Water Conservation and Management
Water scarcity represents a significant challenge globally, particularly in India, where demographic changes and environmental degradation have exacerbated the situation. Despite covering about 71% of the Earth’s surface, only 3% of water is freshwater, with a small fraction available for human use due to geographic and temporal variations. In India, only 60% of the available freshwater is usable, leading to increasing tensions over water resources.
Key Points:
-
Water Resources in India: India comprises about 4% of the world's fresh water resources, yet it accounts for over 17% of the population. Annually, 4,000 cubic km of water is available, but only 1,122 cubic km is usable.
-
Sources of Surface Water: This includes rivers (10,360 in total), lakes, ponds, and tanks. Major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra have vast catchment areas; however, water flow and availability vary considerably across regions.
-
Water Demand: The agricultural sector is the primary consumer of water, necessitating robust irrigation strategies due to irregular rainfall patterns.
-
Groundwater Utilization: With about 432 cubic km of replenishable groundwater, certain states, especially Punjab and Haryana, utilize it heavily, leading to worrying trends like groundwater depletion and pollution.
-
Water Conservation Initiatives: Programs like the Jal Kranti Abhiyan aim to enhance water security through community participation and effective water management strategies. Water recycling, reuse, and watershed development are essential components of current efforts.
-
Emphasis on Legislative Action: Implementation of policies to better manage and conserve water resources is vital, especially with growing pollution issues in major water bodies.
The focus on integrated water resource management aims to make efficient use of this precious resource for sustainable development.