Question

How has the ever-increasing number of industries in India made a worse position by exerting pressure on existing freshwater resources? Explain.

Answer 1

Hint:
 Independent post-India saw intensive industrialization and urbanization, creating vast opportunities. Today, large industrial houses are commonplace as industrial units of many multinationals. The ever-increasing number of industries have made matters worse by increasing the pressure on the existing freshwater resources in the following ways are Industries especially heavy industries use huge amounts of fresh water for industrial purpose and pollute and waste such water. These industries depend on hydroelectric projects for their energy consumption purpose and this electricity damages the rivers upstream. So, the river almost dries up in the lowlands. Thermal pollution of water occurs when hot water from factories and thermal plants is drained into rivers and ponds before cooling.

Complete solution:
The industrial sector in India has emerged as the second-largest consumer of water after agriculture, and the major sources of industrial sector water are groundwater and surface water. Groundwater has emerged as an important source to meet the water requirements of industries, especially in view of the high speed of pollution of surface water resources. However, the choice of water source depends on the availability of adequate and regular supply of water and the cost of water from the source.

In view of increasing the pace of industrial development, the demand for industrial water is increasing. Comprehensive estimates suggest that the industrial sector consumes an average of six per cent freshwater per year - while the annual growth in the chemical industry and manufacturing has been around nine per cent, it has been about six per cent and five per cent in textiles and food since the 1990s. In the paper and paper products industry - this demand is likely to increase in view of the possible expansion of industrial bases in the country.

There are conflicting estimates of water consumption by the industrial sector in India. According to the Union Water Resources Ministry, the industrial sector accounted for about six per cent of the total freshwater at the beginning of this century, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports that figure could be eight per cent. However, World Bank estimates suggest that current industrial water use in India accounts for about 13 per cent of the total freshwater drainage in the country and that demand for water for industrial use and energy production will grow at a rate of 4.2 percent per year, 67 billion cubic meters in 1999 to 228 billion cubic meters by 2025. All these estimates indicate that the demand for industrial water is bound to increase in the coming years.

Note:
Pollution of groundwater and surface water resources has been increasing over the years. Industries not only consume water but also pollute it. Comprehensive estimates suggest that a large proportion of industrial wastes are dumped without treatment, especially in developing countries, thereby disrupting water supply. According to an expert opinion, on an average, about five to eight litres of water is polluted in each litre of wastewater, which increases the share of industrial water use to somewhere between 35 and 50 per cent of the total water used in India. Gives, and not seven to eight per cent what is considered industrial water use.