UNIT PLAN 6

LANd we LIve
ON
INDEX

Week 1: India size and location

Activity 1: Concept Mapping
Activity 2: Understanding Location
Activity 3: Longitude & Time Concept

Week 2 & 3: Physical Features of India

Activity 4: Concept mapping of Physical features
Activity 5: Rotating Learning Stations
Activity 6: A Presentation on Physical Features
Activity 7: Word Search (Suggestive Activity)
Activity 8: Map Challenge
Activity 9: Worksheet

Week 4: Drainage
Activity10: Introduction
Activity11: Major Drainage Basins in India
Activity12: Demonstrate Flow Patterns (Map)
Activity13: Role of Rivers in Economy (Role Play)
Activity 14: Concept Mapping (Supportive Learning)
Activity 15: Group Presentation (Extended Learning)
Learning Objectives: - You will be able to

● Understand the concept of the grid and graticule

● Locate the exact position of India or any other country on the globe.
● Understand and calculate time patterns
● Locate the physical features on the map of India.
● Identify the major physiographic divisions and also the related physical features.
● Differentiate one physical feature from the other
● Realize the significance of the river as an important resource.
● Understand the Role of rivers in integrating/disintegrating the relations between
communities, states or even countries.

Statement of Inquiry: The land we live on shapes our sense of time, place and space within
a larger system of sustainability.

Key Concept Related Concept Global Context ATL Skills

Week: 1 India Size and Location
Activity 1: Concept Mapping

As we know that India’s contribution is significant in world history and geopolitics. Let’s find
some features related to Globe and India’s location on it.

(a) India’s latitudinal extension lies in between ____________________N to __________________N.

(b) India’s longitudinal extension lies in between ___________________E to __________________E.
(c) Can you guess why these extensions are denoted with N and E?
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India is the seventh largest country (area wise) in the world. Can you list the names of the first six largest
countries of the world? Which is the eighth largest country in the world:

Head of
Rank Country Capital Total Area Population Location
State/ Govt.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Let’s discuss and make a concept map about the vastness, diversities and location of our country:
On the basis of this concept map and your previous knowledge, write briefly about the followings:
● India and Indian subcontinent
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● Location on globe
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● Latitudinal and longitudinal expansion
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● Standard meridian of India
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● Size
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● Delhi and its neighbouring state
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Activity 2: Understanding location: Understanding a simple grid.

Make a grid on board according to your class sitting arrangements, write your name in the grid box and
then reshuffle the class as per grid. You can ask about the location of your classmates in various rows and
columns.

Horizontal and vertical lines play a significant role in locating a picture exactly the same way we
locate a place or expansion of a country on the globe by the help of meridians of longitudes and
parallels of latitudes. Now see the location of India on the map again.

Difference between a grid and a graticule

A grid is a network of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines used to identify locations on a map.
For example, you can place a grid that divides a map into a specified number of rows and columns
by choosing the reference grid type. Here is a map divided into five columns (A through E) and five
rows (1 to 5):

Graticules are lines showing parallels of latitude and

meridians of longitude for the earth.

Graticules can be used to show location in geographic

coordinates (degrees of latitude and longitude). Below
is a map of Europe where graticules are visible for every
5 degrees latitude and 10 degrees longitude:
Understanding the Grid Pattern: A Grid is a set of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines drawn on a
map. A Graticule is a set of latitude and longitude lines. Grid lines can be spaced in feet, meters, etc.
Graticules are spaced in measures of degrees.

It is also possible to combine grids and graticules to display multiple coordinate systems on the same
map.

Based on the above discussion, now, write any five differences between Grid and graticule in the
following table:

Grid Graticule
Dear students, lets now understand the following terms in context of finding any place on Earth
and Globe:

1. Northern and Southern hemisphere

The Northern Hemisphere refers to the half of the
Earth located north of the equator, while the
Southern Hemisphere refers to the half located south
of the equator. These geographical divisions impact
climate, seasons, and weather patterns, with each
hemisphere experiencing opposite seasons due to
the tilt of the Earth's axis.
2. Eastern and western Hemisphere
The Eastern Hemisphere encompasses the half of the
Earth located east of the Prime Meridian, including
Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. In contrast, the
Western Hemisphere comprises the half west of the
Prime Meridian, including the Americas. These
divisions are crucial for understanding time zones and
global geography.
3. Meridians of longitudes and parallels of latitudes
Meridians of longitudes are imaginary lines running
from the North Pole to the South Pole, used to
measure east-west positions on Earth. Parallels of
latitudes are horizontal circles parallel to the Equator,
aiding in measuring north-south positions. Together,
they form a grid system for precise global location
and navigation.
4. India's North-South (68⁰7' to 97⁰25'E and west-
East (8⁰4'N to 37⁰6' N) Extension
India extends approximately from 68 degrees 7
minutes to 97 degrees 25 minutes East longitude in
the west-east direction and from 8 degrees 4 minutes
to 37 degrees 6 minutes North latitude in the north-
south direction. This expansive geographical range
spans diverse landscapes, climates, and cultures
across the country.
Interesting fact:

Earth rotates once every 23h 56m (23.933h), so at the

equator where Earth's circumference is 2ΠR = 2x3.
14x6378 km = 40,000 km it has to travel at a speed of
1,674 km/hr.

★ Now, think about IDL (International Date Line) and why it is in a zig-zag way.
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★ Finding Places on a Globe:

Directions: Use a globe in the classroom to locate the following countries and write its proper location in
the space given below:

Countries Longitudinal Extent Latitudinal Extent

Canada
Argentina
Sweden
Greenland
Russia

★ Debate (Extended learning): Raj was reading a newspaper in Delhi. He came across middle eastern
countries. He looked up/searched the internet to find out which are these middle eastern countries. He
found Iran and Iraq. Looking into the map he found that these countries are in the middle west. Now do
you agree with the position of Raj.

1. What should Raj conclude? Iran and Iraq are located in the middle east or middle west.
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2. What is the central location of India and what is its significance? Debate.
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ACTIVITY 3: Longitude & Time Concept (Worksheet on the concept of time with relevance to the longitude
of a place)

Q1. Find out why there is a time lag of two hours from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh. Why is the Standard
Meridian of India chosen as 82°30'E though it does not pass exactly through the center of the country?
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 India: Size and Location
The land mass of India has an area of 3.28 million square km. India’s total area accounts for about 2.4 per cent of
the total geographical area of the world. India has a land boundary of about 15,200 km and the total length of the
coastline of the mainland, including Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep, is 7,516.6 km

Q2. Now select any one of the following tasks and write in your notebook:

TASK 1
1. Two towns/ cities are identified, one each in Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh.
2. The longitude of these two towns/cities is found in the atlas.
3. The time lag between these two towns/cities is calculated (4 minute's time difference per
degree of longitude)

TASK 2
1. Find out why the standard meridian of India is chosen as 82°30'E.
2. Explain why the Indian Standard Time is exactly 5.30 hours ahead of the international time
(Greenwich Meridian time)

Week 2 & 3: Physical Features of India

India is a diverse and vast country with a wide range of physical features. These features include:

Himalayan Mountains: The northern part of India is home to

the majestic Himalayan mountain range, which includes some
of the world's highest peaks, such as Mount Everest. This region
is characterized by rugged terrain, deep valleys, and numerous
rivers.
Northern Plains: South of the Himalayas lie the fertile Indo-
Gangetic plains, one of the world's most extensive alluvial
plains. These plains are crisscrossed by several major rivers,
including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna, making them
highly suitable for agriculture.
Western Ghats: Along the western coast of India, you'll find the
Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs parallel to the
Arabian Sea. This region is known for its lush forests,
biodiversity, and hill stations.

Eastern Ghats: The Eastern Ghats are a series of discontinuous

mountain ranges along the eastern coast of India. They are
generally lower in elevation compared to the Western Ghats.

Thar Desert: In the northwestern part of India lies the Thar

Desert, which is part of the larger Great Indian Desert. It is a hot
and arid region with sand dunes and sparse vegetation.

Deccan Plateau: The Deccan Plateau covers much of the

southern and central part of India. It is a high, flat, and relatively
dry region with a few hills and mountains.

Coastlines: India has a long coastline of approximately 7,516

kilometers (4,671 miles). The eastern coastline faces the Bay of
Bengal, while the western coastline faces the Arabian Sea.
There are also several islands in the Indian Ocean, including the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the east and the Lakshadweep
Islands in the west.
Rivers and Lakes: India has numerous rivers, with the Ganges,
Brahmaputra, Yamuna, and Godavari being some of the most
significant. There are also many lakes, both natural and
artificial, spread throughout the country.
Valleys: India has several fertile valleys, including the Kashmir
Valley in the north and the Kerala Backwaters in the southwest.

Volcanic Plateaus: Some parts of the Deccan Plateau contain

ancient volcanic plateaus and formations, such as the Western
and Eastern Ghats.

Islands: In addition to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the

Lakshadweep Islands, India has other smaller islands in the
Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Diverse Climate Zones: India experiences a wide range of

climates, from arid deserts in the west to tropical rainforests in
the northeast. The climate varies from region to region due to
its geographical diversity.
These physical features contribute to India's rich biodiversity, culture, and landscape diversity,
making it a country of great natural beauty and ecological significance.

ACTIVITY 4: Concept Mapping of Physical features

Discuss the various physical features of India you have got to know. Engage with your fellow students to
open up about all of their observations regarding the physical features of India. Develop a concept map
with the help of your friends and teacher to consolidate and put the things for systematic understanding.

Assignment: Choose any one physical feature and write in your copy regarding the same and also locate
them on a map.

ACTIVITY 5: Rotating learning stations

Divide yourselves into 6 groups. Each group be given one chart, one table and one colour of sketch pen.
Each chart has one physical feature to write about. Music will be played and the group moves. When the
music stops the group will write about the physical features on the chart they reach.

Group will move to the next table and will add on features as soon as music stops.

Group will reach only once to a particular table and will read the added points first and won't repeat any
content rather adds on new points.

The groups then read out their chart one by one edit the points with the help of teacher and students

Gallery walk: (Supportive activity): All the six charts will be pasted on the wall for a gallery walk activity.
Activity 6: A Presentation on Physical Features

Chits will be prepared containing the names of various physical features such as:

(1) The Himalayan Mountains (2) The Northern Plains (3) The Peninsular Plateau (4) The Indian
Desert (5) The Coastal Plains (6) The Islands

1. Location - (through maps)

2. Characteristic features.
3.Geographic reason for its formation
4.Human activities associated with this
5.Its influence on the climate of India
6.Ideas to protect and conserve the physical features for sustainable growth of humans.
ACTIVITY 7: WORD SEARCH (Suggestive Activity)

Locate the peaks, passes, ranges, plateaus, hills, and duns hidden in the puzzle. Try to find where these
features are located. You may start your search horizontally, vertically or diagonally (NCERT)

Horizontal Vertical
Chota Nagpur- plateau in eastern India, in Nathula- Sikkim
northwestern Chhattisgarh and central
Jharkhand.
Aravali- Rajasthan Cardamom- Kerala
Konkan- Maharashtra Garo- Meghalaya
Jaintia- Meghalaya Kanchenjunga- Sikkim
Malwa- Madhya Pradesh Anamudi- Kerala
Nilgiri- Tamil Nadu Everest- between Nepal and Tibet
Shipkila- Himachal Pradesh An autonomous region of China.
Vindhya- Madhya Pradesh Patli- Uttrakhand
Bomdila- Arunachal Pradesh
Sahyadri- Maharashtra and Karnataka
Satpura- Madhya Pradesh

ACTIVITY 8: Map Challenge

Divide yourselves into 6 groups.
On an outline map of India show the following locations.
1. Mountain and hill ranges – the Karakoram, the Zaskar, the Patkai Bum, the Jaintia, the
Vindhya range, the Aravali, and the Cardamom hills.
2. Peaks – Mount Everest, K2, Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat and the Anai Mudi.
3. Plateaus, Chotanagpur, Malwa, Deccan,
4. The Indian Desert, Western Ghats, Lakshadweep Islands
5. Important Hill Stations: Mussoorie, Nainital, Ranikhet, Dalhousie, Shimla
6. Lakes: Chilka lake, Wular lake, Sambhar Lake, Dal Lake, Vembanad Lake
ACTIVITY 9: WORKSHEET:

TASK 1: Complete table 1 by Classifying physical features of Western and Eastern Himalayas given in the
following Hand out:

S.No. PHYSICAL FEATURES

1. These are spread over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh
2. These are spread over West Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh
3. These are of medium height.
4. These Himalayas are very high.
5. The Brahmaputra is the main river which passes through these and falls into
the Bay of Bengal
6. The Indus and the Sutlej are main rivers which pass through these Himalayas
and fall into the Arabian Sea
7. The average annual rainfall is less than 100cm
8. The average annual rainfall is more than 200 cm
9. Darjeeling and Shillong are the famous hill stations found in these Himalayas
10. Srinagar, Shimla, Manali are the famous hill stations found in the Western Himalayas.

Table:1

Parameters Western Himalayas Eastern Himalayas

TASK 2: Complete Table 2 the features of Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats in reference to height, slope,
continuity, rivers and vegetation.

S.No. PHYSICAL FEATURES

1. Their height is 900 to 1,100 m. The highest peak of this region is from Anaimudi with a height
of 2,659 km
2. These Ghats are lower in height in comparison. It ranges from 600 to 900 m. Mahendragiri is
the highest peak in these Ghats.
3. They have a steep slope as height increases from North to South.
4. They have a gentle slope.
5. They are irregular and discontinuous and dissected by the rivers.
6. They are continuous and can be crossed through passes only.
7. They lie parallel to Western Coast and are a source for some rivers.
8. They stretch from Mahanadi valley to Nilgiris in the South. The rivers flow through easily.
9. These Ghats have tropical evergreen forests. They are evergreen to deciduous forests.
10. These Ghats have scrub vegetation due to overgrazing and deforestation.
Table: 2
Parameters Western Ghats Eastern Ghats
Height
Slope
Continuity
Rivers
Vegetation

Week 4: Drainage

Activity 10: Introduction

Dear students, let’s have some discussion on following points:

1. Have you ever wondered where all the rainwater goes after a heavy downpour?
2. How does India manage its water during the monsoon season, which brings heavy rains and flooding?
3. How all the rivers in India are interconnected and where they ultimately flow?

India's geographical diversity, including its vast land area, varied climate, and distinct geographical
features, plays a pivotal role in shaping the country's water resources and drainage patterns.
Understanding this diversity is crucial for managing water resources, agriculture, and addressing
water-related challenges in different regions of India.

Let us first understand the following terms:

Drainage: The term drainage describes the river system of an area.

Drainage Basin: The area drained by a single river system is called a Drainage basin. It is also known
as a watershed or river basin which is a geographical area where all the surface water (rainfall,
snowmelt, etc.) drains into a common outlet, usually a river or a lake.
Water Divide: Any elevated area, such as a mountain or an upland which divides two drainage basins
is known as a Water Divide.
River System: A river along with its tributaries is called a River System.

Home- School- Home Continuum- Display and point out major rivers, such as the Ganges,
Brahmaputra, Yamuna, Godavari, and others on a map of India. Highlight the diverse geography of India,
including the Himalayan mountains, plains, plateaus, and coastal regions.

Activity 11: Major Drainage Basins in India

The drainage systems of India are mainly controlled by the broad relief features of the subcontinent.
Accordingly, the Indian rivers are divided into two major groups:

The Himalayan rivers The Peninsular rivers

Comparison between Himalayan and peninsular rivers:

Parameter Himalayan Rivers Peninsular Rivers

Nature Perennial in nature Non perennial in nature
Source of Glaciers Lakes and rainfall
origin
Have long courses and perform intense Have shallower and shorter courses
Course
erosion
Pattern Dendritic pattern and form well Combination of dendritic, trellis and
formed developed deltas rectangular pattern

Pictures

Q. Elaborate these points of differences and add some more in the list. (Do it in your notebook)
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● The Himalayan Rivers

The Himalayas give rise to several major river systems in Asia. Three of the most significant river systems
originating from the Himalayas are:

The Ganga River System:

The Ganges (Ganga) and Brahmaputra rivers, originating in the
western Himalayas, are two of the most prominent rivers in India
and Bangladesh. The Ganges, originating from the Gangotri
Glacier in Uttarakhand, flows through northern India, including
states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, before entering Bangladesh
and emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
The Brahmaputra (known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet)
originates in Tibet, flows through India's northeastern state of
Arunachal Pradesh, and then enters Bangladesh, where it is
joined by the Ganges.
Indus River System:
The Indus River, originating in Tibet near Lake Mansarovar, flows
through parts of India, specifically in the Ladakh region of Jammu
and Kashmir, before entering Pakistan. In Pakistan, the Indus
River and its tributaries, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and
Sutlej, form the Indus River System. The Indus River System is
essential for agriculture, irrigation, and the livelihoods of people
in the Indus Valley region.
 The Brahmaputra River System:
The Brahmaputra, originating from the Angsi Glacier in Tibet east
of Mansarowar Lake, is one of the highest rivers in the world.
After flowing through Tibet, it enters India's northeastern state of
Arunachal Pradesh, where it is known as the Siang River. It
eventually becomes the Brahmaputra as it enters Bangladesh and
flows into the Bay of Bengal. This river system is significant for
providing water resources, supporting agriculture, and shaping
the landscape in the eastern Himalayan region. It finally merges
with the Meghna River before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. This
river system is vital for agriculture, transportation, and culture in
India and Bangladesh.

These three major river systems originating from the Himalayas have a profound impact on the
livelihoods, agriculture, and ecosystems of the regions through which they flow. They are crucial for water
supply, transportation, and cultural significance in South Asia.

Worksheet: Exploring the Himalayan River Systems

Instructions: Answer the following questions based on your knowledge of the Himalayan River systems.

1. Name the three major river systems originating from the Himalayas.
a) ____________________________________________________________________________________
b) ____________________________________________________________________________________
c) ____________________________________________________________________________________

2. Describe the source of the Ganges River. Where does it flow through before reaching the Bay of
Bengal?
Source: _______________________________________________________________________________.
States it flows through: __________________________________________________________________.

3. What is the other name for the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, and where does it enter India?
Tibet Name: ___________________________________________________________________________.
Entry Point in India: _____________________________________________________________________.

4. Name the main tributaries of the Indus River and briefly explain their significance.
a) ____________________________________________________________________________________.
Significance: ___________________________________________________________________________.
b) ___________________________________________________________________________________.
Significance: ___________________________________________________________________________.
c) ____________________________________________________________________________________.
Significance: ___________________________________________________________________________.

5. Describe the journey of the Yarlung Tsangpo River from Tibet to the Bay of Bengal, including the name
changes it undergoes.
Name in Tibet: _________________________________________________________________________.
Name in India: _________________________________________________________________________.
Destination: ___________________________________________________________________________.
6. How do the Himalayan River systems impact the regions through which they flow? Provide examples
of their importance.
a) Impact: _________________________________________________________________________.
b) Example: ________________________________________________________________________.
c) Impact: _________________________________________________________________________.
d) Example: ________________________________________________________________________.
e) Impact: _________________________________________________________________________.
f) Example: ________________________________________________________________________.

7. Explain why the Himalayan River systems are vital for agriculture in South Asia.
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8. What role do these rivers play in shaping the cultural heritage of India and neighbouring countries?
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9. Can you name any environmental challenges or issues related to the Himalayan River systems?
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10. Write a short paragraph summarizing the significance of the Himalayan River systems to the people
and ecosystems of the region.
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● The Peninsular Rivers

The Peninsular River System in India refers to the network of rivers that flow across the Deccan Plateau,
which makes up the southern and central part of the Indian subcontinent. These rivers have unique
characteristics and play a significant role in the region's geography, agriculture, and culture.
Here are some key features and details about the Peninsular River System:

1. Direction of Flow: Unlike the Himalayan rivers, which predominantly flow from north to south, the
Peninsular rivers flow from west to east and drain into the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
2. Seasonal Variability: Many of the Peninsular rivers are rainfed and exhibit significant seasonal
variations in water flow. They may swell during the monsoon season and recede during the dry months.
3. Major Peninsular Rivers:
Godavari River: The Godavari is the second-longest river in India and flows through the central part of
the Deccan Plateau. It originates in Maharashtra and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal, covering
states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Krishna River: The Krishna River originates in the western state of Maharashtra and flows southeast,
entering the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh. It is vital for irrigation and hydropower generation.
Mahanadi River: It flows through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha, ultimately draining into the
Bay of Bengal. It plays a significant role in irrigation and supports agriculture in the region.
Kaveri River: Originating in the Western Ghats, the Kaveri flows through the southern states of
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is known for its importance in
agriculture.
4. Importance of Peninsular Rivers:
Agriculture: They are crucial for irrigation and support a significant portion of India's agriculture,
particularly in the Deccan Plateau.
Hydroelectric Power: They are a source of hydropower generation, contributing to India's energy
needs.
Transport: They provide transportation routes, although their navigability is limited compared to some
of the major Himalayan rivers.
Cultural and Religious Significance: Several Peninsular rivers hold cultural and religious significance,
and they are associated with festivals and rituals.
5. Challenges and Conservation:
Pollution: Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to pollution in some Peninsular rivers,
affecting water quality.
Droughts: Seasonal variations and periodic droughts can pose challenges for water availability in certain
regions.
6. Bifurcation: Some Peninsular rivers, like the Godavari and the Krishna, undergo bifurcation or
splitting into multiple distributaries as they approach the coast. The Peninsular River System, with its
unique characteristics and regional significance, contributes to the rich tapestry of India's geographical,
cultural, and economic diversity. These rivers continue to be vital lifelines for the people of the Deccan
Plateau and surrounding areas.
Worksheet: Exploring India's Peninsular Rivers
Instructions: Answer the following questions based on your knowledge of the Peninsular Rivers of India.

1. List the four major Peninsular Rivers in India.

a) __________________________________________ b) _____________________________________
c) __________________________________________ d) _____________________________________

2. Describe the direction in which Peninsular Rivers generally flow in India.

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3. Which are the two major seas into which Peninsular Rivers drain?
a) ___________________________________________________________________________________
b) ___________________________________________________________________________________

4. Explain the seasonal variability of Peninsular Rivers and why it occurs.

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5. Provide the names of the states through which the Godavari River flows.
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6. Describe the significance of the Krishna River in the region it flows through.
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7. Mention the states through which the Mahanadi River flows.

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8. Which two southern states are primarily influenced by the Kaveri River?
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9. Discuss the importance of Peninsular Rivers in agriculture.

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10. How are Peninsular Rivers significant for hydroelectric power generation?
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11. Name one festival or ritual associated with a Peninsular River.

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12. Explain one environmental challenge faced by Peninsular Rivers in India.

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13. Can you identify any Peninsular Rivers that undergo bifurcation? If so, provide their names.
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14. Write a short paragraph summarizing the importance of Peninsular Rivers in India's geography,
culture, and economy.
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● Lakes
Lakes are bodies of standing or slow-moving freshwater, typically surrounded by land. They are distinct
from rivers, which are flowing bodies of water, and oceans, which are vast saltwater expanses.
India is home to a diverse range of lakes, each with its unique characteristics, ecological significance, and
cultural importance. Here is a list of some of the notable lakes in India:
Lakes in India: Location and Features:

Lakes Location Features

1. Wular Lake: Jammu and Provides livelihoods for local communities. It is one of the
Kashmir largest freshwater lakes in India.

2. Chilika Lake: Odisha Asia's largest coastal lagoon, and a haven for migratory birds
and dolphins.
3. Dal Lake: Srinagar, Jammu it is famous for its houseboats and shikara rides, contributing
and Kashmir to the local economy and tourism.
4. Pushkar Lake: Rajasthan It is a sacred Hindu Lake with ghats and temples and hosts
the annual Pushkar Camel Fair.
5. Sambhar Lake: Rajasthan It is India's largest saltwater lake and is vital for salt
production and bird watching.
6. Pulicat Lake: Andhra Pradesh It's the second-largest brackish water lake in India and an
and Tamil Nadu important habitat for migratory birds.
7. Lonar Lake: Maharashtra It is a unique, high-alkaline lake within a meteorite impact
crater, holding geological and ecological significance.

These lakes offer not only breathtaking natural beauty but also serve various ecological, economic, and
cultural purposes. They are a vital part of India's rich geographical and environmental diversity.

Here are several reasons why lakes in India are significant:

1. Biodiversity: Lakes are critical ecosystems that support a wide variety of aquatic and bird species.
They serve as breeding and feeding grounds for numerous fish and waterfowl species, contributing to
regional biodiversity.
2. Water Supply: Many lakes serve as sources of freshwater for drinking, agriculture, and industrial use.
They help in maintaining the water balance in their respective regions.
3. Irrigation: Lakes are vital for irrigation, especially in regions with seasonal water scarcity. They play a
crucial role in supporting agriculture, which is the backbone of India's economy.
4. Hydropower Generation: Some lakes are reservoirs that supply water to hydropower plants,
contributing to electricity generation and sustainable energy sources.
5. Tourism and Recreation: Lakes are popular destinations for tourism and recreation, attracting visitors
for boating, fishing, and water sports. They boost local economies and provide opportunities for leisure.
6. Cultural and Religious Significance: Many lakes in India are associated with religious and cultural
traditions. They serve as sites for rituals, festivals, and pilgrimages, contributing to the cultural fabric of
the country.
7. Groundwater Recharge: Lakes play a crucial role in recharging groundwater resources. They help
maintain the water table and provide a source of water during dry periods.
8. Flood Control: Lakes can act as natural buffers against floods by absorbing excess water during
heavy rainfall and monsoon seasons. They prevent water from inundating nearby areas.
9. Erosion Control: Lakes help control soil erosion by slowing down the flow of water and allowing
sediments to settle, protecting the surrounding land.
10. Ecosystem Services: Lakes offer various ecosystem services, such as nutrient cycling, water
purification, and carbon sequestration, which are essential for maintaining ecological balance.
11. Scientific Research: Lakes provide valuable opportunities for scientific research in fields like
limnology (the study of inland waters), ecology, and environmental studies. They help us understand
ecosystem dynamics and the impacts of human activities on the environment.
 12. Wetland Conservation: Lakes often include wetlands, which are ecologically important for their
unique habitats and their role in filtering pollutants from water. Conserving wetlands is crucial for
maintaining the health of lake ecosystems.
13. Livelihoods: Many communities depend on lakes for their livelihoods. Fishing, boating,
tourism-related businesses, and agriculture are all economically linked to the presence and health of
lakes.
14. Natural Beauty: Lakes enhance the aesthetic appeal of their surroundings and contribute to the
scenic beauty of the regions in which they are located.

Preserving and maintaining the health of India's lakes is critical for sustainable development, ecological
balance, and the well-being of the people who depend on these vital resources.

Activity 12: Demonstrate Flow Patterns

Use arrows on the map to illustrate the flow patterns of rivers within these basins, showing how they
originate in specific regions and eventually merge or flow into the sea.

Himalayan rivers: Ganga, Indus, Bhramhaputra, Son, Betwa, Chambal.

Peninsular river: Krishna, Kaveri, Godavari, Mahanadi, Tungbhadra.
Lakes: Sambhar, Wular, Chilika, Pushkar.
Activity 13: Role of Rivers in Economy

Role Play
Dear students, divide yourselves into different groups for role plays. Choose any one topic from the
followings:
● Importance of Lakes and rivers
● River pollution
● Damming of Rivers
● National River Conservation Plan
● Namami Gange etc

Significance of rivers: Rivers are economic lifelines, serving as transportation routes for goods and people,
facilitating trade, reducing transportation costs, and enhancing regional commerce. They provide water
for agriculture, fostering food production and economic growth. Hydropower generated from rivers fuels
industries, while waterfronts attract tourism and recreation. Rivers support fishing and fishing industries,
supply freshwater for drinking and industrial processes, and offer real estate development opportunities.
Historically significant and culturally rich riverbanks bolster heritage tourism. Moreover, well-managed
rivers aid flood control and provide natural habitats that contribute to biodiversity and ecotourism,
collectively stimulating economies and livelihoods.

Activity 14: Concept mapping (Supportive Learning)

Tell about your experience and exposure to water and the water system. Help the Teacher to place and
develop an understanding of the concepts of Drainage, Drainage basin, landforms like Gorge, water fall,
V- shaped valley, meanders, ox-bow lake, flood plains, delta etc water divide. Afterwards with the help of
the teacher start a discussion on the content through the concept map to consolidate and put the things
for systematic understanding.
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Activity 15: Group Presentation (Extended Learning)

Sharing of River Waters among India and its Neighbours in the 21st century: War or Peace?
You are required to collect additional information related to the topic under following heads:
● Name of the river Countries/states sharing it
● Volume of water being utilized Treaty,
● If any Related issues/conflicts
● Its Impact on the Country/society Suggested solution

Reflection:
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