1.
Water Availability
Three-fourths of the Earth's surface is covered with water.(77.5%)
Only a small percentage is freshwater, sourced from surface runoff and groundwater.
(97.5% is salty water,and 2.5% is fresh water)(68.7% is in glaciar form,ground
water 30.1 % and 1.2 % is surface water)
Freshwater is replenished through the hydrological cycle, making it a renewable
resource.
2. What is Water Scarcity?
Definition: A situation where the demand for water exceeds its availability or when
water quality is compromised, making it unfit for use.
Statistics: By 2025, nearly 2 billion people are predicted to face absolute water
scarcity.
Water scarcity can exist even in areas with high rainfall due to mismanagement,
overuse, and pollution.
3. Causes of Water Scarcity
Quantitative Causes:
Over-extraction of groundwater.
Excessive irrigation leading to falling water tables.
Growing population increasing water demand. as well as food demand
Qualitative Causes:
Pollution from industrial and domestic waste.
Agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides.
urbanization
awareness
Urbanization and industrialization exacerbate both quantity and quality issues.
4. Ancient Time Water Conservation
India has a rich history of water conservation through sophisticated hydraulic
systems:
Sringaverapura (near Allahabad): Floodwater harvesting.
Mauryan Era: Dams, lakes, and irrigation systems.
11th Century: Bhopal Lake, a large artificial reservoir.
14th Century: Hauz Khas in Delhi, built for water supply.
Other traditional methods include step wells, tanks, and small dams.
5. What is a Multi-Purpose Project?
Definition: Large-scale projects that serve multiple purposes such as irrigation,
electricity generation, flood control, water supply, and recreation.
Examples:
Bhakra-Nangal Project (Sutlej-Beas River Basin).
Hirakud Project (Mahanadi River Basin).
6. What is a Dam?
Definition: A barrier constructed to obstruct or direct the flow of water, creating
reservoirs for multiple uses.
Types of dams include:
Embankment, masonry, and timber dam
Categorized by height: low, medium, and high dams.
7. Advantages of Dams
Irrigation support for agriculture.
Hydroelectric power generation.
Flood control by regulating river flow.
Source of drinking and industrial water.
Recreation and fish breeding opportunities.
8. Disadvantages of Dams
Disruption of natural river flow and sediment transport.
Submergence of vegetation and settlements.
Fragmentation of aquatic ecosystems.
Increased salinity and land degradation in irrigated areas.
Risk of floods due to reservoir sedimentation.
Induced earthquakes and waterborne diseases.
