Water Resources

• Water Scarcity & Need for Conservation
  • Availability
    • 96.5% Oceans (Saline)
    • 2.5% Freshwater (Mostly ice/groundwater)
    • Less than 1% Potable water
  • Causes of Scarcity
    • Growing population
    • Intensified demand & unequal access
    • Over-exploitation of groundwater
    • Water Pollution (Domestic & Industrial effluents)
  • Conservation Goals
    • Safeguard public health
    • Ensure food security
    • Prevent ecological degradation
• Multi-Purpose River Projects & Integrated Water Resources Management
  • Definition
    • Dams built for irrigation, electricity, flood control, etc.
  • Historical Context
    • Jawaharlal Nehru: "Temples of Modern India"
  • Adverse Effects (Criticism)
    • Alters natural water flow (sediment trapping)
    • Submergence of flora, fauna, and local communities
    • Displacement of local people
    • Inter-state water disputes
    • Soil degradation (salinization)
  • Alternative
    • Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
• Rainwater Harvesting
  • Traditional Methods
    • Palars and underground tanks in Rajasthan
    • Kuls and Guls in Western Himalayas
    • Rooftop rainwater harvesting
  • Modern Adaptations
    • Mandatory in several states (e.g., Tamil Nadu)
  • Bitheri Village Model
    • Bamboo drip irrigation system (Meghalaya)
  • Benefits
    • Drinking water source
    • Recharges groundwater table