Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (Approx. 40-50 words) Start by highlighting the significance of water scarcity in India’s major cities. Briefly mention the looming threat of water shortages as per reports from credible sources like the National Institute of Disaster Management ...
Model Answer The resource curse, also known as the paradox of plenty, refers to the phenomenon where countries rich in natural resources often experience slower economic growth, weaker development outcomes, and higher poverty levels than countries with fewer natural resources. This paradox occurs duRead more
Model Answer
The resource curse, also known as the paradox of plenty, refers to the phenomenon where countries rich in natural resources often experience slower economic growth, weaker development outcomes, and higher poverty levels than countries with fewer natural resources. This paradox occurs due to various factors, as explained below.
Economic Volatility
Countries dependent on a single resource are vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices. This overreliance can expose the economy to external shocks. For example, Venezuela‘s heavy dependence on oil exports led to severe economic instability, including hyperinflation, food shortages, and a collapsing economy, as global oil prices dropped dramatically.
Neglect of Other Sectors
Overdependence on one resource can lead to a neglect of other sectors, reducing overall economic diversification. Zambia, heavily reliant on copper exports, ranks near the bottom in the Global Economic Diversification Index (EDI) 2023, indicating limited diversification. This lack of variety in the economy makes the country vulnerable to downturns in the global copper market.
Governance and Corruption
In resource-rich nations, governments may misuse resource wealth, leading to corruption and inefficiency. For instance, Sierra Leone, despite being a major diamond producer, suffers from poverty and inequality due to mismanagement and corrupt practices surrounding diamond revenues. This weak governance reduces the potential for resource wealth to improve development outcomes.
Effective Resource Management and Development
However, if resources are managed well, they can drive significant economic growth and development. Norway serves as a prime example, having invested oil revenues into the Government Pension Fund Global, ensuring long-term economic stability and development. Similarly, Botswana has used diamond revenue to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, improving the country’s overall development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while excessive reliance on a single resource can hinder development, it does not necessarily condemn a country to poor outcomes. Effective governance, strategic economic policies, and investment in human capital are key to overcoming the challenges posed by the resource curse.
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Model Answer Rising Encroachments Rapid urbanization and population growth have led to extensive encroachments on vacant lands and water bodies. For example, Chennai's Pallikaranai wetlands have shrunk drastically from 15,000 acres in 1954 to just 1,500 acres by 2016. This encroachment hampers naturRead more
Model Answer
Rapid urbanization and population growth have led to extensive encroachments on vacant lands and water bodies. For example, Chennai’s Pallikaranai wetlands have shrunk drastically from 15,000 acres in 1954 to just 1,500 acres by 2016. This encroachment hampers natural water retention and exacerbates the water scarcity issue.
The growth of concrete structures and impermeable surfaces in cities like Bengaluru has significantly reduced groundwater recharge. In Bengaluru, built-up areas grew from 8% in 1973 to over 93% in 2023. This extensive concretisation impedes rainwater infiltration, leading to a steep decline in groundwater levels.
Overuse of groundwater is a critical issue in cities like Chennai, which in 2023 extracted 127.5% of its groundwater resources. The rising demand for water, coupled with insufficient rainfall, leads to the depletion of aquifers.
The irregularity and concentration of rainfall during the monsoon season affect the availability of water. Bengaluru, for instance, faces water scarcity due to weak monsoons and inadequate groundwater recharge.
Untreated sewage contaminates water sources, making them unfit for consumption. Mumbai generates 3,000 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage, but only 2,100 MLD gets treated, leading to polluted water bodies.
Solutions to Address the Water Crisis
- Integrated Water Management
- Decentralized Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)
- Adoption of Water-Saving Technologies
See lessImplementing restoration projects for lakes, ponds, and wetlands, desilting water bodies, and promoting rainwater harvesting can help recharge groundwater and increase water storage.
Establishing more decentralized sewage treatment plants with proper financing, design optimization, and enforcement of standards will reduce water contamination.
Encouraging the use of water-efficient appliances, such as low-flow showerheads and smart meters, can reduce household water consumption and improve overall water use efficiency.
Investing in these solutions can help mitigate the water crisis in major Indian cities.