Water Resources Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the Narmada Bachao Andolan, water conservation methods, and traditional Indian rainwater harvesting techniques.

Narmada Bachao Andolan

A prominent social movement and NGO that mobilized tribal people, farmers, environmentalists, and human rights activists against the Sardar Sarovar Dam to gain control over natural resources.

Sardar Sarovar Dam

A large dam across the Narmada River spread over the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

Oustees

Poor citizens displaced by dam construction for whom the Narmada Bachao Andolan seeks full rehabilitation facilities from the government.

Water Scarcity

A condition caused by uneven rainfall, over-extraction of groundwater by growing populations and industries, and pollution from domestic and industrial waste.

Temples of Modern India

A title given to multipurpose river valley projects by Jawaharlal Nehru because they combine agricultural growth with industrial development.

Jawaharlal Nehru

India's first Prime Minister who famously referred to multipurpose river valley projects as the 'Temples of Modern India.'

Hydro-electricity

Power generated by multipurpose river valley projects as part of their function to support industrial growth and city development.

Drip irrigation and sprinklers

Water-conserving techniques of irrigation recommended for use especially in dry areas to avoid wastage.

Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting

A method where rain falling on a roof is gathered via pipes and filters, then stored in tanks or directed into a well to refill groundwater.

Gendathur

A remote village in Karnataka where 200 households collect roughly $50,000$ litres of water per house annually through rooftop systems.

Tankas

Large underground storage tanks traditionally built in arid areas of Rajasthan like Bikaner, Phalodi, and Barmer for storing drinking water.

Johads

Small earthen check dams built in semi-arid zones to hold water and facilitate its percolation into the earth.

Kuls and guls

Traditional diversion channels used in the hilly regions of the Western Himalayas to transport water from streams, springs, and glaciers.