Management of Natural Resources

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Water resource is a basic necessity for all terrestrial forms of life.Rain is an important source of water.

1. Water harvesting is an age-old concept in India
2. Khadins, tanks and nadis in Rajasthan
3. Bandharas and tals in Maharashtra
4. Bundhis in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
5. Ahars and pynes in Bihar
6. Kulhs in Himachal Pradesh
7. Ponds in the Kandi belt of Jammu region
8. eris (tanks) in Tamil Nadu
9. surangams in Kerala
10. kattas in Karnataka

These are some of the ancient water harvestings, including water conveyance, structures. These are still in use at many places.

A dam is a barrier that impounds water or underground streams. Reservoirs created by dams not only suppress floods but also provide water for such activities as irrigation, human consumption, industrial use, aquaculture, and navigability. Hydropower is often used in conjunction with dams to generate electricity.

A dam can also be used to collect water or for storage of water which can be evenly distributed between locations. Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees (also known as dikes) are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions.

A dam can also be used to collect water or for storage of water which can be evenly distributed between locations.

Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees (also known as dikes) are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions.

Various dams have been built on rivers to regulate the flow of water.

1. Tehri Dam − On river Ganga
2. Sardar Sarovar Dam − On river Narmada
3. Bhakra Nangal Dam − On river Satluj

Advantages of Dams

1. Ensures adequate water for irrigation.
2. To generate electricity.
3. A continuous supply of water to cities and towns.

Disadvantages of Dams

1. Social problems :
   1. Many tribals and peasants are displaced and rendered homeless.
   2. They do not get adequate compensation or rehabilitation.
2. Environmental problems :
   1. Deforestation
   2. Loss of biodiversity
   3. Disturb ecological balance
3. Economic problems :
   1. A huge amount of public money is used.
   2. No proportionate benefit to people.
   3. No equitable distribution of water.

Water harvesting is the act of collecting and storing rainwater for future use. This can be done in areas of low or high rainfall amounts using tanks and cisterns. Collecting rainfall can reduce the amount of run-off, flooding, and erosion in prone areas.

The traditional water harvesting structures usually focus on recharging the groundwater rather making an open reservoir. It has several advantages. Unlike surface water; the groundwater does not evaporate and thus loss because of evaporation is prevented. The groundwater does not provide a breeding ground for the mosquitoes and hence is good for public health as well. The groundwater is relatively protected from contamination by human activities.