Hindu Editorial Analysis : 1-November-2023

India, a country heavily reliant on groundwater, faces a pressing issue as 78 percent of its wells are overexploited, according to a recent report by the United Nations University. This essay delves into the causes and challenges of groundwater depletion, the government initiatives undertaken to address the crisis, and suggests sustainable solutions for long-term conservation.

Causes of Groundwater Depletion
  • Green Revolution: While crucial for meeting food demands, it led to environmental repercussions.
  • Groundwater Pumping for Irrigation: Primary driver of depletion, impacting food and water security.
  • Climate Change: Human activities and climate changes accelerate the depletion process.
Issues & Challenges
  • Lack of Institutional Innovations: Emphasis on tubewells, minimal focus on institutional innovations in water sector.
  • Mismanagement of Groundwater: Power subsidies linked to falling water tables; demand-side management challenges persist.
  • Climate Crisis Potential: Rising temperatures limit aquifer recharge, exacerbating the crisis.
Government Initiatives for Groundwater Conservation
  • Atal Bhujal Yojana: Aims at behavioral changes, leading to reduced groundwater extraction.
  • Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): Apex organization addressing groundwater-related issues.
  • Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Launched in collaboration with states to improve water availability.
  • National Water Policy: Advocates rainwater harvesting and direct use of rainfall.
  • National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM): Implemented to manage groundwater resources effectively.
Suggestions for Sustainable Solutions
  • Individual-Centric Conservation: Reduce luxury water consumption, practice mindful water usage at home.
  • Individual Monitoring of Groundwater: Use technology to monitor borewells, encouraging responsible aquifer management.
  • Managing Water Pollution: Minimize chemical usage and ensure proper disposal to prevent water contamination.
  • Need for Regulations & Research Funding: Implement stricter regulations on groundwater pumping; allocate funding for research and monitoring efforts.
  • Exploring Alternative Water Sources: Utilize alternative methods to reduce reliance on groundwater, encouraging sustainable practices.
  • Management of Agricultural Practices: Adopt water-saving technologies and promote less water-intensive crops to optimize groundwater usage.
Why In News

A recent report published by United Nations University reveals alarming statistics: 78 percent of the wells in the state are overexploited, indicating a pressing need for immediate conservation efforts and sustainable water management practices to safeguard our valuable water resources for future generations.

MCQs about Preserving India’s Groundwater

  1. What is the primary driver of groundwater depletion in India?
    A. Industrial pollution
    B. Green Revolution and groundwater pumping for irrigation
    C. Climate change
    D. Surface water contamination
    Correct Answer: B. Green Revolution and groundwater pumping for irrigation
    Explanation: The expansion in groundwater-based irrigation due to the Green Revolution is a significant cause of groundwater depletion in India.
  2. Which government initiative aims at behavioral changes to reduce groundwater extraction?
    A. National Water Policy
    B. Jal Shakti Abhiyan
    C. Atal Bhujal Yojana
    D. National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM)
    Correct Answer: C. Atal Bhujal Yojana
    Explanation: Atal Bhujal Yojana, initiated in water-stressed districts, focuses on bringing about behavioral changes at the community level, leading to reduced groundwater extraction.
  3. What is the suggested approach to prevent excessive groundwater use at the individual level?
    A. Promoting luxury water consumption
    B. Limiting appliance usage
    C. Ignoring borewell monitoring
    D. Increasing wasteful practices
    Correct Answer: B. Limiting appliance usage
    Explanation: Reducing water consumption by turning off faucets, limiting appliance usage, and avoiding wasteful practices at home, which can save substantial amounts of water, including groundwater.
  4. How can groundwater contamination be minimized ?
    A. Increase chemical usage
    B. Dispose chemicals in water systems
    C. Use fewer chemicals and ensure proper disposal
    D. Ignore water pollution
    Correct Answer: C. Use fewer chemicals and ensure proper disposal
    Explanation: Minimizing the use of chemicals and ensuring their proper disposal can prevent toxic substances from contaminating groundwater sources.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading