1. Water Scarcity and the Need for Conservation
1.1 Causes of Water Scarcity
Over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access.
Groundwater depletion due to irrigation and urbanisation.
Pollution caused by domestic and industrial waste.
1.2 Impact of Population Growth
Higher demand for water in domestic and agricultural sectors.
Increased urbanisation leads to excessive water usage and resource depletion.
1.3 Water Pollution
Contamination from chemicals, pesticides, and fertilisers.
Polluted water becomes hazardous for human consumption.
2. Multi-Purpose River Projects
2.1 Purpose and Benefits
Provide irrigation, electricity, drinking water, and flood control.
Examples: Bhakra-Nangal Project and Hirakud Dam.
2.2 Issues with Multi-Purpose Projects
Sedimentation reduces the capacity of reservoirs.
Affects aquatic ecosystems and disrupts the natural flow of rivers.
Submerges vegetation and causes soil salinisation.
3. Rainwater Harvesting
3.1 Traditional Methods
Khadins and Johads in Rajasthan for storing rainwater.
Rooftop rainwater harvesting in urban and rural areas.
3.2 Modern Adaptations
Use of PVC pipes and underground storage systems.
Rooftop harvesting in Gendathur village, Karnataka, supplying households with water.
4. Sustainable Water Management
4.1 Government Initiatives
Jal Jeevan Mission: Ensuring piped water supply in rural areas.
Atal Bhujal Yojana: Promoting groundwater conservation.
4.2 Individual Responsibility
Adopt water-saving technologies like drip irrigation.
Prevent over-extraction of groundwater.
