Varsha went to her native village recently which is facing shortage of water. She found out that people in her village are basically involved in agricultural activities and use traditional methods of irrigation. They also depend on rain for most of the irrigation. In addition, they clear forests for agricultural activities. Also, a factory is being setup at a nearby site which will be drawing water from the only river beside the village. Many buildings are also being constructed for the factory. What effect do you think these activities will have on the problem of water shortage? Justify your answer. [5 MARKS]
Varsha went to her native village recently which is facing shortage of water. She found out that people in her village are basically involved in agricultural activities and use traditional methods of irrigation. They also depend on rain for most of the irrigation. In addition, they clear forests for agricultural activities. Also, a factory is being setup at a nearby site which will be drawing water from the only river beside the village. Many buildings are also being constructed for the factory. What effect do you think these activities will have on the problem of water shortage? Justify your answer. [5 MARKS]
Explanation: 5 Marks
Let us look at the activities one by one. Agricultural activities use a lot of water and irrigation by traditional methods leads to wastage of water. Also, use of rain water for irrigation interferes with the process of infiltration which recharges the groundwater.
Deforestation or cutting down of trees also hampers the process of infiltration as trees hold rain water and allow ample time for seeping of water droplets under the ground. In absence of trees the rain water gets washed off easily and cannot be absorbed by the ground.
Industrial work and factories also use a lot of water and consuming it from the river will decrease the level of water which may lead to drying of the river.
Again, construction work consumes a lot of water and blocks pores in the ground from absorbing water.
So, we see that all these activities would lead to further depletion of water and will increase the shortage of water in Varsha's village.
Explanation: 5 Marks
Let us look at the activities one by one. Agricultural activities use a lot of water and irrigation by traditional methods leads to wastage of water. Also, use of rain water for irrigation interferes with the process of infiltration which recharges the groundwater.
Deforestation or cutting down of trees also hampers the process of infiltration as trees hold rain water and allow ample time for seeping of water droplets under the ground. In absence of trees the rain water gets washed off easily and cannot be absorbed by the ground.
Industrial work and factories also use a lot of water and consuming it from the river will decrease the level of water which may lead to drying of the river.
Again, construction work consumes a lot of water and blocks pores in the ground from absorbing water.
So, we see that all these activities would lead to further depletion of water and will increase the shortage of water in Varsha's village.
