Discuss the availability of water resources in the country and factors that determine its spatial distribution?

Solution

India accounts for about 2.45% of world surface area, 4% of world's water resources and about 16% of world's population. The total water available from precipitation in the country in a year is about 4000 cubic km. The availability from surface water and replenishable ground water is 1,869 cubic km. The total utilisable water resources in the country is only 1122 cubic km.

The factors which determine the spatial distribution are discussed below:

1. Surface water resources : There are four major sources of surface water such as rivers, lakes, ponds and tanks. The mean annual flow in all river basins in India is estimated to be 1869 cubic km. Only 690 cubic km. of available surface water can be utilised.

2. Ground water resources : The total replenishable groundwater resources in the country are about 432 cubic km. Ganga and Brahmaputra basins have about 46% of the total replenishable water in India.

The ground water utilisation is very high in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu while Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Kerala etc. utilise very small portion of their ground water potential.

3. Lagoons : The states like Kerala, Orissa and West Bengal, have vast surface water resources in the lagoons and lakes.

Some More Questions From Water Resources Chapter

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Water Resources

Discuss the availability of water resources in the country and factors that determine its spatial distribution?

Some More Questions From Water Resources Chapter

Which of the following figures in cubic kilometres correctly shows the total annual precipitation in India?

Which one of the following south Indian states has the highest ground water utilisation (in per cent) of its total ground water potential?

The highest proportion of the total water used in the country is in which one of the following sectors?

It is said that the water resources in India have been depleting very fast. Discuss the factors responsible for depletion of water resources.

What factors are responsible for highest groundwater development in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu?

What can be possible impacts of consumption of contaminated/unclean water on the people?

Discuss the availability of water resources in the country and factors that determine its spatial distribution?

The depleting water resources may lead to social conflicts and disputes. Elaborate it with suitable examples.

What is watershed management? Do you think it can play an important role in sustainable development?

What are the major water resources?

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