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NR 11

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Sunil Samrat
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9 views7 pages

NR 11

Uploaded by

Sunil Samrat
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Q: Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is

becoming reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river


linking and its possible impact on the environment. (200W, 10M)
Approach:
Introduction:

o Brief about River linking.


Body:

o Discuss about the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the
environment.
Conclusion:

o Conclude your answer sustainable Approach to river linking.

Sairam Sampatirao Education


Answer:
Introduction:
River linking, once a distant dream, is now a reality in India, aiming to address water scarcity.
This development offers benefits but requires consideration of its environmental impact.

Body:
Improved Irrigation:

o River linking can provide reliable water sources for irrigation, reducing dependence on
monsoon rains.
o Example: The Ken-Betwa project in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh will benefit
farmers by irrigating over 6 lakh hectares.

Flood Control:

o It helps control floods by diverting excess water to needy areas. Example: The
Damanganga-Pinjal project in Maharashtra aims to reduce flooding in Mumbai and
Thane districts.

Hydropower Generation:

o River linking can increase hydropower generation, meeting the country's energy
demands. Example: The Ken-Betwa project is expected to generate over 1000 MW.

Environmental Impact of River Linking:

o Disruption of Ecosystem: River linking disrupts ecosystems like wetlands, impacting


biodiversity. Example: Interlinking the Ken and Betwa rivers may submerge the Panna
Tiger Reserve, affecting wildlife.
o Soil Erosion: Construction of dams and canals leads to soil erosion, impacting
agricultural productivity. Example: Canals for the Godavari-Krishna project in Andhra
Pradesh may cause soil erosion, affecting agriculture.

Sairam Sampatirao Education


Conclusion:
River linking offers benefits but requires careful consideration of its environmental impacts.
Balancing its advantages with ecological consequences is crucial for sustainable
implementation.

Sairam Sampatirao Education


Q. “The ground water crisis that India is currently witnessing, is
an outcome of climate change or a result of anthropogenic
factors”. Give your arguments. (200W, 10M)

Approach:
Introduction:
o Mention relevant data and facts to highlight the deplorable state of groundwater levels in
India.

Body:

o Give your arguments to highlight that the groundwater crisis is an outcome of climate
change and then give arguments to highlight that it is also an outcome of anthropogenic
factors.

Conclusion:

o Suggest what needs to be done.

Sairam Sampatirao Education


Answer:
Introduction:
According to NITI Aayog, groundwater, which fulfills 40% of India's water needs, is depleting
at an unsustainable rate. The latest "Groundwater Yearbook - India 2017-18" highlights that
India is the world's largest groundwater user, extracting 230 billion cubic meters annually,
accounting for 12% of global groundwater extraction. If this trend continues, nearly 60% of
aquifers will be in a critical state by 2030. The depletion of groundwater is primarily due to
anthropogenic factors, despite variations in rainfall due to climate change.

Body:
The groundwater crisis in India is significantly influenced by climate change,
leading to various challenges:

1. Increased Drought-Prone Regions: The frequency and intensity of droughts


have risen, affecting more districts. For example, the number of drought-affected
districts increased from six to 79 after 2005, according to the Council on Energy,
Environment and Water (CEEW).

2. Erratic Rainfall: There has been a noticeable decline in rainfall, with more frequent
monsoon deficits in South Asia. States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh
faced severe water scarcity in 2015 due to record-breaking summers and weakening
monsoons.

3. El-Nino Effect: The occurrence of El-Nino weather phenomenon, resulting in


reduced monsoon rainfall, is predicted by weather models. Climate change is expected
to strengthen El-Nino events in the future, further impacting rainfall patterns.

4. Shift in Extreme Climate Events: Over 40% of Indian districts are experiencing
a shift from flood-prone to drought-prone conditions and vice versa. This changing
pattern of extreme climate events is also affecting groundwater levels.

Sairam Sampatirao Education


5. Increased Evapotranspiration: Evapotranspiration, the process of water
movement from land to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration, is
expected to increase due to climate change. This will limit water availability for
groundwater recharge, further exacerbating the crisis.

Anthropogenic factors have also significantly contributed to the groundwater crisis


in India:

1. Irrigation Practices: The Green Revolution led to a shift towards intensive


groundwater-based irrigation, reducing reliance on surface water sources. This has led
to over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture, particularly in water-stressed
regions.

2. Groundwater Contamination: Human activities such as domestic sewage,


agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents have contaminated groundwater with
pollutants like arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, and heavy metals. Nearly 60% of all districts
in India face issues related to groundwater availability or quality.

3. Virtual Water Trade: India is a major water exporter through virtual water trade,
exporting around 32 billion cubic meters of water annually. This trade contributes to
the depletion of groundwater resources in water-stressed regions.

4. Energy Subsidies: Subsidized electricity for agriculture has led to increased


groundwater extraction, as pumping costs are low. In 2009, 89% of extracted
groundwater was for irrigation, contributing to the decline in water levels.

5. Unplanned Urbanization: Urbanization increases the paved area, reducing


infiltration and increasing surface runoff. This reduces groundwater recharge,
exacerbating the groundwater crisis. Studies indicate that urban flood magnitude
increases by 3.3% for every 1% increase in impervious surface area.

Sairam Sampatirao Education


Conclusion:
Thus, the deplorable state of groundwater levels that India is currently witnessing is on
account of both climate change and anthropogenic factors. In order to address this situation
India needs to adopt water-sensitive urban designs and planning by adopting interventions
like rainwater harvesting, stormwater harvesting, rain garden and bioretention ponds etc.
and lastly, we need to promote wastewater recycling in order to ensure sustainable
groundwater management.

Sairam Sampatirao Education

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