Class 10 Geography - Chapter 3: Water Resources

Introduction

• The blue color of the Earth is due to water.
• Water scarcity is a significant problem.
• In this chapter, we will study water scarcity, water conservation, and management.

Availability of Water on Earth

• 96.5% of the water on Earth is in the oceans, which is saline.
• Only 2.5% of water is fresh, of which 70% is in glaciers and ice caps.
• Merely 30% of fresh water is available in surface and groundwater forms.

Water Scarcity

• Water scarcity means the shortage of water.
• Example: Women in Rajasthan travel long distances to fetch water.
• Abundance of water in Kolkata, but not potable.
• Main reasons:
  • Overuse of water.
  • Unequal distribution of water.

Causes of Water Scarcity

1. Increasing Population
   • As the population grows, the demand for water increases.
   • The poor face a shortage of water.
2. Over-exploitation
   • Increased water use for agriculture.
   • Decline in groundwater levels.
3. Development of Industries
   • Industries require more water.
   • Pollution of industrial water.
4. Urbanization
   • Increased water use due to urbanization.
5. Water Pollution
   • Mixing of domestic and industrial waste in water.

Jal Jeevan Mission

• Initiated by the Government of India.
• Provide safe drinking water to rural families.
• Target of 55 liters of water per person per day.

Need for Water Conservation and Management

• Crisis in health, food security, and ecology if water is not conserved.

Multipurpose Projects and Hydraulic Structures

• Hydraulic structures like dams help in conserving water.
• Types of dams:
  • Based on material:
    1. Wooden dams
    2. Stone, brick, or concrete dams
    3. Advanced dams
  • Based on height:
    1. High dams
    2. Medium height dams
    3. Small dams
• Uses of dams:
  • Irrigation, power generation, and flood management.

Reasons for Opposition to Dams

1. Alteration of natural water flow.
2. Displacement of local communities.
3. Inequality in water resources.
4. Water disputes at the state level.
5. Failure to achieve project objectives.

Rainwater Harvesting

• Collecting and storing rainwater.
• Examples:
  • Water harvesting channels in hilly areas.
  • Rooftop rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan.
• Benefits:
  • Long-term water conservation.
  • Use for agriculture.

Bamboo Drip Irrigation System

• Ancient system prevalent in Meghalaya.
• Water is transported to fields through bamboo pipes.

Conclusion

• Proper management and conservation of water resources are necessary.
• Everyone should understand the importance of water and use it wisely.

Summary of Notes

• Water crisis is a complex issue with several causes.
• There is a need to save water and manage it properly.
• Water crisis can be reduced through multipurpose projects and rainwater harvesting.
• Involving local communities and addressing their issues is also important.