Water resources are an essential component of India’s economy and the livelihood of its people. India is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, and the demand for water is only increasing due to its growing population and rapid economic growth. This article will discuss the current state of water resources in India, the challenges facing the country, and the steps that need to be taken to ensure sustainable water management.
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Current State of Water Resources in India
India is home to 18% of the world’s population, but it has only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. India’s per capita water availability has declined from 5,177 cubic meters in 1951 to 1,544 cubic meters in 2011. The situation is expected to worsen, with the per capita availability predicted to decline further to 1,140 cubic meters by 2050.
India’s water resources are divided into two broad categories: surface water and groundwater. Surface water includes rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, while groundwater is stored in aquifers beneath the earth’s surface. India has 14 major river basins, and they provide water for irrigation, drinking, and other uses. However, many of these rivers are highly polluted, and their flow has been significantly reduced due to human activities.
Groundwater is an essential source of water in India, especially in areas where surface water is scarce. However, over-extraction of groundwater has led to a decline in water levels in many parts of the country. In some areas, the water table has dropped so low that it is no longer possible to extract water. This has led to a situation where farmers have to dig deeper and deeper wells to access water, which is both expensive and unsustainable.
Surface Water Resources in India
India has a vast network of rivers and lakes, with the major rivers being the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and the Indus. The country’s rivers are the primary source of surface water, providing water for irrigation, industrial, and domestic use. However, the availability of surface water varies greatly across the country, with some regions experiencing water scarcity.
In addition to natural water bodies, India has also built several dams and reservoirs to store water for use during dry periods. The construction of large dams, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam, has enabled the country to regulate the flow of its rivers and provide water for irrigation and power generation.
Groundwater Resources in India
Groundwater is an important source of water in India, accounting for over 60% of the country’s irrigated area. Groundwater is primarily used for irrigation, but it is also used for domestic and industrial purposes. The groundwater in India is stored in aquifers, which are natural underground reservoirs.
The availability of groundwater in India is influenced by several factors, including rainfall, soil type, and the geology of the region. Over the years, the exploitation of groundwater has led to a decline in water levels, especially in the northwestern regions of the country. This has led to the need for better management of groundwater resources.
Challenges Facing India’s Water Resources
There are several challenges facing India’s water resources, including:
- Water scarcity: As mentioned earlier, India is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, and the demand for water is only increasing. Climate change is also exacerbating the problem, with changes in rainfall patterns leading to more frequent droughts and floods.
- Pollution: Many of India’s rivers and other water bodies are highly polluted due to the discharge of untreated wastewater from industries and households. This has led to a decline in water quality, which has serious implications for human health and the environment.
- Over-extraction of groundwater: As mentioned earlier, over-extraction of groundwater has led to a decline in water levels in many parts of the country. This has serious implications for agriculture, as well as for drinking water supply.
- Poor water management: India’s water management practices are often inefficient and ineffective, leading to wastage and mismanagement of water resources.
Steps Needed to Ensure Sustainable Water Management
To ensure sustainable water management in India, several steps need to be taken, including:
- Investing in water conservation: India needs to invest in water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and soil conservation. These measures can help to increase the availability of water and reduce the impact of droughts and floods.
- Improving water use efficiency: India needs to improve water use efficiency in agriculture, industry, and households. This can be done through the use of efficient irrigation technologies, water-efficient appliances, and better management practices.
- Reducing pollution: India needs to take urgent measures to reduce pollution of its rivers and other water bodies. This can be done through the establishment of strict regulations, the provision of wastewater treatment facilities, and the promotion of eco-friendly industries.
- Regulating groundwater extraction: India needs to regulate groundwater extraction to prevent over-extraction and ensure sustainable use of this resource. This can be done through the establishment of strict regulations, the promotion of water-efficient agricultural practices, and the use of alternative sources of water such as treated wastewater and desalinated water.
- Implementing better water management practices: India needs to implement better water management practices at all levels, including at the local, state, and national levels. This can be done through the establishment of effective water governance mechanisms, the involvement of local communities in water management, and the promotion of water-saving technologies and practices.
- Investing in research and development: India needs to invest in research and development to find innovative solutions to its water management challenges. This can include research into new water conservation technologies, the development of new water treatment methods, and the promotion of new farming techniques that require less water.
Conclusion: India’s water resources are under significant pressure, and urgent action is needed to ensure sustainable water management in the country. This will require investment in water conservation measures, the improvement of water use efficiency, the reduction of pollution, the regulation of groundwater extraction, the implementation of better water management practices, and the investment in research and development. If India can successfully address its water management challenges, it will not only be able to secure its water resources for future generations but also contribute to global efforts to address the growing water crisis.
Summary
- India has only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources, but 18% of the world’s population.
- Per capita water availability in India has declined from 5,177 cubic meters in 1951 to 1,544 cubic meters in 2011.
- Surface water and groundwater are India’s two broad categories of water resources.
- Over-extraction of groundwater has led to a decline in water levels in many parts of the country.
- India’s rivers and other water bodies are highly polluted due to the discharge of untreated wastewater from industries and households.
- India is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with climate change exacerbating the problem.
- India needs to invest in water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting and watershed management.
- India needs to improve water use efficiency in agriculture, industry, and households.
- India needs to regulate groundwater extraction and promote alternative sources of water such as treated wastewater and desalinated water.
- India needs to implement better water management practices and invest in research and development to find innovative solutions to its water management challenges.
Questions
Q. What percentage of the world’s freshwater resources does India have?
a) 4%
b) 10%
c) 25%
d) 50%
Answer: a) 4%
Explanation: India has only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources, despite having 18% of the world’s population.
Q. What is the per capita water availability in India?
a) 10,000 cubic meters
b) 5,177 cubic meters
c) 2,000 cubic meters
d) 500 cubic meters
Answer: c) 2,000 cubic meters
Explanation: Per capita water availability in India has declined from 5,177 cubic meters in 1951 to 1,544 cubic meters in 2011.
Q. Which are India’s two broad categories of water resources?
a) Surface water and groundwater
b) Rainwater and river water
c) Saltwater and freshwater
d) Blue water and green water
Answer: a) Surface water and groundwater
Explanation: Surface water and groundwater are India’s two broad categories of water resources.
Q. What is the cause of the decline in water levels in many parts of India?
a) Decrease in rainfall
b) Increase in population
c) Over-extraction of groundwater
d) Poor management of surface water
Answer: c) Over-extraction of groundwater
Explanation: Over-extraction of groundwater has led to a decline in water levels in many parts of the country.
Q. What is one solution to India’s water management challenges?
a) Increase groundwater extraction
b) Reduce investment in research and development
c) Promote alternative sources of water such as treated wastewater and desalinated water
d) Increase pollution in India’s water bodies
Answer: c) Promote alternative sources of water such as treated wastewater and desalinated water
Explanation: Promoting alternative sources of water such as treated wastewater and desalinated water is one solution to India’s water management challenges.
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