures, including dams, reservoirs, and canals for irrigation.
- Modern India has continued this tradition by building dams in most river basins.
- Evidences of sophisticated irrigation works have been found in various regions, including Kalinga, Nagarjunakonda, Bennur, and Kolhapur.
Rainwater Harvesting
- Rainwater harvesting is a viable alternative to multipurpose projects, with socio-economic and environmental benefits.
- Ancient India had an extraordinary tradition of water-harvesting systems, with people developing techniques to harvest rainwater, groundwater, river water, and flood water based on local ecological conditions and water needs.
Learn about water conservation and management strategies to prevent the impoverishment of water resources and ecological crises. Discover how multi-purpose river projects and integrated water resources management can help in conserving water. Explore historical records of sophisticated hydraulic structures for water management.
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