"Sustainable Development - Water Conservation
1. Cover Page
Project Title: Sustainable Development - Water Conservation
Student Name: [Your Name]
Roll No: [1-25]
Class / Sec: [Your Class / Section]
Subject: Social Science
2. Acknowledgement
I am grateful to my teachers and family for their guidance and support in preparing this
project on water conservation. Their encouragement inspired me to learn about the
importance of saving water for our future.
3. Index / Content
1. Introduction – Water as a Resource
2. Why is it Important to Conserve Water?
3. Traditional Water Conservation Methods
o Khadins/Johads of Rajasthan
o Bamboo Drip Irrigation System of Meghalaya
4. Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting – Technique & Benefits
5. Play Your Part – Four Ways to Use Water Wisely at Home
6. How Can Industries Help in Water Conservation?
7. Case Study: Tamil Nadu’s Step Towards Making Rain Water Harvesting Mandatory
8. Conclusion
9. Bibliography
4. Introduction – Water as a Resource
Water is a vital natural resource that sustains all forms of life on Earth. It covers about 71%
of the Earth's surface and is essential for drinking, agriculture, industry, and everyday
activities. Despite its abundance, only a small fraction of water is freshwater, which is
suitable for human use. Hence, conserving water has become crucial for maintaining
ecological balance and ensuring water availability for future generations.
Water can be scarce for many reasons: demand for water may be exceeding supply, water
infrastructure may be inadequate, or institutions may be failing to balance everyone’s needs.
Water scarcity is an increasing problem on every continent, with poorer communities most
badly affected.
5. Why is it Important to Conserve Water?
Every day, an average American family uses more than 300 gallons (1,135 liters) of water
and around 70 percent of that is used indoors, with the bathroom accounting for the
largest share since a toilet alone can use 24 percent
Freshwater is limited and unevenly distributed.
Overuse leads to water scarcity and droughts.
It helps maintain ecosystems and biodiversity.
Conserve to reduce energy consumption in water treatment and distribution.
Ensures clean drinking water for everyone.
It is predicted that by the year 2030, 50 percent of the global population will be
water-stressed
6. Two Traditional Water Conservation Methods Still in Use
Khadins/Johads of Rajasthan:
These are traditional underground channels built to collect and store rainwater, mainly used
in dry regions like Rajasthan. They help recharge groundwater and provide water during
droughts.
Bamboo Drip Irrigation System of Meghalaya:
An ancient method where water is conveyed through bamboo pipes directly to roots of
plants, reducing water wastage and aiding sustainable farming.
7. Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting – Technique & Benefits
Technique:
Rainwater is collected from rooftops through pipes and stored in tanks or recharge pits. The
water can then be used for irrigation, drinking, or recharging groundwater.
Benefits:
Provides a supplementary water source.
Reduces dependence on municipal water.
Prevents surface water runoff and soil erosion.
Helps in groundwater recharge.
Diagram:
(Insert a simple drawing showing rainwater flowing from rooftops into a storage tank with
inlet pipes.)
8. Play Your Part – Be Water Smart
Turn off taps while brushing or washing clothes.
Fix leaking taps promptly.
Use a bucket instead of a hose to wash vehicles.
Collect rainwater for garden use.
10. How Can Industries Help in Water Conservation? et’s explore some of the ways
industries can demonstrate their commitment to water conservation:
11. Performing regular water audits to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for
improvement. Investing in high-efficiency equipment and water-saving
technologies. Implementing a comprehensive water management plan to optimize
water use across all operations. Raising employee awareness and training staff in
water-saving practices. Developing a sustainable landscaping and exterior water
use policy.
12.
Recycling and reusing water in processes.
Installing water-efficient machinery.
Treating wastewater before releasing into water bodies.
Conducting water audits and reducing wastage.
10. Case Study: Tamil Nadu’s Step Towards Making Rain Water Harvesting Mandatory
In Tamil Nadu, rainwater harvesting was made compulsory in buildings and homes to
combat water scarcity. This initiative is aligned with SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation,
aiming to ensure sustainable water management. The government encourages farmers,
industries, and households to adopt rainwater harvesting to recharge groundwater and
secure water for future needs.
Action Plan for IEC Activities
· Vigorous IEC campaign would also be adopted to bring awareness among the public
· Conduction of awareness programme with the coordination of Self Help Groups,
Welfare Associations, NGOs and school children.
· Erection of hoardings displaying the importance and benefits of the Rain Water
Harvesting.
· Door to Door campaign on Rain water Harvesting with the participation of SHGs,
NGOs.
Action plan for harvesting campus rain water
· Provision of rain water harvesting structures would also been monitored under
Section 215 A of the Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Act, while giving plan approval.
· Rain Water Harvesting Structures have already been provided in respect of
buildings, belongs to Town Panchayats Department.
· Necessary action taken to provide adequate Rain Water Harvesting structures
belongs to other Government department.
· Now, in order to make use of the forthcoming North East monsoon, the Executive
Officers of Town Panchayats have been instructed to take necessary action to rejuvenate
existing Rain Water Harvesting structures.
11. Conclusion
Water conservation is everyone's responsibility. By adopting traditional methods, using
rainwater harvesting, and conserving water at home and industry, we can ensure a
sustainable future. Water is precious, and protecting it is essential for our survival.
12. Bibliography
"Water Conservation Techniques," National Water Mission, Govt. of India
"Traditional Water Conservation Methods," Rajasthan Tourism
"Rainwater Harvesting," Meghalaya State Water Department
https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6
