The chapter "Water Resources - India People and Economy" focuses on the availability, utilization, and management of water resources in India. It discusses the various sources of water, the problems associated with water resource management, and strategies for sustainable development.
Introduction to CBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter "Water Resources - India People and Economy"
Types of Water Resources:
- Surface Water: Includes rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks. India has about 10,360 rivers and their tributaries. The mean annual flow in all river basins in India is estimated to be 1,869 cubic km.
- Groundwater: Total replenishable groundwater resources are about 432 cubic km. The Ganga and Brahmaputra basins have significant groundwater resources.
Utilization of Water Resources:
- Agricultural Sector: Uses the highest proportion of total water in India, primarily for irrigation.
- Industrial Sector: Growing demand for water due to industrialization.
- Domestic Sector: Increasing demand for water due to urbanization and population growth.
Challenges in Water Resource Management:
- Depleting Water Resources: Over-extraction of groundwater, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu, has led to groundwater depletion.
- Water Pollution: Industrial, agricultural, and domestic effluents pollute water bodies, making water unfit for use.
- Inefficient Use: Poor irrigation practices and water management lead to wastage of water.
Strategies for Sustainable Water Management:
- Rainwater Harvesting: Capturing and storing rainwater for various uses, including groundwater recharge.
- Watershed Management: Efficient management and conservation of surface and groundwater resources with community participation.
- Interlinking of Rivers: Transfer of water from water-surplus areas to water-deficit areas.
- National Water Policy: Emphasizes the need for a comprehensive framework for water resource management, conservation, and efficient use.
Major Water Conservation Projects:
- Neeru-Meeru (Water and You) in Andhra Pradesh: A water-harvesting program.
- Arvary Pani Sansad in Alwar, Rajasthan: Community participation in constructing water-harvesting structures.
- Haryali Project: Aims to conserve water for drinking, irrigation, fisheries, and afforestation.
Assignments for CBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter “Water Resources – India People and Economy”
- Case Study Analysis: Analyze the impact of rainwater harvesting in a specific region of India.
- Research Project: Investigate the role of watershed management in sustainable development in a particular area.
- Debate Preparation: Prepare for a debate on the advantages and disadvantages of interlinking rivers in India.
- Chart Creation: Create a flowchart illustrating the different sources and uses of water resources in India.
- Role Play: Conduct a mock meeting where students represent various stakeholders discussing water conservation strategies.
Conclusion
The chapter “Water Resources – India People and Economy” provides a comprehensive understanding of the availability, utilization, and management of water resources in India. It highlights the challenges and strategies for sustainable water resource management, emphasizing the importance of conservation and efficient use of water.
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Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter "Water Resources - India People and Economy"
Q1: What are the main sources of surface water in India?
ANS: The main sources of surface water in India are rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks.
Q2: What are the total replenishable groundwater resources in India?
ANS: The total replenishable groundwater resources in India are about 432 cubic km.
Q3: Why is the agricultural sector the largest user of water in India?
ANS: The agricultural sector is the largest user of water in India because it requires significant amounts of water for irrigation to support crop production.
Q4: What is rainwater harvesting?
ANS: Rainwater harvesting is the method of capturing and storing rainwater for various uses, including groundwater recharge and irrigation.
Q5: Explain the concept of watershed management.
ANS: Watershed management involves the efficient management and conservation of surface and groundwater resources with community participation. It includes prevention of runoff, storage and recharge of groundwater, and judicious use of natural resources.
Q6: What are the key features of the National Water Policy 2002?
ANS: Key features of the National Water Policy 2002 include prioritizing drinking water, irrigation, hydro power, navigation, and industrial uses, regulating groundwater exploitation, promoting water conservation, and ensuring ecological needs of rivers.
Q7: What are the main challenges in water resource management in India?
ANS: The main challenges in water resource management in India include depleting water resources, water pollution, inefficient use of water, and inter-state water disputes.
Q8: How does interlinking of rivers help in water resource management?
ANS: Interlinking of rivers helps in water resource management by transferring water from water-surplus areas to water-deficit areas, thereby addressing regional imbalances in water availability.
Q9: Why is it important to conserve water resources?
ANS: It is important to conserve water resources to ensure sustainable development, meet the increasing demand for water, and address the challenges of water scarcity and pollution.
Q10: Describe the role of community participation in watershed management.
ANS: Community participation in watershed management is crucial as local people have a better understanding of the local ecosystem. Their involvement ensures effective conservation, regeneration, and judicious use of resources, leading to sustainable development.
