General Studies (Paper - 3) : Model Question & Answers

Question: 'Sustainable water use is a crucial input in attaining sustainable economic development.' Elaborate the statement highlighting the role of water in sustainable industrial and agricultural development.

Answer: For sustainable use, we must know the present situation on water use. Out of total water use, irrigation accounted for nearly 78% followed by domestic use 6%, industries 5%, power development 3%, and other activities claimed about 8% including evaporation losses, environment and navigational requirements.

Therefore, for sustainable agricultural and industrial the following reforms must be taken:

(i) Irrigation Sector Reforms: State Governments may restructure the Water Resources Departments to bridge the knowledge gap in planning, development and management of water resources in a sustainable manner as also making it more professional. The water rates being charged at present are very low and are not able to meet even the operation and maintenance costs of the irrigation projects. Farmers on the other hand, who otherwise may not be averse to paying increased water charges refuse to do so unless the quality of services is first improved and there sets a vicious circle. Micro Irrigation system should be encouraged.

(ii) Domestic use of water can be made more efficient by taking steps like metering, market determined tariff and by public awareness about more efficient water use in everyday activities.

(iii) Industrial Sector: Unlike in Irrigation the industries require water on regular basis throughout the year. Therefore, to ensure reasonable availability of water for industries even during the lean periods, the industries will have to inculcate the habit of efficient water use. Besides this, industrial water management has to address a major issue of water quality of effluents which can also be tackled to some extent through efficient water use.