Q.15 The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain(CSE Mains 2016)GS-I 2016 .

 Earth produces enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for anyone’s Greed

 -M.K Gandhi

Land and water are limited resources the ineffective/improper use of them causes conflict. Sustainable and equitable allocation of them can lead to development and prosperity.

Land degradation is caused by deforestation, excessive irrigation, rampant use of fertilizers and pesticides, pollution, etc.

Water depletion is caused by excessive use of ground water, pollution, improper recharge of ground water, etc.

The main political plank and development demand of India in 1960’s was Roti , Kappada, makkan (food , cloth, shelter) . Food and shelter are intricately   linked with land and water management.

The pain of citizens having to walk miles for potable water should be put to end.

India has initiated many schemes for efficient and equitable allocation of their scare resources. Eg: integrated water shad development, Environmental Impact Assessment for projects, Soil Health card, Rain water harvesting schemes, etc.  

Increased population has been creating stress on urban resources.  World population currently stands at 7.8 bn (was 1.6 bn in 1900’s). Earlier World War’s were fought over for the control of land. Strategist Brahma Chalaney has suggested that third world war would be fought over water.

Hence the effective management of them can reduce human miseries as well as prevent conflict.