Water – A Vital Resource
Presented by: Samiullah Ahmad — Class 8 C Silver
Introduction
Water is one of the most essential resources on Earth. It supports all forms of life and plays
a critical role in agriculture, industry, and domestic activities. Managing water resources
efficiently is vital to ensure a sustainable supply for present and future generations.
Importance of Water
Water is fundamental for survival and development. It is used across all sectors of human
activity:
• Agriculture: Water is used for irrigation and to support livestock. Without regular water
supply, crops fail and food production declines.
• Industry: Many industries depend on water for manufacturing processes, cooling
machinery, and cleaning products or equipment.
• Domestic Use: At home, water is necessary for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and
maintaining hygiene.
To maintain water availability, systems like reservoirs, treatment plants, and canals are
used to store, clean, and distribute water safely.
The Indus Water Treaty
The Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, with mediation by
the World Bank. According to the agreement, India controls the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas,
Sutlej), while Pakistan controls the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). The treaty was
established to avoid conflicts over shared river water after the partition of British India. It
remains one of the most successful international water-sharing agreements, although
tensions occasionally arise over dam constructions and water usage.
Causes and Solutions to Water Supply Problems
Causes:
• Overuse of water in agriculture, industries, and households.
• Pollution of rivers, lakes, and groundwater due to industrial waste and sewage.
• Climate change, which reduces rainfall and affects freshwater availability.
Solutions:
• Implementing water-saving irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, to minimize waste.
• Rainwater harvesting — collecting and storing rainwater for later use.
• Recycling and treating wastewater for reuse in agriculture or industry.
Water Conflicts
Water scarcity and unequal distribution often lead to conflicts between nations or regions
that share river systems. Shared rivers like the Indus, Nile, and Rio Grande have been
sources of tension. Building dams or diverting rivers can cause disputes over water rights
and access.
Examples:
• India and Pakistan — disputes over Indus River control.
• Egypt and Ethiopia — conflict over the Nile Dam project.
• United States and Mexico — disagreements regarding the Rio Grande.
Effective cooperation and fair distribution are essential to prevent such conflicts.
Conclusion
Water is a limited yet vital resource that sustains life, supports economies, and connects
nations. To ensure future availability, it must be used wisely, protected from pollution, and
shared fairly through mutual agreements and responsible management.
References
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Waters_Treaty
• https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Water
