Water Conservation: Need of the Day

Chapter Summary

This chapter emphasizes the critical importance of water conservation, especially in Rajasthan, which faces severe water scarcity due to geographical conditions and over-exploitation. It highlights the disparity between land area and water availability.

Water Crisis Facts

• Global Context: Only 0.007% of Earth's water is usable for humans.
• Rajasthan Context: The state holds 10.41% of India's land area but possesses only 1% of the country's water resources.
• Dependency: 90% of the state's population depends on groundwater for drinking, and 60-70% for agriculture.

Causes of Water Scarcity

• Increasing Population: Higher demand for food and industry.
• Uneven Distribution: Lack of perennial rivers and erratic monsoon.
• Over-exploitation: Groundwater levels have dropped drastically in the last 60 years.
• Wastage: Modern lifestyle habits (showers, flush toilets, washing machines) consume excessive water.

Conservation Measures

Critical Data & Projections (RAS Special)

• Usage Standards:
  • UN Standard: 50 Liters/person/day (Minimum).
  • Indian Standard: 85 Liters/person/day.
• Groundwater Quality Issues:
  • Fluoride: 30 districts affected.
  • Salinity: 27 districts affected.
  • Iron Content: 28 districts affected.
• Dark Zones: Out of 236 blocks, 140 are Dark Zones (fully exploited) and 50 are Grey Zones.
• 2030 Projections: Agriculture will need 13% more water; Himalayan water sources may see a 20% reduction.
• Rainwater Potential: A 1000 sq. ft. roof can harvest approx. 1 Lakh liters of water in a monsoon season.
• Global Fact: India has the highest number of tube wells (22 Lakhs) in the world.
• World Water Day: Celebrated on March 22.