BAHRIA COLLEGE KARSAZ

Chap 06
Water Resources

Short Questions answer

Q1. Describe five positive impacts of water reservoirs on water issues.

Answer: Water reservoirs have several positive impacts on addressing water-related issues in
Pakistan:

1. Irrigation Support: Reservoirs store water during rainy seasons, which can be used for
irrigation during dry periods, ensuring a consistent water supply for agriculture.
2. Flood Control: By storing excess rainwater, reservoirs help control floods, preventing
damage to crops, property, and infrastructure during the monsoon season.
3. Drinking Water Supply: Reservoirs provide a reliable source of drinking water for
urban and rural populations, especially in areas where groundwater levels are depleting.
4. Hydroelectric Power Generation: Many reservoirs are used for hydropower generation,
providing renewable energy that supports local economies and reduces dependency on
fossil fuels.

Q2. What is meant by irrigation?

Answer:Irrigation is the process of applying water to soil or land artificially in order to promote
the growth of plants and crops. Especially in regions with low or irregular rainfall, it is an
essential agricultural method used to supply appropriate moisture to plants. The main goal of
irrigation is to provide water to agricultural fields, orchards, gardens, and other cultivated areas.
The irrigation systems can vary, from straightforward techniques like using buckets or hoses to
more complicated ones like drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and flood irrigation.
Q3. Analyze the role of Dams in floor control.

Answer: Dams play a vital role in flood control by regulating water flow and managing excess
water during heavy rainfall. They store floodwater in reservoirs, preventing downstream flooding
by gradually releasing it in a controlled manner. Dams also help in regulating discharge, reducing
the intensity of floods, and preventing flash floods by managing rapid water rises. Additionally,
they contribute to long-term flood management, protecting communities and agricultural areas
from seasonal and unpredictable floods.

Q4. Describe the following terms

a. Salinity
b. Waterlogging

1 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, M.Phil. (Pol Sci)
Answer:

a. Waterlogging, in which the water table rises to the root zone of crops and damages them.
It is a result of improperly maintained irrigation systems.
b. Salinity: Irrigation water has a high salt content, and over time, poor drainage and
management can result in salinity of the soil, which lowers agricultural yields and soil
fertility.

Q5. Describe five advantages of Pakistan’s extensive irrigation system.

Answer:
1. Improved Agricultural Productivity:This increases food output by increasing
agricultural productivity and enabling many planting cycles in a single year.
2. Food Security: In order to ensure food security for Pakistan. It makes it possible
to grow important food staples for Pakistan’s diet, including cotton, rice, and
wheat.
3. Economic Development: Agriculture, which employs a huge section of the
people and contributes to the GDP of the nation, is an important economic factor
in Pakistan.
4. Community Stability: A reliable water supply reduces these populations
vulnerability to droughts and other climate fluctuations.
5. Crop Modification: Farmers can choose from a wider variety of crops because to
irrigation’s accessibility to water. Farmers will be able to cultivate a greater
variety of crops,

Q6. How does seasonal fluctuation affect the flow of water.

Answer: Seasonal fluctuations affect water flow by increasing it during the monsoon season
(summer) with heavy rainfall, while winter and spring see reduced flow due to low rainfall.
Snowmelt in spring boosts flow in northern rivers, and dry seasons (fall) lead to decreased water
levels, affecting agriculture and water supply.

Q7. Suggest five sustainable measures to reduce water wastage.

Answer:

1. Efficient Irrigation Systems: Use drip irrigation and sprinklers to minimize water waste in
agriculture.

2. Rainwater Harvesting: Collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses like irrigation and
cleaning.

2 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, M.Phil. (Pol Sci)
3. Water-Efficient Appliances: Install low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads to reduce
domestic water use.

4. Water Recycling: Implement greywater recycling systems to reuse water from baths, sinks,
and washing machines.

5. Public Awareness: Educate communities on the importance of water conservation and

practices to reduce wastage.

Long Question Answer

Q1. Water a Note on the surface and ground water resources in Pakistan.

Answer:

Surface and Ground Water Resources

All types of life on Earth depend on water. Our bodies contain roughly 60% water and we cannot
survive without a consistent supply of clean water. It is the foundation of human existence.
Surface and ground water resources are abundant in Pakistan, which lies in South Asia. These
resources are essential for the country’s household, industrial, and agricultural demands. An
overview of these water resources is given below.

Surface Water Resources:

Indus River: The Indus River is Pakistan’s biggest and most important river. It has its sources.
Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers are only a few of the tributaries of the Indus River that
contribute significantly to Pakistan’s surface water resources.

Jhelum River: One of the principal tributaries of the Indus River is the Jhelum River. It runs
through the province of Punjab and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region. It is playing a
significant role in irrigation and hydroelectric production.
Chenab River: The Chenab River is another important Indus tributary. It runs through
Pakistan’s Punjab province. It supports both electricity and irrigation.

Tarbela Dam: One of the biggest earth-filled dams in the world is the Tarbela Dam on the Indus
River. It has a variety of uses, including flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and
irrigation.

Mangla Dam: The Mangla Dam is situated on the Jhelum River. It is another significant
reservoir for the storage of water and the production of electricity.

Ground Water Resources:

3 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, M.Phil. (Pol Sci)
Pakistan largely relies on its groundwater supplies, particularly in those regions which have little
access to surface water. Tube wells and hand pumps are the main methods used to access
groundwater for domestic, commercial, and agricultural uses in those regions.

Indus Basin Aquifer: The greatest groundwater source in Pakistan is the Indus Basin aquifer. It
covers the whole Indus plain and fulfills the majority of the country’s agricultural needs of water.

Baluchistan Plateau Aquifer: The Baluchistan Plateau aquifer is a vital supply of groundwater
in the region of Baluchistan. It promotes agriculture and maintains local residents’ means of
survival.
Punjab Aquifer: Groundwater is a major source of irrigation in Punjab province. In some
locations, excessive groundwater extraction is a problem because it causes dropping water tables
and an increase in salinity.

Q2. What are the strengths of the irrigation system of Pakistan.

Answer:

Pakistan’s large irrigation system, which is mostly based around the Indus River and its
tributaries, offers a number of important benefits. Some of which are listed below:

1. Improved Agricultural Productivity: By supplying a steady supply of water, the

irrigation system enables agricultural cultivation. This dramatically increases food output
by increasing agricultural productivity and enabling many planting cycles in a single
year.

2. Food Security: In order to ensure food security for Pakistan’s rapidly expanding
population, the irrigation system’s consistent water supply is essential. It makes it
possible to grow important food staples for Pakistan’s diet, including cotton, rice, and
wheat.

3. Economic Development: Agriculture, which employs a huge section of the people and
contributes to the GDP of the nation, is an important economic factor in Pakistan. By
providing water for agricultural, the irrigation system aids in the development of this
industry.

4. Community Stability: Millions of rural Pakistanis who depend on agriculture for their
livelihood are supported by irrigation. A reliable water supply reduces these populations
vulnerability to droughts and other climate fluctuations.

4 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, M.Phil. (Pol Sci)
 5. Crop Modification: Farmers can choose from a wider variety of crops because to
irrigation’s accessibility to water. Farmers will be able to cultivate a greater variety of
crops, such as fruits and vegetables, which can increase income and food variety.

6. Hydropower Generation: The irrigation system includes numerous dams and reservoirs
that are used to generate hydropower. This reduces the nation’s dependency on fossil
fuels. It also assists in meeting country’s energy needs.

7. Flood Control: The irrigation system includes some flood-control mechanisms, such as
dams Like Tarbela and Mangla. They can hold more water during the monsoon season
and lowers the Risks of floods.

8. Control of Salinity and Waterlogging: The irrigation system contains drainage

infrastructure to handle the salinity and waterlogging issues that may arise as a result of
excessive irrigation. This keeps the soil in good condition for farming.

9. Support for Livestock: By supplying drinking water and grazing for animals, reliable
water sources benefit not just crop production but also livestock farming.

Q3. Evaluate the importance of different types of water reservoirs in obtaining sustainable
solutions or water-related issues.

Answer:

Role and Impacts of Water Reservoirs

Hydroelectric power generation, flood control, irrigation, and other sustainable solutions all
benefit greatly from the use of dams, barrages, canals, and water reservoirs. However, they could
also have an impact on human activities, the environment, Industry, and agriculture. Let us
examine these features in greater detail:
1. Hydroelectric Power Generation:

. Benefit: Dams and reservoirs are necessary for the production of hydroelectric power. They
offer a dependable and sustainable energy source and help in assisting in the reduction of
greenhouse gas discharges and dependence on fossil fuels. Hydroelectricity can provide a large
amount of the region’s electricity requirements while also promoting the production of
sustainable energy.

• Negative Impact: Building dams and reservoirs may have negative effects on the environment.
It includes the disturbance of habitats, altered river flow patterns, and potential harm to aquatic
ecosystems. Large dams have the potential to uproot communities and cause social and cultural
repercussions.

5 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, M.Phil. (Pol Sci)
 2. Flood Control:

Positive Impact: Dams and barrages are constructed to control water flow and lessen the
likelihood of flooding in communities downstream. This promotes public safety and property
preservation by reducing the damaging effects of flooding on infrastructure, crops, and
communities.

Negative Impact: By releasing water at the wrong periods or holding back too much water,
poorly maintained dams can occasionally make flooding worse. Additionally, the modified river
regimes can negatively impact biodiversity and water quality in downstream ecosystems.
3. Agriculture:

• Positive Impact: Access to water through irrigation systems and canals Increases agricultural
output and assures a steady supply of food. This promotes economic growth, food security, and
livelihoods in rural communities.

• Negative Impact: Poor water resource management can result in over-extraction, aqulfer
reduction, and soil degradation. Irrigation can degrade water quality and harm aquatic habitats
also by allowing fertilizers and pesticides to discharge.

4. Environment:

Positive Impact: Well-planned dams and reservoirs can perform as useful water supply and
storage systems during dry spells. They can helpful in maintaining a steady supply of water for
both Ecosystems and human use.

Negative Impact: Modifying natural river flows can damage ecosystems. It can disturb fish
migration, and harm aquatic habitats. Additionally, reservoirs can contribute to the buildup of
deposit, which over time reduces their capacity for Storage.

Q4. Suggest some sustainable solutions to address water pollution, water shortage, and
water wastage.

Answer:

Some Sustainable Solutions:

Pakistan needs to use a multimodal approach that includes legislative changes, infrastructure
upgrades, and community involvement to address water pollution, water shortages, and water
waste. Here are some green approaches to efficiently managing water resources:

1. Facilities for treating wastewater: Spend money on and increase the size of wastewater
treatment facilities to handle sewage and industrial effluents before releasing them into
bodies of water. Put in place strict rules to ensure agreements.

6 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, M.Phil. (Pol Sci)
2. Usage of Rainwater: Promote the adoption of rainwater harvesting methods in homes
and communities to collect and store rainwater for domestic usage and groundwater
replacement.

3. Effective Irrigation Methods: To prevent water waste in agriculture, promote and

encourage the use of contemporary irrigation techniques, such as sprinkler and drip
systems, to reduce water waste.

4. Desalination: By installing desalination facilities along the coast, particularly in coastal

areas where there is a severe water shortage.

5. Geological Management: Implement strict groundwater extraction regulations to avoid

overuse and salty water intrusion. Encourage aquifer recharge techniques to top off
groundwater supplies.

6. Education and Information: Organize public awareness campaigns to raise awareness

of the need for sustainable water usage, pollution avoidance, and water preservation.
Education has the power to influence behavior.

7. Industrial Regulation: To reduce Industries’ release of pollution, impose tight

environmental laws on them. Promote more eco-friendly production techniques and the
reuse of industrial effluent.

8. Water management in rural areas: Build small dams, ponds, and water storage
structures as part of community-based water management systems in rural areas.

9. Governmental Measures: Create and implement comprehensive water management

plans that take both urban and rural demands into account. Implement price policies that
promote wise water use. Research and development of water-saving technology, such as
water-efficient appliances and leak detection systems, should be funded.

10. Collaboration across borders: To ensure the equitable and sustainable use of shared
water resources, cooperate with neighboring nations. It will help to ensure the sustainable
and fair use of shared water resources.

7 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, M.Phil. (Pol Sci)