ISS Previous Year Paper 2018 GS Solution Question 2(e) Rainwater Harvesting and Small Check Dams in India

ISS Previous Year Paper 2018 GS Solution Question 2(e) Rainwater Harvesting and Small Check Dams in India. Detailed answer explaining the growing preference for rainwater harvesting and small check dams over large dams for sustainable water management.

ISS Previous Year Paper 2018 GS Solution Question 2(e) Rainwater Harvesting and Small Check Dams in India

ISS Previous Year Paper 2018 GS Solution Question

Q.2(e) Account for the recent emphasis on rainwater harvesting and small check dams on rivulets in India in preference to big dams on the main rivers.

Answer :

India has increasingly focused on rainwater harvesting and small check dams because they provide sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions to water scarcity.

One major advantage of rainwater harvesting is that it helps recharge groundwater reserves, which have been declining in many parts of the country. Small check dams built on rivulets slow the flow of water, increase infiltration, and improve water availability for agriculture and domestic use.

Unlike large dams, small water conservation structures involve lower construction costs, require less maintenance, and can be implemented quickly. They also minimize displacement of people and reduce environmental damage associated with large-scale reservoir projects.

Large dams often lead to submergence of forests, loss of biodiversity, and rehabilitation challenges for affected communities. In contrast, rainwater harvesting and check dams support decentralized water management and encourage community participation.

These structures are particularly effective in drought-prone and semi-arid regions where local water conservation is essential for sustainable development. They also help improve soil moisture, increase agricultural productivity, and strengthen climate resilience.

Therefore, the growing emphasis on small-scale water conservation measures reflects the need for sustainable and locally appropriate water resource management.

Conclusion

Rainwater harvesting and small check dams offer environmentally sustainable and economically viable solutions to India's water challenges. Their ability to recharge groundwater, support agriculture, and minimize ecological damage makes them increasingly preferred over large dams in many regions.