Question

i.What is Rain Water Harvesting?
ii.What are the advantages of Rainwater harvesting?
iii. Name two water harvesting systems practiced in India.

Answer 1

Hint: The process of rainwater harvesting refers to the collection as well as the storage of rainwater along with the help of artificially designed systems which run off either naturally or man-made catchment areas such as- the rooftop, compounds, rock surface, hill slopes, artificially repaired impervious or semi-pervious land surface.

Complete Answer:
i. Rainwater harvesting is the simple process or technology used to conserve Rainwater by collecting, storing, conveying and purifying of Rainwater that runs off from rooftops, parks, roads, open grounds, etc. for later use.
Rainwater harvesting refers to a sustainable process helping in order to preserve water for future needs. Water scarcity is the primary concern in today’s scenario. The process of rainwater harvesting is a great way to conserve water.
ii. Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting-
The major benefits of rainwater harvesting system are listed below:-
1.Less cost.
2.Helps in reducing the bill of water.
3.Decreases water’s demand.
4.Reduces the need and urge of imported water.
5.Promotes both water and energy conservation.
6.Helps in Improving the quality as well as quantity of groundwater.
7.Does not need a filtration system for the purpose of landscape irrigation.
8.This technology is relatively simple as well as easy to install and operate.
9.It also reduces soil erosion, stormwater runoff, flooding, as well as pollution of surface water with fertilizers, pesticides, metals and other types of sediments.
10.It refers to a preferable source of water for landscape irrigation having no chemicals and dissolved salts and is also free from all kinds of minerals.
iii.Two water harvesting techniques which are practised in India are ‘Johads’ in central India and ‘Kuhl’ in Western Himalayas.

Note:
Various factors play a significant role in the amount of water that is harvested. Some of these factors are:
1.The quantum of runoff.
2.Features of the catchments.
3.Impact over the environment.
4.Technology’s availability.
5.The capacity present in the storage tanks.
6.Kinds of the roof, its slope along with its materials.
7.The frequency, quantity as well as the quality of the rainfall.
8.The speed along with ease with which the Rainwater penetrates through the subsoil to recharge the groundwater.