Ch 3 Water Resources

Hydrological Cycle

Qs 1 What is hydrological cycle? What is its importance?

Or
Explain how water becomes a renewable resource
Ans. The continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of earth is
known as hydrological cycle. The freshwater mainly obtained from surface run off and
ground water is continually being renewed through the hydrological cycle.

Water Scarcity and Need for Water Conservation

Qs 2 What is water scarcity? Mention any 4 factors responsible for the same.
[2014]
Or
Water is available in abundance in India even then scarcity of water is experienced
in major parts of the country. Explain with examples. [CBSE 2008 (D)]

Ans. Water scarcity is the inefficient availability of water as compared to its demand.
Factors responsible:
(i) Growing Population (iv) Urbanisation
(ii) Commercialisation of Agriculture (v) Water Pollution
(iii) Industrialisation
[Quantitative aspect: This aspect is related to the availability of water resources. The
availability of water resources varies due to over-exploitation, excessive use and
unequal access to water among different social groups.
Qualitative aspect: There are areas where water is sufficiently available to meet the
needs of humans but people still suffer from water scarcity due to bad quality of water.
Here water is polluted by domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides and
fertilizers used in agriculture, thus, making it hazardous for human use.]

(i) Qs “Water scarcity may be an outcome of large and growing population”.

Justify.
Ans
1) A large population means more water not only for domestic use but also to
produce more food.
2) A growing population has also a direct impact on water level.
3) Large population leads to greater demand of water and unequal access to it.

(ii) Qs How has agriculture aggravated the problem of H 2O scarcity in India?

Explain
Or
How is agriculture responsible for creating stress on water resources? [CBSE
2014]
Ans.
1) Water is a basic input in agriculture. Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer
of water.
2) HYV seeds needs more water as compared to traditional seeds.

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 3) To facilitate higher food grain production water resources are over exploited for
use during dry season agriculture.
4) The water table has lowered in many parts of India due to overuse of
groundwater by building wells and tubewells by farmers for irrigation.
(iii) Qs How do increasing number of industries exert pressure on freshwater
resources? [CBSE 2012]
Ans.
1) Industries used water as coolant, raw material, solvent, etc.
2) Industries require power to run them, most of which comes from hydroelectric
powe
3) Industries release harmful chemicals which contaminates & pollutes water bodies

(iv) Qs How does urbanisation and urban lifestyle lead to over-exploitation of

water resources? Explain. [CBSE 2013]
Ans.
1) In order to meet their water needs, housing societies and colonies in cities install
their own groundwater pumping systems, which lowers the water level.
2) The majority of cities have excessive population density, which over utilisation of
water resources.
3) Unplanned urbanisation adds to water pollution. For example, most of Indian river
have been polluted by the waste of cities.

(v) Qs How does water pollution contributes to water scarcity in India?

Ans
1) Water pollution leads to poor water quality, which causes scarcity of water.
2) The chemicals, pesticides, domestic and industrial waste released into water
bodies makes it unfit for use leading to shortage of clean water.
3) Water pollution degrades the quality of water & makes it toxic for humans &
environment.

Qs 3 Is it possible that an area or region may have ample water resources but is
still facing water scarcity? Explain with the help of relevant examples. [2013]

Ans. Yes, it is possible that an area or region may have ample water resources but is
still facing water scarcity.

1) Water pollution: In most of our cities there is no shortage of water resources but
industrial and domestic waste, pesticides and chemicals are released into rivers
and lakes making them unfit for use.
2) Growing population: The ever-increasing population leads to greater demand of
water for drinking and other economic activities leading to over exploitation of
existing freshwater resources.
3) Unequal access to water: Some cities in India faces this problem due to
unequal access to water.
4) Falling groundwater levels: Own wells & tubewells can affect water availability.

Q.4 What is the importance of water? [CBSE 2012]

Or
“Water is a very important and critical resource in India.” Support the statement
by explaining any three points. [CBSE 2013]
Ans
1) Water is vital for human survival.

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 2) Water is a basic input for agriculture and crop production.
3) Water is also used for power generation.
4) Water is used for transportation.
5) In industries water is used as a raw material, solvent and coolant.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

Qs 5 What is JJM and who launched it? What was its purpose?
Ans
1. Jal Jeevan Mission is a flagship program of the Government of India, launched
by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 15 August 2019.
2. It aims to provide safe drinking water to all rural households in India through
individual household tap connections by 2024.
3. The goal of JJM is to enable every rural household get assured supply of potable
piped water at a service level of 55 litres per capita per day regularly.
4. It focuses on sustainability of water supply through rainwater harvesting,
recharge of groundwater, management of catchment areas etc.

Qs 6 Over exploitation and mismanagement of water resources will impoverish

the resource and cause ecological crisis. Explain
Ans Over exploitation and mismanagement of water resources will impoverish the
resource and cause ecological crisis in following ways:
1) Resource destruction: Overexploitation of natural resources, such as water,
can cause the resource to diminish causing depletion of aquatic populations
2) Water scarcity: Aggravated and unwise use of water can also lead to water
scarcity.
3) Brackish water intrusion: Overutilization can cause salt water to intrusion which
can degrade groundwater quality.
4) Ecosystem vulnerability: Mismanagement water resources can make
ecosystems less resilient to adverse weather conditions.
5) Biodiversity threats: Over use of water can threaten the biodiversity of forest
water bodies and deforestation can lead to habitat loss.

Qs 7 Why is there an urgent need to conserve and manage our water resources?
Mention three reasons. [CBSE 2012]
Ans Water is vital to human health, agriculture, and the environment. Conserving water
is important for the following reasons:
1) Precondition for life: Water is necessary for life on earth.
2) Health: Conserving and using water judiciously is essential to safeguard against
health hazards.
3) Food security: Water is vital to sustain livelihood and productive activities (like
crop growing) to meet the food grain demand.
4) Ecosystems: Using water wisely prevents ecological crises and avoid
degradation of natural ecosystems.

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 5) Water Scarcity: Water scarcity can lead to drought, crop failure, diseases,
sanitation issues, conflicts over water usage etc.
6) Industrial Use: Water is used in many industries like food, paper, petroleum
chemicals etc.
Multipurpose River Projects and Integrated Water Resources Management

Qs 8 Explain the Hydraulic structure in ancient India.

Ans Hydraulic structures are submerged or partially submerged structures built in water
bodies to alter the natural flow of water. Few of hydraulic structures in ancient India are:
1) Sringaverapura: Built in the 1st century BC, this structure near Allahabad has a
sophisticated water harvesting system channelling the flood water of river
Ganga.
2) Bhopal Lake: Built in the 11th century, it is of the largest artificial lakes of its
time.
3) Hauz Khas, Delhi: Built in the 14th century by Iltutmish, this tank supplies water
to Siri Fort
4) Dams, lakes, and irrigation systems built during the time of Chandragupta
Maurya were extensively built to meet irrigation requirements.
5) Sophisticated irrigation systems were found in Kolhapur (Maharashtra),
Kalong (Odissa), Banner (Karnataka), and Nagarjuna Konda (Andhra Pradesh).

Qs 9 What are multipurpose (river) projects? [CBSE 2009 (D) , 2010, 2011]

Ans A dam built across a river often serves many purposes at a time and is termed as a
multipurpose project. Flood control, irrigation, hydroelectric generation, navigation,
fishing and tourism etc are some of the main aims of multipurpose project. For example:
Bhakra Nangal dam is used for both hydropower and irrigation; Hirakud dam on
Mahanadi integrates water conservation and flood control, etc.

Qs 10 What are dams? How do these help to conserve and manage water? Explain
the classification of dam based on structure and height.

Ans. A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow
often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment.
1) Dams were built to store water that could be used later for irrigation purposes.
2) Dams are also source of perennial canals supplying water for human use.

Classification of dam based on

Structure: Height:
 Embankment Dams  Low dam
 Masonry/Concrete Dams  Medium dam
 Timber/Steel Dams  High dam

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Qs 11 Distinguish between a dam and a multipurpose project.

Today, dams are built not just for irrigation but for electricity generation, water supply for
domestic and industrial uses, flood control, recreation, inland navigation and fish
breeding etc. thus, termed as multipurpose projects
Qs 12 “Multipurpose projects and large dams have also been the cause of many
social movement”. Name any two such movements. Why were they launched?
Ans. Multipurpose projects and large dams have also been the cause of many new
social movements like:
1) Narmada Bachao Andolan - It is a social movement against the construction of
Sardar Sarovar Dam across the Narmada River in Gujarat.
2) Tehri Dam Andolan - The Tehri Dam Andolan was a movement to protest the
construction of the Tehri Hydroelectric Project on the Bhagirathi River in
Uttarakhand, India.
Reasons for these movements were:
 Displacement of Local People: Local people often had to give up their land,
livelihood and their access over resources for the greater good of the nation.
 Adverse Effect on Environment: Dam construction will negatively impact the
ecosystem since many trees would be drowned in dam water.

Qs 13 How do the dams create conflicts between the people?

Ans.
1) The dams have created conflicts between people wanting different uses and
benefits from the same water resources.
2) Disputes are caused over sharing the costs and benefits of dam built over shared
river.
3) The landowners, the rich farmers, industrialists and urban centres are benefitting
at the cost of local communities.
4) In Gujarat (Sabarmati-river basin) farmers were highly agitated over the higher
priority given to water supply in urban areas,

Qs 14 How has irrigation changed the cropping pattern? What is its impact on the
social landscape? [CBSE 2012]

Ans. Changes in cropping pattern: Due to irrigation facilities many farmers have
shifted to water intensive and commercial crops. For example, Punjab has become
major producer of rice in spite of low rainfall.

Impact on social landscape: This transformation has widened the gap between rich
and poor. The landowners who can afford higher inputs have become richer while the
landless poor have failed to get benefit due to lack of capital.

Qs 15 Explain three ways in which irrigation schemes have changed the social
landscape of the region. [CBSE 2012]
Ans.
1) Displacement of the local people: Local people often had to sacrifice their land,
livelihood and access and control over resources for the greater good of the
nation.

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 2) Social movements: Large dams like Sardar Sarovar Dam ; Tehri Dam have lead
social movements like the ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’ and ‘Tehri Dam Andolan’,
etc.
3) Widening the gap between rich and poor: Multipurpose projects have widened
the gap between rich and poor. The landlords, large farmers and industrialist are
getting benefit at the cost of poor.

Qs 16 Who proclaimed the dams as the temples of modern India? Give reason.
Or
“Multipurpose projects have failed to achieve the purpose for which they were
built”. Justify by giving reasons. [CBSE 2014]
Or
Write down the advantages and disadvantages of Dams.
Or
How do the multipurpose river projects affect the aquatic life? Explain.
Or
Explain the ecological problems being faced due to the multi-purpose river
projects. [CBSE 2013]
Or
Multipurpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny and
opposition. Explain with reason.

Ans Jawaharlal Nehru proclaimed the dams as the ‘Temples of modern India’ because

Advantages Disadvantages

(i) Growth: Dams integrate the development (i) Excessive Sedimentation: Damming of
of agriculture and village economy with rapid rivers affect their natural flow causing
industrialisation and growth of the urban sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir
economy. that may harm aquatic life and trigger flood.

(ii) Development: Dams lead to (ii) Displacement of Local Communities:

synchronised development in fields like Dam construction can displace people
hydroelectric power generation, management affecting their livelihood and control over
of water resources, balanced regional growth, resources for greater good of nation.
boost economy etc
(iii) Greenhouse Gases: Reservoirs can
(iii) Water supply: Dams provide a reliable emit a high percentage of greenhouse gases
water supply for irrigation, domestic and causing climate change and air pollution.
industrial use and hydroelectric power.
(iv) Ecological Crisis: Framers are shifting
(iv) Flood control: Dams can help control to water intensive & commercial cropping
flooding by storing or diverting water during causing ecological issues like soil
floods. salinisation.

(v) Recreation: Dams provide recreational (v) Interstate Water Dispute: States dispute
opportunities like boating, fishing, and picnics over distribution of costs and benefits of the
thus enhance tourism. dam built over a shared river.

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 (vi) Avert water wastage: Dams prevent (vi) Induced Earthquakes: Dams can cause
water from being wasted by storing extra earthquake due to extra water pressure and
water from streams and rivers. excessive weight of water stored behind the
dam.

Rain Water Harvesting

Qs 17 What is rainwater harvesting? What is its importance?

Ans.
Definition: It is a technique of increasing the recharge of ground water by capturing and
storing rainwater by constructing structures such as percolating pits, channels, check
dams etc.
Importance-
1) Rainwater harvesting is needed to meet the ever-increasing demand for water.
2) It reduces pressure on existing water resources.
3) It is an economical and reliable source of water supply when all other sources are
dried up.
4) It helps in recharging groundwater.
5) Rainwater harvesting techniques are more environmental-friendly as compare to
multipurpose river projects.

Qs 18 Explain the major methods of rainwater harvesting prevailing in India.

[CBSE 2013]

Ans The major methods of rainwater harvesting prevailing in India are:

1) Guls and Kuls: These are the diversion channels build in rocky and hilly areas of
Western Himalayas to divert water for agriculture.
2) Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting: In Rajasthan, Shillong, and Meghalaya,
rainwater is gathered from the roof, cleaned, and stored in tanks. This water is
used for drinking and excess water is diverted to wells to recharge groundwater.
3) Khadins and Johads: These are rainfed storage structures for water to stand
and moisten the soil in agricultural fields of arid and semi-arid areas of Rajasthan.
Ex: Khadins in Jaisalmer) and Johads in Jaipur.
4) Inundation Channels: These channels are formed in the floodplains of Bengal to
collect water and thus irrigate the fields.
5) Tankas: These are underground, cylindrical tanks constructed inside the main
residence of the desert region (Bikaner, Phalodi and Banner) of Rajasthan.
6) Tamil Nadu is the first state in India to make rooftop rainwater harvesting
compulsory for all the houses in the state.

Qs 19 Why are different water harvesting systems considered a viable alternative

both socio economically and environmentally in a country like India? [2010, 2011]
Ans.

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 1) Water harvesting is a very cheap and affordable method of conservation of water.
2) India has a tradition of various water harvesting systems, and people have
knowledge of precipitation systems, soil types, and procedures for harvesting
water from groundwater, waterways, and rain water.
3) Rainwater harvesting techniques used by people are more environment friendly
as compared to multipurpose river projects.
4) Water harvesting systems provide an additional source of water, reducing the
pressure on existing sources
Qs 20 What are the uses of tankas?
Ans
Tankas are small artificial water bodies that store rainwater. They are commonly found in
Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Tankas have many uses like:
1) Livelihood support: Tankas provide drinking water & water for livestock support.
2) Irrigation: Tankas help in agriculture and irrigation of fields during drought years.
3) Water Management: Tankas provide water during dry spells and help to
recharge groundwater.
4) Beat the Heat: Many houses in Rajasthan build underground rooms adjoining to
tankas to beat the Summer Heat as it would keep the room cool.

Qs 21 How rooftop rainwater harvesting is done in arid & semi-arid areas of Rajasthan
Or
What do you understand by Palar Pani? How Palar Pani is collected?
Ans Rainwater is commonly referred as Palar Pani in the arid & semi-arid regions of
Rajasthan
1) In the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly in Bikaner, Phalodi, and
Barmer, almost all the houses have underground tankas for storing drinking water.
(i) The tankas could be as large as a big room
(ii) The tankas are a part of a well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system
(iii) They are connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a PVC pipe.
(iv) Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down the pipe and be stored in these
underground tanks.
(v) The first spell of rain was usually not collected as this would clean the roofs and
the pipes. Rainwater from the subsequent showers is then collected in a
reservoir.
(vi) Collected water is filtered using sand and bricks.
(vii) Excess water from the sump (reservoir) is taken to the well.
(viii) Water from the well recharges the underground water.

2) In few regions rain fed storage structures are created in agricultural fields for water to
stand and moisten the soil. For example: Khadins in Jaisalmer and Johads in different
parts of Rajasthan.

Qs 22 Write short note on

1) Sardar Sarovar Dam (SSD)

Or

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Name the multi-purpose project on river Narmada and briefly describe its features.
Ans
i) It is a concrete gravity dam on the Narmada River in Gujarat.
ii) It is one of the largest dams covering the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra and Rajasthan
iii) The irrigation benefits from the dam goes to Gujarat and Rajasthan, while the
hydroelectric power is shared by Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
iv) The SSD had some environmental consequences, like negative effect on fishing,
waterlogging and salinization of water, silting of the river bed, and deforestation.
2) Krishna Godavari Dispute
Or
Which of the states raised a dispute on Krishna-Godavari and Why?
Ans
i) It is a dispute on water distribution between the states of Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
ii) The dispute began in 1969 when Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh objected to the
diversion of water from the Koyna River for a multi-purpose project.
iii) The diversion would reduce the downstream flow of water, which would
negatively impact agriculture and industry

3) Bamboo Drip Irrigation

Or
How has Shillong solved the problem of acute shortage of water?
Ans
i) The bamboo drip irrigation system is a 200-year-old technology used in
Meghalaya to transport water from streams and springs to fields.
ii) The system uses bamboo pipes to transport about 18-20 litres of water over
hundreds of meters and finally reduces to 20-80 drops per minute at the plant
site.
iii) The flow of water into the pipes is controlled by manipulating the pipe positions.
iv) The bamboo drip irrigation system is necessary for water availability and irrigation
of fields during dry season.

4) Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting

i) It is a water conservation technique that involves collecting rainwater from the
roofs of buildings by artificially designed systems using PVC pipes and storage
tanks.
ii) Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down these pipes and is stored in
underground tanks or tankas.
iii) The collected water can be used for household purposes like bathing, cleaning,
and gardening.
iv) The excess water can be diverted to replenish groundwater levels.

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VSAQ

Q. No. 1) Rooftop rainwater harvesting was commonly practiced to store drinking water,
particularly in __________.

Ans. Rajasthan.

Q. No. 2) Which place in India has an artificial lake to conserve water that dates to the
11th century?

Ans. Bhopal

Q. No. 3) What percentage of the total volume of world’s water is estimated to exist as
oceans and as fresh water?

Ans. 96.5% oceans and 2.5% fresh water

Q. No. 4) Why does the availability of water resources vary over space and time?

Ans. The availability of water resources varies over space and time, mainly due to the
variations in seasonal and annual precipitation.

Q. No. 5) Which state has a 200-year-old system of tapping stream and spring water by
using bamboo pipes?

Ans. Meghalaya.

Q. No. 6) What are the diversion channels of the Western Himalayas called?

Ans. Guls or Kuls.

Q. No. 7) On which river Bhakra-Nangal Dam has been constructed?

Ans. Sutluj.

Q. No. 8) The Hirakud project in the ________ basin integrated the conservation of
water with flood control.

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Ans. Mahanadi.

Q. No. 9) What is the contribution of hydroelectricity in the total generation of electricity.

Ans. 22%

Q. No. 10) Name two techniques of roof top rain water harvesting. [CBSE 2009(0)]

Ans. (i) Recharge through hand pump.

(ii) Recharge through abandoned dug well.

LAQ

Q.1. How have the growing population, industrialisation and urbanisation led to water
scarcity? Explain. [CBSE 2008 (D)]
Or
Explain any four reasons responsible for water scarcity in India. [2010(D), 2012]
Or
How have industrialisation & urbanisation increased water scarcity in India? [CBSE 2010
2014]
Or
Give three reasons for water scarcity in post independent India. [CBSE 2010]
Or
‘Three-fourths of the earth’s surface is covered with water but there is still scarcity of
water across the globe.’ Explain giving three reasons. [CBSE 2011]
________________________________________________________________

Q 2 Why is it necessary to conserve water resources in India? Explain.

Or
Why is it essential to conserve, and manage our water resources? Explain any three
reasons. [CBSE 2012]
Or
Why we should conserve water resources? Give any 3 reasons. [CBSE 2012,2014]
______________________________________________________________________

Q.3. “In recent years, the multipurpose projects and large dams have come under great
scrutiny.” Give reasons. [CBSE 2012]
Or
Mention any four disadvantages of multi-purpose projects. [CBSE 2010, 2013]
Or .
How may the multipurpose river valley projects become harmful for the country ? Explain
with four examples. [CBSE 2008]
Or
Why are multipurpose projects facing resistance? Explain with three reasons [CBSE
2010]
____________________________________________________________________

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Q 4 (i) What is a multipurpose project?
(ii) Why did Pandit Jawahar Lai Nehru proclaim the river dams as the ‘Temples of
Modem India?’ Explain the main reason. [CBSE 2014].
___________________________________________________________________

Q5 Explain briefly, how rainwater harvesting is done in following cases

a) Hilly and mountainous regions

b) Sem-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan
c) Open spaces around the buildings in city areas
___________________________________________________________________

https://www.studyguide360.com/2017/10/cbse-geography-class-10-water-resources.html

Rooftop Rain Water Harvesting System – Rajasthan

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Fig 3.7

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