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 Introduction The groundwater potential of the Gangetic Valley is on a serious decline, which poses significant threats to food security in India. This region is crucial for the country's agricultural output, but the depletion of groundwater resources jeopardizes its ability to sustain cRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The groundwater potential of the Gangetic Valley is on a serious decline, which poses significant threats to food security in India. This region is crucial for the country’s agricultural output, but the depletion of groundwater resources jeopardizes its ability to sustain crop yields.
Decline in Groundwater Potential
- Over-extraction: The relentless extraction of groundwater for irrigation has led to alarming decreases in water levels. For instance, in Punjab, groundwater levels have reportedly dropped by over 1 meter per year in some areas.
- Pollution: Agricultural runoff and industrial waste have contaminated groundwater sources, rendering them unsuitable for irrigation. The Ganga river’s water quality in states like Uttar Pradesh has deteriorated due to industrial discharges, impacting both groundwater and surface water resources.
- Urbanization: Rapid urban development in cities like Kanpur and Varanasi has escalated groundwater usage, further straining these dwindling resources.
- Climate Change: Erratic monsoon patterns have reduced natural groundwater recharge, exacerbating the depletion issue. For example, Bihar has experienced inconsistent groundwater replenishment due to altered rainfall patterns.
- Inefficient Irrigation Practices: Traditional flood irrigation methods waste substantial amounts of water, contributing to the decline in groundwater levels. In West Bengal, such practices have significantly impacted the groundwater table.
Impact on Food Security
- Reduced Crop Yields: Groundwater depletion directly limits irrigation, leading to significant reductions in crop yields. Farmers in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have reported up to 30% lower yields for staples like paddy and wheat due to insufficient water availability.
- Increased Dependence on Rainfed Agriculture: With declining groundwater, farmers are forced to rely more on rainfed agriculture, increasing vulnerability to erratic monsoon seasons.
- Crop Diversification Challenges: The decline in groundwater restricts farmers from diversifying crops, particularly in Punjab, where reliance on water-intensive rice limits the adoption of less demanding crops like pulses.
- Threat to Livestock Farming: Limited groundwater availability affects livestock health, reducing productivity in dairy and meat production, which exacerbates food security issues.
- Long-term Sustainability Issues: Continuous groundwater depletion threatens agricultural sustainability, with many districts facing potential water scarcity if current trends persist.
Conclusion
To safeguard India’s food security, immediate and collaborative efforts are required, including sustainable groundwater management and the adoption of water-efficient farming practices. A proactive approach is essential to preserve the agricultural backbone of the Gangetic Valley and ensure long-term food sustainability for the nation.
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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.