Water: A Resource for Life and Development
Introduction
Water is one of the most vital natural resources that sustains all forms of life on Earth. It supports
ecosystems, agriculture, industry, and domestic use. This project explores water from four different
dimensions of social science: Geography, History, Civics, and Economics, to understand its role in life and
development.
Geography: Water Resources in India
Major Water Resources:
- Surface Water: Rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs
- Groundwater: Found beneath the Earth's surface, in aquifers and wells
Major Rivers in India:
1. Ganga - Origin: Gangotri Glacier | Dam: Tehri Dam
2. Yamuna - Origin: Yamunotri Glacier | Dam: Okhla Barrage
3. Brahmaputra - Origin: Tibet | Dam: Subansiri (proposed)
4. Godavari - Origin: Maharashtra | Dam: Jayakwadi
5. Krishna - Origin: Mahabaleshwar | Dam: Nagarjuna Sagar
Importance of Monsoon:
- Southwest Monsoon (June-Sept) gives 75% of India's rainfall
- Essential for agriculture, affects economy
Activity:
Draw a map of India showing major rivers and dams.
History: Traditional Water Management in India
Ancient Systems:
1. Stepwells (Baolis): Deep wells with steps, common in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- Example: Rani ki Vav, Patan (UNESCO site)
2. Tanks: Man-made reservoirs in South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka)
Water: A Resource for Life and Development
3. Canals:
- Mauryan Period: Described in Arthashastra
- Mughal Period: Shah Jahan's canals in Punjab
Activity:
Write a report on one traditional system and its water conservation benefits.
Civics: Water as a Right & Responsibility
Water as a Basic Right:
- Recognized under Article 21: Right to Life
- Supported by Supreme Court
Government Initiatives:
1. Jal Shakti Abhiyan
2. Namami Gange Mission
3. National Water Policy
Laws & Conservation:
- Rainwater harvesting rules in urban areas
- Environment Protection Act (1986)
Activity:
Survey people about water usage and conservation. Represent data using charts or graphs.
Economics: Role of Water in Development
Agriculture:
- Over 60% Indian farms depend on irrigation
- Water scarcity causes crop loss
Industry:
- Water used for cooling, cleaning, manufacturing
Water: A Resource for Life and Development
- Affects sectors like textiles, steel, power
Impact of Water Scarcity:
- Livelihood loss, migration, food price rise
Activity:
Create a case study on drought-affected areas like Marathwada.
Conclusion
Water is the foundation of life and development. A multidisciplinary approach shows how geography, history,
governance, and economy are all connected through water. Conservation is our collective duty for a
sustainable future.