Chapter 3 · Question 5
Suggest ways to conserve water in agriculture and daily life.
Answer
Direct Answer
Water can be conserved through drip and sprinkler irrigation, crop choice suited to local rainfall, lining canals, repairing leaks, recycling wastewater, rooftop harvesting, watershed management, and reducing wastage in homes and industries.
Simple Explanation
Conserve water through drip irrigation, local-suited crops, lining canals, fixing leaks, recycling wastewater, rooftop harvesting, watershed management, and reducing wastage at home.
Exam-Ready Structure
Water can be conserved through measures in both agriculture and daily life:
In agriculture:
• Drip irrigation: Delivers water directly to plant roots through pipes with small holes, minimising evaporation and waste.
• Sprinkler irrigation: Sprays water like rain over crops, using less water than flood irrigation.
• Crop choice: Growing crops suited to local rainfall conditions reduces the need for irrigation.
• Lining canals: Lined canals reduce water loss through seepage into the ground.
• Watershed management: Treating entire watersheds to capture and retain rainfall, recharge groundwater, and reduce runoff.
• Mulching: Covering soil with crop residue or plastic reduces evaporation.
In daily life:
• Repairing leaks: Fixing dripping taps and leaking pipes saves significant water over time.
• Recycling wastewater: Treated greywater from kitchens and bathrooms can be used for gardening or flushing.
• Rooftop rainwater harvesting: Collecting rain from roofs for household use or groundwater recharge.
• Reducing wastage: Turning off taps while brushing, taking shorter showers, and using water-efficient appliances.
• Industrial conservation: Industries can recycle cooling water and treat effluents before discharge.
Key Points
- Water can be conserved through drip and sprinkler irrigation, crop choice suited to local rainfall, lining canals, repairing leaks, recycling wastewater, rooftop harvesting, watershed management, and reducing wastage in homes and industries.
Relevant Maps and Figures
Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting and Tankas
diagram
Use the chapter model as one practical conservation measure before listing irrigation and watershed steps.
It gives the answer a concrete example instead of only policy language.
Use this setup to explain how rooftop runoff is collected, stored, and reused in water-scarce regions.
Answer Sources
- Water conservation and management measurestextbook section | Contemporary India-II | Water Resources | Conservation and management | Pages 7-11