Question

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Maharashtra is a state located in western India, with a population of over 110 million people. The state is home to several large cities, including Mumbai, and has a significant agricultural sector. However, the state is facing a severe water crisis, with its water resources coming under increasing pressure due to climate change, industrialization, and urbanization. The main challenges faced by water resource management in Maharashtra are: Overexploitation of groundwater: Maharashtra is one of the most groundwater-stressed states in India, with the demand for water exceeding the supply. Overexploitation of groundwater for agriculture and urban use has led to a decline in water levels, which has severe implications for the sustainability of water resources. Pollution of surface water: Industrialization and urbanization have led to the pollution of surface water bodies such as rivers and lakes. The pollution has led to water quality degradation, which poses risks to human health and the environment. Inefficient irrigation practices: The agricultural sector is the largest user of water in Maharashtra, accounting for around 80% of total water use. However, traditional irrigation practices such as flood irrigation are inefficient and lead to the wastage of water.

1. Mention any one reasons for the water crisis faced by the state of Maharashtra.
2. Propose any one solution to mitigate the water crisis faced by Maharashtra state.
3. Despite being the second highest rainfall-receiving state of the country, Maharashtra still faces water crisis. Substantiate this statement in 40 words.

Answer 1

1. Two reasons Maharashtra faces a water crisis are overexploitation of groundwater and pollution of surface water bodies due to industrialisation and urbanisation.
2. Despite receiving the second-highest rainfall in the country, traditional irrigation practices like flood irrigation leading to water shortages in Maharashtra. Flood irrigation involves excessive water use, and the water gets lost due to runoff, leading to less water available for other uses.
3. To mitigate the water crisis in Maharashtra, one solution could be to promote adopting more efficient irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, that use less water and are more targeted in their delivery. The state can also use rain water harvesting system to improve ground water levels along the western side of western Ghats which receive maximum rainfall. This will increase the efficiency of water use in the state of Maharashtra.