EVERY DROP COUNTS

TLO:  Observe and identify the different sources of water.  Identify the difference between step and lake  To know the importance of water conservation and how and why rainwater is harvested.

Points to ponder:  History of Ghadsisar lake and its uses.  Most of the villages of get very little rainfall so the rivers there don’t have water all-round the year. They have lakes and to store water.  , piau, talabs were built as people in olden times thought it a good deed to provide water for thirsty travellers.  Today also people get water from hundred years old lakes, dharas, stepwells and naulas.  There are many traditions, customs and festivals related to water.  Nowadays people get water from taps, tullu pumps, canals water tanks, hand pumps, motor pumps etc.  Rain water can be stored in the underground tank. This technique known as rain water harvesting.  Today many organizations are working hard to fulfil the water needs of the people of different areas.

Write in one word: a) The biggest ocean in the world: The Pacific Ocean b) The longest river in the world: The Nile c) The biggest fresh water lake in the world: The superior d) An ocean named after our country: The Indian ocean e) The longest river of : The Ganga f) The biggest salt water lake in India: The Chilika

Write True or False for the following statements: 1. The increasing population is also contributing o shortage of water. True 2. The soil around trees should be covered with concrete and cement. False 3. We should not pay our water bill. False 4. Rain water should be collected in underground tanks for future use. True 5. Rain is the main source of water on earth. False 6. Water is precious and should be used wisely. True

Answer the following: a) Why were stepwells, piau, talabs built in olden times? Ans. Stepwells, piau, talabs were built as people in olden times thought it a good deed to provide water for thirsty travellers. b) What is a ? Why is it called stepwell? Ans. Stepwell is a different form of well. Here many steps go down several storeys deep to reach at water, instead of drawing the water up from the well, the people could go down the steps and reach the water that is why they are called stepwells. c) Write various sources from where people get water? Ans. The various sources of water are, river, lake, well, hand pump, tube well etc. d) Write the causes of water shortage. Ans. The main cause of water shortage is mismanagement of water for industrial production, irrigation and leading to regional conflicts on water resources. e) Why did people in Rajasthan not face water shortage in earlier times? Ans. In earlier times there were many stepwell, piau and johads in Rajasthan so that time people didn’t face water shortage in earlier times. f) When do we celebrate World Water day? Ans. We celebrate World Water day on 22nd of March.

Answer in ditails:

1. Who made Ghadsisar? Describe its structure. Ans. Ghadsisar is a lake which was made by king Ghadsi of Jaisalmer, 650 years ago. The construction of his lake was suck that when the lake was full, the extra water flowed into another lake at lower level—filling nine suck interconnected lakes. The collected water was used throughout the year. 2. What is rain water harvesting and its uses? Ans. Rainwater harvesting is the accumulation and storage of rainwater for reuse on- site, rather than allowing it to run off. Rainwater can be collected from rivers or roofs, and in many places, the water collected is redirected to a deep pit, a with percolation, or collected from dew or fog with nets or other tools. Its uses include water for gardens, livestock, irrigation, domestic use with proper treatment, indoor heating for houses, etc. The harvested water can also be used as drinking. 3. Who was Al-Biruni? What did he write about the skill of making lakes? Ans. Al-Biruni was traveller from Uzbekistan. He wrote about the that; the people of India are very skilled at making ponds. His countrymen would be surprised to see them. In India they used the pile up huge rock and join them with iron rods for chabutaras (raised platforms) all around the lake. Between these, there are rows of long staircases, going up and down. The steps for going up and coming down are separate. So there is less crowding. 4. Write bout water pollution. Ans. Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities. Water bodies include for example lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater. Water pollution results when contaminants are introduced into the natural environment. For example, releasing inadequately treated wastewater into natural water bodies can lead to degradation of aquatic ecosystems. In turn, this can lead to public health problems for people living downstream.

Rain water harvesting:

Step well: baoli:

Activity: Make a poster on conservation of water and write some slogan.