Water is a tasteless, odorless, and colorless liquid substance that is essential for all forms of life.
It is a crucial component of the Earth's ecosystem and is indispensable for human survival. It is
transpatial. It consists of two Hydrogen atoms and one Oxygen atom.
Sapta Sindhu (Seven Rivers):
The Sapta Sindhu refers to the seven major rivers of India, including the
● Indus
● Ganga
● Yamuna
● Kaveri
● Narmada
● Brahmaputra
● Saraswati
Lake that provide Mumbai Water
● Tulsi Lake - Sanjay National Park
● Vihar Lake - Sanjay National Park
● Powai Lake - Powai Valley
● Tansa Lake ( oldest reservoir ) - Thane
● Modak Lake - Thane
● Bhatsa Lake - Thane
● Upper Vaitarna Lake - Near Nashik
● Middle Vaitarna Lake - Near Nashik
Diseases Caused by Water Contamination
● Dysentery: A severe infection of the intestines caused by bacteria.
● Cholera: An acute diarrheal illness caused by ingesting contaminated water or food.
● Salmonella: A bacterial infection often linked to contaminated water and food.
● Jaundice: A liver condition that can result from consuming contaminated water.
● Typhoid: A bacterial infection transmitted through polluted water.
● Escherichia Coli (E. coli): A bacteria causing severe stomach cramps and diarrhea.
The Water Cycle
The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's
surface. Key processes include:
1. Evaporation: Water from oceans, rivers, and lakes turns into vapor due to the sun's
heat.
2. Condensation: Water vapor cools and forms clouds.
3. Precipitation: Water falls back to Earth as rain, hail, snow, or sleet.
4. Collection: Water accumulates in bodies like rivers, lakes, and groundwater
reserves.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature and weather patterns, often
influenced by human activities and natural phenomena.
Causes of Climate Change:
● Natural Causes: Events such as volcanic eruptions, solar activity, and changes in ocean
currents can significantly impact global climate.
● Human-Induced Causes: Activities like deforestation, pollution, industrialization,
urbanization, and the release of methane from livestock farming contribute to
greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating climate change.
The Green Revolution
The Green Revolution was a period of agricultural transformation aimed at increasing food
production in India. It was initiated to combat food shortages and starvation. This was the first
assault on India’s waters in 1980. Which lead to construction of dams and drying of rivers.
● Causes:
○ U.S. aid provided wheat imports to help India manage food scarcity.
○ Modern farming techniques, fertilizers, and irrigation systems were introduced.
● Effects:
○ Short-term benefits included higher crop yields.
○ Long-term effects involved groundwater depletion, leading to water crises.
Water Conservation Methods
● Fixing leaks in agricultural irrigation systems and domestic pipelines.
● Using buckets instead of overhead showers to minimize water wastage.
● Recycling water for non-drinking purposes and collecting rainwater for reuse.
● Closing taps when not in use to prevent unnecessary wastage.
Sources of Water
There are various sources of water. About 97% of the earth is covered by water.
● Rainwater
● Groundwater – Water bodies like Wells and Springs.
● Surface water – Water bodies like Reservoirs, Rivers, Streams, Ponds, Lakes etc.
Effects of Clean Water
● Improved Health: Reduces disease risk and boosts immunity.
● Better Food Production: Enhances crop yields and quality.
● Industrial Viability: Increases productivity and lowers costs.
● Cleaner Environment: Maintains biodiversity and reduces pollution.
● Economic Returns: Yields significant benefits through health and productivity
improvements.
● Social Equity: Promotes gender equality and supports vulnerable groups
Importance of Water for Humans
● Essential for Life: Water is crucial for cellular function; humans can survive only a few
days without it.
● Hydration and Health: Adequate water intake prevents nutrition-related diseases, but
caloric beverages may displace necessary water consumption.
● Regulation of Water Intake: The body regulates fluid intake through thirst, influenced by
physiological, social, and environmental factors.
● Impact on Physical Performance: Even mild dehydration (2% body weight loss) can
impair endurance and increase fatigue, especially in athletes.
● Aging and Hydration: The elderly are more prone to dehydration due to reduced thirst
response and may need guidance to maintain hydration.
● Regulating Body Temperature:Water acts as a cooling and stabilizing agent, enabling the
body to maintain a stable internal temperature under varying environmental conditions.
● Formation of Urine: Water is essential for urine formation as it dissolves waste products
and toxins, allowing kidneys to filter and excrete them while maintaining the body's fluid.
Uses of Water
● Drinking
● Cooking
● Hygiene
● Sanitation
● Religious purposes (puja, baptising, festivals)
● Washing/Cleaning things
● Growing crops
● Utilities ( Toilets, Washing machines)
Global Water Crisis
Overview, Causes, and Actions
Current Statistics:
○ 2 billion people lack safe drinking water.
○ 3.6 billion people do not have safely managed sanitation.
○ By 2025, 1.8 billion people will face "absolute water scarcity."
○ Agriculture uses 70% of global freshwater.
Causes:
○ Population Growth: Doubling in the last 40 years increases water demand.
○ Climate Change: Erratic weather reduces freshwater availability.
○ Pollution: Industrial and agricultural contamination threatens water quality.
○ Poor Infrastructure: Many developing countries lack adequate water supply
systems.
Actions Being Taken:
○ International Initiatives: UN promotes access to clean water by 2030.
○ Regional Collaborations: African nations work on shared water management.
○ Technological Innovations: Adoption of efficient irrigation and desalination.
○ Government Policies: Countries implement conservation strategies and improve
infrastructure.
Causes and Actions by Countries
China
● Causes: Rapid urbanization, climate change, and pollution lead to severe water
scarcity; 80-90% of groundwater is contaminated.
● Actions: The South-North Water Transfer Project redistributes water, and policies
are implemented to reduce pollution.
Afghanistan
● Causes: Political instability and drought hinder infrastructure development.
● Actions: International organizations improve water infrastructure and provide
emergency assistance.
Syria
● Causes: Conflict has devastated water infrastructure, compounded by severe
drought.
● Actions: Humanitarian agencies supply emergency water and work to rehabilitate
infrastructure.
Tibet
● Causes: Climate change and glacial melt threaten freshwater.
● Actions: Local initiatives promote sustainable water management and
conservation.
Water crisis in India
Overview, Causes, and Actions
Current Situation
● Water Access: Approximately 600 million people in India experience acute water
shortages, with many slum residents relying on unreliable sources. In cities like
Bhubaneswar, a study found that 84 slums lack access to safe drinking water.
● Health Risks: Contaminated water sources lead to health issues, with nearly 200,000
deaths annually attributed to inadequate access to clean water.
● Infrastructure Issues: Many slums have defunct tube wells and inadequate drainage
systems, exacerbating sanitation problems.
Causes
● Rapid Urbanization: The influx of migrants into cities from suburbs has outpaced
infrastructure development, leaving many slums without adequate water supply.
● Poor Management: Inefficient distribution systems and high levels of corruption in water
management often leave slum residents without reliable access. (eg. leaks in pipes)
● Climate Change: Erratic rainfall patterns further strain water resources, making it difficult
for slum dwellers to secure adequate supplies.
● Over-population: Increased consumption leads to water shortages.
● Pollution: Industrial effluents and untreated sewage contaminate water sources,
exemplified by the polluted Bellandur Lake in Bengaluru.
● Over-extraction of Groundwater: Heavy reliance on groundwater depleted aquifers,
especially in densely populated areas.
Actions Being Taken
● Government Initiatives: The Indian government has launched various programs aimed at
improving water supply and sanitation in urban areas. For instance, the Ministry of Jal
Shakti is focused on enhancing rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation practices.
● Community Solutions: Organizations like Sarvajal are providing decentralized water
solutions through Water ATMs that offer affordable and reliable access to clean water.
These initiatives help reduce healthcare costs associated with waterborne diseases.
● NGO Support: Various NGOs are working on grassroots initiatives to improve local water
management and sanitation facilities in slums, promoting community engagement in
conservation efforts.
Actions taken by cities
● Bengaluru Initiatives: Rainwater harvesting and restoring lakes to enhance water
storage.
● Delhi's Measures: Improving sewage treatment capacity and launching the "Jal Shakti
Abhiyan" for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
● Mumbai's Strategies: Enhancing stormwater drainage systems and exploring treated
sewage for non-potable uses.
The Role of Agriculture in the Water Crisis
Water Use in Agriculture
Water is used in two main ways in agriculture:
● Irrigation: Watering crops when rainfall is insufficient. This is essential for growing many
types of crops, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
● Livestock: Water is needed for drinking, cleaning, and cooling livestock.
Agriculture's dependence on water varies by crop and region:
● Rice, wheat, and cotton are water-intensive crops, requiring large amounts of water for
irrigation.
● In many parts of the world, inefficient irrigation practices, such as flood irrigation, are
wasting a lot of water. Modern irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation help
conserve water, but they are not always available or affordable.
The Impact of Water Scarcity on Agriculture
● Reduced Crop Yields: Water shortages lead to poor crop growth and reduced yields. If
farmers cannot access enough water, they may face crop failures, which can lead to
food shortages and economic losses.
● Soil Degradation: Over-irrigation can lead to soil salinization, where salts accumulate in
the soil, making it less fertile. This reduces agricultural productivity.
● Livestock Losses: Water scarcity can lead to the death of livestock, especially in areas
with limited access to water for drinking or cooling.
Miss a meal campaign
● Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1965 took it up the food crisis as a major priority
● He tried to create awareness among people and asking them to save food and attempt
to convince farmers to grow a crop a year
● He also requested everyone to skip a meal
● He gave importance to farmer as he thought they were the real soldiers as they fought
food shortages
● They began supplying 20,000 tons of grains on a daily basis and on the peak of the
famine they were supplying 50,000 tons per day.
