Daily Current Affairs : 24-May-2024

Telangana is introducing a revolutionary method to address the challenges of groundwater depletion and urban flooding through the implementation of Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) pilot projects in Habsiguda and Sainikpuri. This initiative is part of the AMRUT scheme, aimed at promoting sustainable urban water management. SAM focuses on both conserving groundwater and preventing flooding by using techniques that recharge aquifers and maintain water tables.

What is an Aquifer?

An aquifer is a natural underground reservoir made of layers of permeable rock, soil, or sand that holds water. These aquifers store groundwater, which can be accessed by digging wells. The stored water can then be used for various purposes, including:

  • Drinking water supply
  • Irrigation for agriculture
  • Industrial use

Aquifers play a critical role in providing water, especially during dry periods when surface water is scarce. However, over-extraction of groundwater from these aquifers can lead to depletion, affecting the water supply for both urban and rural areas.

What is Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM)?

Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) is a modern water conservation method being tested in select urban areas of Telangana. The primary goal of SAM is to address both groundwater depletion and flooding in cities like Habsiguda and Sainikpuri.

SAM works by drilling shallow borewells to pump out groundwater. This process is carefully managed to:

  • Recharge the aquifers during periods of rainfall
  • Raise the water table to ensure a sustainable water supply

Through SAM, the region can balance groundwater extraction and replenishment, making it more resilient to water shortages and minimizing flood risks.

Benefits of SAM

SAM offers multiple benefits for both urban water management and environmental sustainability:

  • Groundwater Recharge: The technique helps replenish aquifers by encouraging natural groundwater replenishment during the monsoon season.
  • Flood Mitigation: By managing water levels and ensuring better absorption, SAM reduces the risk of urban flooding.
  • Sustainability: SAM promotes long-term groundwater conservation, preventing over-extraction and the subsequent depletion of vital water resources.

Important Points:

  • Telangana’s SAM Pilot Projects: Implementing Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) in Habsiguda and Sainikpuri to address groundwater depletion and urban flooding.
  • What is an Aquifer?:
  • An aquifer is an underground layer of rock, soil, or sand that stores water.
  • Aquifers provide groundwater for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use.
  • Groundwater Depletion: Over-extraction of water from aquifers can lead to depletion, affecting water supply.
  • What is SAM?:
  • SAM is a sustainable water management method under the AMRUT scheme.
  • It involves drilling shallow borewells to pump groundwater and recharge aquifers during rainfall.
  • Goals of SAM:
  • Recharge aquifers during rainy seasons.
  • Raise water tables to ensure a sustainable water supply.
  • Benefits of SAM:
  • Groundwater Recharge: Encourages natural replenishment of aquifers, especially during monsoons.
  • Flood Mitigation: Helps control water levels and reduces urban flooding risks.
  • Sustainability: Promotes long-term conservation of groundwater, preventing over-extraction.

Why In News

Telangana is implementing Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) pilot models in Habsiguda and Sainikpuri as part of a proactive strategy to address the twin challenges of groundwater depletion and urban flooding, while also promoting sustainable water management practices for the future.

MCQs about Shallow Aquifer Management in Telangana

  1. What is the main goal of Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) in Telangana?
    A. To reduce urban population
    B. To manage and conserve surface water
    C. To address groundwater depletion and flooding
    D. To increase agricultural productivity
    Correct Answer: C. To address groundwater depletion and flooding
    Explanation: The main purpose of SAM in Telangana is to address the problems of groundwater depletion and urban flooding by recharging aquifers and managing water tables.
  2. What is an aquifer?
    A. A type of natural reservoir that stores surface water
    B. A deep underground water system that stores and transports groundwater
    C. A man-made water storage tank
    D. A layer of ice that stores water
    Correct Answer: B. A deep underground water system that stores and transports groundwater
    Explanation: An aquifer is a natural underground layer of rock, soil, or sand that holds water and allows it to flow freely, providing groundwater for various uses.
  3. How does Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) help to recharge aquifers?
    A. By extracting all groundwater and storing it in tanks
    B. By using deep borewells to pump water into the aquifer
    C. By drilling shallow borewells and pumping out water during rainfall to raise the water table
    D. By using chemicals to replenish the aquifers
    Correct Answer: C. By drilling shallow borewells and pumping out water during rainfall to raise the water table
    Explanation: SAM involves drilling shallow borewells to pump out groundwater, especially during the monsoon season, which helps recharge the aquifers and raise the water table.
  4. What is one of the key benefits of Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM)?
    A. Reduces the cost of water usage
    B. Promotes long-term groundwater conservation and prevents over-extraction
    C. Increases the rate of industrial water usage
    D. Reduces the amount of rainfall in the region
    Correct Answer: B. Promotes long-term groundwater conservation and prevents over-extraction
    Explanation: SAM promotes sustainable water use by balancing the extraction and replenishment of groundwater, ensuring long-term conservation and preventing the depletion of aquifers.

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