Chapter 7: Water Resources
7.1 Introduction to Water Resources
Water resources comprise all forms of water available on Earth, including surface water found in rivers, lakes, glaciers, and groundwater, essential for sustaining human, animal, and plant life. However, ocean water is generally unusable without treatment.
7.2 Sources of Water in India
7.2.1 Surface Water
Surface water, encompassing elements like rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, plays a critical role in irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric power generation, with major river systems such as the Ganga and Brahmaputra being pivotal to India’s water supply.
7.2.2 Groundwater
Groundwater exists in the pores of soil and rocks, extracted through wells and replenished by rainfall. Its significance rises in areas where surface water is scarce.
7.3 Uses of Water Resources
Water serves multiple purposes: essential for agriculture, domestic uses, industrial applications, hydroelectric power, navigation, and recreation.
7.4 Water Management in India
India faces challenges with uneven water distribution, pollution, and overuse. Effective management practices include the construction of dams, canals, rainwater harvesting, and watershed management to conserve and efficiently use water resources.
7.5 Major Water Projects in India
Key projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam, Tehri Dam, and Sardar Sarovar Project showcase efforts for maximizing irrigation and power generation while ensuring water supply.
7.6 Problems Related to Water Resources
Current issues include water scarcity, pollution from industrial and domestic waste, siltation that reduces reservoir capacity, and over-extraction of groundwater, highlighting the need for integrated management strategies.
7.7 Conservation of Water Resources
Strategies promote efficient irrigation and pollution prevention through laws, community participation, afforestation, and the recycling of wastewater to ensure sustainable use of water resources.