Unit-III
Chapter-4 Water Resource
EXERCISES
1. Choose the right answers of the following from the given options.
(i) Which one of the following types describes water as a resource?
(a) Abiotic resource (c) Biotic Resource
(b) Non-renewable Resources (d) Non-cyclic Resource
Answer: (a) Abiotic resource
(ii) Which one of the following south Indian states has the highest
groundwater utilisation (in per cent) of its total ground water potential?
(a) Tamil Nadu (c) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Karnataka (d) Kerala
Answer: (a) Tamil Nadu
(iii The highest proportion of the total water used in the country is in which
one of the following sectors?
(a) Irrigation (c) Domestic use
(b) Industries (d) None of the above
Answer: (a) Irrigation
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) It is said that the water resources in India have been depleting very fast.
Discuss the factors responsible for depletion of water resources?
Answer: India's water woes stem from a mix of factors: overexploitation (groundwater pumping, intensive irrigation), inefficient use (leakages, wasteful practices), climatic shifts (erratic rainfall, droughts), and environmental degradation (deforestation, pollution). This cocktail depletes resources faster than natural replenishment can handle.
(ii) What factors are responsible for the highest groundwater development in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu
Answer: High groundwater use in Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu comes from a mix of:
*Intensive agriculture: Reliance on water-intensive crops and inadequate drip irrigation.
*Limited surface water: Scarcity of rivers and canals leads to dependence on wells.
*Easy access to groundwater: Extensive tube well networks for easy pumping.
*Government subsidies: Power subsidies for pumping encourage overuse.
This complex interplay has led to critical groundwater depletion, demanding sustainable solutions.
(iii) Why the share of agricultural sector in total water used in the country is expected to decline?
Answer:
(iv) What can be possible impacts of consumption of contaminated/unclean
water on the people?
Answer: The decline in agriculture's water share likely stems from a combination of factors:
*Improved irrigation efficiency: Adoption of drip irrigation and precision agriculture reduces water waste.
*Shifting crop patterns: Moving towards less water-intensive crops like pulses and oilseeds.
*Rising industrial and domestic demand: Urbanization and industrial growth increase water needs in other sectors.
*Focus on water conservation: Government initiatives and awareness raise concern about sustainable water use.
Therefore, while agriculture remains a major consumer, its water share might decrease due to efficiency gains, diversification, and changing water demands across sectors.
3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.
(i) Discuss the availability of water resources in the country and factors that determine its spatial distribution?
Answer: Water Resources in India: Availability and Distribution
India, despite being the seventh-largest country, faces diverse water availability across its vast landscapes. Understanding the factors influencing this distribution is crucial for managing this precious resource.
Availability:
*Total annual precipitation: Around 4000 billion cubic meters (BCM), though unevenly distributed.
*Surface water: Rivers, lakes, ponds, and canals contribute about 1123 BCM.
*Groundwater: Estimated at 432 BCM, replenished by rainfall infiltration.
Distribution:
*Monsoon dependence: Over 80% of rainfall occurs during the monsoon, leading to seasonal fluctuations.
*Himalayan rivers: Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus basins hold 60% of surface water.
*Central and Eastern India: Receive higher rainfall compared to arid and semi-arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Factors determining spatial distribution:
*Climate: Monsoon patterns, temperatures, and evapotranspiration rates significantly impact water availability.
*Topography: Himalayan glaciers, hilly terrains, and coastal plains influence how rainfall accumulates and flows.
*Geology: Porous rocks allow for better groundwater recharge compared to impermeable ones.
*Land use: Deforestation and soil degradation hinder water infiltration and storage.
Consequences of uneven distribution:
*Droughts: Frequent in western and southern regions with low rainfall and high water demand.
*Floods: Heavy monsoon rains cause inundation in riverine plains and coastal areas.
*Inter-state water disputes: Competition for limited resources can lead to conflicts.
Management strategies:
*Water conservation: Promoting efficient irrigation practices, rainwater harvesting, and afforestation.
*Inter-basin water transfers: Linking surplus and deficit regions through canals and pipelines.
*Groundwater recharge: Implementing measures to replenish aquifers and prevent overexploitation.
*Demand management: Raising awareness about water scarcity and encouraging responsible use.
By understanding the complex interplay of factors influencing water distribution and actively managing our resources, India can strive towards equitable and sustainable water utilization for all.
(ii) The depleting water resources may lead to social conflicts and disputes. Elaborate it with suitable examples?
Answer: Depleting Water: A Spark for Social Conflict
The dwindling of water resources can act as a tinderbox for social conflicts and disputes, igniting tensions at various levels:
Local:
*Competition for irrigation water: Farmers in water-scarce areas may clash over access to limited groundwater or river water, leading to protests and even violence.
*Domestic water scarcity: Communities facing acute water shortages can experience unrest due to inadequate and unequal distribution, particularly affecting marginalized groups.
Regional:
*Inter-state water disputes: Historical rivalries over shared rivers and aquifers can intensify as water becomes scarcer, leading to legal battles and political tensions. Examples include the ongoing Kaveri River dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and the Brahmaputra water sharing disputes between India and Bangladesh.
International:
*Transboundary water conflicts: Countries sharing rivers and other water bodies may face increased tensions as demand outstrips supply, potentially escalating into diplomatic disputes and even military interventions. Examples include the Nile River conflict involving Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, and the Jordan River dispute between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
These conflicts often fuel:
*Migration: People fleeing water scarcity may migrate to regions with better water availability, putting pressure on resources and social services.
*Food insecurity: Droughts and water shortages can cripple agricultural production, leading to food shortages and price hikes, exacerbating existing social inequalities.
*Civil unrest: Discontent and frustration over water scarcity can trigger protests and social unrest, posing challenges to political stability.
Therefore, addressing water scarcity proactively is crucial not just for environmental sustainability but also for preventing social conflicts and promoting peace and stability. This requires cooperation at local, regional, and international levels, emphasizing sustainable water management practices, equitable distribution, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
(iii) What is watershed management? Do you think it can play an important role in sustainable development?
Answer: Watershed Management: A Key to Sustainable Development
Watershed management refers to the holistic approach of managing the land, water, and other natural resources within a specific area drained by a river or stream. It goes beyond simply managing water resources and encompasses everything from soil conservation to vegetation cover and land use practices.
Here's why watershed management plays a crucial role in sustainable development:
Environmental benefits:
*Conserves and protects water resources: Reduces soil erosion, prevents sedimentation in rivers, improves water quality, and promotes groundwater recharge.
*Combats desertification and land degradation: Promotes sustainable land use practices, restores vegetation cover, and minimizes soil erosion.
*Enhances biodiversity: Creates healthy ecosystems by protecting habitats and supporting diverse species.
*Mitigates climate change: Contributes to carbon sequestration through increased vegetation, promoting climate resilience.
Social and economic benefits:
*Improves livelihoods: Increases agricultural productivity through better water management and soil fertility, leading to food security and economic growth.
*Reduces vulnerability to natural disasters: Mitigates floods and droughts by managing water flow and promoting soil conservation.
*Empowers communities: Encourages participatory planning and management, fostering local ownership and responsibility for resources.
*Promotes sustainable practices: Encourages responsible land use, reduces pollution, and ensures long-term resource availability.
Therefore, watershed management acts as a bridge between environmental conservation and socio-economic development. By managing resources sustainably within a defined watershed, we can achieve multiple benefits for the environment, communities, and future generations.
Examples of successful watershed management initiatives:
*Hiware Bazar in Maharashtra, India: Transformed from a drought-stricken village to a self-sufficient model through community-driven watershed management.
*Tana River Basin in Kenya: Improved water availability and agricultural productivity for communities through integrated watershed management.
In conclusion, watershed management is a powerful tool for achieving sustainable development. Its comprehensive approach tackles environmental challenges while fostering social and economic well-being, making it a crucial strategy for a sustainable future.
