Water Resources and Their Utilization in India
India is endowed with abundant water resources in the form of rivers, lakes, glaciers, and groundwater. Efficient utilization of these resources is crucial for agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
Types of Water Resources
- Surface Water: Includes rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.
- Groundwater: Water present beneath the earth’s surface in aquifers.
- Glacial Water: Found in Himalayan glaciers, important for perennial river flow.
- Rainwater: Rainfall that contributes to surface and groundwater recharge.
Major River Systems of India
- Himalayan Rivers: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra – perennial rivers fed by glaciers and rainfall.
- Penninsular Rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Cauvery – mostly seasonal, dependent on monsoon.
- West-flowing Rivers: Narmada, Tapi, Mahi – shorter rivers flowing into Arabian Sea.
Utilization of Water Resources
- Agricultural Use: Largest consumer through irrigation for crop production.
- Industrial Use: For cooling, processing, and as raw material.
- Domestic Use: Drinking, cooking, cleaning, and sanitation.
- Hydroelectric Power: Water stored in dams generates electricity.
- Navigation: Some rivers and canals support inland water transport.
- Fisheries: Important source of livelihood in coastal and riverine areas.
Major Water Management Projects
- Bhakra Nangal Project: Multipurpose project on Sutlej river providing irrigation and hydroelectricity.
- Hirakud Dam: Built on Mahanadi river, for flood control, irrigation, and power generation.
- Tehri Dam: On Bhagirathi river, important for water supply, irrigation, and power.
- Indira Gandhi Canal: Brings water from Punjab to the desert areas of Rajasthan.
- National River Linking Project: Proposed to connect rivers to balance water availability.
Issues in Water Resources Management
- Uneven distribution of water resources across the country.
- Over-extraction of groundwater leading to depletion.
- Pollution of rivers and lakes due to industrial and domestic waste.
- Conflicts between states over river water sharing.
- Impact of climate change on rainfall patterns and water availability.
Previous Year Questions
- SSC CGL 2019: Name the river on which the Bhakra Nangal dam is built.
- Sutlej river.
- RRB JE 2018: What is the main source of groundwater recharge?
- Rainwater infiltration.
- HSSC CET 2020: Which river is known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar'?
- Kosi river.
- SSC MTS 2017: What is the purpose of the National River Linking Project?
- To connect rivers and redistribute water to water-deficient regions.