Water Resources - Class 10
1. Introduction to Water Resources:
Water is essential for survival, agriculture, industry, and other daily needs.
It is a renewable resource, but its distribution is uneven across the world,
leading to scarcity in some areas and abundance in others.
2. Distribution of Water on Earth:
About 71% of Earth's surface is covered with water.
Freshwater (which is useful for drinking and irrigation) makes up only about 2.5%
of all water, with the majority locked in glaciers and ice caps.
Only 0.3% of all water is available as surface water for human use.
3. Water Scarcity and Its Causes:
Uneven Distribution: Water is not distributed equally due to geographic and
climatic differences.
Overuse and Wastage: Excessive use in agriculture, industry, and daily activities
increases scarcity.
Population Growth: Rapid population growth adds pressure on limited water
resources.
Pollution: Industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, and domestic waste pollute
water sources, reducing the amount of usable water.
4. Need for Conservation and Management of Water:
Conservation ensures a sustainable water supply for the future.
Proper management helps prevent depletion, maintain clean water, and support
agriculture and industry.
5. Multi-Purpose River Projects and Dams:
Multi-purpose projects serve various purposes like irrigation, hydroelectric power,
water supply, and flood control.
Examples: Bhakra Nangal Dam (on the Sutlej River), Hirakud Dam (on the Mahanadi
River), and the Sardar Sarovar Dam (on the Narmada River).
Benefits: These projects help control floods, provide a stable water supply, and
generate electricity.
Challenges: Displacement of people, submergence of forests and wildlife habitats,
and impact on local ecosystems.
6. Traditional Water Conservation Methods:
Ancient practices, like tankas in Rajasthan, johads (ponds) in Haryana, and baolis
(step-wells) in different parts of India, are effective in conserving water.
These methods are community-based, simple, and effective for conserving water.
7. Modern Water Conservation Techniques:
Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops or surfaces to
recharge groundwater or for direct use.
Watershed Management: Protecting and managing land and water resources in a
drainage area to improve water quality and supply.
Drip Irrigation and Sprinkler Irrigation: Efficient irrigation methods that
minimize water wastage by delivering water directly to the roots of plants.
8. Importance of Groundwater:
Groundwater is a significant source of water, especially in rural areas.
Over-extraction leads to depletion, lower water tables, and drying up of wells.
9. Groundwater Conservation Methods:
Recharge Wells: Wells dug to allow rainwater to flow back into the ground and
replenish groundwater levels.
Forest Cover and Afforestation: Forests help in water retention and allow water to
seep into the ground, recharging groundwater.
10. Water Pollution:
Causes: Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers), and
domestic sewage.
Effects: Water pollution makes water unsafe for drinking and harms aquatic life.
Solutions: Regulations on waste disposal, treatment of industrial and domestic
waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
11. River Interlinking Project:
This is a proposal to connect rivers to manage water distribution effectively,
transferring surplus water from one basin to another.
While it aims to reduce water scarcity in drought-prone areas, it poses challenges
like environmental impact and high costs.
12. Hydrological Cycle:
The water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection)
naturally recycles water, keeping it moving through the atmosphere, land, and
oceans.
Human activities, like deforestation and urbanization, can disrupt the natural
water cycle.
13. International and National Water Conflicts:
Water-sharing disputes arise due to the dependence of multiple regions or countries
on a shared water source (like the Cauvery or Ganges rivers).
Solutions involve government agreements, regulations, and cooperation.
14. Individual Efforts for Water Conservation:
Reduce Usage: Using water mindfully in daily activities.
Fixing Leaks: Preventing wastage by repairing leaky taps and pipes.
Recycling Water: Reusing water in gardens and cleaning activities.
Spreading Awareness: Educating people about the importance of water conservation.
15. Conclusion:
Sustainable water management and conservation are essential for the future.
Combining traditional knowledge and modern techniques can effectively address water
scarcity and pollution.
