4.1.4 - Water Demand and Utilisation
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Introduction to Water Resources in India
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Today, we're going to talk about *water resources in India*. Can anyone tell me how much of the Earth's surface is covered in water?
I think it's about 70%.
Correct! But remember, only about 3% of that is freshwater. What does that mean for us?
It means freshwater is scarce!
Exactly! Due to over-utilization and pollution, we have to conserve our freshwater resources. Let's explore how much freshwater is available in India specifically.
How much freshwater can we actually use?
In India, we have around 4,000 cubic kilometers of precipitation annually, but only 1,122 cubic kilometers is specifically utilizable. Can you see the challenge there?
That's a big difference!
Absolutely! This scarcity affects multiple sectors, especially agriculture. Let’s move on to how water is utilized in different regions.
Water Utilization in Agriculture
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Water is predominantly used for irrigation purposes. Who can tell me what percentage of water is consumed by the agricultural sector?
I remember it's around 89% for surface water!
That's right! And why do you think agriculture needs so much water?
Crops need water to grow, especially in dry regions, right?
Exactly! Areas with low rainfall need irrigation to ensure agricultural productivity. Can you think of a solution to improve irrigation in these areas?
Maybe we can use drip irrigation or rainwater harvesting?
That's a fantastic point! *Rainwater harvesting* is indeed a sustainable approach to improving irrigation. Let’s remember that effective irrigation contributes significantly to our food security.
Groundwater Issues
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Now, let's discuss *groundwater*. How do some states in India rely on it more than others?
I think Punjab and Haryana use a lot of groundwater because of their agriculture.
Correct! However, this over-utilization is leading to groundwater depletion. What might be the consequences of this depletion?
Maybe it causes water scarcity and pollutes remaining water?
Precisely! Over-extraction can result in pollution due to contaminants. It's crucial to manage groundwater wisely. Have you heard about any government programs aimed at protecting water resources?
Yes! The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana aims to provide better irrigation access!
Excellent! Programs like this are essential for sustainable water management, ensuring we benefit from our water resources long term.
Water Conservation Practices
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To tackle water scarcity, we must discuss *water conservation*. What are some practices you think can help conserve water?
Using rainwater harvesting and not wasting water while using it at home!
Great examples! Community involvement is crucial in these practices too. Can you all think of how communities could get involved?
They can organize workshops to teach people!
Absolutely! Awareness and community participation are key components of effective water management. Finally, let’s consider the role of the National Water Policy.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
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The section examines India's water resources, demographic trends affecting water demand, and the challenges posed by over-utilization and pollution. It emphasizes the need for sustainable water management practices, particularly in agriculture, which is the largest consumer of water.
Detailed
Water Demand and Utilisation
Water demand and utilization in India are critical issues shaped by the country's demographic transitions and technological advancements. This section highlights that while approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, only about 3% is freshwater, of which a small proportion is available for human use. Water scarcity is an increasing concern, driven by over-utilization, pollution, and varying availability across regions.
India, contributing 4% of the world's water resources and housing more than 17% of the global population, faces formidable challenges with its water supply. It receives about 4,000 cubic kilometers of annual precipitation, but only 1,122 cubic kilometers of this amount is utilizable for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. The agricultural sector accounts for a staggering 89% of surface water use, emphasizing the dependency of India's agrarian economy on effective irrigation systems.
Due to uneven rainfall distribution, especially during monsoons, irrigation is vital in drought-prone regions. Current irrigation initiatives, like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, aim to enhance water accessibility and efficiency. However, over-extraction of groundwater, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana, has led to depletion and pollution issues.
The section discusses essential water conservation strategies, emphasizing community participation in watershed management. It concludes by underscoring the need for innovative policies and practices to address water scarcity effectively.
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Water Issues in India
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
India has traditionally been an agrarian economy, and about two-thirds of its population have been dependent on agriculture. Hence, the development of irrigation to increase agricultural production has been assigned a very high priority in the Five Year Plans.
Detailed Explanation
India's economy relies significantly on agriculture, which requires ample water supply. To support this, the government has prioritized irrigation projects in its development plans. This means that water management is critical for agricultural productivity, directly impacting food security and the economy.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a farmer needing rain to grow crops. Just as rain is crucial, irrigation systems are like a farmer's lifeline, helping ensure they have enough water even during dry seasons.
Utilisation of Surface Water Resources
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Chapter Content
In India, agriculture accounts for most of the surface and groundwater utilisation, with irrigation needs dominating water consumption. Agriculture accounts for 89 per cent of the surface water and 92 per cent of the groundwater utilisation.
Detailed Explanation
The majority of water resources in India are used for agriculture, reflecting its importance in the economy. Irrigation helps farmers grow enough food. The high percentages highlight how critical managing water resources effectively is to sustain farming and the livelihoods that depend on it.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a sponge soaking up water. Just like this sponge holds more water for later use, irrigation systems help store and use water for farming, making sure crops can grow even when it doesn’t rain.
Groundwater Resources and Utilisation
Chapter 3 of 5
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Chapter Content
The total replenishable groundwater resources in the country are about 432 cubic km. Groundwater utilisation is high in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu, but some states like Chhattisgarh and Odisha use only a small portion of their groundwater potential.
Detailed Explanation
Groundwater is a significant resource, but its use varies widely across the country. Some states utilize it extensively, while others do not tap into their potential. This discrepancy can lead to regions facing water shortages, as those with high usage may deplete their resources faster than they can replenish.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a bank account. If you withdraw money more than you deposit, you will run out of funds. Similarly, overusing groundwater can lead to wells running dry, especially in areas heavily reliant on it.
Demand for Irrigation Water
Chapter 4 of 5
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Chapter Content
Irrigation is vital in India due to irregular rainfall patterns. Areas like the north-western region and Deccan Plateau are especially prone to droughts, making water for irrigation essential to maintain agricultural productivity.
Detailed Explanation
Different regions in India experience varying rainfall, leading to some areas frequently facing droughts where crops cannot grow without irrigation. Therefore, providing consistent water through irrigation is crucial for food production, making agricultural planning essential for national food security.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine planning a picnic. If you know there's a chance of rain, you bring an umbrella or a tent. Similarly, irrigation acts as a backup plan for farmers, ensuring their crops have sufficient water even when rains are unpredictable.
Emerging Water Problems
Chapter 5 of 5
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Chapter Content
The per capita availability of water is dwindling due to population growth and pollution. The overuse of groundwater is causing the groundwater table to decline, impacting agriculture and increasing salinity in soils.
Detailed Explanation
As more people need water, the available amount per person decreases. Pollution from various sources further reduces the quality and availability of clean water. Moreover, excessive groundwater extraction leads to lower water tables, which can make it difficult for plants to access water, harming crops.
Examples & Analogies
This can be likened to a group of friends sharing a pizza. If more people join and want their share, each friend gets less. Just like that, as the population grows, the available water per person shrinks, affecting everyone.
Key Concepts
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Water Scarcity: The critical shortage of freshwater resources due to high demand and pollution.
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Groundwater Over-utilization: Excessive use of groundwater leading to depletion and quality issues.
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Irrigation Dependency: High dependence of agriculture on irrigation due to monsoonal variability in rainfall.
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Conservation Practices: Strategies to enhance the sustainability of water resources.
Examples & Applications
The reliance on irrigation in states like Punjab and Haryana to support wheat and rice cultivation.
Projects like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana aim to enhance water accessibility for farmers.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Water neat, keep it sweet, save it where you can, that's the smart plan!
Stories
Once upon a time, a village suffering from drought learned to collect every drop of rainwater. They began to store it, ensuring crops flourished once more; sharing their wisdom transformed the entire region.
Memory Tools
WEEP – Water Efficiency, Every Drop counts, Pollution prevention.
Acronyms
SAVES - Sustainable Agriculture, Viable Ecosystem System.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Freshwater
Water with low concentrations of salts, suitable for drinking and irrigation.
- Irrigation
The application of controlled amounts of water to plants at needed intervals.
- Groundwater
Water that is stored underground in soil or rock formations.
- Water Conservation
Efforts to preserve and protect water resources from overuse and pollution.
- Water Scarcity
The lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands within a region.
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