Water Resources

Introduction to Water Resources

1. Definition: Water resources refer to all available sources of freshwater that can be used for drinking, irrigation, industry, and other purposes.
2. India accounts for 4% of the world’s freshwater resources, but it faces severe regional and seasonal water shortages.
3. The country receives an average annual rainfall of 1,170 mm, but its distribution is highly uneven.
4. Major sources of water include rivers, lakes, groundwater, glaciers, and artificial reservoirs.
5. Water availability is affected by climatic conditions, population growth, and overexploitation.
6. Per capita water availability in India is decreasing due to rising demand and declining water levels.
7. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-6) aims for clean water and sanitation for all.
8. Water scarcity is increasing due to overuse, pollution, and inefficient management.
9. Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) is necessary for sustainable utilization of water.
10. Government initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana aim to ensure water security.

Surface Water Resources

1. Definition: Surface water includes rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and wetlands that collect and store rainwater.
2. India has major river systems divided into Himalayan rivers (e.g., Ganga, Brahmaputra) and Peninsular rivers (e.g., Godavari, Krishna).
3. Himalayan rivers are perennial, receiving water from glaciers and monsoons, while Peninsular rivers are rain-fed and seasonal.
4. Lakes and wetlands play a critical role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation, and flood control.
5. The total surface water potential of India is 1,869 billion cubic meters (BCM), but only 690 BCM is usable due to geographical and topographical constraints.
6. Inter-state river disputes arise due to competing claims over river water (e.g., Cauvery Water Dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu).
7. Dams and reservoirs help store surface water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and drinking water supply.
8. Major water storage structures include Bhakra Nangal Dam (Sutlej), Sardar Sarovar Dam (Narmada), and Hirakud Dam (Mahanadi).
9. Pollution of surface water from industrial discharge, sewage, and agricultural runoff is a growing concern.
10. Government programs like the Namami Gange and National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) focus on cleaning and rejuvenating rivers.

Groundwater Resources

1. Definition: Groundwater is water stored beneath the earth’s surface in aquifers, extracted through wells and tube wells.
2. India is the largest user of groundwater globally, with over 60% of irrigation and 85% of drinking water dependent on it.
3. Groundwater recharge occurs through rainfall, river percolation, and artificial recharge structures.
4. States like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh face groundwater depletion due to over extraction for agriculture.
5. Problems of groundwater overuse: Declining water tables, land subsidence, and reduced water quality (e.g., arsenic contamination in West Bengal and Bihar).
6. Measures to conserve groundwater: Rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and regulated borewell usage.
7. Government initiatives: Atal Bhujal Yojana (focused on community groundwater management) and the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) regulate groundwater use.
8. Artificial Recharge Methods: Check dams, percolation tanks, and borewell recharge techniques.
9. Groundwater pollution from industrial waste, fertilizers, and pesticides threatens human health and agriculture.
10. Legal frameworks like the Environment Protection Act (1986) and state water laws aim to regulate groundwater use.

Water Scarcity and Its Causes

1. Definition: Water scarcity refers to a situation where the demand for water exceeds its available supply.
2. India is facing water stress, with per capita availability dropping below 1,000 cubic meters per year in many regions.
3. Causes of water scarcity include:
   • Uneven rainfall distribution (e.g., Rajasthan and Gujarat receive very little rainfall).
   • Over Extraction of groundwater for irrigation in Punjab and Haryana.
   • Deforestation and climate change altering water cycles.
   • Pollution of water bodies reduces available freshwater.
   • Rapid urbanization increases water demand.
4. Major cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Delhi face acute water shortages.
5. Inter-basin water transfer projects, such as the Ken-Betwa Link Project, are being developed to manage water scarcity.
6. Traditional water conservation methods, like step-wells and tank irrigation, are being revived.
7. Watershed development programs help recharge groundwater and control erosion.
8. Industries and agriculture must adopt water-efficient technologies such as drip irrigation.
9. Afforestation and wetland conservation improve water retention in ecosystems.
10. Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) is required for equitable water distribution and sustainable use.

Water Conservation and Management

1. Water conservation involves policies and practices aimed at reducing water wastage and ensuring its sustainable use.
2. Traditional water harvesting systems include Johads in Rajasthan, Kunds in Gujarat, and Step-wells (Baolis) in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.
3. Rainwater harvesting is promoted under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan to replenish groundwater.
4. Micro-irrigation techniques like drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation reduce water wastage.
5. Watershed management programs focus on soil and water conservation to enhance productivity.
6. Community-based water management is essential for equitable water distribution in rural areas.
7. Interlinking of rivers (ILR) Project is proposed to transfer water from surplus to deficit areas.
8. Efficient industrial water use through wastewater recycling and treatment plants can reduce water stress.
9. Afforestation and wetland conservation play a significant role in maintaining the hydrological cycle.
10. Legislation and governance: The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, regulate water management policies.

Government Initiatives for Water Management

1. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2019) – Focuses on water conservation and rainwater harvesting across India.
2. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) – Aims to improve groundwater management through community participation.
3. National Water Mission (NWM) – Part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), emphasizing water conservation.
4. Namami Gange Programme – Focuses on cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga River and its tributaries.
5. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Promotes efficient irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems.
6. Interlinking of Rivers Project – Aims to transfer surplus water to deficit areas to balance water distribution.
7. Smart Cities Mission – Encourages water recycling and efficient urban water use.
8. Watershed Management Programs – Improve water availability in semi-arid regions through check dams and percolation tanks.
9. National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) – Provides safe drinking water to rural areas.
10. State-level initiatives, such as Mission Kakatiya in Telangana and Jal Swaraj in Maharashtra, aim at local water conservation.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding water resources in India:

1. India accounts for about 4% of the world’s freshwater resources.
2. Per capita water availability in India is increasing due to improved water conservation measures.
3. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-6) focuses on water availability and sanitation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: India has 4% of the world’s freshwater resources, but per capita availability is decreasing due to rising demand and overexploitation. SDG-6 focuses on clean water and sanitation for all.

2. With reference to groundwater resources in India, consider the following statements:

1. India is the largest user of groundwater in the world.
2. Groundwater recharge occurs only through rainfall.
3. Punjab and Haryana face groundwater depletion due to over-extraction for agriculture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: India is the largest user of groundwater globally. Groundwater recharge occurs not only through rainfall but also through river percolation and artificial recharge structures. Punjab and Haryana suffer from groundwater depletion due to excessive irrigation.

3. Which of the following are the major causes of water scarcity in India?

1. Uneven rainfall distribution
2. Over-extraction of groundwater
3. Afforestation and wetland conservation
4. Climate change

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2, and 4 only
Explanation: Water scarcity is caused by uneven rainfall, over-extraction, and climate change. Afforestation and wetland conservation help improve water retention and do not contribute to scarcity.

4. Which of the following government schemes focus on water conservation and management?

1. Jal Shakti Abhiyan
2. Atal Bhujal Yojana
3. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
4. National Afforestation Programme

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2, and 3 only
Explanation: The first three schemes focus on water conservation, groundwater management, and efficient irrigation. The National Afforestation Programme primarily deals with afforestation, not direct water conservation.

5. Which of the following statements regarding surface water resources in India is/are correct?

1. Himalayan rivers are mostly seasonal, while Peninsular rivers are perennial.
2. The total surface water potential of India is around 1,869 BCM, but only 690 BCM is usable.
3. Lakes and wetlands contribute to groundwater recharge and flood control.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b)  1 and 3 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Himalayan rivers are perennial, receiving water from glaciers and monsoons, whereas Peninsular rivers are mostly seasonal. India’s total surface water potential is 1,869 BCM, but only 690 BCM is usable. Lakes and wetlands play a crucial role in groundwater recharge and flood control.

6. Consider the following traditional water conservation practices in India:

1. Johads in Rajasthan
2. Kunds in Gujarat
3. Baolis in Madhya Pradesh

Which of the above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: Johads (small earthen dams) are found in Rajasthan, Kunds (circular rainwater harvesting structures) in Gujarat, and Baolis (step-wells) in Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.

7. With reference to groundwater conservation, which of the following methods are used for artificial recharge?

1. Percolation tanks
2. Check dams
3. Borewell recharge techniques
4. Afforestation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2, and 3 only
Explanation: Percolation tanks, check dams, and borewell recharge techniques help artificially recharge groundwater. Afforestation helps retain water but is not a direct artificial recharge technique.

8. The Namami Gange Programme primarily focuses on:
(a) Conservation of groundwater resources in India
(b) Cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga River and its tributaries
(c) Rainwater harvesting in urban areas
(d) Interlinking of rivers for water redistribution

Answer: (b) Cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga River and its tributaries
Explanation: The Namami Gange Programme aims to clean and restore the Ganga and its tributaries by reducing pollution and improving water quality.

9. Which of the following are major sources of water pollution in India?

1. Industrial discharge
2. Agricultural runoff
3. Wastewater treatment plants
4. Domestic sewage

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2, and 4 only
Explanation: Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff (chemical fertilizers, pesticides), and domestic sewage contribute to water pollution. Wastewater treatment plants help reduce pollution.

10. The Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) Project in India aims to:
(a) Divert excess river water from surplus regions to deficit regions
(b) Construct large reservoirs for hydroelectric power generation
(c) Encourage water conservation through afforestation
(d) Provide subsidies to farmers for efficient irrigation

Answer: (a) Divert excess river water from surplus regions to deficit regions
Explanation: The ILR Project is designed to transfer surplus water from flood-prone areas to water-scarce regions, ensuring better water distribution and availability.