Water Resources
1. Explain why water, despite being a renewable resource, can still lead to scarcity.
Water scarcity occurs because the availability of freshwater varies greatly over space
and time. This scarcity is often caused by human factors like over-exploitation,
excessive use, and unequal access, rather than just low rainfall. The renewal through
the hydrological cycle can't keep up with unsustainable demand and poor
management.
2. What is the primary reason for over-exploitation of water resources in the context
of food production?
The primary reason for over-exploitation of water resources for food production is
the need to facilitate higher food-grain production. This leads to expanding irrigated
areas for dry-season agriculture, which is the largest consumer of water. This practice
depletes groundwater levels significantly.
3. Besides agricultural demand, identify two other major contributors to increased
freshwater demand in post-independent India.
Two other major contributors to increased freshwater demand are intensive
industrialization and rapid urbanization. Industries are heavy water users and require
hydroelectric power, while multiplying urban centers with large populations and
specific lifestyles also exert immense pressure on existing freshwater resources.
4. How does water pollution contribute to water scarcity, even in regions with ample
water resources?
Water pollution contributes to water scarcity by making otherwise available water
hazardous for human use. Domestic and industrial wastes, along with agricultural
chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers, contaminate water bodies. This means even if
there's enough water quantitatively, its poor quality renders it unusable.
5. List three traditional purposes for which dams were originally constructed in
ancient India.
Dams were traditionally constructed to impound rivers and rainwater for later use.
Their primary purposes included irrigating agricultural fields, creating reservoirs or
lakes, and building embankments to control water flow. These structures facilitated
agriculture and water storage for communities.
6. Explain Jawaharlal Nehru's vision behind proclaiming dams as 'temples of modern
India.'
Jawaharlal Nehru envisioned dams as 'temples of modern India' because he believed
they would integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid
industrialization and growth of the urban economy. He saw them as crucial tools to
overcome the handicaps of India's colonial past and propel the nation towards
progress.
7. Describe two specific environmental consequences of large dams on river
ecosystems.
Two environmental consequences of large dams are poor sediment flow and
excessive sedimentation at the bottom of reservoirs, which harms aquatic life and
leads to rockier stream beds. Additionally, dams fragment rivers, making it difficult
for aquatic fauna to migrate, especially for spawning, thereby disrupting their natural
life cycles.
8. How have multi-purpose projects sometimes led to social conflicts and
displacement of local communities?
Multi-purpose projects have led to social conflicts and displacement because local
communities often had to give up their land, livelihood, and access to resources for
the 'greater good' of the nation. This often benefited landowners, large farmers, and
urban centers, rather than the displaced poor, leading to agitation and protests.
9. What is 'Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting,' and why was the first spell of rain typically
not collected in this traditional method?
Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting is a system where rainwater falling on roofs is
collected, typically through pipes, and stored in underground tanks ('tankas'). The
first spell of rain was usually not collected because it was intended to clean the roofs
and the connecting pipes of any dust or debris, ensuring cleaner water from
subsequent showers.
10. Briefly explain the function of the unique 'Bamboo Drip Irrigation System' found in
Meghalaya.
The Bamboo Drip Irrigation System in Meghalaya is a 200-year-old method of
diverting stream and spring water using bamboo pipes. It transports water over long
distances, gradually reducing the flow to a slow drip (20-80 drops per minute)
directly at the plant roots. This system is controlled by manipulating the positions of
the bamboo pipes.
