Water Resources
NCERT Class 12 Geography Chapter 4: Water Resources (Pages 41–52)
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Summary of Water Resources
Water Resources at a Glance
CBSE
Class 12
Geography
India - People and Economy
4
41–52
6 study resources
Water Resources Summary
In this chapter, we will learn about water resources in India and their significance in our daily lives. Water is a vital and cyclic resource, with only a small fraction being freshwater available for human use. India holds a significant proportion of the world's water resources, but its population increase and pollution are leading to water scarcity. The total water available from precipitation annually is about four thousand cubic kilometers, yet only a fraction can be utilized due to various limitations. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks, with the majority being used for agriculture, which dominates water usage at eighty-nine percent for surface water and ninety-two percent for groundwater. We will investigate how irrigation has become essential, especially in drought-prone regions where rainfall is inconsistent. Major projects have been initiated to enhance irrigation facilities, helping increase agricultural production. However, there are also significant concerns about water quality as pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources poses a severe risk to available resources. Emerging water problems include dwindling per capita availability, which is being aggravated by pollution and mismanagement. Watershed management and rainwater harvesting are highlighted as effective strategies for conserving and managing water resources sustainably. Various government initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and the Jal Kranti Abhiyan, aim to provide better water access and management practices nationwide. Ultimately, exploring these themes will enable us to understand the complexities of water resource management in India and the importance of conservation practices for future generations.
