Drop in India’s reservoir water levels

   

Latest Context:

Recently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that India has witnessed a high rainfall deficit in the month of August.

More about the news:

• Due to low rainfall, the water levels in crucial reservoirs have experienced a sharp decline, raising concerns about water supply for households, industries, and power generation.
• Basically, August is a month when India's reservoirs see their water storage levels increase significantly. However, August 2023 was an exception, as it marked the driest August in over 120 years.
• Instead of the expected 255 mm of rainfall, the country received only about 162 mm, resulting in a 36% rainfall deficiency.

What can be the consequences of dry water reservoirs?

Water Scarcity:

• Reduced availability of water for agriculture, drinking, and industrial purposes in the affected region.
• Increased competition for limited water resources, potentially leading to conflicts among different user groups.

Crop Failure and Food Insecurity:

• Reduced irrigation water can result in crop failures and lower agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages and higher food prices.
• Farmers may face financial distress due to reduced income from their crops.

Ecological Impact:

• Depletion of groundwater levels due to increased reliance on groundwater for irrigation during dry periods.
• Negative effects on aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity as water levels decrease and water quality deteriorates.

Impact on Hydropower Generation:

• Reduced water levels in reservoirs can lead to decreased hydropower generation, affecting the availability of electricity in the region.

Economic Consequences:

• Decline in economic activities of people dependent on water resources, such as fisheries, tourism, and water-based industries.
• Loss of livelihoods for communities dependent on these activities.

Migration:

• In some cases, prolonged water scarcity can force people to migrate in search of water and livelihood opportunities, potentially leading to increased urbanization and strain on urban infrastructure.

Infrastructure Damage:

• Low water levels can expose submerged structures and infrastructure, leading to damage and the need for costly repairs.

Health Issues:

• Water scarcity can result in inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices, leading to increased health risks for affected populations.

Long-term Environmental Changes:

• Repeated or prolonged dry reservoirs can contribute to long-term environmental changes, such as soil degradation and desertification in surrounding areas.

Conclusion and Way Forward:

To mitigate the consequences of dry water reservoirs, it is essential to adopt sustainable water management practices, including efficient water use, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and the development of drought-resistant crops. Additionally, improved water governance and infrastructure can help address these challenges and ensure the sustainable use of water resources in India.

 

 

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi