Water Resources

Water Resources

Importance of Water

•Water is the basic component of every living cell.

•It is the basic input required for agriculture.
•Hydrel power can be used for generating hydroelectricity.
•It provides habitat to aquatic flora and fauna.
•Common salt can be obtained from water.
Sources of Water

Ground Water:-

Water that is hidden underground in spaces between soil and rock particlesis known as ground water.

Surface Water:-

After precipitation, the amount of water that does not percolate down into the ground or does not return to the atmosphere by evaporation or transpiration and enters the rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetland, or artificial reservoirs constitutes surface water.

Effects of Over-utilization of Ground Water

•Reduced flow of surface water

•Lowering of water table

•Water logging

•Subsidence

•Degradation of water quality

•Increased salt content

•Increased power costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deforestation

 Deforestation:-

The term deforestation refers to the removal or reduction of forest cover.

Causes of Deforestation

 

•Encroachment of forest land for agricultural use

•Expansion of cities to accommodate the growing population

Construction of dams, canals, and highways

•Establishment of industrial areas

•Demand for firewood

•Mining

•Shifting cultivation

•Submergence of forests in river valley projects

Effects of Deforestation

•Loss of natural habitat of wild animals and plants

•Increased intensity and frequency of floods

•Land degradation

•Loss of forest products

•Change in climatic conditions

•Siltation of rivers and lakes

•Loss of revenue

•Change in hydrological cycle and reduced rainfall

•Increased socio-economic problem in the long run

Control of Deforestation

•Mining activities should be prohibited in areas declared as protected forests.

•Cutting of trees should be followed by massive plantation.

•The environmental laws and legal provisions should be strictly enforced.

•Forest extension should be carried out through social forestry, agro forestry, recreation forestry, extension forestry, etc.

•Public awareness should be created regarding medicinal and other economic and environmental significance of forests.