SSC CGL DEST Previous Year – Water Conservation

Water is life. All living organisms need water to survive. Without water, there can be no life on earth. About 71 percent of the earth's surface is covered by water, but most of it is salt water in the oceans. Only about 3 percent of the earth's water is fresh water, and of this, most is locked in glaciers and ice caps. Only a tiny fraction of the earth's water is readily available for human use in the form of rivers, lakes and groundwater. Despite the scarcity of fresh water, it is being wasted and polluted at an alarming rate. Industries discharge untreated effluents into rivers and lakes. Agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides pollutes water bodies. Open defecation and improper disposal of solid waste also contribute to water pollution. Groundwater levels are falling in many parts of India due to over-extraction for agriculture and other uses. Many cities face acute water shortages, especially in the summer months. Water conservation is therefore an urgent necessity. Every drop of water must be used wisely. Rainwater harvesting, which involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use, is an effective way to conserve water. Drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation are more efficient than flood irrigation and can save a large amount of water. Fixing leaking pipes and taps in homes and public places can prevent significant wastage. Industries should recycle and reuse water to reduce their consumption. Protecting forests and wetlands is also important for maintaining the natural water cycle.