Published on 02 Feb 2025
Pollution: Surface water bodies in India often suffer from pollution due to industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage.
Example: Yamuna frothing due to sewage and industrial waste, making it unfit for drinking.
Interstate water disputes: Water is a state subject in India, and there are frequent disputes between states over sharing river water hindering water management and development projects.
Example: Krishna River water dispute between Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka
Water sharing of Transboundary Rivers: Depends upon the geopolitical atmosphere between the countries and often leads to disagreements.
Example: India and Pakistan on Indus water sharing.
Climate Change Impacts: Climate change is expected to exacerbate water-related problems in India, with increased droughts, floods, and changes in precipitation patterns affecting river flows.
Lack of efficient water conservation practices: Resulting in wastage and pollution of water.
Example: Tapi River basin, the absence of widespread water conservation practices contributes to water wastage and hinders sustainable water use.
Overexploitation: The interdependence of surface water and groundwater systems poses challenges for sustainable water management
Example: Ghaggar River dried up due to overexploitation of groundwater and reduced rainfall.
Uneven distribution and seasonality: Rainfall and river flows are unevenly distributed across India. Monsoons account for most of India's rainfall, leading to abundant surface water during a few months followed by scarcity in the dry season.
Example: Regions like the Northeast receive heavy rainfall, while others like Rajasthan face chronic water scarcity.
Geography
Complexities of utilizing surface water
surface water
water stress in India
General Studies Paper 1
Salient Features of Indian Geography
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