Appu’s friend Anu comes from a village that lies on the banks of the Ganga river in Bihar. Despite having abundant water in the river throughout the year, Anu says that there is always a water shortage. Which of the following could be a reason for the water shortage in her village?
The river is polluted.
Remember that water scarcity is not the lack of water but is rather the lack of safe drinking water as well as a lack of access to such water. Many places have abundant water but experience water scarcity because either the water is polluted or is too salty to drink. This happens in many villages along the Ganga and Yamuna rivers because they are very polluted. These villages may also lack purification plants that would help them access safe and clean water.