, EERE EEE IEEE EE EID EI EI IDI IDI EI IDI ID II II III II II IID IEEE EO ET 2 Water Resources Fastracl« Revision > Water Resource in Indio > India makes up around 2.45% of the world's goographlcal area, 4% of the world's water resources and about 16% of the world's people. > India gets water from 4000 cubic kilometres of yearly pracipltation and 1869 cublc kilometres of surface and groundwater sources. However, only 60% (1122 cublc kilometres) of the water from these two sources Is good and drinkable. > Surface Water Resource > The Four main sources of surface water resources In India are rivers, lakes, ponds and tanks > There were about 10,360 rivers and tributaries here, vwkth each tributary belng more than 1.6 km long, > The total yearly Flow in indla'srivar basins is estimated to be 1,869 cubic kilometres. Due to geographical, hydrological and other limits, only roughly 680 cuble kilometres (32%) of this water can be used. > The Flow of water in a river's cantralled by the size of the catchment regiar/river basin and rainfall in that area. In Indla, river water avalabllty is higher during the monsoon than during other seasons. > The Ganga, Brahmaputra and Indus rivers in India have enormous catchment areas. The catchment areas of the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Barak rivers Fall under the high rainfall receiving area, accounting For 60% oF total water resources and only 33% of India’s surface area, however the majority of the water is not used > On the other side, in the Peninsular rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri and others have a lower annual water flow, but much of their water resources have been depleted, > Groundwater Resource > In india, there are around 432 cubic kilometres of total replenishable groundwater resources. The Ganga and Brahmaputra basins contain over 46% of all replenishable groundwater supplies. > Groundwater use is relatively high in the river basins of India's northavestern and southern regions. > Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu are among the states that use alot of groundwater. > Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tripura and Maharashtra are among the states with 2 moderate use of groundwater. > Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Kerala and other states have low groundwater utilisation. > Ibis assumed that if water use continues at its current rate, development will be limited end soclal upheaval wall occur wedge BOOSTER Some indian stotes have indented coastlines, resulting in the formation of lagoons and lakes. Kerala, Odisha ond West Bengal are exomples of| such states, ‘These water resources are used for fishing ond -) Irigating particular forms of rice crops, coconut and other crops due to brackish water bodles. 9 Damand and Utilisation > Agriculture alone uses 89% of surface water and 92% ‘of groundwater In India, making It an essentlal part of the economy. > The Bhakra‘Nangal, Hlrakud, Damodar Valley, Nagarjuna Sagar, Indira Gandhi Canal project and other river valley projects, as well as Five-Year Plans, were Inktlated to ive water to the agricultural sector and ‘enhance agricultural production. > Aside From that, 90% and 3% of surface and groundwater are used far home uses, respectively, while 2% and 5% are used in the industrial sector. » Demand of Water For Irrigation > Because of the regional and temporal variations in rainfall, India has a significant demand far irrigation. > In most parts of India, the winter and summer seasons ‘are more or less dry. As a result, agriculture cannot be practised in these areas without irigation > Water intensive crops, such as rice, sugarcane, jute and ‘others, require more water to Flourish. > Irrigation aids in the growth of different crops, increases agricultural output and when combined with, HYV seeds, increases yield at a Faster rate. Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, for example, have more than 85% of thelr net source area irrigated. > Punjab has 76.1% of its net irigated land under wells and tube wells, whereas Haryana has 51.3%. These states ‘ansume a huge portion of thelr groundwater resources, ‘whichis the primary cause of resource depletion. > Aside from this, due to over-extraction ofthis resource in Rajasthan and Bihar, the concentration of Fluoride in ‘groundwater is also rising. The concentration of arsenic has increased in West Bengal and Bihar as a result of the same reason, » Emerging Water Problems > Rapid population expansion, as well as pollution from diverse sources such as industries, agriculture and residential sources, are the main causes of decreased potable water supplies. > In india, the per capita availabilty of water is Ukewise dwindling. eeee EERE EEE IEEE EE EID EI EI IDI IDI EI IDI ID II II III II II IID IEEE EO ET > Deterioration of Water Quality > Water quallty eferstothe absence afundesiredforelgn substances that pollute water, such as microorganisms, chemicals, industrial waste and other contaminants. > By dissolving or remaining suspended in lakes, streams, rivers and seas, these harmful chemicals contribute to water pollutlon. » Such pollutants can leak into the groundwater and ppolson it. The Ganga and Yamuna rivers in India are the ‘most polluted, > Water Conservation and Management > After reducing the amount of freshwater and increasing ‘demand due to population growth, water conservation ‘and management become vital > The government should encourage people to use watershed development, rainwater harvesting, recycling ‘and reuse of water and conjunctive use of water for long-term availabilty oF quality water For sustainable development and quality of life > Prevontion of Water Pollution > Water resources are becoming scarcer at an Increasing rate. it has been observed that hilly places have a lower population density and as a result, have better water dually In thelr rivers, > Plains drain agricultural wastes (chemlcal Fertilizers and ingecticldes), solid and residential wastes and industrial wastes, contaminating water sources considerably. > The concentration oF contaminants in rivers remains high during the summer due to a lack of water, which prevents these toxins fram Flowing, > The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been monitoring the water quality of national aquatic resources at 507 stations with the help of State Pollution Control Boards > According to the data collected from these sites, India's major rivers are the most polluted by organic ‘and microblologlcal pollution. > Between Delhi and Etawah, the Yamuna River is the ‘most polluted river in the country. The Sabarmati in ‘Ahmedabad, the Gomti in Lucknow, the Kali the Adyar, the Cooum (at entire sections), the Vaigal in Madural, the Musi in Hyderabad and the Ganga in Kanpur and Varanasi are all extremely polluted rivers. > Ground water is also polluted in certain sections of the country due to excessive concentrations of heavy toxic ‘metals and Flouride nitrates. > Legislative Prohibition and Laws to Prevent River Pollution > The government has taken a number of steps to reduce river and water pollution, but these have proven to be Ineffective due to a number of obstacles. For example, the Water Act (Prevention and Control of Pollution) of 1974 and the Environment Protection Act of 1986 were ineffective, as 251 polluting Factories were established along rivers and lakes in 1997. > The 1977 Water Cess Act, which was intended to reduce pollution, was equally ineffective. As a result, there is 2 pressing need to raise public awareness about the importance of water in daily life. As 2 result, pollution From agricultural operations and industrial discharge will be reduced, > Recycle and Reuse of Water > Recycling and reusing isthe slmplest and most effective ‘approach to conserve Fresh water and ensure that itis available to everybody. > Water of low quality and wastewater can be used by industries for cooling and firefighting, lowering their water costs and conserving Fresh water. > Water collected after bathing, washing utensils, washing clothes and washing cars could be used for gardening > Water reuse and recycling is now confined to a small number of people, but there is huge potential for water replenishment through recycling. Watershed Management Watershed management is the process of effectively managing and conserving surface water. The following actWvities are Included in watershed ‘management: > Preservation of groundwater resources. > Surface runoff prevention. > Storage and recharge of groundwater by different methods such as percolation tanks, recharge wells, etc. > The conservation, regeneration and judicious use ofall natural resourees (land, weter, plants and animals) and human resources. > Bulld harmony in the natural world as well as in society, > The effectiveness of a Watershed Development Programme Is dependent on community engagement. In india, both the Central and State Governments have launched many watershed development and management programmes at the national and state levels, Including: > The Central Government sponsors Haryali, which Is corried out by Gram Panchayats in various communities with public participation. People were able to conserve water for a variety of purposes, including drinking, itrgation, ishing and afforestation, thanks to this method. > Stateled watershed development initiatives include Andhra Pradesh's Neeru:Meeru (Water and You) Programme and Rajasthan’ Arvary Pani Sansad. > With the cooperation of the people, countless percolation tanks, dugout ponds (Johad), check dams and other water collecting structures were built under these two programmes. Tamil Nadu is the only state that has made the Installation of water harvesting systems in homes mandatory. > Its Forbidden to construct @ bullding without a water harvesting structure. Despite the existence of such programmes, the majority of Indians are unaware of the benefits of watershed development and management. As 2 result, more people must be encouraged to engage in this initiative. > Rainwater Harvosting > Rainwater harvesting is a low-cost, environmentally beneficial method of storing rainwater in bore wells, pits and recharging groundwater aquifers for various purposes. The following are some of the advantages of rainwater harvesting: ‘ltimproves the availability of water ‘= Check the level of depleting groundwater. ‘lkenhances groundwater quality bydiluting pollutants Uke Fluoride and nitrates. ‘It keeps the land from eroding and flooding, ‘IF utilised to recharge aquifers, it can be used to prevent salt water intrusion in coastal locations. > In india, there are a variety of ways to collect rainwater. Traditional rainwater harvesting techniques collect water in any surface water body in rural settings, such 2s lakes, ponds, irrigation tanks and soon. Another method is to use a Kund or Tanka, which is an Underground storage tank that Is covered.ee EERE EEE IEEE EE EID EI EI IDI IDI EI IDI ID II II III II II IID IEEE EO ET > India's National Water Policy, 2002 > Drinking water, agriculture, hydropower, navigation, industrial and other uses are all prioritised In the National Water Policy, whieh was adopted in 2002. ‘The policy calls For Innovative new water management practices. The Follawing are some of tho highlights: ‘Where there is no other source of drinking water, Irrigation and multhpurpose projects should always contain a drinking water component. ‘The main priority should be to provide drinking water toall humans and animals Measures should be taken to limit and regulate ‘groundwater exploitation + The quality of both surface and groundwater should be examined on a regular basis. To improve water {quality 8 staged approach should be implemented. +The efficiency of water use in all of its various applications should be enhanced. + Its important to promote awareness of water as a limited resource + Education, legislation, incentives and disincentives should be used to promote conservation awareness. x Practice Exercise QD Multiple choice Questions y QL Which of the following states is the most likely to use groundwater? 2. Punjab b. Chhatucgarh © Bhar 6 Kerala Q2, In Punjab, what porcentage of the net sown land Is irigated? a. 65% b. 759% 805% 6. 82.20% 3. Which section ofthe river has good water quality? 2. Mountain b. Plain Delta 6: Valley 4. Which of the following types of resources best characterises water? 2. Abiatic resource b. Non-renewable resource © Blotic resource 3. Cyclic resource Q5. Which of the following rivers has the country’s largest replenishable groundwater resource? 2 The indus b. The Brahmaputra The Ganga 4. The Godavari Q6. Which of the following sectors consumes the greatest amount of total water in the country? 2. Irigation b. industries © Domestic use 4. None of these Q7. Which of the following has nothing to do with the watershed development project? a. Haryali b. Neeru-Meeru Arwari Pani Sansad —d. Van Mahotsava Q8. Which of the following South Indian states uses the most groundwater (in percentage) of ts overall groundwater potential? 2. Tamil Nadu b. Karnataka c Andhra Pradesh d. Kerala G9. Which ofthe following sectors has used the highest percentage of total water in India? (cose sop 2028 Tern) b. Commerce 3. Industry a. Domestic Agriculture Q10. Which of the following programmes sponsored by Central Governmant aims at enabling the rural population to conserve water for drinking, irrigation, fishorles and afforestation? (case sop 2021 Tern) a. Anwarl Pani Sansad—b, Haryall . Neeru-Meery d, Narmada Bachao QL. Which of the following states has the highest percentage of irrigated area through wells and tubewells? (€88€2021 Yerw-1) . Punlab , Haryana c. Uttar Pradesh 4, Madhya Pradesh Q12, ‘Haryali Watershed Development Project’ Is run by ‘which of the following? (€85E 2021 Tort) 1. Non-Governmental Organisation b. Local Self-Government © State Government d. Central Government 13. Inwhich one of the following states, Kund or Tanka Is mainly used for ralnwater harvesting? {(€8SE2021 Ter) 2. Rajasthan b. Maharashtra c AndhraPradesh ——_d, Gularat Q14, Which of the following is not the benefit of rainwater harvesting? (cose sop 2023-24) a It increases water availablity, bb It checks the declining groundwater table. It improves the quality of groundwater through dilution of contaminants Uke fluoride and nitrates d. Helpful in production of hydroelectricty QS. If you are asked to formulate the National Water Policy, what will be the utmost important prior for you (case sop 2023-24) {a To provide water for generation of hydroelectrcity b. Avallabllty of water for Industries To provide drinking water d. Avallabllty of water for navigation 16. Given below are the steps to generate geothermal energy. Arrange the following in correct sequence. (cose sop 2023-24) () Ie Is so hot that whon it rises to the earth’: surface, it turns into steam(i) Groundwater in such areas (where the ‘geothermal gradient Is high) absorbs heat from the rocks and becomes hot. (iy This steam is used to drive turbines and generate electricity. (\v) Geothermal energy exists because the earth ‘grows progressively. aw) @ 0 W .(W) M (9) Cu cO mw Ww (il) QW) ) @) Q17, Which of the following statoment is not true regarding Indira Gandhi Canal? (cuse 2023) 2. It was previously known as Rajasthan canal. by It originates at Harika barrage In Punjab . The canal runs almost parallel to Pakistan border. . Rajasthan is least benefitted by this canal Q18, Match the followin: Golumat alumna Groundwater 1, Water conservation 8. Economic uso of } 2. Drip Irrigation water Cause of water | 3. Exhoustble ronewoble searclty resource 0. Method of 4. Growth In population watering plants AaB CO AB COD al2a4 baa 21 c3 142 a24 13 Q19. Consider the following statements and choose the correct answer with the help of given options: Statement |: Water Is a renewable resource. Statement Il: Freshwater is mainly obtained from surface run off and groundwater that is continually being renewed. a. Both the statements are true, statement il does ‘not explain statement I correctly b. Both the statements are true and statement II correctly explains the statement L c Both statements | and Ilare false d, Statement Ils true and statement Ills false -@ Assertion & Reason type Questions w Directions (Q, Nos. 20-24): In the questions given below, tere are two stotements marked os Assertion () ond Reason (#).Read the statements and choose the correct option . Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). 'b. Both (A) and (8) are true, but (A) Is not the correct explanation of (8) c. (A) is true. but (R) is false. . (A) Is false, but (R) Is true. Coss ee gz0. ga. gee. gaa. 24. Assertion (A): It is difficult to practice agriculture without assured irrigation during dry seasons. Reason (R): Irrigation is needed because of spatio-temporal variability in rainfall in the country. Assertion (A): Water gets polluted by foreign matters, such as microorganisms, chemicals, industrial and other wastes. Reason (R): When toxic substances enter lakes, streams, rivers, ocean and other water bodies, they don't get dissolved In water, Assertion (A): The neod has arisen to conserve and effectively manage this precious Uife giving resource for sustainable development. Reason (R): There is a declining avallability of freshwater and increasing demand. Assertion (A): Available water resources are degrading rapidly. Reason (R): The Yamuna river is tho most polluted river in the country between Dethi and Etawah. Assertion (A): Intensive Irrigation has lod to ‘tremendous rise in agricultural and livestock productivity in the Indira Gandhi Canal Command area. Reason (R): Intensive irigation has led to excessive ‘water logging and sol salinity. Answers} v 10) 2 30 4@ 50 6) 2) &8@) %@ WO) ni 2@ Be w@) BO 16. (9) 74) 18.) 19.(0) 20. (b) Zi (co) 22. (a) 23. (0) 24. (b) ‘€) Passage Based Questions y Passage 1 Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow by choosing the most appropriate option. The total replenishable groundwater resources in the country are about 432 cubic km. The level of groundwater utilisation is relatively high in the river basins lying in north-western region and parts of south India. The groundwater utilisation is very high in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. However, there are states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Kerala, etc. which utilise only a small proportion of their groundwater potentials. States like Gujarat, Uwar Pradesh, Bihar, Tripura and Maharashtra are utilising their groundwater resources at a moderate rate. If the present trend continues, the demands for water would need the supplies. ‘And such a situation, will be detrimental to development and can cause social upheaval and disruptions,ee EERE EEE IEEE EE EID EI EI IDI IDI EI IDI ID II II III II II IID IEEE EO ET qn 2 Qa aa. ‘The total replenishable groundwater resources in the country are about. cuble km. 2.433 b. 431 «432 430 ‘The level of groundwater utilisation Is relatively high in the . lying in north-western region and parts of south India. 2. river basing b. valleys. ‘& mountains d. All of those The groundwater utilisation Is very high in the states of: ‘a. Tamil Nadu , Punjab ¢ Rajasthan and Haryana d, All of these Consider the following questions: ‘Statement |: Thero ara states Uke Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu which utilise only a small proportion of their groundwater potentials. Statement Il: States like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tripura and Maharashtra are utilising their ‘groundwater resources at a moderate rate. Choose the correct answer among the given option: 2. Both | and Il are correct b. Both | and il are incorrect Only!is correct 4. Only lis correct, [Answers] v 3. (d) L@ 26) 4. (8) Passage 2 Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow by choosing the most appropriate option. Jhabua district is located in the westemmost agro- climatic zone in Madhya Pradesh Iti in fact, one of the five most backward districts of the country. It is characterised by high concentration of tribal population (mostly Bhils). The people suffer due to poverty which has been accentuated by the high rate of resource degradation, both forest and land. ‘The watershed management programmes funded by both the Ministries of “Rural Development” and “Agriculture”, Government of India, have been successfully implemented in Jhabua district which has gone a long way to preventing land degradation and improving soil quality. Watershed Management Programmes acknowledge the linkage between land, water and vegetation and attempts to improve livelihoods of people through natural resources management and community participation. In the past five years the programmes funded by the Ministry of Rural Development alone (implemented by Rajiv Gandhi Mission for ‘Watershed Management) has treated 20 per cent of tho total area under Jhabua district. Qu gz Qa. ‘The Petlawad Development block of Jhabua is located in the northemmost part of the disirict and represents an interesting and successful case of Government-NGO partnership and community participation in managing watershed programmes, ‘The Bhils in Patlnwad Development block, for example, (Sat, Rundi hamlet of Karravat village) through their own efforts, have revitalised lange parts of common property resources. Each household plasted und. maintained one tree on the common property. They also have planted fodder ‘grass on the pasture land und adopted social- fencing of these lands for atleast two years, Even after that, they say, their would be no open grazing con these lands, but stall freeding of cattle, and they are thus confident that the pastures they have developed would sustain their eattle in future. ‘An interesting aspect of this experience is that before the community emburked upon the process of management of the pasture, there was ‘encroachment on this land by a villager from an adjoining village. The villagers called the tchsildar to ascertain the rights of the common land. The ‘ensuring conflict was tackled by the villagers by offering to make the defaulter encroaching on the CPR a member of their user group and sharing the benefits of greening the common land/pastures. (cBse 2023) Why did the people of Jhabua tribal community suffer from poverty? Choose the option which is not correct. 2. High rate of forests degradation ». Land degradation . Wteracy d, Implementation of watershed management How did people manage to develop pasture lands? Choose the correct option. 3. Use of barbed wire to protect pastures. b, Pasture lands were not under any encroachment. Pastures were common property resources, hence they developed it d. Government officials did not interfere in any work of the villagers. How did the Bhils, through thelr own efforts revitalise the common property resources? Choose the correct option. 2. Common land was brought under cultivation, b. They controlled open grazing an the common Property resources. No tree plantation was taken up. 4. They developed water resources [Answers] v 3. (b) 1@ 20ee EERE EEE IEEE EE EID EI EI IDI IDI EI IDI ID II II III II II IID IEEE EO ET Passage 3 Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow In agriculture, water is mainly used for irrigation Irrigation is needed because of spatio-temporal variability in rainfall in the country. The large tracts of the country are deficient in rainfall and are drought prone, North-western India and Deccan plateau constitute such areas. Winter and summer seasons are more or less dry in most parts of the country. Hence, it is difficult to practice agriculture without assured irrigation during dry seasons, Even in the areas of ample rainfall like West Bengal and Bihar, breaks in monsoon ot its fhilure creates dry spells detrimental for agriculture. Water needs of certain crops also makes irrigation necessary. For instance, the ‘water requirement of rice, sugarcane, jute, etc. is very high which can be met only through irvigation Provision of irrigation makes multiple cropping possible, It has also been found thot irrigated lands have higher agricultural productivity than unirrigated land. Further, the high yielding Varieties of crops need regular moisture supply, which is made possible only by developed irrigation systems. In fact, this is why that green revolution strategy of agriculture development in the country has largely been successful in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, QL Why|s irrigation needed? ‘Ans. Irrigation Is needed because of spatio-temporal variability in rainfall in the country. Q2. Which crops require an ample amount of water? ‘Ans. Crops Uke rice, sugarcane, jute, etc, require an ample amount of water. Q3. How has irrigation helped in the development of agriculture in our country? ‘Ans. Provision of irrigation makes multiple cropping possible. It has also been found that Irigated lands have higher agricultural productivity than unirrigated land. Further, the high ylelding varletles of crops need regular moisture supply, which is ‘made possible only by developed irigation systems, & Very Short Answer Tune Questions @ QL Give three reasons why there Is a scarcity of water and its availability is decreasing ‘ans, The main reasons of scarchy of water and reasons due to which its availabilty Is decreasing are () Increasing demand (i) Oversutlisation (i) Botution Q2 Mention any two human-caused water pollution sources in India, Ans, The two human-caused water pollution saurces in India are: (i) Urban sources. such _as sewage. municipal ‘waste and household rubbEh (W) The discharge of industrial waste into bodies of water 3, Define tho concopt of watarshed management. Ana, The proper management, use and conservation of surface and groundwater resources is referred toas watershed management. In the watershed. surface Tunoft 15 prevented and groundwater is stored and recharged using various technologles such as ercolation tanks. recharge wells and so on 4. {In India, what isthe primary source of water-borne discases? Ans, Water contarnination Is one of the primary causes of water-borne diseases. including () Olarchoea (i) intestinal worms (i) Hepatitis QS. Which indian river basin has the highest proportion of replenishable groundwater resource use? Ans, The Ganga river basin has the highest proportion of replenishable groundwater resource ullsation 6. In india, which sector (economic activity) consumes the most surface and groundwator? Ans, In_india, agriculture consumes the_majorty of surface and ground 7. Name some cultural activites in India that are responsible for water contamination. Ans. The following are examples of cultural activities: () Pilgrimage (i) Religious fairs (i) Tourism Q8. What is the primary cause of the deterioration of India's water quality? Ans, The following are the primary causes of water quality dectne in indi (i) Increased population causes domestic waste disposal and indiscriminate water consurnptian (W Water qualty has deteriorated as a result of industrial waste Q9. What are the two contaminated Ganga zones in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar? Ans. The Ganga river is contaminated from Kanpur to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and fram Varanasi to Patna in Bihar, @ Short Answer Type Questions Qi. “There is high demand of water for irrigation in agricultural sector in India” Justify the statement. OR (C0SE 2023) Explain the role of irrigation In India's agriculture.ee EERE EEE IEEE EE EID EI EI IDI IDI EI IDI ID II II III II II IID IEEE EO ET ‘Ans. India requires irrigation for the following reasons: () To Reduce India's Reliance on Monsoon Rainfall: Despite decades of Independence India's agriculture production remains relant ‘on monsoon rainfall. Only 33% of agricultural {ands irrigated. with the rest relying on rainfall for moisture, Rainfall irrigation Is required 10 reduce reliance on the monsoon (ii) To increase Production: Agricultural production and yield in rainfed areas are both low.lrrigation Is required In Indla to boost agricultural production (li) Maintaining Population and Food Production Balance: Foodgjrain production _in_Indla_ Ig extremely low and fs growth rate is much Tower when compared to population growth ‘an increase In Foodgrain production is required to feed the worlds growing population. As a result, lrigeton fs required Q2. Describe India's groundwater resources. ‘Ans. India's groundwater resources ar: (i) The countrys total replenishable groundwater esources are around 432 cube Mlometres. (i) About 469% of the total _replenishable youndwater resources are found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins. (A) The use, cP groundivater inthe flveribeslns of ‘north western India and parts of seuthern india ‘Brelatvelyconsiderable: 8. What are the advantages of irrigation? ‘Ans. The advantages of irigation are: (0) Provision of irigation makes multiple cropping possible (i) ligated fields are also reported to have higher ‘2gricultural production than unligated ones. (i) Crops with high ylelds require consistent moisture delivery, which can only be provided bby well-developed irrigation systems. (jv) This is why Punjab. Haryana _and_ Western Utar Pradesh have Mostly benefitted From The countrys green revolution agriculture development policy. (Q4. How do human activities such as industrial and agricultural operations damage the water? Explain. ‘Ans. Industries produce a variety of unwelcame items that pollute waterways. Leather. pulp and paper. textiles and chemicals are all major water polluters, tn cunning water. industrial pollutants. polluted ‘wastewater dangerous gases, chemicals and metal particles are disposed off Polsonous materials enter fivers and warer Dodie, polluting the bia system of these bodies of water Indiahas ong been an agrarian ‘economy, with agriculture employing roughly two- third of the population, Irrigation is required due to the countrys spatio-temporal variabllty In rainfall and the polution of wote. Some contaminants leak into the groundwater and pollute It Q5. The states of Punjab and Haryana have significant water supplies, however the groundwater table has dropped. What is the reason for this? fans. More than 85% of the net area sown in Punt Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh sirigated. in these states, Irigation mostly used to cultivate wheat and rice. Wells and tubewells iigate 761% of he total net rigated land in Punjab and 51394 in Haryons. This indcates that these states re-using acon percontag Poundwator potential. resulting in groundwater sepletion Q6. “In India, the indiscriminate use of water by an expanding population and industrial expansion has resulted In significant degradation of water quality” Explain the values that can ald in the preservation of water quality. fans. Water quality refers to the cleanliness. of water Water qualty sufers from widespread contamination practically twroughout the count its calmed thot tiree-quarters of Inds surace ator pollute. The procedures below are required for vater resource conservation () Water-saving technology and_practices_are being developed (i) Preventing vate contamination, (iil) Watershed development. rainwater collecting water recycling and reuse. and conjunctive WWoter_use_are all encouraged for long-term © Long Answer type Questions w QL. “A declining availability of freshwater and increasing demand are the compelting reasons for conservation and effective management of water in India Justify the statement. (case2023) OR Explain any three factors responsible for the depletion of water resources. Examine any two legislative measures in India that are aimed at reducing water pollution. ‘Ans. The following are the three elements that are causing India's water resources to be depleted: (i) Increasing Population: Indias population is growing at a faster rate than the rest of the world. This expansion Is causing a decrease in the amount of fresh water available and the ‘amount of water available per population (W) Industriaisation; —After_ independence, industrialisation exploded In leaps and bounds Because industrial wastes are thrown In water Sources, It has produced a serious problem of ‘water pollution In Indiaee EERE EEE IEEE EE EID EI EI IDI IDI EI IDI ID II II III II II IID IEEE EO ET (il) Groundwater Overuse: India is a predominantly agrarian country, As a result, Irigation_In agriculture necessitates a large volume _of applications itis alsoused to rehydrate underground aquifers. (i) Lis a low-cost and environmentally friend water. Groundwater is used to maximise agriculture productivity ih krigated areas. The overuse of groundwater in certain places has resulted in a decrease In groundwater levels. ‘The government has taken certain initiatives to prevent river and water pollution although some have proven ineffective and others have falled to be Implemented, The following are two legislative provisions: (a} Water (Prevontion and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974, (b) Environment Protection Act (1986). ‘These efforts were ineffective. os 251 polluting factories were bult beside rivers and lakes in 1997. The 1977 Water Cess Act proved ineffectual ‘as well. The main reason was that they were Unable to ralso public awareness about the importance of water conservation. Generation of awareness in public about the importance of water in life and impacts of water pollution I necessary, Q2. Describe Indias National Water Policy’s key aspects. Ans. India's National Water Policy, 2002: Drinking water. agriculture. hydropower. navigation, industrial_and_other_uses_are_all_priortised in ihe National Water Polley. which was adopted in ‘2002 The policy calls for Innovative new water management practices, The following are some of the highlights (0) Where there sno other source of orinking water. irrigation and mult-purpose projects should always contain drinking water component (i) The main prlority should be to provide drinking water to all humans and animals (i) Measures should be taken to Umit and regulate ‘groundwater explcitation (iv) The quality of both surface and groundwater should be examined on_a regular basis. To improve water quality. @ staged approach should be implemented (v) The efficiency of water use in all of its various ‘applications should be enhanced (vi) Ibis important to promote awareness of water asa Umited resource (ull) Education. leg[slation. incentives and disincentives should be used to promote conservation awareness 3. “Rainwater harvesting has been practiced through various methods by different communities in the country Justify the statement. (cuse 2023) OR Describe the methods and effects of rainwater harvesting. Ans, Rainwater harvesting Is a technique for collecting rainwater. Rainwater harvesting & a technique far Catching and storing rainwater for use in a varlety of Qa. Ans. ‘method of preserving every drop of water by Girecting rainwater to bore wells. pits and wells. (w) Rainwater gathering expands the amount of ‘water available, (li) Itprevents the proundwater table fram eroding (iv) Dilution “oF impurities “such as Alvoride and strates enhances tha quality of groundwater. (v) When used to replenish aquifers. it avolds soil erosion. flooding and saltwater intrusion In coastal focations Methos ractised_by many _communhics throughouk the Country ung various wy in rural ares, rainwater Coliecion traditionally done by vang surface storage Boel suchas lakes ponds and irigaton tanks alnwator Rarvesting structures, commonly known 25 Kund ar Tanka (a cavered subterranean tank), are bull near arin the house or hamlet in Rajasthan to store captured rainwoter and to learn about diferent ralnwatar gathering methods. Effects: Ralnvater harvesting, has a lot of potential, for caniorving vial_woter resources. Rainwater an be collected an rooftops and in open spaces. Rainwater harvesting also reduces the communibys fellance on groundwater for household purposes it can save energy to pump groundwater since recharge leads toa rise in the groundwater table in addition to bridging the demand-supply gop. Rainwater harvesting Is naw being implemented an a large scale in various states across the country Rainwater collection can be especially beneficlat in urban settings, where water demand has already outstripped availablity in most cles and tovms, “The Central and State Governments have initiated many watershed development and management programmes in the country." Justify the statement. (cose 2025) ‘The statementthat the CentralandState Governments have inated many watershed development and management programmes in inca canbe usted by considering the following paints: (i) National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA): The Government of India has implemented the NWOPRA. which 's one of the largest watershed development programmes in the country itaims to enhance the productivity of rainfed agriculture, increase the avallabllty of water for various purposes, and mitigate soll erosian and land degradation. Integrated Watershed Management Programme (twnie);: The WIMP ig_2 Ragship programme of the Government of India, which promotes the sustainable development of rainfed areas ir focuses on coll and water conservation. afforestation. and telIhood improvementee EERE EEE IEEE EE EID EI EI IDI IDI EI IDI ID II II III II II IID IEEE EO ET activities. The programme is implemented in collaboration with state governments. and it hasbeen instrumentalin Bringing about postive changes in watershed management practices. (li) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): NWGNBEGA, a rural employment guarantee scheme, also plays 3 significant role in watershed development Under this schome, local communities are provided with wage employment opportunities for creating and maintaining water conservation Structures lke check dams. farm ponds, and percolation tanks. These structures contribute to better watershed management and water availability In rural areas (Iv) State-level Initlatives: In_addition_to_the Central Government Programme. several State ‘governments in India have also launched thele ‘own watershed development and managomant inltiatives. These programme are tailored to ‘address the specific needs and challenges of ach state. considering factors Uke topography. rainfall patterns, and agricultural practices (v) Collaborative Efforts: The Central_and State Governments often collaborate with various stakeholders. including — Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), research institutions. and local communities. to implement watershed development programmes effectively. These collaborations ensure the _involvement_of (i) Watershed Management: Adopt_watershed management practices to prevent Soi erosion ‘onserve_water__and_recharge groundwater. Encourage the construction of check dams, farm ponds, and other _water-Rarvesting structures to retain rainwater and enhance groundwater recharge. Promote afforestation and agroforestry practices 10 prevent land dlegradatlon and improve soll fertility (il) Crop Diversification and Efficient Irrigation: Promote crop dversification to reduce water- intensive craps and encourage the cullvation of drought-tolerant and climate reaient crops, Encaurage farmors to adapt efficient irrigation techniques_suchasdrip Frlgation, Sariller Wigan a preehlon erie Saintes water wasige ad poe META cefficency (iv) Participatory Approach: Involve Local communities, farmers, and stakeholders in ecislon-making processes related to woter rmunagement. Establish water user associations or committees to ensure community partcipatian and aumership in managiig water resources, Conduct _awareness_campalgns and capaciy-bulllng programmes to educate Ferenabet ata areal actors and efficient water use () Water Pricing and Economic Incentives: Implement a fair and trangparant water pricing iTechoniom that reflects the true value oF water ‘and encourages responsible water use. Provide idfferent expertise and resources, leading to Comprehensive and sustainable watershed management practices. Overall. the Initiation of multiple watershed development_and management programmes by the Central and State Governments in India showcases their recognition of the Importance SF ReeIORT Wate ance PUREE agricultural productivity enhancement. and ecological restoration. These initiatives aim to mitigate the adverse effects of water scarcity, soll erosion, and land degradation, ‘while promoting rural Uvelhoods and overall development in the country, QS. Fomulate the guidelines to promote sustainability in the Indira Gandhi Canal command area. (C0se Sop 2023-24) ‘Ans. To promote sustainability in the Indira Gandhi Canal ‘command area, the following guidelines can be ‘considered () Integrated Water Resources Management: Implement_an._ integrated approach to water ‘resource management that takes into account the_entire_water_cycle, including equitable allocation, efficient _use_and_conservation ‘of water resources, This can be achieved through the development and enforcement of water use regulations, pramation of water- saving technologies and practices. and regular ‘monitoring of water avallabllity and quauty. economic Incentives, subsidies. and support for farmers to adopt sustainable practices, Invest Tnwater-saving technologies, and switch ta less Saeehierche cops Prarate marae aner ‘and_value_addition to agricultural produce to_enhance farmers income and reduce dependence on water intensive crops. (vi) Research and Innovation; Encourage research and. development actives ts tet and promote Innovative solutions for sustainable ‘water management nthe canal command area Support research Institutions, universities, and organisations working on water-related Issues to develop and disseminate best practices. technologies, and polices for sustainable water resource management, (vil) Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a robust monitaring and evaluation system to assess ihe effectiveness of sustainabilty_measures ‘2nd identify areas for Improvement Regularly monitor water quality, groundwater level. soll health. and crop yields to gauge the Impact of interventions. Use the collected data to Inform evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management strategies. (vill) Cross-sectoral Collaboration: Foster collaboration and coordination among different sectors such as agriculture, water resaurces, environment, and rural development. Faciltate Inter-departmental cooperationee EERE EEE IEEE EE EID EI EI IDI IDI EI IDI ID II II III II II IID IEEE EO ET to address the multidimensional aspects of sustalnabilty In the canal command area Promote public-private partnerships and encourage the involvement of civil soclety organisation and NGOs in implementing sustainable water management initiatives. By implementing these guidelines, the Indira Gandhi_Canal_Command area_can_move Towards a more sustalnableand resilient water management system. ensuring the availablity of water resources for future generations while supporting the livelihoods of local communities and fostering ecological balance. xB Chapter Test ultiple Choice Questions QL Which of the following programmes sponsored by Central Government aims at enabling the rural population to conserve water for drinking, irrigation, fisheries and afforestation? a, Arwari Pani Sansad —b, Haryall NeerurMecru 4, Narmada Bachao Q2. Inwhich one of the following states, Kund or Tanka is mainly used for rainwater harvesting? 2, Rajasthan’ b, Maharashtra Andhra Pradesh ¢. Gujarat Assertion and Reason Type Question Q3. Jn the question given below there, are two statements ‘marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the corect option, ‘Assertion (A): Intensive irrigation has led to tremendous rise in agricultural and livestock productivity in the Indira Gandhi Canal Command area, Reason (R): Intensive irrigation has led to excessive water Logging and soit salinity. 2. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) Is the correct explanation of (A). b. Both (A) and (A) are true. but (A) Is not the correct explanation of (A € (A) is true, but (f) Is face 4. (A) is false, but (A) I true Passage Based Question 4. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow In agriculture, water is mainly used for irrigation. Irrigation is needed because of spatio-temporal variability in rainfall in the country. The large tracts of the country are deficient in rainfall and are drought prone, North-westem India and Deccan plateau constitute such areas. Winter and summer seasons are more or less dry in most parts, of the country. Hence, it is difficult to prictice agriculture without assured irrigation during dry seasons. Even in the areas of ample rainfall like West Bengal and Bihar, breaks in monsoon or its failure creates dry spells detrimental for agriculture, Water needs of certain crops. also makes irrigation necessary. For instance, the water requirement of rice, sugareane, jute, ete. is very high which can be met only through itvigation Provision of irrigation makes multiple cropping, possible, It has also been found that irrigated lands have higher agricultural productivity than unirrigated land, Further, the high yielding, varieties of crops need regular moisture supply, which is made possible only by developed invigation systems. In fact, this is why that green revolution strategy of agriculture development in the country has largely been successful in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. (i) Why is irigation needed? (ii) Which crops require an ample amount of water? (li) How has irrigation helped In the development of agriculture in our country? Very Shart Answer Type Questions QS. Name some cultural activities in India that are responsible for water contamination. Q6. What is the primary cause of the deterioration of India's water quality? Short Answer Type Questions (Q7. “In india, the indiscriminate use of water by an ‘expanding population and industrial expansion has resulted in significant degradation of water quality.” Explain the values that can ald in the preservation of water quality. Q8. Describe any three essential aspects of Indias National Water Policy, which was adopted in 2002. Long Answer Type Questions Q9. Describe India's National Water Policy's key aspects. 10. Formulate the guidelines to promote sustainability in the Indira Gandhi Canal command area.