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

India's water quality has significantly deteriorated due to the excessive consumption of water, driven by population expansion and industrial growth. Key contributing factors are:
- Population Increase and Water Demand: A growing population necessitates greater water allocation for domestic use, farming, and hygiene. Excessive groundwater extraction has resulted in lower water tables, compromising water quality. For instance, cities like Delhi and Chennai face significant groundwater depletion, leading to both scarcity and contamination from impure sources.
- Industrial Discharge: Industrial expansion pollutes water bodies by releasing untreated or partially treated waste into rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. The Yamuna River in Delhi exemplifies this issue, with industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff severely contaminating the water, rendering it unusable for drinking and damaging aquatic ecosystems.
- Agricultural Contamination: The application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in farming contributes to water pollution via runoff. These substances seep into adjacent water sources, contaminating potable water and harming the environment. Rivers such as the Ganges and Godavari have been affected by agricultural runoff, impacting water quality and public health. Consequently, the unchecked exploitation of water resources and industrial development have severely degraded India's water quality, posing health risks and environmental challenges.