Question

“Indiscriminate use of water by increasing population and industrial expansion has led to degradation of the quality of water considerably.” Evaluate the statement with examples.

Hint:

Sustainable water management practices, such as wastewater treatment and reducing chemical use in agriculture, are essential to prevent further degradation of water quality.

Answer 1

The indiscriminate use of water due to increasing population and industrial expansion has indeed led to significant degradation in water quality in many parts of India. Some key points include:
- Population Growth and Water Usage: As India’s population has grown, the demand for water for drinking, agriculture, and sanitation has increased dramatically. Over-extraction of groundwater has led to a decline in water levels, affecting the quality of available water. For example, in cities like Delhi and Chennai, groundwater is increasingly being depleted, leading to both water scarcity and contamination from polluted water sources.
- Industrial Pollution: Industrial expansion has contributed to water pollution by discharging untreated or inadequately treated effluents into rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The Yamuna River in Delhi is one such example, where industrial effluents, sewage, and agricultural runoff have caused severe pollution, making the water unfit for consumption and harming aquatic life.
- Agricultural Runoff and Chemicals: The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture contributes to water pollution through runoff. These chemicals leach into nearby water bodies, contaminating drinking water sources and harming ecosystems. Rivers like the Ganges and the Godavari have experienced pollution from agricultural runoff, affecting water quality and health. In conclusion, the uncontrolled use of water resources and industrial expansion have significantly degraded water quality in India, leading to health hazards and environmental concerns.