CBSE CLASS-X Social Science

Important Questions
Geography Chapter-3
Water Resources

5 marks Questions
1. Water is available in abundance in India ever then
scarcity of water is experienced in major parts of the
country. Explain.
Ans. a. India receives 114 cm rainfall annually and it is far
less than Israel, which receives only 25 cm rainfall annually.
b. Israel does not face the problem of water scarcity, but our
country is facing this problem every year. The reason is that
we are unable to manage and conserve rainwater.
c. The availability of water resources varies over space and
time, mainly due to the variations in seasonal and annual
precipitation, but water scarcity is most cases is caused by
over exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water
among different social groups.
d. Once chirrapunji was famous because it received the
highest rainfall in world. Today this area faces an acute water
shortage. This is a consequence of extensive deforestation and
no efforts toward rainwater harvesting.

2. How intensive industrialization and urbanization have

passed a great pressure on existing fresh water resources
in India? Explain with two examples for each.
Ans. a. Post independent India witnessed intensive
industrialization and urbanization.
b. The ever increasing number of industries has made matters
worse by creating pressure on existing freshwater resources.
Industries apart from being heavy users of water also require
power to run them.
c. Much of this energy comes from hydroelectric power.
d. Multiplying urban centers with large and dense populations
and urban lifestyles have not only added to water and energy
requirement but have further aggravated the problem.
e. If we look into the housing societies or colonies in the
cities, you would find that most of these have their own
groundwater pumping devices to meet their water needs. Not
surprisingly we find that fragile water resources are being
over-exploited and have caused their depletion in several of
these cities.

3. Give any five examples of traditional water harvesting

system prevalent in various parts of India.
Ans. a. In hill and mountainous regions, people built diversion
channels like the ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ of the western Himalayas for
agriculture.
b. ‘Rooftop rain water harvesting’ was commonly practiced to
store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan.
c. In the flood plains of Bengal, people developed inundation
channels to irrigate their fields.
d. In arid and semi arid regions, agricultural fields were
converted into rain fed storage structures that allowed the
water to stand and moisten the soil like the ‘khadans in
jaisalmer and ‘Johads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.
e. In Meghalaya, a 200 years old system of tapping stream and
spring water by using bamboo pipes is prevalent.

4. What is the ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’? Why was it

organized? What are the issues raised by this movement?
Ans. a. Narmada Bachao Andolan is prominent social
movement to acquire access and control natural resources
endowed to the local people.
b. The activities of the Narmada Bachao Andolan in the late
1980s and 1990s brought worldwide attention to the plight of
the people from the area of Sardar Sarovar Dam across the
Narmada River who is spread over the states of Gujarat,
Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
c. Narmada Bachao Andolan is a non Government
Organisation that mobilized tribal people, farmers,
environmentalists and human rights activists against Sardar
Sarovar Dam.
d. It originally focused on the environmental issues related to
trees that would be submerged under the dam water.
e. Recently it has refocused the aim to enable poor citizens,
especially the oustees to get full rehabilitation facilities from
the government.

5. Write a short note on Hydraulic structures of ancient

India.
Ans. a. In the first centuray b.c., Sringaverapura near
Allahabad had sophisticated water harvesting system
channeling the flood water of the river Ganga.
b. During the time of Chandragupta Maurya, dams, lakes and
irrigation systems were extensively built.
c. Evidences of sophisticated irrigation works have also been
found in Kalinga (Odisha), Nagarjunakonda (Andhra
Pradesh), Bennur (Karnataka), Kohlapur (maharashtra), etc.
d. In the 11th centuray, Bhopal Lake, one of the largest
artificial lakes of its time was built.
e. In the 14th century the tank in Hauz Khas, Delhi was
constructed by Iltutmish for supplying water to Siri Fort Area.

6. Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi-arid regions

of Rajasthan is carried out.
Ans. a. Rooftop rain water harvesting is commonly practiced
to store water.
b. In Arid and semi- arid regions, agricultural fields were
converted into rain-fed storage structures that allowed the
water to stand and moisten the soil like the khadins in
Jaisalmer and Johads in other parts of Rajasthan.
c. In the semi arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly
in Bekaner, Phalodi and Barmer, almost all the houses
traditionally had underground tanks or tankas for storing
were.
d. In Western Rajasthan, the practice of roof top rainwater
harvesting is on the decline as plenty of water is availability
due to the perennial Rajasthan Canal, though some houses still
maintain the tankas since they do not like the taste of tap
water.

7. Describe how modern adaptation of traditional

rainwater harvesting methods is being carried out to
conserve and store water?
Ans. a. Rooftop rainwater is collected through a pipe into the
underground tanks. Rooftop rainwater harvesting is practiced
in Shillong and Meghalaya where nearly 15 to 25 percent of
actual water requirement is met from rooftop water
harvesting.
b. In Many parts of rural and urban India, rooftop rainwater
harvesting is successfully adopted to conserve and store
water.
c. In Gandathur a village in Karnataka and nearly 200
households has installed this system. From 20 houses, the net
amount of rainwater harvested amounts to 1, 00,000 liters
annually.
d. In Meghalaya, Bamboo drip is practiced to transport stream
and spring water by using Bamboo pipes.
e. Several low cost techniques are now available to recharge
groundwater and harvest the rainwater like, construction of
proclamation ponds, refilling of dug wells and collection of
rainwater and storing it in tanks or ground.

8. What is multi-purpose river valley project? State any

four objectives of multi-purpose river valley projects.
Ans. Multipurpose river valley projects are meant to tackle
various problems associated with river valleys in an integrated
manner. Following are the objectives of Multi-purpose river
valley projects:
a. To control floods.
b. Check soil erosion.
c. Generate electricity
d. Provide inland navigation
e. Encourage tourism and recreation
f. Conservation of water.
9. In recent years, multipurpose projects and large dams
have come under great scrutiny and opposition. Explain
why.
Ans. a. Some social movements have opposed such large
dams due to fact that local communities have been displaced
and rooted out of their original settlement areas.
b. Dames have also been a potent cause in creating conflicts
between states, wanting to avail benefits from the same water
resources.
c. Sedimentation in the reservoir gas caused floods. These
dams were constructed to control floods.
d. These dames caused land degradation. The flood plains
were deprived of silt which is natural fertilizer.
e. These dams caused water borne disease, pest and pollution
of water due to excessive use.

10. Three –fourths of the world is covered with water and

water is a renewable resources. Yet many countries and
regions around the globe suffer from water scarcity.
Explain.
Ans. We know that three-fourth of the earth’s surface is
covered with water, but only a small proportion of its
accounts for freshwater that can be put to use. This freshwater
mainly obtained from surface run off and ground water that is
continually being renewed and recharged through the
hydrological cycle ensuring that water is a renewable
resource. 96.5 percent of the total volume of world’s water is
estimated to exist as oceans and only 2.5 per cent as fresh
water. Nearly 70% of this fresh water occurs as ice sheets and
glaciers in Antarctica, Greenland and the mountainous regions
of the world, while a little less than 30 percent is stored as
groundwater in world’s aquifers.

SE CLASS-X Social Science

Important Questions
Geography Chapter-3CB
Water Resources

3 marks Questions
1. Why dams are now referred as multipurpose projects?
Ans. a. Dams are now referred to as multipurpose projects as
the uses of the impounded water are in integration with one
another.
b. Dams are constructed to flood control, irrigation,
generation and distribution of electricity.
c. Dams are constructed to conserve water, vegetation and
soil.
d. It also helps to promote tourism.

2. Highlight the reverse effects of dams on aquatic life and

vegetation.
Ans. a. Regulating and damming of rivers affect the natural
flow of rivers, causing poor sediment flow and excessive
sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir, resulting in
rockier stream beds and poorer habitats for the rivers’ aquatic
life.
b. Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic
fauna to migrate, especially for spawning.
c. The reservoirs that are created on the flood plains also
submerge the existing vegetation and soil leading to its
decomposition over a period of time.

3. Mention the negative effect of over irrigation?

Ans. a. This has great ecological consequences like
Stalinization of the soil.
b. Decrease the soil fertility.
c. It leads to water scarcity.

4. How can irrigation transform the social landscape?

Ans. a. Irrigation has also changed the cropping pattern of
many regions with farmerd shifting to water intensive and
commercial crops.
b. This has great ecological consequences like Stalinization of
the soil.
c. At the same time, it has transformed the social gap between
the richer land owner and the landless poor farmers.

5. How dams are responsible for creating conflicts

between people of same society? Explain with example.
Ans. a. The dams did create conflicts between people wanting
different uses and benefits from the same water resources.
b. In Gujarat, the Sabarmati-basin farmers were agitated and
almost caused a riot over the higher priority given to water
supply in urban areas, particularly during droughts.

6. Features A is marked in the given political map of

India. Identify this feature with the help of the following
information and write their correct name on the line
marked on the map. 1. A Dam
B. on the same map of India locate and label the following
items with appropriate symbols: 1. A Dam on River
Narmada 2. A Dam on River Tungabhadra
Ans.

7. Explain the quantitative aspects of water scarcity.

Ans. a. Let us consider another situation where water is
sufficiently available to meet the needs of the people, but the
area still suffers from water scarcity.
b. This scarcity may be due to bad quality of water. Lately
there has been a growing concern that even if there is ample
water to meet the needs of the people, much of it may be
polluted by domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals,
pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture, thus, making it
hazardous for human use.

8. Highlight the facts given by The Citizens’ Fifth Report,

CSE, 1999.
Ans. a. India’s rivers, especially the smaller ones, have all
turned into toxic streams.
b. And even the big ones like the Ganga and Yamuna are far
from being pure.
c. The assault on India’s rivers-from population growth,
agricultural modernization, urbanization and industrialization-
is enormous and growing day by day.
d. This entire life stands threatened.

9. What do you know about Krishna Godavari Dispute?

Ans. a. The Krishna Godavari dispute is based on the
objections raised by the Governments of Karnataka and
Andhra Pradesh.
b. The reason is diversion of more water flow at Koyna by the
Maharashtra Government for irrigation and a hydro electricity
project.
c. It was felt that this would lessen the flow in their states
which would have adverse affects on industry and agriculture.

10. What is rain water harvesting? State the objectives of

rainwater harvesting.
Ans. a. Rain water harvesting as a method of utilizing
rainwater for domestic and agriculture use is already widely
used throughout the world.
b. It has become a widely accepted technique of providing
potable water in development projects all over the world.
c. Rain water harvesting is done for storing rainwater in
containers above or below the ground.
d. Rainwater harvesting is done for charging into soil for
withdrawal later.

11. What are benefits of rainwater harvesting?

Ans. a. Rainwater harvesting increases water availability.
b. It checks the declining water table.
c. It is environment friendly.
d. Rainwater harvesting improves the quality of groundwater
through the dilution of fluoride, nitrate and salinity.
e. Prevent soil erosion and flooding especially in urban areas.

12. Explain any three human values to reduce water

wastage.
Ans. a. The Public should be made aware about the water
scarcity and causes of shortage of water.
b. People should use water wisely and in a planned way.
c. Over irrigation should be stopped.
d. The habit of conserving water needs to be developed
among the people.

13. What can be the effects of over-exploitation and

excessive use of water resources?
Ans. a. Deletion of water resources.
b. Degradation of our natural ecosystem.
c. Shortage of availability of food which may adversely affect
food security in the country.
Serious health hazards
14. Describe the qualitative aspect of water scarcity.
Ans. According to qualitative aspects of water scarcity, it is a
situation where water sufficiently available to meet the needs
of the people, but, the area still suffers from water scarcity.
This scarcity may be due to bad quality of water. Lately, there
has been a growing concern that even if there is ample water
to meet the needs of the people, much of it may be polluted by
domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides and
fertilizers used in agriculture, thus, making it hazardous for
human use.

15. Why are dames now referred to as multi-purpose

projects?
Ans. Today dams are built not just for irrigation but for
electricity generation, water supply for domestic and
industrial use, flood control, recreation, inland navigation and
fish breeding. Hence, dams are now referred to as
multipurpose projects where the many uses of the impounded
water are integrated with one another. For example, in the
Sutlej-Beas river basin, the Bhakra- Nangal project water is
being used both for hydel power production and irrigation.
Similarly, the Hirakud project in the Mahanadi basin
integrates conservation of water with flood control.

16. What are the difference between traditional dams and

multi-purpose projects?
Ans. a. Traditional dams were built to impound rivers and
rainwater that could be used later to irrigate agricultural fields
only but now multipurpose projects are built not just for
irrigation.
b. But for electricity generation, water supply for domestic
and industrial use, flood control, recreation, inland navigation
and fish breeding.
c. Hence, dams are now referred to a multiple river projects
where the many uses of the impounded water are integrated
with one another.

17. How were the understand ‘Tankas’ beneficial to the

people of Rajasthan?
Ans. a. The underground tankas were able to provide reliable
sources of drinking water during summer when other sources
had dried up.
b. The rainwater or palar pani was considered to be purest
form of water.
c. They would help in keeping the room cool to manage the
hot summer.

18. Why is rooftop rainwater harvesting the most common

practice in Shilong in spite of the fact that Cherapunjee
and Mawsynram are situated only at a distance of 55
kilometers from there? Explain
Ans. a. Shillong receives heavy rainfall during monsoon
period but the state faces acute water shortage.
b. Once chirrapunji was famous because it received the
highest rainfall in world. Today this area faces an acute water
shortage. This is a consequence of extensive deforestation and
no efforts toward rainwater harvesting
c. It is mainly due to lack of water storage system.
d. Nearly every household in the city has a rooftop rain water
harvesting structure.
e. Nearly 15-25 percent of the total water requirement of the
household comes from roof top water harvesting.

19. Why is the need for water increasing day by day?

Explain three reasons.
Ans. a. Population is increasing day by day. A large
population means more water is required not only for
domestic purpose but for agricultural purpose.
b. Industries are the heavy users of fresh water for power
which put tremendous pressure on water resources.
c. In cities or housing colonies, they have their own
groundwater pumping devices to meet their needs resulting in
over exploitation of water resources.

20. What is the importance of water as a natural resource?

Ans. a. It is essential for life.
b. It is essential for domestic consumption.
c. Agriculture is possible only due to water.
d. In is a source of hydraulic energy.
Indispensable for disposal of sewage

21. Suggest some ways to conserve water resources.

Ans. a. Creation of more water storage.
b. Awareness should be spread about reasons of water
scarcity.
c. Development of rainwater harvesting techniques and
watershed developments.
d. Over irrigation should be stopped.
e. Setting up of more and more recycling of water plants.

22. How do the dams create conflicts between the people?

Ans. a. The dams have created conflicts between people
wanting different uses and benefits from the same water
resources.
b. Inter-state water disputes are becoming common with
regard to sharing the costs and benefits of the projects.
c. The landowners, the rich farmers. Industrialists and urban
centers are benefitting at the cost of local communities.

23. “Multipurpose projects have failed to achieve the

purpose for which they were built”. Justify by giving
reasons.
Ans. a. These dams were constructed to control floods but
sometimes they are unable to control floods.
b. Regulating and damming of rivers affect the natural flow of
rivers causing poor sediment flow and excessive
sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir.
c. Dams also create conflict between the states and people,
wanting different uses and benefits from the same water
resources.
24. Why is groundwater a highly overused resource?
Ans. a. Farmers dependent on groundwater to raise their
crops.
b. Maximum people of the world are dependent on
groundwater for drinking purpose and other house hold
purpose because according to them this water is fresh and
clean.
c. Due to urbanization and industrialization maximum
groundwater is used.

25. Why are multipurpose projects called as the temples of

modern world?
Ans. Jawaharlal Nehru proudly proclaimed the dams as the
‘Temples of the modern India’ due to the following reasons:
a. It would integrate development of agriculture and the
village economy with rapid industrialization and growth of the
urban economy.
b. They not only help in irrigation but also help in electricity
generation, water supply for domestic and industrial uses,
flood control, recreation, inland navigation and fish breeding.

26. Why is the scarcity of water increasing day by day in

India?
Ans. a. Rapid growth of population.
b. Rising area under agriculture and rise in the demand of
food and cash crops.
c. Water resources are being exploited to expand irrigated
areas in dry seasons.
Due to industrialization

27. Why should we conserve and manage our water

resources?
Ans. a. To maintain the water cycle.
b. To overcome the problem of water scarcity.
c. To stop the excessive use, overutilization and unequal
access to water among different social groups.
d. Variation in seasonal and annual precipitation may affect
the availability of water over time and space so there is a need
of water management.

28. How can we control over exploitation and

mismanagement of water resources?
Ans. a. Conservation and management of water resources is a
combined effort-each one of us contributing towards it
positively.
b. Multipurpose river projects should be created by the
government to stop the flowing water.
c. Awareness should be spread among the people regarding
water management and conservation.

29. State any three points that should be kept in mind

before the construction of Dams?
Ans. a. While the construction of dams environment issues,
displacement of people should be keep in mind.
b. Distribution of water in between the states should be
judicial, while constructing dams.
c. More benefits of dams should be given to the local people
whose life gets affected due to the construction of dam.

30. Why is there a need to conserve and manage our water

resources?
Ans. a. Because water is essential for life, that’s why there is
need to conserve water resources.
b. To ensure food security, that’s why there is need to
conserve water resources.
c. For continuation of our livelihood and productive activities,
that’s why there is need to conserve water resources.
d. To safeguard ourselves from health hazard that’s why there
is need to conserve water resources.