Question

What are the reasons for the increase in the scarcity of freshwater? [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each point: 1 Mark

i) Many cities have large and growing population resulting in greater demand for water resources. A large population means, not only more water is required for domestic use but also for higher foodgrain productivity.
ii) Today the multinational companies and other industrial units consume large quantities of hydroelectric power and for the processing of which they put greater pressure on the existing freshwater resources.
iii) Pollution of water bodies due to the discharge of industrial effluents, use of pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers used in agriculture, make the river water hazardous for human consumption.
iv) Inefficient use of water for agriculture is another reason for scarcity of freshwater. Traditional techniques of irrigation cause maximum water loss due to evaporation, drainage, percolation, water conveyance, and excess use of groundwater.
v) Reduction in traditional water recharging areas. Rapid construction is ignoring traditional water bodies that have also acted as groundwater recharging mechanism.