01 · Explore
Water as a Renewable Resource
While three-fourths of the Earth's surface is covered with water, only a small fraction is freshwater suitable for human use.
Freshwater is primarily obtained from surface runoff and groundwater. This water is continuously renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle. In this cycle, water moves through various states and locations, ensuring that it remains a renewable resource.
Despite this abundance and renewability, many regions face water scarcity. It is predicted that by 2025, nearly two billion people will live in absolute water scarcity. This highlights the critical need to understand how we manage and potentially over-exploit this vital resource.
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Question
How does water maintain its status as a renewable resource?
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02 · Explore
The Complex Causes of Water Scarcity
Water scarcity is often associated with low rainfall or drought-prone areas, but its causes are often more complex and human-driven.
In most cases, water scarcity is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access to water among different social groups. A large and growing population increases the demand for water not only for domestic use but also for food production.
To facilitate higher food-grain production, water resources are over-exploited to expand irrigated areas, especially for dry-season agriculture. Many farmers have their own wells and tube-wells, which leads to falling groundwater levels, adversely affecting food security.
Industrialization and urbanization in post-independent India have further aggravated the problem. Industries are heavy users of water and also require hydroelectric power. Growing urban centers with dense populations and modern lifestyles exert immense pressure on existing freshwater resources.
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Why might a region with high rainfall still suffer from water scarcity?
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03 · Explore
Water Quality and Government Initiatives
Even where water is available in sufficient quantities, its quality may render it unusable for human consumption.
Pollution from domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers used in agriculture makes water hazardous. To address this, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
The goal of JJM is to provide every rural household with an assured supply of potable piped water. According to the Economic Survey 2020–21, the target service level is 55 litres per capita per day on a regular, long-term basis.
Another initiative, the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal), targets 8220 water-stressed Gram Panchayats across seven states including Gujarat, Haryana, and Rajasthan. It aims to bring about behavioral changes, shifting the community's attitude from consumption to conservation.
| Scheme Name | Primary Objective | Target/Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) | Provide potable piped water to rural households | 55 litres per capita per day |
| Atal Bhujal Yojana | Manage groundwater in water-stressed areas | 8220 Gram Panchayats in 7 states |
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What is the specific water delivery target of the Jal Jeevan Mission?
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04 · Explore
Hydraulic Structures in Ancient India
India has a long and sophisticated tradition of water management through engineering.
Archaeological records show that ancient Indians built sophisticated hydraulic structures like dams of stone rubble, reservoirs, embankments, and canals. In the 1st century B.C., Sringaverapura near Allahabad had a system to channel the flood water of the Ganga.
During the Mauryan era, particularly under Chandragupta Maurya, dams and irrigation systems were extensively built. Other notable historical works include the 11th-century Bhopal Lake (one of the largest artificial lakes of its time) and the 13th–14th-century tank in Hauz Khas, Delhi, built by Alauddin Khalji for the Siri Fort area.
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Name a significant water management structure built in the 11th century.
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05 · Explore
Multi-Purpose River Projects
Modern India continued the tradition of dam building, viewing multi-purpose projects as essential for national development.
Jawaharlal Nehru proclaimed dams as the 'temples of modern India' because they integrated agricultural development with rapid industrialization. These projects are called 'multi-purpose' because they serve many functions simultaneously.
A dam is a barrier across flowing water that creates a reservoir. While traditionally built for irrigation, modern dams are used for electricity generation, domestic and industrial water supply, flood control, recreation, and fish breeding.
Examples include the Bhakra-Nangal project in the Sutluj-Beas basin, used for both hydel power and irrigation, and the Hirakud project in the Mahanadi basin, which integrates water conservation with flood control.
The Function of a Multi-Purpose Project
- 1
Impoundment
A dam barrier obstructs the river flow to create a reservoir.
- 2
Integration
The stored water is diverted for multiple uses like irrigation and industry.
- 3
Energy Production
Water flow is used to generate hydroelectric power.
- 4
Downstream Control
Regulated release helps in flood control and navigation.
How multi-purpose projects integrate various water needs into a single managed system.
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Why did Jawaharlal Nehru refer to dams as the 'temples of modern India'?
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