Rajasthan's Water Crisis..by | 12-04-2016 02:02 |
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  Hello again! Today's article deals with the chronic crisis that India faces, Drought. I have researched on the reasons that have led to the drought like conditions in India (Maharashtra and Rajasthan). And have suggested ways to tackle drought like conditions. I hope you find it Interesting! It was summer time and we were enthusiastic to visit one of the most attractive destinations for tourists, Rajasthan, "The Land of Kings"as it literary means. I saw majestic and flashy palaces and the rich heritage was mesmerizing. This was not all there was a glimpse that left me pondering for a while. I was shocked to see a group of women travelling long distances to fetch drinking water in pitchers on their heads. After I returned I researched about the developments that are taking place and how is the government advocating the developments. Water shortage is an issue of major concern. Currently, India faces this issue and we must be sensitive towards the problem so that the next generation does not suffer from the apathy and negligence. Drought is complex and, in India it is a natural as well as manmade phenomenon. We have various agencies in the country which monitor drought (rainfall & aridity) such as the Central Water Commission (CWC) at the national level and the Agriculture, Irrigation, Economics and Statistics departments monitor the seasonal conditions at the state level. So, you might be wondering as to what are the factors which have caused this chronic crisis? So, here are the primary factors which have led to the present condition. Factors: -
Human Factors:- Widespread cutting down of trees for fuel reduces the soil's ability to hold water - drying out the ground, triggering desertification and leading to drought. Constructing a dam on a large river may help provide electricity and water to irrigate farmland near the reservoir. However, it may also cause drought downstream by severely reducing the flow of water.
Over farming: - As we all know, it takes time to for the soil to replenish the nutrients but over farming reduces the fertility of the soil and creates drought like conditions.
Excessive Irrigation:-This has caused loss of water in the water tables. Moreover, poor farming methods, usage of huge amounts of pesticides, non- judicious usage of water, etc have led to more consumption of water and reduction in water levels from the water table.
Deforestation and Erosion: - Forests play a major role in conserving the top layer of the soil as they do not let the winds blow at high speeds they do not let the water evaporate too quickly, etc. If the soil is dry then sunlight would continue to warm the surface and thus make conditions hotter and drier thereby leading to severe consequences.
What can be done:- 1. Research in Institutes/universities to evolve drought resistant varieties of crop which would produce yields even in scarce water conditions and also retain the top layer of the soil. 2. Teaching the scientific use of water. Developments in practices of farming. 3. Judicious use of water. DID YOU KNOW? An award has been awarded to an Indian campaigner who has brought water to 1,000 villages. The award was named "the Nobel Prize for water"! The Stockholm Water Prize winner, Rajendra Singh is known as the "The Water Man of India".
Thank you for reading the article! Please share your thoughts below :-) Sources:-
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