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(1) Advantages of dams: 

(i) Irrigation.

(ii) Electricity generation.

(iii) Flood control.

(iv) Recreation.

(v) Water supply for domestic and industrial uses.

(vi) Inland navigation and fish breeding.

Dams are nowadays referred to as multi-purpose projects. They help to utilize rivers for various uses. Multi-purpose projects have lead to the development and progress in the following fields.

(i) They integrate the development of agriculture.

(ii) They help to raise the village economy.

(iii) They lead to rapid indutrialisation.

(iv) They help in the growth of urban economy.

Thus, dams are called ‘temples of modern India’.

Jawaharlal Nehru proclaimed the dams as the "temples of modern India" because:

(i) They eliminate or reduce flooding.

(ii) Provide water for agriculture.

(iii) Provide water for human and industrial consumption.

(iv) Provide hydroelectricity for houses and industries.

Dams are called multi-purpose projects because:

(1) Earlier they were built to impound rivers and rainwater could be used later for irrigation.

(2) Now, dams are built not only for irrigation but for generation of electricity, water supply for domestic use, flood control, recreation, inland navigation and fish-breeding.

(3) Thus, they are called multi-purpose projects.

(4) For example, in the Sutlej-Beas river basin, the Bhakra-Nangal project water is being used both for hydelpower production and irrigation.

Dams are called multi-purpose projects because:

(1) Earlier they were built to impound rivers and rainwater could be used later for irrigation.

(2) Now, dams are built not only for irrigation but for generation of electricity, water supply for domestic use, flood control, recreation, inland navigation and fish-breeding.

(3) Thus, they are called multi-purpose projects.

(4) For example, in the Sutlej-Beas river basin, the Bhakra-Nangal project water is being used both for hydelpower production and irrigation.

Three-fourth of the earth surface is covered with water.

But only a small proportion of it (0.7425 %) accounts for fresh water than can be put to use.

This fresh water is mainly obtained from surface run off and ground water.

Ground water is continually being renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle.

All water moves within the hydrological cycle ensuring that water is a renewable resource.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting is the most common practice in Shillon, Meghalaya. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, which receive the highest amount of rainfall in the world, are situated at a distance of 55 km from Shillong, yet Shillong faces acute shortage of water. Nearly every household in the city has rooftop rainwater harvesting structure. Nearly 15-25 per cent of the total water requirement of the household comes from rooftop rainwater harvesting.

Multi-purpose projects are the projects which were constructed after the independence of India to use the water for various purposes. Dams are one of the major multi-purpose projects. 

The uses of multi-purpose projects are:

(1) They provide water for irrigation.

(2) Dam water is used for hydroelectric plants to generate electricity.

(3) Dam water is also supplied for domestic use.

These multi-purpose projects were also used to stop floods, but they have failed many a times. Bhakra Nangal project is one of the biggest multi-purpose projects in India.

Post-independence, the factors that caused problems with water resources in India are as follows:

1. Increasing industrialisation

2. Urbanization and their demands for water

3. Industrial wastes released into water bodies such as rivers, lakes etc.

4. More demand for hydroelectric power by the industries.

5. Indiscriminate use of water.

The above are some of the major factors due to which India is facing a problem of water scarcity.

The implications of the pollution in rivers are:

(1) Scarcity of water

(2) Increase in global warming

(3) Threatens aquatic flora and fauna.

(4) This water when used by animals and plants can be a cause of health issues.

One of the commonly used technique was rooftop rainwater harvesting. In the semi-arid regions of Rajasthan agricultural fields were converted into storage structures. In some regions such as Bikaner, Phalodi tankas, i.e. the underground water storage tanks were used to store water.

An interesting fact about rainwater harvesting of Meghalaya are as follows :

Rooftop rainwater harvesting is the most common practice in Shillong, Meghalaya.

It is interesting because Cherapunjee and Mawsynram situated at a distance of 55 km from Shillong, receive the highest rainfall in the world, yet the state capital Shillong faces acute shortage of water.

Almost every household in the city has a rooftop rainwater harvesting structure.

15-25 per cent of the total water requirement of the household comes from rooftop water harvesting.

Most of the objections to the projects arose due to their failure to achieve their purposes.

(i) The dams that were constructed to control floods, have triggered floods due to sedimentation in the reservoirs.

(ii) Release of water from dams during heavy rains aggravated the flood situation in Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2006.

(iii) The floods have caused extensive soil erosion.

(iv) Multipurpose projects induced earthquakes caused water-borne diseases and pests and pollution.

1. Irrigation is needed due to variable and uncertain rainfall in India. 

2. Drought prone areas like N-W India and Deccan plateau needs more irrigation. 

3. Dry seasons of winter and summer need irrigation for agriculture.

(1) Narmada Bache Andolan is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that mobilized tribal people, farmers, environmentalists and human rights activists against the Sadder Samovar Dam being built across the Narmada River in Gujarat. 

(2) It originally focused on the environmental issues related to trees that would be submerged under the water.

(3) Recently, it has re-focused its aim to enable poor citizen, especially the ousters (displaced people) to get full rehabilitation facilities from the government.

Rainwater harvesting is now being popularized as a measure to augment or replenish groundwater supplies, particularly in areas facing the problem of lowering of the water table level. Many techniques of water harvesting are practiced but the following are its four chief types :

(i) Rooftops Rainwater Harvesting : In Tamil Nadu, rooftop rainwater harvesting is compulsory for all households. All building plans must provide for in-built rainwater harvesting systems. Under this scheme, rainwater is to be collected by citizens on rooftops and allowed to be stored in tanks. This water can be mainly used for gardening.

(ii) Check Dams : These are generally natural catchment dams in water deficient areas like Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. Rainwater is allowed to be collected in natural depressions like the circular tank in Kaza village. Artificial bunds are streams called Kuls are erected to prevent water run-off. Rainwater is used for irrigation and promoting vegetation cover on ground.

(iii) Recharge through hand-pumps : Rainwater is first collected in a reservoir, pond or a tank. Prior planning can also be done to allow rainwater to flow directly into deep wells, particularly those which have dried up. These artificial recharge techniques can be promoted to meet household needs during dry periods.

(iv) Recharge through abandoned well : Abandoned wells are ideal for promoting rainwater harvesting and to replenish groundwater resources to meet the requirements of summer.

The following factors are responsible for the increasing water demand :

(i) Population growth

(ii) Construction activities

(iii) Lack of water management technology

(iv) Urbanisation

(v) Industrialisation

Advantages:

(i) These are the main source of power generation.

(ii) They provide us neat, pollution free and cheapest energy which is the backbone of industry and agriculture.

(iii) These projects control the floods because water can be stored in them. These projects have converted many, rivers of sorrow’s into ‘rivers of boon'.

(iv) These projects are the main source of irrigation and also help in conserving soil.

Disadvantages:

(i) Due to the construction of dams, there are no adequate floods in the river. Because of this, the soil of the downstream region does not get nutrient-rich silt.

(ii) Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate for spawning, i.e., to produce eggs.

(iii) It resulted in the displacement of local communities. The local people often have to give up their land and livelihood and their meagre access and control over resources for the greater need of the nation.

Kaveri river project

More demand, inadequate supply to one region are the main reasons due to which disputes arise between two states, for example, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The two states Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have disputes due to the Kaveri river multipurpose project which is based on a historical project.

(1) Industrialization: Industries are heavy users of water. They also require energy to run machines. Much of this energy comes from hydro-electric power.

(2) Urbanization: 

(I) Multiplying urban centers with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have not only added to water and energy requirements but also have further aggravated the problem.

(ii) Most housing societies have their own groundwater pumping devices to meet their water needs. This leads to depletion of underground water.

We can contribute in the following ways :

(i) Sustainable use.

(ii) Watershed management.

(iii) Rainwater harvesting.

(iv) Adopting efficient irrigation system, like drip irrigation.

Narmada Bachao Andolan is Non-Govrnmental Organisation (NGO).

It has mobilized tribal people, farmers, environmentalists and human rights activists against the Sardar Sarovar Dam which was built across the Narmada river in Gujarat.

Narmada Bachao Andolan originally focused on the environmental issues related to trees that would be submerged under the dam water.

Now it has re-focused the aim to enable the poor citizens, especially the oustees (displace people) to get full rehabilitation facilities from the government.

People felt that their suffering would not be in vain.

They accepted the trauma of displacement believing in the promise of irrigated field and (plentiful) harvests.

In bamboo drip irrigation system bamboo pipes are used to divert perennial springs on the hilltops to the lower reaches by gravity.

It is a 200 years old system of tapping stream and spring water by using pipes, prevalent in Meghalaya.

About 18-20 litres of water enters the bamboo pipe system, gets transported over hundred of metres.

Following are the important factors responsible for the water scarcity in the world

(1) Taking out lot of underground water through tubewell or pump.

(2) Over population means more demand more demands mean more use of natural resources and thus, depelation.

(3) Wasting by opening and throwing water here and there for fun especaily in festival like holi.

(4) Mixing of pure water in chemical dump in the rivers and oceans.Thus, water scarcity of fresh drinking water.

(5) The most important wastage of water by the water tankers who simply open the tap and all the water leaks and goes into the roads.

Saving a drop of water means that saving the world from scaricity.

Factors responsible for increasing water scarcity are :

(i) variation in seasonal rainfall

(ii) Over-exploitation of water

(iii) Excessive use of water.

(iv) Unequal access of water.

(v) increasing demand, due to growing population.

(1) A huge population resides in India which demands more water not only for domestic use but also to produce more food. For higher food grain production farmers install their own tube wells which lead to falling groundwater level adversely affecting water availability.

(2) Multiplying urban centers with large and dense population have added to water and energy requirements. The housing societies have their own groundwater pumping devices to meet their water needs. But in this way, water resources are being over-exploited.

(3) To run the industries, availability of water is an essential factor. But, the waste material coming out from industries pollute the rivers.

Reasons for increasing water scarcity in India :

(i) Water scarcity in most cases is caused by inefficient use, exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among different social groups.

(ii) Rainwater in India is available only for four months form July to September. Therefore, water is not available throughout the year and many areas of the country face drought during the summer months. Failure of the monsoons also brings great hardships to the people.

(iii) Water scarcity also occurs due to the loss of vegetation, as the surface water becomes muddy and flows to the oceans.

(iv) Like forests, water also belongs to the community. We have not been able to promote sustainable use of water on this account.

(v) Overuse of water resources by farmers also leads to the depletion of groundwater resources, causing fall in the wate level.

Reasons for increasing water scarcity in India :

(i) Water scarcity in most cases is caused by inefficient use, exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among different social groups.

(ii) Rainwater in India is available only for four months form July to September. Therefore, water is not available throughout the year and many areas of the country face drought during the summer months. Failure of the monsoons also brings great hardships to the people.

(iii) Water scarcity also occurs due to the loss of vegetation, as the surface water becomes muddy and flows to the oceans.

(iv) Like forests, water also belongs to the community. We have not been able to promote sustainable use of water on this account.

(v) Overuse of water resources by farmers also leads to the depletion of groundwater resources, causing fall in the water level.

(vi) Industrialisation, growth of population and urbanization also leads to water scarcity or water shortage.

(i) The availability of water resources varies over space and time, mainly due to the variations in seasonal and annual precipitation.

(ii) Over-exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among different social groups.

(iii) Water scarcity may be an outcome of large and growing population and consequent greater demands for water. A large population means more water to produce more food. Hence, to facilitate higher food-grain production, water resources are being overexploited to expand irrigated areas for dry-season agriculture.

(iv) Most farmers have their own wells and tube wells in their farms for irrigation to increase their production. But it may lead to falling groundwater levels, adversely affecting water availability and food security of the people. Thus, in spite of abundant water there is water scarcity.

(1) Water scarcity: Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demand for water usage within a region.

Reasons behind water scarcity in India  

The water scarcity is mostly man made due to excess population growth and mismanagement of water resources. Some of the major reasons for water scarcity are:

(a) Inefficient use of water for agriculture. India is among the top growers of agricultural produce in the world and therefore the consumption of water for irrigation is amongst the highest. Traditional techniques of irrigation causes maximum water loss due to evaporation, drainage, percolation, water conveyance, and excess use of groundwater. As more areas come under traditional irrigation techniques, the stress for water available for other purposes will continue. The solution lies in extensive use of micro-irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler irrigation.

(b) Reduction in traditional water recharging areas. Rapid construction is ignoring traditional water bodies that have also acted as ground water recharging mechanism. We need to urgently revive traditional aquifers while implementing new ones.

(c) Sewage and wastewater drainage into traditional water bodies. Government intervention at the source is urgently required if this problem is to be tackled.

(d) Release of chemicals and effluents into rivers, streams and ponds. Strict monitoring and implementation of laws by the government, NGOs and social activists is required.

(1) Water scarcity: Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demand for water usage within a region.

Reasons behind water scarcity in India  

The water scarcity is mostly man made due to excess population growth and mismanagement of water resources. Some of the major reasons for water scarcity are:

(a) Inefficient use of water for agriculture. India is among the top growers of agricultural produce in the world and therefore the consumption of water for irrigation is amongst the highest. Traditional techniques of irrigation causes maximum water loss due to evaporation, drainage, percolation, water conveyance, and excess use of groundwater. As more areas come under traditional irrigation techniques, the stress for water available for other purposes will continue. The solution lies in extensive use of micro-irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler irrigation.

(b) Reduction in traditional water recharging areas. Rapid construction is ignoring traditional water bodies that have also acted as ground water recharging mechanism. We need to urgently revive traditional aquifers while implementing new ones.

(c) Sewage and wastewater drainage into traditional water bodies. Government intervention at the source is urgently required if this problem is to be tackled.

(d) Release of chemicals and effluents into rivers, streams and ponds. Strict monitoring and implementation of laws by the government, NGOs and social activists is required.

(1) Water scarcity: Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demand for water usage within a region.

Reasons behind water scarcity in India  

The water scarcity is mostly man made due to excess population growth and mismanagement of water resources. Some of the major reasons for water scarcity are:

(a) Inefficient use of water for agriculture. India is among the top growers of agricultural produce in the world and therefore the consumption of water for irrigation is amongst the highest. Traditional techniques of irrigation causes maximum water loss due to evaporation, drainage, percolation, water conveyance, and excess use of groundwater. As more areas come under traditional irrigation techniques, the stress for water available for other purposes will continue. The solution lies in extensive use of micro-irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler irrigation.

(b) Reduction in traditional water recharging areas. Rapid construction is ignoring traditional water bodies that have also acted as ground water recharging mechanism. We need to urgently revive traditional aquifers while implementing new ones.

(c) Sewage and wastewater drainage into traditional water bodies. Government intervention at the source is urgently required if this problem is to be tackled.

(d) Release of chemicals and effluents into rivers, streams and ponds. Strict monitoring and implementation of laws by the government, NGOs and social activists is required.

Post independent India witnessed intensive industrialisation and urbanisation.

(i) Arrival of MNC’s: Apart from freshwater they require electricity which comes from hydroelectric power.

(ii) Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have not only added to water and energy requirements but have further aggravated the problem.

(iii) Large-scale migration from rural to urban areas is causing over-exploitation of water resources.

The rapid growth of population, uneven distribution of water resources and increase in demand for water.

The rainwater which is stored in underground tanks is potable water. It is a reliable source of drinking water. It is called palar pani. 

In the arid regions of Rajasthan, it is important in the following ways.

(i) It is the main source of drinking water, when all other sources have dried up.

(ii) It is considered the purest form of drinking water.

(iii) In summer, these tanks would keep the underground rooms, adjoining them, clean.

(1) Over-exploitation: People carelessly use water when it is abundantly available. That is why, in the dry season shortage of water is faced by many places. Water is not judiciously used in the time of rain. Surface runoff becomes flood in the cities but not being stored for the future use.

(2) Excessive use: Industries and affordable class use maximum percentage of water available for usage. They don’t feel to save the excessive water supply, which eventually cause severe water scarcity.

(3) Unequal access: The people of wet areas are not sensible enough to store the excess for those in the dry areas. Moreover the rich and affordable classes do not bother to get water whatever situation may be due to their money power.

The following are the reasons for water scarcity in India.

(i) Increased demand for water: The growing population needs more water for domestic purposes and to produce more food. Agricultural purposes: For agricultural purposes, water resources are being over-exploited. More food needs to be grown for the increasing population. Intensive industrialisation and urbanisation: The increasing number of industries need more water and power to run the machinery. Hydroelectric power contributes twenty-two per cent of the electricity produced. The urban centres with large population and modern lifestyles have added to the problem of water scarcity. Overexploitation of water resources: In some cities, housing societies have their own groundwater pumping devices to meet their needs. This has caused the depletion of water resources in several areas.

(ii) Bad quality of water: The water is getting polluted by domestic and industrial wastes, chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

We can understand the meaning of the above statement through this example:

(i) After a heavy downpour/ a boy collects drinking water in Kolkata.

(ii) A Kashmiri earthquake survivor carries water in the snow in a devastated village.

(iii) A Rajasthani woman balances her matka and travels a large distance to collect water.

Water conservation.

Floods control.

Integrated development of rural economy, industrialization and growth of urban economy.

Due to overflowing of dams caused by heavy rainfall, gates of dams had to be opened.

Because of silting of the reservoirs and channels.

(1) Industrialization: Industries are heavy users of water. They also require energy to run machines. Much of this energy comes from hydro-electric power.

(2) Urbanization: 

(I) Multiplying urban centers with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have not only added to water and energy requirements but also have further aggravated the problem.

(ii) Most housing societies have their own groundwater pumping devices to meet their water needs. This leads to depletion of underground water.

 (1) It has increased the social gap between the rich landowners and the landless poor.

(2) Dams have created conflicts between people who have different opinions on the use of water.

(3) Dams have created inter-state water disputes. For example, Krishna-Godavari water dispute.

(1) Initially, it was expected that large dams would control flood as well as help conserve water.

(2) Ironically, the dams built to control floods have triggered floods due to sedimentation in the reservoirs.

(3) Big darns have been mostly unsuccessful in controlling floods at the time of excessive rainfall.

(4) The release of water from dams during heavy rains aggravated the flood situation in Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2006.

1. Dams are generally built for the purpose of hydroelectricity, irrigation, water storage, flood control, etc.

2. Dams are classified according to structure, intended purpose or height.

3. Based on structure and the materials used, dams are classified as timber dams, embankment dams or masonry dams, with several subtypes.

4. According to the height, dams can be categorised as large dams and major dams or alternatively as low dams, medium height dams and high dams.

(i) Construction of large-scale dams leads to the displacement of local communities.

(ii) The people have to lose their lands and their means of livelihood.

(iii) The poor lose access and control over resources for the good of the nation.

(iv) The landless poor have to work in industries as workers or as a labourer at construction site.

(v) The people who are displaced could not avail the proper rehabilitation facilities from the government.

Water scarcity is possible to pose the greatest challenge on account of its increased demand coupled with shrinking supplies due to overutilization and pollution. Water is a cyclic resource with plentiful supplies on the globe. Approximately, 71 per cent of the earth’s surface is covered with it but fresh water constitutes only about 3 per cent of the total water. 

There is the only a small portion of water which can be used for drinking for the whole world, even though the planet is blue; a very small share of fresh water is effectively available for human use. The ease of use of fresh water varies over space and time. The tensions and disputes on sharing and control of this scarce resource are becoming contested issues among communities, regions, and states. The evaluation, efficient use and conservation of water, therefore, increase into necessary to guarantee development. 

The values which are reflected by conserving water are: 

• Conserving of water will lead towards sustainable development. Therefore the water which is scarce will be available to use for future generation. 
• Prevention from natural calamities such as draught, therefore it is essential for the environment to sustain. 
• The water conservation helps to restructure the water cycle process and increases the underground water level.

All the following mentioned requirements can be met with by constructing                

(1) Industries are heavy users of water:

(2) They also require power which comes from hydro-electricity.

(3) Urbanization and its lifestyle have added pressure on water resources.

(4) Urbanization leads to dense population which results in over-exploitation of groundwater.

(5) They also provide water for irrigation.

1. Adopt laws and acts to conserve water 

2. Usewater saving methods and technology 

3. Prevent water pollution 

4. Watershed development 

5. Rainwater harvesting 

6. Water recycling and reuse