Water Scarcity


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Water Scarcity

Scarcity of Water: Scarcity of water is defined as a situation where there is insufficient water to satisfy normal requirements. Though water is a renewable resource, we humans are using it at a faster rate than it is being replenished. There are various factors contributing to the depletion of the water table.

  • Increasing Population: Growing population has resulted in a growing demand for houses, offices, shops roads, etc. As a result, open areas like parks and play grounds are used for construction. This reduces the seepage of water into the ground. Moreover, construction work requires more water for which underground water is used. As the rate of consumption of underground water is more than seepage, it results in a depletion of the water table.
  • Increasing Industries: The rapidly growing population has also resulted in an increase in the number of industries. Water is used in almost every stage of production of things that we use. This has put a heavy load, especially on the freshwater ecosystem.
  • Agricultural Activities: India is an agricultural country and farmers have to depend on rain for irrigating their fields. However, erratic monsoons result in excess use of groundwater thereby decreasing the underground water.
  • Deforestation: Trees have the ability to hold water. With deforestation, the number of plants decrease, hence the water keeps flowing towards the sea and the groundwater is not recharged.
  •  In India, some causes of water scarcity are:

  • Uncontrolled use of borewell technology for extracting groundwater: Farmers have overexploited ground water resources in our country due to uncertain monsoons and an unreliable state water supply.
  • Pollution of freshwater resources: This is due to the discharge of untreated sewage from homes, toxic chemicals from industries, and of pesticides and insecticides used by farmers into water bodies.
  • No effective measures for water conservation : Very little has been done for ground water recharge and for care of freshwater ecosystems
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    Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    Statement (i): The problem of water shortage is faced by urban population only.

    Statement (ii): Water shortage is a universal problem.

    Right Option : B
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    Depletion of water table, refers to ________________________

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    What is water scarcity ?

    Right Option : B
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    Explanation
     
     


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