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geography
and you
Vol. 10, Issue 61, July-August 2010
A Development and
Environment Magazine
www.geographyandyou.in
watermatters
■ Water Governance ■ Ecofeminism ■ Precipitation Extremes
■ Chhattisgarh & Uttarakhand Groundwater Resources
■ Cloudbursts ■ Managing Water in Thar
contents
Geography and You
TANKA at village Bhu, jaisalmer BY PRASAD
Vol. 10 Issue 61 July - August 2010
Despite sizeable knowledge of water
conservation systems, compulsions of
F e at u r e s modern era developments have gradually
turned the Thar poor so far as availability
4 Editor’s Note 16 Concept Counter and workable traditional water harvesting
Cloudburst systems are concerned. Sadly, it started with
Water Matters Staff Reporter groundwater irrigation that turned much of
6 Policy Interventions the desert green. — Page 36
18 State Study
Water Governance
Groundwater Resources 36 Arid West 54 Sustainable Energy
Role of Panchayats
Uttarakhand Managing Water in Thar Technology with Ecology
M Ishtiaq and Ashok
Dr AK Bhatia and Dr Amal Kar IndianOil
Kumar Sahay
Mahendra Singh Negi Dr B N Bankapur
10 Ecofeminism Reports & Studies
24 State Study 44 Decoding Poverty Travel
Thinking Water Thinking Chhattisgarh Ground 60 Traveller’s Diary
Staff Reporter
Women Water Resource Rain Song
Dr Saraswati Raju Ashis Chakraborty 46 Data Users’ Seminar Dr S Srinivasan
Dehradun
13 News Roundup 28 Monsoon Roundup Staff Reporter 64 Photo Essay
Freshwater News Precipitation Extremes The Dying Dal
Staff Reporter Dr B Mukhopadhay Energy Environment Staff Reporter
48 International News
Renewable Updates Q& A
Staff Reporter 9 Term Power on Water Matters
23 Crossword
52 National 57 Term Power Ratings
Renewable News India 59 Crossword Answer
42 In Conversation
Registrar General and Census Commissioner Dr C Chandramouli,
in conversation with the editor affably offers insights on issues
of data collection and outlines the mechanisms of providing
a view of lodhi road, New Delhi during monsoon 2010 BY PRASAD
the unique identification (UID) cards. Optimistic about the new
additions, Dr C Chadramouli feels that Census 2011 is poised at a
momentous juncture.
Editor Correspondence/Editorial Office whole, is prohibited.
Sulagna Chattopadhyay 1584, B-1, Vasant Kunj, New Printed, published and owned by
Special Editor Delhi-110070 Phone : 011-26122789 Sulagna Chattopadhyay.
Dr Saraswati Raju For new subscriptions, renewals,
enquiries please contact Printed at: India Graphic Systems
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Krishnendu Datta geographyandyou2001@yahoo.co.uk or Phase-I, New Delhi-110020.
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Tribal woman ferrying water upslope, Please visit our site at Ltd. Geography and You does not
Achanakmar, Chhattisgarh, by Prasad www.geographyandyou.com take any responsibility for returning
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Climate change in the form of the increasing trend in the number of above-normal Ali Marg, Kishangarh, Vasant Kunj, New All rights reserved throughout the world. jurisdiction of competent courts and
unstable days during the monsoon season may be the cause for the increased Delhi-110070 Reproduction in any manner, part or forums in Delhi/New Delhi only.
frequency of extreme rainfall events over the Indian region. - page 28
2 J u ly - Augu s t 2 010 G e o g r a ph y a n d You G e o g r a ph y a n d You J u ly - Augu s t 2 010 3
EDITOR’S NOTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
May-June 2010 Thank you for publishing several articles on urban issues. The article by
Dr R B Bhagat titled Civic Amenities in Urban India is a master piece. It brings forth the real
difficulties faced by the urban establishments even after the empowerment of urban local
bodies by the 74th Constitutional Amendment. However, I disagree with his remark that
small urban centers lack financial and technical capabilities to design the projects which
can take care of public health issues, sanitation and solid waste management. In fact, the
government lacks the will or it lacks vision as far as the smaller urban centres are concerned.
There is no regulation what so ever at mufassil level. People are free to construct at their
own will and most of the small urban centres look like fortified slums. Is it not possible to
enforce that all new construction has to have some semblance of organised construction
with a proper provision for public health issues? It is very much possible. But this is simply
not on the government’s agenda. –Shyamal Ghosh, Kolkata.
For more details log on our website www.geographyandyou.in
The Mishmis Material on NET News on environment
I read the article ‘The Mishmi I look forward to G’nY for authentic I am a regular reader of G’nY since
Hunter of Arunachal’ by Ambika in formation. I see there a dearth 2002. Earlier, I used to get some
Aiyadurai in May-June 2010 issue of analytical and authentic material round up on environmental news
of GnY. It was a mesmerising on geography for NET examination. which are handy for increasing the
account of Mishmis with a Why don’t you start a series of knowledge base as well as teaching
passionate description of their NET material in G’nY. It will be a my students. Off late I see many
culture and traditions. The article’s great service to research oriented serious articles have been preferred
conservationist approach is full of students who don’t find quality over the small and light articles.
balanced arguments and I hope information anywhere. The good Please include some news on
the policy makers would take clues text books on the subject are out renewable energy as it has become
from this article. I should expect dated–certain books carry data a very important subject.
Dear readers, some more accounts of hunting which are at least 20 years old. I Sushma Tiwari, Meerut, UP
It sounds very democratic to espouse that Panchayats decide amongst themselves tribes in the next issues of your hope you will consider my request
magazine. and start the service soon. Urban Issues
policies towards their future - not only in terms of basic amenities but also in terms
R P Baishya, Ramesh Sagar, May-June 2010 issue published
of all round development of village resources. One wonders what all these trained, Guwahati, Assam Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh many features on urbanisation. It
highly professional bureaucrats who are supposed to be neutral agents of the state was extremely useful as I opted
Articles on States Journal or Magazine for the same subject as a term
in implementing schemes and changing the lives of people in a particular unit, be it
GnY May-June 2010 issue I have been a subscriber of paper. I am also trying to point out
Panchayat, block, village, whatever - are doing. Because, it now seems that what they has articles on Chhattisgarh, GnY from its inception and I the usefulness of GnY to serious
are mandated to do are being delegated to the Panchayats. Let us not forget that we are Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh and look forward to every issue with students/researchers.
Uttarakhand. Why don’t you genuine interest. But I am sorry to Monika R, Puducherry
educationally challenged and plagued by low levels of awareness. Thus putting the onus
publish articles on Rajasthan, state that of GnY has now become
on the Panchayats, even to outsource quality services, is actually absolving the state Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, more a journal than a magazine. Library Editions in DVD
machinery of its responsibility to facilitate basic services and amenities. It is an ominous Karnataka etc. It is important As a teacher I find very little of its I heard from my colleagues who
for the readers to know about content useful that I can share had participated in the data users’
trend that in the name of decentralization government is completely washing its hand off
BHIM TAL, UTTARAKHAND: UNTREATED EFFLUENTS FREELY FLOWING INTO THE DRYING LAKE
other states also. In fact articles with my students. May I request seminar, Dehradun that G’nY library
from performing its basic duty of serving the nation. And what is more worrying is that the on tourism also has a lot of you not to dilute the character of editions are also available in DVDs.
major casualty will be accountability of the government. We have recently seen lakhs of information on geographical GnY. Let it be a magazine and for Can I buy the DVD, kindly let me
aspects of the state. accommodating serious articles know about the procedure.
tons of grains rotting with no one held responsible with the dereliction of duties. From the
Rashmi Singh, you can start a journal afresh. Shikha Saxena,
country with a target of zero tolerance, we are now heading towards zero accountability. Patna, Bihar M K Bishnoi, Jaipur, Rajasthan Nainital, Uttarakhand
The water matters issue, highlights policy matters, showcases state studies and brings
to light the extreme event status in the country. The energy section is dedicated to
sustainable practices by prominent oil companies and renewable energy news. Also Write, email, fax
thrown in is a water matters crossword and term power to exercise your prowess. Enjoy. Write - Editorial Office Geography and You, 1584, B-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070, Tele-Fax 011-26122789,
Email geographyandyou2001@yahoo.co.uk, Website www.geographyandyou.com. Include name, address and
telephone. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
To contribute an article. Kindly send the abstract of your article in not more than 200 words to
geographyandyou2001@yahoo.co.uk. The abstract will be reviewed by our guest panelists. Once the abstract is
selected we shall respond immediately for the full article. The length of the final article may range from 1500 to 1700
Sulagna Chattopadhyay
words. Please also mention if you can contribute relevant high resolution photographs. The Editorial Advisor
4 J U LY - AU G U S T 2 0 1 0 G E O G R A P H Y A N D Y O U G E O G R A P H Y A N D Y O U J U LY - AU G U S T 2 0 1 0 5
WAT E R M AT T E R S
water It has been suggested that since women are closest
to water sources, at least a third of hand pumps
mechanics should be local women. Women can
governance
also be put in charge of taking care of hand pumps
in local habitation and they can certify about
completion of schemes.
role of panchayats
Water is life giving. Planning for it is a collective responsibility.
Panchayati Raj Institutions and the decentralized planning
through active participation of community members
provide some clues to effective ways of water management.
Government agencies have to pitch in to provide technical and
logistic support in terms of encouraging local expertise and
provision of informed support and cooperation.
—M Ishtiaq and Ashok Kumar Sahay
R
ural India has a tradition of collectively management approach will have to be adopted.
or individually managed water. 1950s saw For this, it is important to constitute village water
the government initiating water supply committees (VWC) whose members should be
schemes for rural population. Accelerated Rural elected in Gram Sabha and VWC should be made
Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) had been a standing committee of the Gram Panchayat.
launched in 1972-73 for providing potable water VWC can outsource the task of developing
to the villages as well as villagers. Now, the major water supply schemes to preferred agency after
emphasis is on ensuring sustainability of water taking into consideration different aspects of
MOUSANI ISLAND, SUNDERBAN: WATER BEING HAULED BY YOUNG GIRLS FROM A TUBE WELL
availability in terms of potability, adequacy, water management including demand/supply,
convenience, affordability and equity through budgeting, production cost and investment/
decentralised approach involving Panchayats returns to investment through consultative
and community based organisations. New processes with community, preferably the Gram
guidelines for what is called ‘Movement towards Sabha. In absence of local expertise, VWC
Ensuring People’s Drinking Water Security should seek assistance from the rural water supply
in Rural India’ have already been issued in department.
this direction. ARWSP has been renamed as It has been acknowledged that mobilising
National Rural Water Supply Programme community contribution is a major challenge.
(NRWSP). The Union Government has set the The programme advocates strengthening of
deadline of March 31, 2012 for full coverage of women groups, especially self help groups (SHGs)
rural areas for drinking water. under community capacity building initiatives
by organising exposure visits to model villages
Role of Panchayat to also access information related to income
It has been stipulated that in order to meet generating activities. Local bodies, water user’s
the drinking water needs at the village, block associations and community based organisations
and district level, integrated water resources are other possibilities. It has been suggested that
6 J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 7
P O L I CY I N T E R V E N T I O N S
TERM
One of the important points that emerged is that
power
THE WATER MATTERS TERM POWER
willingness to pay in adverse conditions cannot be
interpreted as affordability to pay.
9
Here is an exercise that is intended to introduce you to a JÖKULHLAUP
gamut of technical terms that can catch you unawares. a. A reduction in both the area and thickness
Pick the right option and check how you fare. of a glacier or ice-sheet.
The answers are on page 57 b. A destructive flood that occurs as the result
of the rapid ablation of ice sheets.
1
c. A flood caused by sudden release of an ice-
since women are closest to water sources, at least It becomes evident that a comprehensive BIRD’S FOOT DELTA
dammed or en-glacial lake.
a third of hand pumps mechanics should be local reform programme in water governance is a. A tooth shaped delta of with curved sides.
10
b. A curved delta with convex margin. OLIGOTROPHIC LAKE
women who can be trained under various skill being put in place; it is heartening to note that c. A delta with distributaries like toes of a bird. a. A state of water body with high nutrient
development programmes and other training in India, water supply sector is at last moving content and rich in diverse flora and
schemes. Women can also be put in charge of
taking care of hand pumps in local habitation
away from an infrastructure creation approach
to a consolidation approach. Most water 2 HYDROLOGIC CYCLE
a. A cycle of oxygen movement within
atmosphere, biosphere and lithosphere.
fauna.
b. The state of a water body with a low
nutrient content and unable to support
and they can certify about completion of related campaigns stress on bringing about b. A cycle of water movement through the earth- large aquatic flora and fauna.
schemes. Thus the NRWSP has ample provisions water democracy by ensuring that every drop atmosphere system. c. The state of water body or of a hydrous
for involving women in planning for drinking is conserved, harvested and shared by people. c. A cycle which describes carbon movement in solution within soil.
the pedosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere.
water at village level. The new guidelines to As water crises deepen, water literacy becomes
ensure involvement of women in various stages of
implementations of drinking water security plan
the key to water security. There are several steps
that can be taken. They include placing water 3 ARTESIAN WELL
a. A well in the rock layer that absorbs water and
11 LYSIMETER
a. Instrument for measuring percolation of
water through soil.
allows it to pass through. b. Instrument for measuring percolation of
have been formalised. information in the public domain, revival of b. A well created by boring into an aquifer oil through rocks.
traditional ways of water harvesting, incremental enclosed by impermeable strata. c. Instrument for measuring water hardness
Improvement in Water Supply restoring of forest cover and so on. c. A well bored into impermeable rock layers.
Managing surface water resources can be
integrated with National Rural Employment End Note 4 RIPARIAN WATER RIGHTS
a. Rights of an owner whose land abuts water.
12 NIMBOSTRATUS
a. A type of cloud, dark grey in colour,
occurring in sheets thick enough to blot
Guarantee Scheme (NREGA) for construction Water scarcity can threaten equitable and b. Rights to use water from different sources. out the Sun.
c. Rights of people to use rainwater. b. A type of cloud, dark grey when viewed
of infrastructure. The ‘in village water supply sustainable development, ecological balance and from beneath but dazzling white when
scheme’ to be planned, approved, implemented,
managed, operated and maintained by VWC and
political stability. Several significant developments
concerning one or many of the issues concerning 5 THERMAL POLLUTION
a. Spill or ongoing releases of chemical or
radionuclide contaminants into water.
seen from the top.
c. A type of cloud which tower into castle-
like profiles.
Pani Samiti, PRIs, and local community is being water have also surfaced to shape public and b. Entering contaminants into a waterway
suggested towards this. The Twelfth Finance
Commission has recommended that separate
popular perceptions. Civil societies as well as
public opinion favour water to be treated as
through discrete conveyance.
c. Rise or fall in the temperature of a natural body
of water caused by human influence.
13 ICE-SHEET
a. A thin crust of sea-ice formed by initial
freezing of the surface of a calm body
grants to Panchayats be provided so as to partly common good rather than promoting policies
meet operation and maintenance expenditure
on ensuring potable drinking water supply.
that seek to treat water as a commodity of the
state.
6 HYPOLIMNION
a. Warmer, less dense topmost layer in the water
body of a lake or ocean.
of water.
b. A large, continuous layer of land ice of
considerable thickness.
b. Lowest cold-water layers at the bottom of a c. A large piece of flat, floating sea-ice,
Electronic banking has been suggested to avoid Water security is the key to food security and lake or ocean. rising less than 1 m above the surface of
delays and treacherous diversions. Apart from demand for basic drinking water should get the c. An intermediate layer of water in an ocean or a the sea.
this, it is suggested that consumers will have to status of fundamental right. Panchayats’ role deep lake.
bear the cost of water if the supply needed is
beyond the set norms for which the government
should not only be focused on involvement of the
community at the individual household level in 7 SUNDARBAN DELTA
a. A world heritage site awarded by UNESCO in
14 HYETOGRAPH
a. A chart which records the changing
humidity of atmosphere.
would pay. There should be provision for monthly the decision making process, but communities 1997 as the world’s largest delta. b. A chart which illustrates the rate at which
b. A well defined body of water suffering from rain falls.
social audit. One of the important points that should also be encouraged to develop their algal bloom. c. A diagram which illustrates the mean,
emerged is that willingness to pay in adverse own water security plans. While planning for c. An alluvial valley that is wide and relatively flat maximum and minimum rainfall totals per
conditions cannot be interpreted as affordability drinking water security by the community is with a meandering river channel that changes month for a location.
its course.
to pay. Rather than overdependence on ground important, National Water Quality Monitoring
water–water sources can also be diversified.
Agriculture water use can be socially regulated to
and Surveillance Programme should integrate
community efforts into its plan to ensure quality 8 ISOHALINE
a. The line on a map joining points which exhibit
15 RADIAL DRAINAGE
a. A drainage pattern of out flowing rivers
away from a central point.
the same floral character. b. A tree-like drainage pattern composed of
check over usage. Apart from this, government standards and water safety. b. The line on a map joining places of equal branching tributaries and a main stream.
should make provision for the convergence of amount of rainfall. c. A drainage pattern which exhibits
The authors are Associate Professor, Geography
Rural Health Mission in terms of water quality Department, JMI, New Delhi and Research Officer, Institute of
c. The line on a map joining points in the ocean discordance with the underlying
having the same degree of salinity. rock structure.
and health implications. Social Sciences, New Delhi, respectively.
8 J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 9
WAT E R M AT T E R S
thinking water
thinking
women
Several scholars have suggested that there is intrinsic affinity between women
and nature and both are subordinated by patriarchal processes, women by
men and nature by culture – an ideological position known as ecofeminism.
Although powerfully argued, such formulation inadequately addresses division
of gendered labour within households that assign tasks such as collection of
water, free fodder, fuel etc. sourced essentially from natural environs by women.
It is the survival dependence on nature added by persistent social conditioning
that nurture and care is what they embody, make women care for nature more.
Water provides a good case for suggesting an alternative way of looking at the
issue in a pragmatic manner.
—Dr Saraswati Raju
cholars have argued that women have affinity in the late 1970s. Although the term was coined
S with nature because both are subjected to
domination, women by men and nature by
culture. Nature in their imagination is equated
in France in 1974 by Françoise d’Eaubonne,
Simone de Beauvoir, the famous feminist scholar
had pointed it out as far back as in 1949 about
with femininity and culture with masculinity. how men treat men and women similarly as the
The proponents of this ideology contend that ‘other’ – a process which is called ‘othering’. In
TRIBAL WOMEN CARRYING FOREST PRODUCE; AMARKANTAK
cultural artifacts have destroyed nature through the Indian context, it is Vandana Shiva who has
destructive technologies of modern patriarchal drawn attention to women’s marginalisation
structures and controls. Men have likewise been and ecological destruction under historical and
instrumental in subordinating women. conceptual trajectory of development which is
The proposed synonymy between women and largely guided by western models.
nature also comes from the fact that women have Scholarly work on ecofeminism has been
the power of procreation through child bearing extremely influential internationally. However Forging an organic connection between nature and
women has an inadvertent outcome – some issues
so does the nature which regenerates. In framing it has its share of criticism. One of the strongest
become women’s issues and are either sidelined in the
the argument thus, these scholars have brought arguments against ecofeminism is that it planning process or are seen as the exclusive domain of
ecology and feminist ideologies together, a strand essentialises women and puts all women in women without a proper understanding of entrenched
of thinking called ecofeminism, which emerged one undifferentiated category ignoring the fact power asymmetries between men and women.
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ECOFEMINISM WAT E R M AT T E R S
Since women and nature are seen as close in
Freshwater
affinity, women are also portrayed as the natural
custodians of nature and its protection.
that women have multiple memberships. They
are women, but they also belong to different
more concerned about the dwindling sources of
domestic water than men.
News An update on recent happenings in the of world
fresh water in the national perspective.
castes, class, region and ethnicity. As such Forging an organic connection between
their interest in natures’ care or protection may nature and women has an inadvertent outcome – Mighty Rivers Threatened Zangmu for a 540 MW run of the river forward. But what fuels anxieties
power project and feasibility studies in the region is China’s reluctance
actually vary according to their position along some issues become women’s issues and are either have been completed for five more to share information, its lack of
such axes. Poor African women, for instance sidelined in the planning process or are seen as such projects further upstream on the transparency on issues like its dam
may use wood to brew country liquor; women the exclusive domain of women without a proper Yarlung Tsangpo. Tapping the power building. For instance, for several
may prefer to leave grass cover intact rather understanding of entrenched power asymmetries of the river Tsangpo (Brahmaputra for years Beijing denied it was building
than converting it into playgrounds because between men and women. A member of Indians) as it bends and plunges down a dam at Zangmu. It is only recently
towards Indian and Bangladeshi that it came around to admitting to it.
that would ease their burden of collecting free the Planning Commission, India has once floodplains has long been a dream Control over Tibet’s water resources
fodder for animals. That is to say, women’s commented that if men were to be responsible for of Chinese politicians and hydro- in a world that is warming has
so-called ‘feminine’ qualities of care and domestic water management, all villages would engineers. Metog will be the site of provided it with strategic edge over its
nurturing do not automatically translate into have had water taps long ago! the mega project at the huge bend neighbours. India should recalibrate
their closeness to nature, but is reflective of The years 1981-1990 were celebrated as Scientists have begun to recognise inside a giant canyon approximately its Tibet policy and start negotiating
that climate change has the potential 3.1 miles deep and 198 miles long. a legally binding international treaty
their practical considerations which emanate the International Drinking Water Supply and to reduce snowpack and glacier mass This will involve construction of a on the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers.
from the gender divisions of work within the Sanitation Decade and consultations were held in the Ti betan plateau, altering one of series of tunnels, pipes, reservoirs As of now, both countries have no
households. in New Delhi in 1990. Discussions on gender the world’s most crucial hydrological and turbines that will generate legal and policy architecture in place
Let us take the example of water collection, issues included a clear call for an increase in systems. With control over Tibet, 40,000 MW of power and exploit the to deal with a looming water dispute.
a task by and large undertaken by women. women’s participation in decision-making and China can claim sovereign right to spectacular 2,000-metre fall of the They only have a couple of MoUs in
control world’s largest freshwater river as it winds down towards India. sharing flood-season hydrological
In a study of 490 households in seven Indian management of water resources. Right to water resources outside the polar regions. This water diversion project an data on these rivers. This, despite
villages by Dr Asthana in 1997, it was found and sanitation and ‘gender mainstreaming’, the These water resources, vulnerable essential part of China’s 10th five- the fact China has already started
that proportion of women in the age above 15 process of assessing implications for women and to global and regional warming, are year plan will cost $62 billion. exploiting Tibetan rivers for their
years determined the choice of safe source of men of any planned action, including legislation, critical for sustaining South Asia’s The entire staff responsible for strategic advantage.
drinking water. This was because almost 79 per policies or programmes in water related issues are food and water security. Should constructing the Lhasa-Beijing Excerpts from: Hasnain. Syed Iqbal ‘River
China be the lone arbiter of the fate railway line has been assigned to Runs Through It’; Times of India; Aug 17,
cent of this water was hauled by women. Thus, well set, at least in principle. And yet while women of Tibet’s waters and what happens executing this mega project quickly. 2010; and Ramachandran. Sudha ‘India
a household with a higher proportion of women bear the disproportionate burden of collecting to downstream nations that depend The project is ominous for millions of sweats over China’s water plans’; Asia
among its members had a higher capability and preserving water, their share in planning and heavily on these rivers? Indians and Bangladeshis. Chinese Times; May 1, 2010.
of hauling water from longer distance. Not decision-making continues to be minimal. The China possesses a robust conservationists have admitted
surprisingly, the proportion of adult men in the non-state initiatives by actors of civil societies, glaciological programme and that the canyon is home to more Meghalaya new water schemes
knows fairly well how long Tibet’s than 60 per cent of the Tibetan
household had no effect. activists and NGOs are better placed in this snow and ice resources will last. plateau’s biological resources and
Another study from Gujarat points out how regard, but water is an essential commodity linked It has embarked on integrated many indigenous communities.
despite improved drinking water situation with livelihood issues and it has a legitimate claim water resource management of Yet China officially denies it is
following state-installed scheme, water collection for societal ownership at large beyond women. all rivers emanating from Tibetan constructing any reservoirs or dams
continued to remain a time consuming process in In fact the entire issue lacks a comprehensive plateau. And it has completed dam on the Brahmaputra. Surprisingly,
construction and water diversion India accepts these official denials.
the State. Village women spent on an average of understanding. For example, transport is an projects on the Salween and Mekong Indian officials add that unlike India,
three hours per day fetching whereas the family integral part of water management and yet rivers, despite regional and global where protests, bureaucratic delays
as a whole spent almost four hours for the same - as the SEWA (an NGO) experiences show, criticism that these will be socially and inadequate funds stand in the
the time allocated by daughters was 83 minutes, despite overall good transport facilities in rural and economically devastating way of implementation of projects,
by sons 12 minutes and by husbands 15 minutes. Gujarat, women have been transport-deprived downstream. China does not negotiate with public The Centre has approved 32 projects
China plans to build 59 reservoirs opposition for projects and has the related to water conservation at a
It is clear that water collection and management in carrying water. on rivers flowing out of the Tibetan will and necessary technological cost of Rs 126.94 crore in Meghalaya
is clearly a responsibility of women. It is therefore The author is Professor, Centre for Study of Regional plateau to save glacier run-off. and financial resources to take in 2010. Ninety per cent of the cost
not surprising that they would be relatively Development (CSRD), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Construction is in full swing at the Brahmaputra diversion project for construction of check dams and
12 J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 13
NEWS ROUNDUP
irrigation facilities would be borne Need for User Fees for farmers which promises zero displacement
by Centre and 10 per cent would be and eco-friendly construction. The would account for 55 per cent of plant was a big deterrent, but and transport capabilities critical.
incurred by State with the launch of state water resources department the total water demand at that point, the increasing scarcity of water The challenges go beyond
the Central Accelerated Irrigation today explored the feasibility of according to a report released slowly has changed mind sets. The drinking water and sanitation as
Benefits Programme (AIBP). Eight rubber dams, especially for rivers last year by Frost & Sullivan, an production cost of a brackish water approximately 80 per cent of India’s
projects are also being undertaken on hilly terrain, in a meeting with international consultant. Given the desalination plant is between Rs 10 water is still used in agriculture. US
for improvement of shifting cultivation Austrian experts. Visiting experts, unbridled construction activity in the and Rs 15 per cubic metre of water. officials feel that India’s continuing
covering an area of 4000 hectare representatives of Austrian firm already congested city and growing The production cost of a sea water population growth and predicted
with a project cost of Rs 4 crore. Hydro-construct, had set up India’s population, the monsoons may not desalination plant varies between impacts of climate change,
Excerpts from: PTI ‘Centre approves first rubber dam on Janjhavati river be enough to meet its water needs. Rs 40 and Rs 50 per cubic metre, including shifts in precipitation and
Meghalaya water schemes’; The Times of in Andhra Pradesh as a temporary In anticipation of such a scenario, whereas the production cost of glacier melt, make this challenge
India; May 26, 2010. Intense, prolonged heat waves measure when bordering Orissa the Mumbai Metropolitan Region desalted water from effluents is one that cannot be addressed by
and growing water crisis in India had objected to a conventional dam Development Authority (MMRDA), between Rs 15 and Rs 50 per cubic governments alone and global
Mineral Water with Faecal Matter are forcing politicians to consider without the latter’s clearance. At the planning body for the Mumbai metre. Also, recent developments communities need partnerships.
implementing user fees and other present the feasibility of erecting metropolitan region (MMR), has in desalination technology have Excerpts from: ‘Invest in India’s water
measures to conserve water. In rubber dams in Koderma and Dumka decided to set up three desalination reduced the cost by 20 per cent. and sanitation sectors: US official’; The
Nagpur, an urban agglomeration are being discussed. Although the plants to retrieve fresh water from the Desalination is most cost-effective Economic Times; July 30, 2010.
with 2.4 million people, the heat construction cost is higher, rubber sea. MMRDA has already initiated the in areas that are close to the sea.
wave triggered a fuel crisis as rail dams were ideal for total water development of dams such as Poshi, Further, the desalination plants need Freshwater from Alaska
wagons that normally transport resource management concerns Pinjal, Kalu and Shai. The project, will to pass stringent environmental and India in a recent move will get water
petroleum were pressed into service such as irrigation, groundwater be a public private partnership (PPP) CRZ restrictions laid down by the shipped in tankers all the way from
to carry water instead. The Indian recharging, flood control and model where MMRDA’s financial Union environment ministry. Alaska much like it gets oil from
government is drafting a new water hydropower generation. The project involvement will be limited up to Excerpts from: ‘By 2025, water deficiency West Asia. S2C Global Systems,
A study of bottled mineral water policy that could create user fees will not get stuck due to agitation bearing the viability gap. One such in India will touch 33%’; Deccan an American company, plans to
in Delhi by Central Pollution for water-intensive sectors, such as against possible displacement project which is being constructed Chronicle; July 14, 2010. start shipping to India within six
Control Board reveals that it has agriculture, to deal with the crisis. and will not need environmental in Chennai at a total cost of Rs 600 to eight months in what is said to
significant levels of pollutants, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the deputy clearance from the forest crore. However, their capacity is 100 US Urges investment in Water and be the world’s first bulk export
notably coliform (faecal matter), chairman of the government panel department since it is constructed mld whereas MMRDA is looking at a Sanitation Sectors of water by tankers. Ships like
a major pollutant in the Yamuna, drafting the new policy, said that on the river basin itself. One such capacity of close to 1500 mld. Suezmax or food-grade tankers will
despite claims to the contrary. The nearly 80 percent of the country’s dam takes between eight and 10 Excerpts from: Siddhaye. Ninad ‘MMRDA ferry fresh water across the Pacific
study took samples from five major water goes to agriculture, but months to get built, with a life-span plans desalination plants to tackle crisis’ to a port south of Mumbai to feed
mineral water brands. It revealed estimated that the figure could be of 28 to 40 years. The rubber dam, Daily News and Analysis; Aug 9, 2010. India’s bottling plants, industry
that most of these brands had reduced to 50 percent. In Pune, which resembles a cycle tube, can and municipalities. The journey
levels of boron and iron exceeding the country’s eighth largest city, be inflated for increased height 2025: Water Deficiency 33 Per Cent could take about 30 days and S2C
safe limits. But what is more the Green Energy Foundation, a to store more water and deflated would protect the water using an
worrying is the presence of coliform locally-based environmental non- when excess water is to be let out. ‘ozonating’ system in the ships.
(bacteria) matter in the water. In profit organisation is urging the The rubber used for the purpose India Microscope, a Citigroup
fact, all brands had excess levels of government to encourage greater is 10 mm thick and reinforced with Noting that 12 per cent of India’s over research report, has cited a study
coliform, and in some cases there harvesting of rainwater, which the three layers of nylon mesh, making 1.2 billion people still lack access to by the Water Resources Group
were traces of coliform from human foundation estimates could provide it bullet proof and indestructible by safe drinking water, the US has asked that says India will be able to meet
faecal matter. The Delhi Pollution 21 percent of the city’s water needs. sharp objects. donors to make targeted investments only half of its water requirement
Control Committee (DPCC) Excerpts from: ‘Drought in India Forces Excerpts from: ‘Now, Dams sans in India’s water and sanitation sector. from indigenous sources by 2030.
traditionally monitors pollution in Talk of User Fees, Rainwater Harvesting’; displacement’; Telegraph India; July 7, Officials believe that targeted The report does not specify when
water considered ‘public’ — like www.circleofblue.org; June 10, 2010. 2010 Water is becoming an endangered investments, even very small ones, the country, will turn deficient.
the Yamuna river and groundwater. resource in many parts of the country can have indisputable economic and Based in Texas, the company owns
But as of now, there are no plans Rubber Dams Mumbai Desalination plants today. Figures from the Ministry public health benefits. The World 50 per cent in Alaska Resource
to monitor mineral water. Increased of Rural Water Supply show that Health Organisation estimates, that Management, which has the right to
levels of faecal coliforms provide the country had enough drinking every US dollar invested in water buy water for bulk export from Blue
a warning of failure in water water for its people in 1951 at 5,177 and sanitation in developing regions Lake under the administration of the
treatment, a break in the integrity of cubic metres per person per year. generates an economic benefit of city and borough of Sitka in Alaska.
the distribution system, or possible But by 2000 India had become a $5 to $28. The magnitude of India’s The water would cost 7 to 10 cents
contamination with pathogens. water-deficient country. In 2003, the water crisis is palpable from the fact a gallon (81 paise to Rs 1.16 a litre)
When levels are high there may country had a 25 per cent deficit, at a that almost half of India’s 626 districts when it lands in India, depending on
be an elevated risk of water borne rate of 1,500 cubic metres per person were drought-stricken in 2009. fuel cost and government levy.
gastroenteritis. per year. The deficit is projected to Yearly monsoons supply more
Excerpts from: Neha Sinha. ‘Mineral water If all goes well, Jharkhand may By 2026, Mumbai will be the largest rise to 33 per cent by 2025, unless than 75 per cent of India’s annual Excerpts from: Saha, Sambit; ‘Where
sold in Delhi has faecal matter, chemicals’; be the second state after Andhra consumer of water among coastal measures are taken to resolve it. precipitation over a period of less Ganga flows, water from Alaska’; The
Indian Express; June 01, 2010. Pradesh to go for the rubber dam, cities in the country. The city alone The cost of setting up a desalination than three months, making storage Telegraph; August 22, 2010.
14 J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 15
WAT E R M AT T E R S
cloudbursts C
loudbursts are primarily
caused by convective,
cumulo nimbus clouds
resulting in heavy downpour.
The Leh Devastation
Monsoon brought with it the
disastrous cloudburst of Leh
Indus that flows in a reverse arc
towards its east and south. The
road to Manali runs right through
(town in Ladakh division, J&K) the middle of this patch of land,
Various researches suggest that on August 6 which has killed which at many places appears
cloudbursts are manifestations more than a hundred people and like a desert.
of intense small scale vortices injured over 400. The slithering Contrary to popular perception,
that generate strong convective mass of mud washed away the unprecedented cloudburst
currents, which lift moisture people and homes. Villagers did not trigger floods. Mountains
living in the upper reaches bore in the dry, cold desert of Ladakh
laden air with sufficient rapidity the full impact of the sliding pile are made of rocks stuck in loose,
to create cumulo nimbus clouds of mud and rocks. A patch of sandy formations. Concentrated
that shed the water load with land - 500 metre long and 300 rains, thus, immediately turn
great strength and ferocity. metre wide, about 15 minutes’ them into mortar which then
drive on the road to Manali was slithers down as a rumbling
The raindrops form a strong
completely overrun by mud that mass of cold lava and obliterates
downdraft in an event that appeared like mortar. This was anything that comes in its way.
appears as if the cloud has burst where most of the Choglumsar Once the mass settles after
open, with the larger drops village stood. The area is a exhausting its momentum, the
falling with a terminal velocity plateau, with rising hills to its water locked in the mortar and
north and west. The wind-swept blocked behind the mass breaks
of around 12 km/h to over 80
plain gently slopes towards the free into gushing streams.
km/h. The resulting rainfall is a
torrent of water, falling at high
speed, over a small area. When the occurrence of cloudbursts and large scale mining projects,
the speed of water accumulation because of their scale. A very fine and increasing human activity
on the ground exceeds the network of radars is required to along rivers and nullahs. Most
surface’s ability to absorb it, be able to detect the likelihood debris that arises from human
localised flooding will occur of a cloudburst and this would interventions in hilly regions
in low lying terrain. In hilly or be prohibitively expensive. Only are carelessly dumped along
mountainous terrain, the runoff areas likely to receive heavy slopes, which eventually finds
of water congregate in stream rainfall can be identified on a its way into rivers and smaller
beds or canyons and cause short range scale. Much of the streams. Once the level of the
deadly and damaging flash damage can be avoided by way bed is raised, the water channel
Cloudbursts or downpours have no strict meteorological floods. In India the northwest of identifying the areas and the is unable to bear the sudden
definition. The term usually signifies a sudden, heavy fall of rain moving monsoonal systems meteorological situations that surge of a larger load that occurs
over a short period of time. A localised weather phenomena, after recurving over Rajasthan, favour the occurrence of cloud during cloudbursts. Thus sheet
pass over the hilly regions of bursts. Factors that aggravate flooding occurs along the
cloudbursts leads to flash floods/ landslides, house collapse, Himachal and adjoining areas. the cloudburst devastation slopes resulting in widespread
dislocation of traffic and human casualties. Thus these areas are prone to are indiscriminate and large devastation.
—Staff Reporter frequent cloudbursts. scale deforestation, haphazard Inputs from: Popular Mechanics: books.google.
co.in; newspapers: Times of India, Hindustan
There is no satisfactory unplanned urbanisation, Times, deccanherald.com, oneindia.in, 7-10
technique for anticipating construction of roads, dams August 2010.
16 J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 17WAT E R M AT T E R S
groundwater
resources
UTTARAKHAND
It is ironical that despite having the potential to act as a
water reservoir of India by virtue of its extraordinarily
dense drainage network and natural sources, Uttarakhand
suffers from water shortage. Apart from ecological reasons,
indiscriminate human activities such as deforestation,
pollution, and competitive utilisation of water and
inadequate water management are some of the problems
faced by the region. Revival of traditional methods towards
water conservation is needed in conjecture with judicious
use of modern technologies.
—Dr A K Bhatia
U
ttarakhand is mostly hilly with the occurs as an elongated belt all along the southern
remaining 15 per cent being occupied by boundary of the State starting from the base of
plains. The state can be broadly divided the hills and continues into Uttar Pradesh. The
into two hydrogeological regimes as defined below. area is very promising from a hydrogeological
point of view having substantial groundwater
Himalayan Mountain Belt resource and forms the major source of agriculture
The Himalayan Mountain belt is a part of production and industrial development.
the Alpine-Himalayan mountain chain. The The quality of groundwater is fresh in the State
PRESHWATER STREAM ON THE ROAD TO CHOPTA, UTTARAKHAND
mountain belt trends northwest-southeast with except for some fluoride and iron contamination.
roughly parallel ranges spanning the State. The However in recent years the quality has started
area is not feasible for groundwater development deteriorating in and around industrial areas where
due to its geological and physiographical setup. untreated effluents are injudiciously discharged,
leading groundwater pollution.
The physiography of Uttarakhand does not Gangetic Alluvial Plain
allow large repositories of groundwater to A vast expanse of alluvium of Tertiary and Groundwater management
develop in the higher reaches of the State. Quaternary age with a general elevation of about It is ironical that there should be an acute water
The hilly districts face scarcity of groundwater
despite prominent rivers like Ganga, Yamuna,
600 meters above mean sea level constitutes scarcity in Uttarakhand, the flanks of which
Kali etc flowing through these areas. The the Plain. Alluvium is a generalised term for give birth to India’s mightiest rivers. However,
population largely depends on springs and unconsolidated sediments consisting of a mixture the region characterised by distinct ecological
seepages for their domestic needs. of sand, silt, boulder and pebble. The Plain zones, have river systems, lakes, innumerable
18 J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 19S TAT E S T U DY
streams and springs that are a result of specific water resources. Ever increasing population and water conservation, rain water harvesting and arrest surface runoff, increase soil moisture,
climatic, topographical, geological and vegetative with the formation of an independent State the artificial recharge are very much relevant to the recharge shallow groundwater aquifer and also
characteristic of the zone. The significant feature encouragement to industrialisation has increased State. The population largely depends on springs help in reducing soil erosion. It is also feasible to
of the water resource regime in the hills is the the water requirement manifold. and seepages for their domestic needs. Hand construct small check dams, nala bunds, recharge
great variation that occurs across the ranges The physiography of Uttarakhand does pumps are being installed at more and more places shafts and trenches at suitable locations. The local
and valleys. Management is thus dependent on not allow large repositories of groundwater to cater to the domestic requirement. The larger populace may also be encouraged to tap rooftop
specific locations, making policy interventions a to develop in the higher reaches of the State. springs are often used by the State Government rain to either facilitate groundwater recharge or
very complex task. Anthropogenic changes over The hilly districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, to supply irrigation water through a network of for tank storage.
the last few decades exert a direct impact with a Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, Almora, Bageshwar, gravity channels called ‘guls’. The foothills and plain areas of the State has
vast reduction and change in the extent and nature Champawat, Tehri Garhwal, northern parts of Almost 95 per cent of rainfall from the steep potential aquifers due to which agricultural and
of forest cover which has now fallen by almost Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal and Nainital have sloped catchment area moves out of the State industrial activities have accelerated. Farmers
40 per cent. Correspondingly, the water resource scarcity of groundwater despite prominent rivers as surface runoff. It is thus important that this and industries use groundwater unscrupulously -
base has been reduced to critical levels, resulting like Ganga, Yamuna, Kali etc flowing through runoff is arrested to some extent by constructing many farmers grow two paddy crops in one year
in water crisis in the hills. Despite this, agriculture these areas. However due to nature’s processes suitable water conservation structures. The best with a third crop in between and run their tube
is still the main occupation which in turn means even hard rocks develop secondary porosity and option for the hilly terrain is construction of wells 24 hours a day. This large scale groundwater
irrigation and thus a compounding stress on can contain limited quantities of water. Hence gully plugs and contour bunds. These structures usage has resulted in drying up of dug wells,
Freshwater Resources of tributaries have an Ganga with its two headquarters the Himalayas, the better known bearing the load of household
of Uttarakhand aggregate discharge of Dhauli Dhama Ganga and Lissar, among which are Nainital, Bhimtal, chores, rapidly dwindling water
—Dr Mahabir Singh Negi about 24.24 million m3/ meets Kali at Khala. Goriganga and Naukuchiatal, Sant Tal, Punatal, resources translates into an added
year with the potential to generate Sarju (with its tributaries Gomati, Nal Damyanti, Khurpa, Sukha, burden. Many of the Himalayan
The Uttarakhand Himalayas about 40000 MW electricity, The Yamuna-
una- Ramganga and Panar) meets Saria and Malwa Tal. High altitude lakes located in rapidly urbanising
receives about 5.8 million hectare which can irrigate almost the total Tons Basin is dominated by river the Kali at Jauljibi and Chukka, lakes of the Kumaon division are areas are facing a high rate of
meters of rainwater annually with culturable land of North India and Yamuna, which debouches from the respectively. The Ladhiya and the little Mansarovar, Morital, Gang sedimentation and accelerated
an annual average rainfall ranging fulfill the drinking water requirements Yamunotri glacier lying on the SW Kwairala are other tributaries of Pani Tal and Syamala Tal, while chemical and biological pollution.
from 973 to 2592 mm. Only 1/10th of all its people. slope of Banderpunchh peak. At river Kali. high altitude lakes of Garhwali Springs, the main source of
of its total geographical area is The Bhagirathi-Alaknanda Basin Dhalipur river Giri joins the Yamuna. More than 80 per cent of river Himalayas are Diurital, Dodital, drinking water are drying and
cultivated of which 80 per cent forms a major part of this region Tons the important tributary of discharge comes from the various Roopkund, Hemkund, Basukital, privatisation of water sources are
is dependent on the rains. Quite with the rivers originating from Yamuna, originates from the glaciers, the larger ones being Chorabari Tal, Satopanth Tal and creating further problems.
often there is a complete failure of the opposite side of Chaukhamba Northern slope of the Banderpunchh Gangotri, Kedarnath, Bhagat Sahastra Tal. Thirty three thermal There are several ways to
crops for want of timely pre sowing peak with a height of 7138 meters. peak, joining the River at Kalsi. Kharak, Satopanth, Pindari and springs are also found in the conserve water in these hilly
irrigation, essentially because the Alaknanda, arising from Alkapuri Supin, Rupin and Pabar are the Milam. Out of 5218 glaciers State. The rapidly expanding reaches the foremost being revival
water resources remain largely glacier, is the main tributary of important tributaries of the Tons. covering an areas of 38221.37 sq. population and changing lifestyles of chaal/khaal method of collecting
under-utilised. Since the livelihood Bhagirathi. Saraswati, Dhauli After flowing for about 125 km from km of the Indian Himalayas, 878 have increased the need for rainwater. Catchment area
and allied activities of the region Ganga, Birahi Ganga, Nandakini, the source, the river Yamuna enters glaciers are found in Uttarakhand, fresh water on one hand and bunding can reduce the fury
are largely agriculture-dependent, Mandakini, Madhu Ganga, Pinder the Doon valley. The Asan, Nalota which covers about 3701.91 sq km the intense competitions among of flash floods and recharge
appraisal and planning of water are the tributaries of Alaknanda. Nala is another tributary of Yamuna. area. The famous 30 km long and users in agriculture, industry and groundwater. There is also a need
resources has become an important The Bhagirathi originates from the The Kali System consists of about 2 km wide Gangotri glacier domestic sector is pushing the to create awareness among village
developmental issue of Uttarakhand Gomukh. The Bhilangna, Balganga, Kalapani and the Kuthi Yankti, the is located on the western slopes of groundwater table deeper on the communities to abate wasteful
The rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Jadganga, Kaldi and Jaipur are the eastern and the western headwaters the Chaukhamba peak. other. Also, the water sources are practices.
Ramganga, Tons, Alaknanda, main tributaries of Bhagirathi. The of Kali respectively. The Kalapani There are several medium and located at lower altitudes whereas
Mandakini, Pindar, Nandakini, Kosi, Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet at is a collection of spring while Kuthi high altitude lakes in Uttarakhand the villages are in mostly in the The author is Associate Professor, HNB
Bhilangana, Kali and their hundreds Devprayag to emerge as Ganga. Yankti is snow feed. The Dhauli scattered in different sections of higher reaches. With women Central University, Uttarakhand
20 J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 21S TAT E S T U DY
Hydrogeological map: Uttarakhand
WAT E R M AT T E R S
HIMACHAL PRADESH
CHINA
UTTARKASHI
c
Never was a crossword so
Uttarkashi easy. Lift your pens, get-
RUDRAPRAYAG
CHAMOLI b
set and go ...
TEHRII G A W
GARHWAL
1
Tehri g
D HRA ADUN
DEHRADUN Gopeshwar
Rudraprayag
eh
hr
Dehradun
a e i
Pauri
PITH
HORA
R AGA
ARH
PITHORAGARH 6 I T
Hardwar PAURI GARHWAL BAGESHWAR R 2 A
w
Bageshwar
R
HARDWAR Many of the Himalayan 8 A
Pithoragarh
lakes located in rapidly
ALMORA
urbanising areas are 3
facing a high rate of
9 S
UTTAR PRADESH N
NAINITAL sedimentation and
Champawat NEPAL
a
Nainital accelerated chemical
M
CHAMPAWAT
and biological pollution.
7
Springs, the main source
UDHAM SINGH NAGAR of drinking water are
d f h j
Rudrapur drying and privatisation of
water sources are creating 4
further problems.
LEGEND
10 I A
International boundary State boundary District boundary District Headquarter Perennial river
5
Age Group Formation Lithology Aquifer Character Reservoir/water body
Porous Formation
Quaternary Alluvium Clay, calcareous concretions, Extensive aquifers
silt, sand, gravel, boulders etc.
Gravel, grit, sand and clays Localised aquifers
Miocene to Sedimentaries Sandstone, claystone Local or discontinuous
Pliocene conglomerate, boulder aquifers
beds etc.
Fissured Formation
Unclassified Mesozoic, Sedimentaries and Shale, quartzite, slate, phyllite,
Paleozoic and Upper meta-sedimentaries sandstone, dolomite, limestone
Local or discontinuous
aquifers
Accross Down
Proterozoic 1. The ability of porous rock to retain water through the process a. The portion of earth between the land surface and the phreatic
Lower Proterozoic Crystalline and Gneissic complex and Localised aquifers of___. (10) zone or zone of saturation. (6,4)
Azoic meta-sedimentaries associated intrusives
2. Coastal feature formed by sediments, till sea-surface, creating a b. The deposition of water in a solid or a liquid form on the Earth’s
Hydraulic Characteristics: yield properties navigation hazard. (5) surface from atmospheric sources. (13)
3. The process of surface water nutrient enrichment causing a c. India’s largest saltwater lake in Orissa. (7)
High, 10-50 lps Moderate, 5-25 lps Low, up to 5 lps Very Low
water body to fill with aquatic plants and algae. (14) d. That part of streamflow derived from groundwater flowing into a
4. A crescent-shaped lake occurring on a river. (2-3,4) stream. (8)
5. An elevated bank flanking the channel of a river and standing e. The saturated underground formation that will yield usable
decline of water levels and dwindling of free/ shaft, trench, pit percolation tank, check above the level of the floodplain. (5) amounts of water to a well or spring. (7)
artesian flow. Certain areas of Haridwar district dam etc can be constructed at places where 6. A conduit, or channel designed to transport water from f. A water-parting from which head-streams flow to separate river
remote area. (8) systems. (9)
has been classified under overexploited category technically feasible. The traditional rainwater 7. The rainfall minus the loss by evaporation. (6) g. The first cyclonic storm to affect southeastern India in May since
and requires special attention for sustainable harvesting structures like ponds’, lakes guls etc. 8. A mighty Indian river with the largest number of the 1990 Andhra Pradesh cyclone. (5)
development of groundwater. should be rehabilitated so as to store the rainfall
Answer on page 59
tributaries. (5) h. The mouth of a river where it broadens into the sea leading to an
In the plain areas of the State, the most runoff for direct use and artificial recharge to 9. That part of the process of denudation which involves the intermixing of saline and freshwater. (7)
beneficial method of conservation would be groundwater. wearing away of the land surface by mechanical action of i. The process by which plants lose water vapour through the
transported debris. (7) stomata on their leaves. (13)
large scale roof top rainfall harvesting. Apart The author is Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board, 10. The longest dam in India-located in Orissa. (7) j. Lowering of the water-table by artificial means. (8)
from this, several other structure like recharge Dehradun, Uttarakhand
22 J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU G E O G R A PH Y A N D YOU J U LY - AUGU S T 2 010 23You can also read
