Daily Current Affairs : 17-November-2023

In a recent report by the Central Water Commission (CWC), it has been highlighted that the water levels in reservoirs across southern states in India are alarmingly low compared to both last year and other regions in 2023.

Current Water Stocks in Dams:

The CWC meticulously monitors 42 reservoirs spread across the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Collectively, these reservoirs boast a storage capacity of 53.334 Billion Cubic Metres (BCM). Unfortunately, the water stocks have been dwindling, starting at 25.609 BCM (48% of total capacity) in September 2023, and further decreasing to 23.617 BCM (44% of total capacity) according to the latest CWC report. This marks a significant drop from the 87% water reserves recorded around the same period last year.

Status during Monsoon:

Despite normal rainfall nationwide in 2023 (94% of the Long Period Average), the southern peninsular region witnessed a lackluster monsoon. During typical monsoon years, the water reserves in southern India reach 91% of their total storage capacity.

Why Are the Stocks Low?
  1. Rain Deficit:
    • Inter-seasonal rainfall variability during the southwest monsoon resulted in an 8% below-normal cumulative rainfall, amounting to 659mm.
  2. Dry October:
    • October in southern India marked the sixth driest in 123 years, with only 58.7mm of rainfall recorded against the normal 148.2mm.
  3. Cyclone Hamoon:
    • The development of Cyclone Hamoon in the Bay of Bengal during the onset phase of the northeast monsoon adversely affected rainfall, particularly in Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
  4. Collective Rainfall Deficiency:
    • The combined impact of these factors led to a significant 60% rainfall deficiency in south peninsular India.
Implications:

The declining water reserves pose immediate threats to:

  • Irrigated Farming:
    • Particularly affecting high water-intensive paddy cultivation in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
  • Availability of Drinking Water:
    • A potential crisis looms as the water scarcity could adversely impact the availability of drinking water in the region.
Important Points

Current Water Stocks in Dams:

  • CWC monitors 42 reservoirs across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Collective storage capacity: 53.334 BCM.
  • Water stocks declined from 25.609 BCM (48%) in September to 23.617 BCM (44%) in the latest report.
  • Last year’s water reserves were at 87% around the same period.

Status during Monsoon:

  • Despite normal nationwide rainfall in 2023 (94% of Long Period Average), southern India experienced a lackluster monsoon.
  • In typical monsoon years, water reserves in southern India reach 91% of total storage capacity.

Why Are the Stocks Low?

  1. Rain Deficit:
    • Inter-seasonal rainfall variability resulted in an 8% below-normal cumulative rainfall (659mm).
  2. Dry October:
    • October in southern India was the sixth driest in 123 years, with only 58.7mm of recorded rainfall against the normal 148.2mm.
  3. Cyclone Hamoon:
    • Cyclone Hamoon’s development in the Bay of Bengal dampened rainfall, particularly in Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
  4. Collective Rainfall Deficiency:
    • Combined impact led to a significant 60% rainfall deficiency in south peninsular India.

Implications:

  • Declining water reserves pose immediate threats to:
    • Irrigated Farming:
      • Particularly affecting high water-intensive paddy cultivation in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
    • Availability of Drinking Water:
      • Potential crisis looms as water scarcity could adversely impact the availability of drinking water in the region.
Why In News

According to a recent report from the Central Water Commission (CWC), indicating a concerning trend, water levels in India’s southern states’ reservoirs are significantly lower compared to last year and lag behind those in other regions of the country in 2023, emphasizing the urgent need for water conservation measures.

MCQs about Southern India’s Water Woes:2023 Crisis Unveiled

  1. How does the rainfall in October 2023 compare to the normal rainfall in southern India?
    A. Above normal
    B. Normal
    C. Below normal
    D. No significant change
    Correct Answer: C. Below normal
    Explanation: October 2023 recorded the sixth driest month in 123 years, with only 58.7mm of rainfall against the normal 148.2mm.
  2. What is the collective rainfall deficiency in south peninsular India attributed to?
    A. Cyclone Hamoon
    B. Southwest monsoon
    C. Dry October
    D. All of the above
    Correct Answer: D. All of the above
    Explanation: The collective rainfall deficiency is a result of inter-seasonal rainfall variability, a dry October, and the impact of Cyclone Hamoon.
  3. What major implications does the declining water reserves pose?
    A. Impact on education
    B. Threats to wildlife
    C. Adverse effects on agriculture and drinking water supply
    D. Increased industrial production
    Correct Answer: C. Adverse effects on agriculture and drinking water supply
    Explanation: The immediate threats to irrigated farming and the availability of drinking water due to declining water reserves.

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