The economic benefits pertaining to rivers and lakes are plenty. They are important sources of freshwater that are essential for the survival of different living beings and are also essential for navigational purposes and act as connection points among different places. Flowing water is also used for the generation of electricity and is considered to be a cheap and clean energy source.

A lake is a body of water surrounded by land. The water in the lake is calm or standing. That is, it does not flow from point A to point B as in a river. Lakes are mostly freshwater because they are often fed by rivers, springs, or precipitation (also called rain and snow). However, some of the more famous lakes, such as the Dead Sea and the Great Salt Lake, are salt lakes and contain only salt water.

Economic Benefits of River and Lakes

 Uses of Lakes

The uses of lakes are as follows:

1. Helps in Carrying Loads: Lakes are a great medium for carrying heavy loads. Large lakes, such as the Great Lakes of North America, provide a very inexpensive and convenient way to transport heavy and bulky goods such as iron, coal, machinery, grain, and wood.
2. Lakes are the Pathway to Economic and Industrial Development: In the past, human settlements took place where lakes were located, and the existence of lakes had a significant impact on city buildings. People migrated closer to lakes to obtain water, which gave rise to civilizations, which in turn led to economic and industrial growth in the region. Lakes are even more decisive when replenished with fertile large rivers.
3. Water Storage: Natural or artificial lakes are an important source of domestic water supply. They provide water to cities and industrial cities. In England, for example, Thirlmere Lake waters Manchester, Lake Katrine waters Glasgow, and Lake Vyrnwy in Wales waters Liverpool. In India, the Okla Reservoir supplies Delhi with water. While Veteran, Vihar, and Tulsi lakes water, Bombay.
4. Hydro-Electric Power Generation: In mountainous areas, lakes or man-made reservoirs provide water for local hydroelectric power generation. At the same time, natural lakes are preferable to artificial ones. The Niagara River, which flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, is supplied with this water on a regular basis to support the operation of the power plant.

Importance of Lakes 

Lakes are usually formed as a result of tectonic or glacial activity in a typical area. Lakes are also formed as a result of river bends or human activity. Lakes are very important to civilization. There are many reasons to point out. Because lakes are a source of water and water is a specific source for sustaining life on this planet.

• To regulate the flow of rivers. 
• Store water in the dry season.   
• To maintain and balance ecosystems.
• Lakes also help recharge groundwater.   
• Helps to improve and preserve the biodiversity of the area where the lake is located.   
• Lakes also benefit the economy by increasing local economic activity. 
• Sightseeing was preferred, as the lake has always been considered a place of rest.
• There are different types of lakes in India, including freshwater lakes and salt lakes. Jammu and Kashmir’s famous Lake Wular is the largest freshwater lake in India. Other freshwater lakes are Lake Bhimtal and Lake Nainital, located in Dal, Uttarakhand, Jammu, and Kashmir. Lake Kolleru is also located in Andhra Pradesh. This lake Kolleru is officially classified as a wildlife sanctuary and serves as a source of entertainment.    
• Lake Samba in Rajasthan is one of the largest salt-producing salt lakes. Thus, this makes Rajasthan the third largest salt producer in the country. Brackish is a mixture of salt and fresh water. Located in the state of Orissa, Lake Chilika is the largest brackish lake in India.

Rivers

Rivers are one of the main sources of water on Earth because most of the rivers carry fresh water, they are one of the main life support systems on Earth. A river is a natural waterway that flows toward an ocean, sea, lake, or another river and is usually fresh water. In some cases, rivers drain into land and dry out at the end of the course without reaching other bodies of water. Small rivers may be referred to by names such as brook, brook, creek,  and brook.

Uses of Rivers

• Rivers are a major source of drinking water, irrigation, and agriculture.   
• Critical rivers give way to electricity generation.  
• The river ensures the presence of fertile soil on the territory.  
• Asia’s largest river supports China’s most populous country.   
• An important river can also be a business by providing fishing opportunities.

Economical Benefits of lakes And Rivers

When humans began the process of settlement, close water bodies were preferred because the water was considered essential for survival. These settlements eventually developed into large cities. In countries like India, where most of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, rivers are considered the most important source. Tourism is a must in any country. Lakes and rivers can be developed for tourism and used for recreational purposes. The economic benefits of rivers and lakes are:

Source of Freshwater

Only 2.5% of the water on Earth is fresh, of which less than 1% is available. Fresh water is essential for human survival. It is home to nearly one-third of aquatic animals and is conducive to fisheries development, which leads to job creation and food security.

Irrigation

Irrigation is essential for agriculture. In the Indian economy, agriculture is considered the backbone of India, where most of the population is engaged in agricultural activities. 

Navigation

Navigating through bodies of water to connect with different places has been used for centuries. This is considered a cheap means of transportation.

Hydropower Generation

It is used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Flowing water is converted into mechanical energy. It is considered an inexpensive and environmentally friendly energy source.

Development of Tourism

For the economy of any country, tourism is essential. In arid regions, interwoven water sources are important for tourism. As a natural resource, water is essential for the survival of humans and other aquatic flora and fauna. It is considered important for purposes of irrigation, navigation, and hydroelectric power. Tourism and recreation play a fundamental role in the economic benefits of lakes and rivers.

Related Links

1. Importance of Lakes
2. List of Important Indian Lakes
3. Types of Lakes Found in India
4. Formation of Lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. What are the economic benefits of rivers and lakes?

Answer-

The economic benefits of rivers and lakes include irrigation, hydropower, tourism, navigation, and so forth.

Q 2. What are the benefits of lakes?

Answer-

The benefit of lakes is that it provides a water supply for the purpose of irrigation.

Q 3. What are the benefits of the river?

Answer-

The benefits of rivers are that it provides water for irrigation, domestic supply, and also for the generation of electricity.