Water Resources in India: –
Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. Of this total water, only about 3% is freshwater. Only a very small portion of this freshwater is available for human use.
Situation in India: –
India covers approximately 2.45% of the world’s land area.
India possesses approximately 4% of the world’s total water resources. India is home to over 17% of the world’s population. India receives an average of 4,000 cubic kilometers of rainwater annually.
India has a total of 1,869 cubic kilometres of surface and rechargeable water. Only about 60% of this available water is usable. India’s total usable water resources are approximately 1,122 cubic kilometers
Classification of water resources: –
Water resources are mainly divided into two parts:
- surface water resources
- groundwater resources
Surface water resources: –
The main sources of surface water are rivers, lakes, ponds and embankments.
India has approximately 10,360 rivers and their tributaries (those with a length of more than 1.6 km). The average annual water flow of India’s rivers is 1,869 cubic kilometers.
About 60% of India’s total surface water is found in just three major river basins (Ganga, Brahmaputra and Indus).
In southern Indian rivers like Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri, most of the annual water flow is utilised but this is still not possible in the Brahmaputra and Ganga basins.
Ground Water Resources: –
This is water that is stored in layers of rock beneath the soil. India’s total replenishable groundwater resources are approximately 432 cubic kilometers.
Groundwater Use (State Wise Status): –
Groundwater use is high in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
Some states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Kerala have low groundwater use.
Groundwater use is at a moderate level in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tripura and Maharashtra.
Lagoons and backwaters: –
India’s coastline is long and, in some places, very indented.
Lagoons and lakes have formed in the coastal areas.
Many lagoons and lakes are found in Orissa and West Bengal.
These lagoons and lakes are important surface water resources.
The water of these reservoirs is generally salty.
Brackish water is mainly used for fish farming.
In some areas this water is used to irrigate special varieties of rice.
This water is also used for irrigation of crops like coconut.
Water demand and use: –
India is traditionally an agricultural country, so the largest use of water is in agriculture.
- Agriculture: The largest use of surface and groundwater is
- in agriculture. About 89% of surface water is used for irrigation. About 92% of groundwater is used for agriculture.
- Domestic sector: Surface water use in the domestic sector
- exceeds groundwater use. Domestic use accounts for approximately 9% of surface water.
- Industrial Sector: Only about 2% of surface water is used in industry. About 5% of groundwater is used in industry.Why is there a demand for water for irrigation: –Irrigation is essential in India because rainfall is uneven (both spatially and temporally). Most agriculture depends on monsoon rains. Northwestern India and the Deccan Plateau are arid/semi-arid regions, where farming without irrigation is difficult.Due to the uncertainty of rainfall, irrigation is also necessary in Bihar and West Bengal. Irrigation is essential for Rabi crops (such as wheat). Crops like rice, sugarcane, and wheat require more water.Irrigation increases agricultural production and yields (especially for high-yielding varieties). Green Revolution regions (Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh) are more irrigated. Overuse of groundwater is depleting water levels.
Prime Minister Agricultural Irrigation Scheme (PMKSY): –
- The objective of PMKSY is to provide irrigation facilities to all the farms.
- This scheme was started in 2015-16.
- The scheme aims to increase water use efficiency.
- “Water to every farm” is the main objective of this scheme.
- Water conservation and rainwater harvesting are promoted.
- Micro irrigation techniques (drip, sprinkler) are encouraged.
- Emphasis is placed on water reuse and management.
- Attention is paid to the development of catchment areas.
Emerging water problems: –
Water scarcity: – Due to increasing population, the availability of water per person is decreasing.
Water pollution: – Industrial waste, pesticides, and domestic waste is poisoning the water. The Ganges and Yamuna are India’s most polluted rivers.
Uneven distribution: – Some areas are flooded, while others are drought-prone.
Degradation of water properties: –
- Deterioration of water quality is caused by pollution.
- Domestic waste and industrial waste contaminate water.
- Chemicals and fertilizers increase water pollution.
- Polluted water is no longer fit for human use.
- Dirty water gets mixed in lakes, rivers and ponds.
- Water pollution affects the aquatic ecosystem.
- Many rivers like Ganga and Yamuna have become highly polluted.
- Groundwater is also being affected by pollution.
Water Conservation and Management: –
Given the increasing demand and pollution, it is crucial to conserve and manage water properly. The main measures include:
- Prevention of water pollution (strict adherence to the rules of the Pollution Control Board)
- Recycling and reusing water
- Watershed Management
- rainwater harvesting
- Balanced use of water is essential for long-term water supply.
- It is necessary to make efforts to prevent water pollution.
Prevention of water pollution: –
- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 was enacted.
- Environment Protection Act 1986 was also enacted for pollution control.
- The impact of these laws has been limited.
- In 1997, many polluting industries were located along the river banks.
- The Water Census Act 1977 was aimed at reducing pollution.
- Public awareness regarding water conservation and pollution is necessary.
- Water pollution can be effectively reduced through public participation.
Recycling and reusing water: –
- The availability of fresh water can be increased by recycling and reuse.
- It is also possible to use low quality water.
- Treated wastewater is a useful option for industries.
- This water can be used in industries for cooling and firefighting.
- Water costs can be reduced by reuse.
- Reuse of domestic water is possible in urban areas.
- Bathing and dishwashing water can be used for gardening.
- Water used for washing vehicles can also be used for gardening.
- This process conserves good quality water.
- Currently, water is being recycled at a limited level.
Watershed Management: –
Watershed management means efficiently managing and conserving surface and groundwater resources. Rainwater harvesting and storage is its primary function. Groundwater is recharged through inflow ponds and recharge wells.
Major programs run by the government: –
- HariYali This is a central government-sponsored program aimed at providing water for drinking, irrigation, and other uses. These schemes are implemented with the participation of village panchayats.
- Neeru-Meeru (Water and You): The Neeru-Meeru program
- is an example of water conservation. It was implemented in Andhra Pradesh.
- Arvari Pani Sansad: Water harvesting structures have been built by the people in Alwar (Rajasthan).
- The success of these programmers depends largely on community participation.
rainwater harvesting: –
Rainwater harvesting refers to the process of capturing and using rainwater. Its primary purpose is to recharge groundwater. It is a low-cost and environmentally friendly method. Rainwater is collected in tanks, pits, or wells.
Its benefits: –
- This increases water availability and prevents groundwater levels from falling.
- Water quality can be improved by preventing pollutants such as nitrates.
- It also controls soil erosion and floods.
- It helps in preventing the entry of salt water in coastal areas.
- Rainwater harvesting helps in meeting domestic water needs.
- This reduces dependence on groundwater.
Methods of rainwater harvesting: –
- Many methods of rainwater harvesting are traditionally prevalent in India.
- Ponds, lakes and irrigation tanks are built in rural areas.
- In Rajasthan, ponds and tanks are the main means of rainwater harvesting.
- These are constructed near houses and villages.
National Water Policy, 2012: –
The National Water Policy 2012 aims to comprehensively assess and manage water resources. It emphasizes the need for water planning with an integrated national perspective. It emphasizes the conservation, development, and efficient management of water resources. It calls for a national water framework law for the coordinated development of inter-state rivers.
The main features of this policy were: –
- Safe drinking water and sanitation have been given priority.
- Water use has been promoted to ensure food security and support poor farmers.
- Water has been recognized as an economic resource.
- There has been talk of promoting conservation and efficient use of water.
- The need to take climate change into account in water resources projects has been highlighted.
- Emphasis has been laid on reducing the inequality in water supply between urban and rural areas.
Water Revolution Campaign (2015-16): –
The Jal Kranti Abhiyan (Water Revolution Campaign) was launched by the Government of India in 2015-16. Its primary objective is to ensure per capita water availability. Traditional water conservation methods are practiced in various regions of India. The campaign aims to raise awareness and engage people. Participation of local bodies and citizens is encouraged.
Work done under Jal Kranti Abhiyan: –
- Under the ‘Jal Gram’ scheme, villages facing water crisis were selected in each district.
- Model command areas were developed in different states of the country.
- Water conservation and management measures were implemented in various areas.
- Water conservation and groundwater recharge were promoted.
- Attention was paid to reducing groundwater pollution.
- Structural works were carried out in selected areas.
- Awareness was spread through radio, TV, print media etc.
- People were connected through posters, essays and competitions.