Cheatsheet: Water Resources | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Understanding Earth's Water Resources

Earth’s surface is predominantly covered by water, with about three-fourths of the planet covered by it. However, only a small percentage of this vast resource is freshwater, making it critical for human consumption and various purposes.

Sources of Freshwater

• Surface Runoff: Rivers, lakes, and glaciers.
• Groundwater: Aquifers and wells.

Water Scarcity Concerns

• Over-exploitation and mismanagement.
• Unequal distribution and access.
• Pollution from domestic, industrial, and agricultural waste.
• Population growth increasing demand.

Government Initiative: Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

Aims to provide every rural household with a reliable piped water supply (55 liters per person per day).

Multi-Purpose River Projects

Issues with Large Dams

• Displacement of local communities.
• Disruption of natural sediment flow.
• Ecological imbalances.
• Inter-state water disputes.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rain water harvesting is a technique of collection and storage of rainwater into natural reservoirs or tanks, or the infiltration of surface water into subsurface aquifers (before it is lost as surface runoff)

Methods:

• Rooftop Harvesting: Collection via rooftops, filtered, and stored underground.
• Traditional Systems: ‘Tankas’ in Rajasthan store rainwater for drinking.
• Bamboo Drip Irrigation: Used in Meghalaya to efficiently transport water.

State Initiatives

• Tamil Nadu: First state to mandate rooftop rainwater harvesting.
• Meghalaya: Shillong households meet 15-25% of their water needs via rainwater harvesting.

Conclusion

Effective water resource management is essential for sustainable development. Strategies like rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and government programs ensure water conservation for future generations.