DROP BY DROP

DROP BY DROP

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

CBSE CLASS III

Madho lives in Bajju- a small village in Rajasthan. It is hardly

a village ! All you see is sand all around. One can see some houses when the sand does not blow.

 Everyone in Madho’s family is upset. Every summer there is water scarcity in his place. This year, it is worse. It did not rain at all. His mother and sister have to walk a longer distance to fetch water as the nearby pond has also dried. Each day they spend hours just to get four pots of water. While walking on the hot sand their feet burn and blisters just cannot be avoided.

When the train carrying water comes they are very happy. Madho’s father goes to fetch water in his camel-cart. But this does not happen often.

People keep waiting days and days for water. Some people collect rain water. This is done by a special method  by making tanks (tanka). Do you know, what a tanka is and how it is built?

1To build a tanka, a pit is dug in the courtyard and it is made pucca. The tanka is kept covered with a lid. The roof of the house is made sloping so that the rainwater collected here flows through a pipe into the tanka.

A sieve is attached to the mouth of the pipe so that no dirt goes into the tanka. This water is used for drinking after it is cleaned.

Just like Madho, Sonal also faces water scarcity in her house. She lives in Bhavnagar. Water is supplied only for half an hour in a day. All the people of the area depend on only a single tap ! Can you imagine what happens ?

Sonal is determined to take water from the tap. Whenever she gets a chance she fills her bucket even if it is just drop by drop. Let us find out how many drops will fill a bowl or a mug.

Water scarcity can be defined as a lack of sufficient water, or not having access to safe water supplies.Water is a pressing need in many areas of the world.

That scarcity is spreading as water is needed to grow and process food, create energy, and power industry for a continually growing population. climate change is a key contributing factor.

Clean, potable water is an essential ingredient of a healthy human life, but 1.2 billion people lack access to water according to recent estimates from the International Water Management Institute cited in the worlds water.

Storing and Moving Water

Understanding where your water comes from will help you understand what you can do to mitigate the effects of drought. Your water supply might be from surface or from groundwater. Conserving water is the best way for us to make sure that we all have water even when we are in drought.

Dams

To make sure that they have enough water throughout the year, people build dam  to store water when they need it.then a dam is built on a river, a large lake, called a reservoir, is made. The reservoir “stores” the water for people’s use. Reservoirs can provide fish and wildlife habitat and also are often great places for us to boat and fish. They also can be used to produce power.

Groundwater and Wells

Another source of water is groundwater (water found below the surface of the earth). aquifers are like underground lakes. Just like lakes above the ground, aquifers can be different sizes. Some are very small and some are very large, like the Ogallala Aquifer.

people drill wells into aquifers so they can bring water to the surface to use. Water in aquifers can be just a few feet below the earth’s surface or hundreds of feet deep. The water that is closer to the surface is easier for us to use, but it can also be more easily polluted than the water that is much deeper. 

Canals and Pipelines

Water canals and pipelines have been built in many places to make sure that as many people as possible have access to water supplies. Canals and pipelines are used to transport water from reservoirs and wells to farmers for irrigation and cities for drinking water. Canals like the Central Arizona Project and the Los Angeles Aqueduct carry billions of gallons of water each year to areas that do not have enough water. 

Desalination

We need fresh water for drinking, for our daily activities, and for growing our food. But almost all of the water on the surface of the earth is salt water from the oceans and seas. In fact, 97 percent of all water on earth is salt water.

People have been trying to find a way to use ocean water in place of fresh water for many years. With new technology, turning seawater into water that we can drink and use is becoming much easier and much cheaper. 

Desalination, or removing salt from seawater, is still expensive, but some cities in the United States and other countries are building desalination plants to help them meet their water needs. 

Cleaning of water

To clean water we should have sewage treatment plants. when it, can be used again at home, agriculture in industry etc. so again the process is started.

Different methods of saving water

Daily we use 20% water in kitchen, 20% in garden, 20% in laundry% and 40% of water in our bath rooms.

Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. A running tap can use six litres of water per minute. Use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath by closing the drain first and filling the bath only 1/3 full. Stopper bath before turning water. The initial burst of cold water can be warmed by adding hot water later.

Make your garden water efficient. Less watering doesn't have to mean less gardening! Start opting for plants that don't mind going without a drink for a while. Your garden centre will be able to recommend plants that need less water.

Don't leave the tap running to clean dishes or vegetables. Use a bowl of water instead. A running tap uses 6 litres of water per minute.

Take shorter showers - we recommend four minutes. On average a shower uses 10 litres of water a minute. Fully load your washing machine. A full load uses less water than two half-loads.

Only flush the toilet if you need to. On average, each flush uses 7 litres of water. Keep a jug of water in the fridge. Planning ahead means there is no need to run the water until it gets cold.

Verify that your home is leak-free, because many homes have hidden water leaks. Fix leaking taps. A dripping tap can waste more than 60 litres of water per week.

Order a water butt. Collect rainwater to use on your plants and lawn. Never put water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or cleaning.Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run every time you want a cool glass of water.

You have given some suggestions to re-use water. People use these methods only under conditions when there is a scarcity of water. Do you know, one of the reasons for the scarcity of water is because people waste it. Just think, how good it would be if everyone got water !

THANK YOU,

N.NANDITHA

Independence Day: History, importance and significance of the day -Speech and essay writing

 Independence Day

History and Importance 

Independence Day is both an occasion to celebrate and to remember the struggles of those who fought to give us this gift. It makes my heart beat with pride, to see the colors of Independence Day spreading happiness and great joys all around. May the glory of Independence Day be with your forever. Today we come together, Be the cause for the unity, Make it Beautiful day– Happy Independence Day!

 

Independence Day of India, which is celebrated religiously throughout the Country on the 15th of August every year, holds tremendous ground in the list of national days, since it reminds every Indian about the dawn of a new beginning, the beginning of an era of deliverance from the clutches of British colonialism of more than 200 years. It was on 15th August 1947 that India was declared independent from British colonialism, and the reins of control were handed over to the leaders of the Country.

On August 15, 1947 India had achieved independence after years of struggle. On this day, it ceased to be a colonial nation and secured full autonomy from the British that ruled over it for years. The day holds great significance in the heart of every Indian citizen living in India and abroad. We as Indians pay respect to all the leaders who fought bravely for our nation's freedom in the past.

On this day, the Prime Minister of India will hoist our tricolour flag at the Red Fort, Old Delhi. He will also deliver a speech to the nation as well. Independence day i.e. the 15th of August is declared as a national holiday which means every government office, post offices, banks and stores will remain shut.

 

While it is a celebratory annual occasion and a national holiday, wherein people hoist the national flag, wear colours signifying the tricolour, take part in many games and cultural programmes, it also coincides with the Partition of the country that brings back painful memories, given that India was severed on communal grounds, much to the dismay of many national leaders and ordinary citizens.

   

On 15 August 1947, when the first Prime Minister of independent India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag at the Lahori Gate of Red Fort in New Delhi, the Father of the Nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi fasted in Calcutta (now Kolkata). He is believed to have spent his time praying, fasting, spinning, and silently protesting the sectarian hatred that had taken over the country.

HISTORY OF INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

History: India was ruled by the Britishers for many years. The East India Company ruled India for about 100 years. It was in 1757 when the East India Company won the battle of Plassey. It was after the win went the Company started exerting power over the India. Our nation had its rebellion against the foreign rule for the first time in 1957. The entire country united against British power. It was an unfortunate event as India was defeated back then but after that time. Indian rule was then passed to the British who ruled our country till India got its independence. Our nation faced a long campaign to gain independence.

   

Britain had weakened after the two world wars and began thinking of ending its rule in India. In 1947, the British government declared the transfer of all powers to India by June 1948, but continuing tensions and violence between Muslims and Hindus led to a consensus for the partition of India into two separate states. To deal with this, the British government proposed on June 3, 1947, that any constitution framed by the Constituent Assembly of India will not be applicable to parts of the country that refuse to accept it.

 

On the same day, a plan for partition was put into action by Lord Mountbatten- the then viceroy of India. Mountbatten’s plan was agreed to by both the Congress and the Muslim League. As new borders were drawn and the world map changed forever, between 300,000 and 500,000 people died on both sides.

  

On August 15, 1947, at midnight, India gained independence and was concluded by the iconic speech by Jawaharlal Nehru, “Tryst with destiny.” India's freedom struggle has always been an inspiration to the work as it was the most non-violent campaign in the world.

The great British rule over India came to an end with the powers transferred to the newly independent entities Pakistan and India. Lord Mountbatten became the first governor-general of the new Dominion of India and Jawaharlal Nehru became the first prime minister of Independent India. The Constituent Assembly that was set up in 1946 became the Parliament of Indian Dominion.

   

Significance: This day reminds us of all the sacrifices that were made by our freedom fighters in order to set India free from British rule. 15th August is a national holiday and the day is then celebrated with flag hoisting, parades and cultural events.

              

INDAIN NATIONL FLAG

The national flag is the depiction of a country’s social, economic and political values. A national flag of a country is a national honour. It carries the values on which the mere foundation of that nation depends. Indian National Flag is of utmost importance for the people of India and holds much spiritual value for them.

It is the roof under which the feeling of nationalism and patriotism flourishes. It represents the hopes and aspiration for the citizen of its country and a symbol of national pride. It is not just a piece of cloth, but a feeling of pride which helps the soldiers to sacrifice their lives just keep it flying high in the sky. "A flag is a necessity for all nations. Millions have died for it. It is no doubt a kind of idolatry which would be a sin to destroy. For, a flag represents an Ideal The unfurling of the Union Jack evokes in the English breast sentiments whose strength it is difficult to measure. The Stars and Stripes mean a world to the Americans. The Star and the Crescent will call forth the best bravery in Islam." "It will be necessary for us Indians Muslims, Christians Jews, Parsis, and all others to whom India is their home-to recognize a common flag to live and to die for." - Mahatma Gandhi

  

Who designed the flag of India? The design of the flag of India that was first presented in 1921 to Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the All-India Congress, was created by Pingali (or Pinglay) Venkayya. It consisted of the colours associated with the two principal religions, red for Hindus and green for Muslims. In India, the term "tricolour" refers to the Indian national flag. The National flag of India is a horizontal tricolor of Saffron colour shows courage, sacrifice, and renunciation. White colour shows truth and purity in thoughts and dark green is the symbol of life prosperity.

The Ashok Chakra can be seen on the Indian National flag, where it is rendered in a navy blue colour on a white background. The Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes which inspire every Indian to work tirelessly for 24 hours.

       

The Ashoka Chakra is the depiction of the “Dharmachakra”; represented with 24 spokes. Ashok Chakra is also called the wheel of duty. Writing in his journal, Young India, Mahatma Gandhi first spoke about the need for an Indian flag in 1921. He proposed a flag with the charkha or spinning wheel at the centre. The idea of the spinning wheel was put forth by Lala Hansraj, and Gandhi commissioned Pingali Venkayya to design a flag on a red and green banner. The flag underwent some changes and became the official flag of the Congress at the 1931 meeting.

 

There are 24 spokes in the Ashoka Chakra which represents 24 qualities of a person. In other words, these spokes can be termed as the 24 religious paths made for humans. All the paths mentioned in the Ashok Chakra will lead any country on the path of progress. This is probably the reason that designers of our National Flag removed the Charkha from it and put the Ashok Chakra in the middle of the flag. The wheel is called the Ashoka Chakra because it appears on a number of edicts of Ashoka, the most prominent among which is the Lion Capital of Ashoka. 6. Each spoke on the chakra symbolises one principle of life and also the twenty-four hours in the day, which is why it is also called the 'Wheel of Time'.

  

Importance of Indian National Flag

National Flag is a symbol of freedom or self-rule. National Flag is a symbol of national pride. It is the symbol of the political development of India. It provides spiritual guidance to the people of India. It is a symbol of united India. It signifies the rule of self-governance of the Nation. The national flag reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of freedom fighters. It also teaches us to be grateful to Mother India for sustaining our needs. Our national flag is an inspiration to live in peace and harmony with all living beings. The flag displays as a symbol of National joy on National festivals.

  

Code of Conduct for National Flag:

Being a national symbol it is respected by every Indian. There are certain dos and don'ts laid down for common people regarding the Indian flag: When the National Flag is raised the saffron colour band should be at the top. No flag or emblem should be placed either above the National Flag or to its right. All other flags to be placed to the left of the National Flag if they are hung in a line. When the National Flag is carried out in a procession or parade, it shall be on the marching right or in front of the center of the line, if there is a line of other flags.

Normally the National Flag should be flown over important government buildings like the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Parliament House, the Supreme Court of India, the High Courts, the Secretariats, the Commissioners' office, etc. The National Flag or any imitation of it must not be used for the purpose of trade, business, or profession. The National Flag should always be taken down in the evening at sunset.

 

Celebrations on Indian Independence Day: The national anthem is sung on this day, flag-rising ceremonies and drills are also conducted in every corner of the country. Indians make an effort to dress in a specific way to celebrate their nation and culture. Kite flying is another tradition that is followed on Independence Day with people of all age groups as participants.

  

It represents the freedom that we achieved on this day. The Prime Minister of our country hoists our flag at the Red Fort in Old Delhi. A parade with members of the army and police also takes place. A speech to the nation is delivered by the PM where he speaks on the country's accomplishments in all these years. The prime minister then delivers a televised address to the country, recounting the major accomplishments of India during the previous year and outlining future challenges and goals.

  

In 2007, APJ Abdul Kalam Inspiring Speech on India at European ParliamentAbdul Kalam India's Missile man and former president gave this inspiring speech on india. The speech would be one of the most memorable ones by Kalam. “i am reminded of the dream of the indian poet kaniyan poongundranar who articulated 3,000 years back in tamil classic Purananuru , he says “yaadhum oore yaavarum kelir” which means, which means, ‘I am a world citizen. Every citizen is my own kith and kin’. He said that 3000 years ago. Where there is righteousness in the heart. There is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, There is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, There is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, There is peace in the world.’

        

All I desire for my country is happiness. Let me be the first person to wish you a special Happy Independence Day! Let's salute our great nation on its Independence Day! I hope you all feel grateful for the freedom you have and are proud of the nation you were born to. JAI HIND!