ENVIRONMENT
WATER: THE ELIXIR OF LIFE
C.V. Raman
In this lesson Raman tried to bring about the importance of water, which has a unique power of maintaining animal and plant life.
Water, the elixir of life, is the commonest of all liquids, without water the land will be barren like the deserts in Egypt. On one side it is a sea of sand on the other side laid one of the greatest, most fertile, densely populated areas the valley of Nile. It is separated by the river Nile flowing down thousands of miles away. The entire soil is the creation of river Nile. Egypt, in fact was made by its river.
Water in the country side, which flows in serenity is the most beautiful sight. The rain fed tanks are neglected in south India. However, these tanks play a vital role in South Indian agriculture. Some of these tanks are large and it is beautiful sight to see the sun rise or sun set over them –water in a landscape compared to the eyes in a human face. It reflects changing moods of the day, bright and gray sometimes and dark and gloomy at other times.
Water carries silt and finely divided soil and deposit in low lying areas. The colour of water varies according to the place, swiftly flowing water can carry fairly large and heavy particles. Large amounts of solid particles can be transported. Silt deposited land is very fertile.
The flow of water has played a great part on the earth’s surface. The flow of water can play a destructive part and wash away the soil, which is the foundation of all agriculture. The problem of soil erosion is one of the major problems we face today.
Soil erosion occurs when soil on the earth’s surface is carried away by wind or water, heavy rain, sloping land, absence of vegetation, ruts through which water can flow down rapidly and absence of checks in the course of its flow.
The necessary measure are terracing of the land, building bunds to check the flow of water, contour cultivation, planning of right types of vegetation.
Water is the basis of all life. Every animal and plant contains water in its body. Water is essential for the body, moisture in the soil is equally important for the life and growth of plants and trees. The conservation and utilization of water is fundamental for human welfare. Much of Indian agriculture depends on monsoon. It is clear that the adoption of techniques preventing soil erosion would help to conserve and keep the water where it is wanted.
In India, where we depend on seasonal rainfall, an immense quantity of rain water runs off the ground. The collection of rain water and utilizing them is very important. Vast areas of land which at present are scrub jungle. By courageous and well-planned action, it could be turned into fertile and prosperous country.
The problem of afforestation closely connected with conservation of water supplies. The planning of trees in every possible way and the development of forest is one of the most urgent needs of India. Such plantation would check soil erosion and provide cheap fuel.
The measures necessary to conserve water serves as a purpose of value to the life of countryside. The cheapest means of transport is by boats and barges through canals and rivers. There is development of rail, road transport but a few measures are taken to improve waterways. The harnessing of water supplies usually makes possible the development of hydroelectric power. This would make a big difference in country life. If would also help to the top underground water.
Water is though a commonly found liquid, unique because of its power to sustain plant and animal life. The investigation of the nature and properties of water is therefore should be of the highest scientific field of interest.
Questions
1.Why water is considered the true elixir of life?
It has made life and vegetation possible on the earth.
2.C. V. Raman says that water in a landscape may be compared to the eyes in a human face. Why?
It reflects changing moods of the day, bright and gray sometimes and dark and gloomy at other times.
3.How does soil erosion occur and what are the chief factors that cause it?
Soil erosion occurs when soil on the earth’s surface is carried away by wind or water, heavy rain, sloping land, absence of vegetation, ruts through which water can flow down rapidly and absence of checks in the course of its flow.
4.What are the usual measures used to check soil erosion?
The necessary measure are terracing of the land, building bunds to check the flow of water, contour cultivation, planning of right types of vegetation.
5.What is the measure suggested by C. V. Raman and control the movement of water in order to harness if for useful purposes?
One of the most important measures suggested of C. V. Raman is widespread planting of trees.
6.Why is the study of the nature and properties of water of the highest scientific interest?
Water is though a commonly found liquid, unique because of its power to sustain plant and animal life.
Meanings for difficult words
Elixir – a sweet flavored liquid ; a substance believed to cure all ills
Barren – infertile
Silt – sand
Soil erosion – the washing away of soil by the flow water
Terracing – to form into terrace
Contour agriculture – used in a system of plowing, cultivating, sowing, etc., along the contour lines of the land in order to trap water runoff and prevent erosion
Scrub – low trees or shrubs collectively.
Afforestation – the conversion of bare or cultivated land into forest
Barges – A large, open pleasure boat used for parties or ceremonies
Harnessing – To bring under control and direct the force of:
Ruts – A sunken track or groove made by the passage of vehicles.
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