Water Resources of Pakistan - Question/Answers

 Answer the following questions.

1. IRSA stands for.

2. List down the sources where Pakistan’s water comes from.

3. ‘Much of the country is arid or semi-arid, with three-quarters of Pakistan receiving less than 250 millimetres of rain per year and droughts are common in many areas.’ Name the provinces where droughts are common.

4. With reference to the paper, suggest 3 reasons for scarcity of water in Pakistan.

5. Explain how ‘limited storage capacity of dams’ lead to shortage of water and flooding.

6. Describe how the agricultural and industrial sector is contributing to  water pollution in Pakistan.

 

1. Indus River System Authority

2. Make a list of water resources

a) Glacial runoff

b) Rivers

c) Rainfall

d) Ground water

3. Only names of the provinces required

a) Sindh

b) Balochistan

4. Discuss any three the following;

a) Lack of rainfall leading to scarcity of water

b) Extensive agriculture sector which uses most of the water (mention cultivation of water extensive crops and flood irrigation methods)

c) Outdated water infrastructure leads to more water loss than storage due to lack of reservoirs and sediment buildup in the available reservoirs

d) Water pollution making the available water unfit for consumption due to industrial and agricultural waste and lack of water cleaning facilities

5. Explanation required.

The storage of dams is reducing which leads to floods during rainy season as the dams are unable to hold or store more water and when dams are unable to store the excessive amount of water has to be released which causes flooding in the plain areas. Also explain the same for shortage of water, as the capacity is reducing due to silt, the amount of water in dams is also limited inn dry season. Approximately about 30 days worth storage of water is in the dams in Pakistan which can lead to shortage if there is not enough rainfall or glacial runoff.

6. Description required about the following

a) Agricultural waste

i. The waste from chemical fertilisers and pesticides seeps into ground causing ground water to be contaminated

ii. The chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides also contaminate the rivers as the chemicals runoff with the surface water and drain into surface water bodies

b) Industrial waste

i. Usually untreated liquid waste from industries such as tanneries and textile mills is released n water bodies causing contamination

ii. Heavy metals, waste oil and other hazardous materials are released in the rivers which cause water pollution