Model Answer

Introduction

Freshwater resources, which include rivers, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers, are essential for drinking, irrigation, industry, and ecological stability. However, approximately 1.1 billion people lack consistent access to clean drinking water, and around 2.7 billion face recurring water scarcity, highlighting a significant crisis in both availability and access to freshwater resources.

Reasons Behind the Crisis of Availability of Freshwater Resources

1. Growing Demand vs. Limited Supply: The global population is projected to increase by nearly 2 billion over the next 30 years, leading to a surge in demand for freshwater while the available supply remains relatively constant.
2. Climate Change and Altered Precipitation Patterns: Climate change is causing unpredictable rainfall and prolonged droughts, disrupting the natural replenishment of freshwater sources. For example, in August 2023, India experienced a rainfall shortfall of 36% below normal levels.
3. Over-Extraction and Depletion of Aquifers: Many regions are over-pumping groundwater faster than it can be replenished. It is projected that approximately 60% of India’s aquifers will be in a critical state within the next two decades if current patterns persist.
4. Pollution and Contamination: Industrial, agricultural, and domestic pollutants make freshwater sources unsuitable for consumption. The World Bank reports that over 80% of wastewater in developing countries is discharged untreated into rivers and lakes.
5. Inefficient Water Management: Inadequate infrastructure and wasteful irrigation practices contribute to inefficient use of available freshwater resources. For instance, poorly maintained irrigation systems can waste approximately 25,000 gallons of water annually.

Reasons Behind the Crisis of Access to Freshwater Resources

1. Inadequate Infrastructure: Many regions, especially rural and marginalized communities, lack the necessary infrastructure to provide freshwater. For example, the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite having 50% of Africa’s water resources, struggles with access to potable water.
2. Economic Disparities: Low-income communities often cannot afford water services. In urban slums of Mumbai, families rely on limited and contaminated water sources due to high costs.
3. Political and Social Conflicts: Disputes over water rights can restrict access to shared resources, as seen in the ongoing conflict between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River.
4. Natural Disasters and Conflicts: Events like floods and earthquakes can disrupt water infrastructure, limiting access to freshwater.
5. Lack of Education and Awareness: Limited understanding of water hygiene and conservation practices hinders efforts to improve access to freshwater in certain communities.

Conclusion

Addressing the crisis of freshwater availability and access is urgent, given its vital role in sustaining life and socio-economic development. Collaborative efforts and effective management strategies are essential to ensure that clean and accessible freshwater is available for all.