3. Water Resources
Water scarcity remains a critical issue despite the planet being covered in water, with many regions struggling due to over-exploitation, pollution, and uneven access. Solutions such as rainwater harvesting and multi-purpose river projects have been tackled to improve water management and conservation. The need for comprehensive approaches to ensure sustainable water resources has become paramount as urbanization and industrialization escalate their demands on this finite resource.
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What we have learnt
- Three-fourths of the Earth's surface is covered with water, but only a small proportion is freshwater applicable for use.
- Water scarcity arises from over-exploitation, unequal access, pollution, and rising demand due to population growth.
- Effective water management strategies such as inter-state river agreements, rainwater harvesting, and modern irrigation techniques are essential for addressing water-related challenges.
Key Concepts
- -- Water Scarcity
- A condition in which the availability of water is insufficient to meet the demands of the population, often exacerbated by over-exploitation and pollution.
- -- Hydrological Cycle
- The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, illustrating water's renewability.
- -- Rainwater Harvesting
- The collection and storage of rainwater from rooftops or surface runoff for use, especially in regions experiencing water shortages.
- -- MultiPurpose River Projects
- Infrastructure projects designed to serve multiple objectives such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, water supply, and flood control.
- -- Groundwater Depletion
- The reduction of groundwater levels due to excessive extraction, often affecting availability for irrigation and drinking.
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