CBSE Class 10 SST Geography Ch3 – Water Resources (20 each)

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Geography Ch3 · Water Resources

CBSE · NCERT

Water Resources – Question Bank

Chapter-wise Question Bank (CBSE Board + Competitive · Moderate to HOTS Level)

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Class : XSubject : Social Science (Geography)Name : ..................

Questions : 110Total Marks : 250

General Instructions

1. This question bank is based on NCERT Class X Contemporary India – II (Geography), Chapter 3 (Water Resources), and follows the CBSE board pattern with competitive (HOTS) questions mixed in.
2. Section A: Q.1 to Q.20 are MCQs of 1 mark each (20 marks). Section B: Q.21 to Q.40 are Assertion–Reason questions of 1 mark each (20 marks).
3. Section C: Q.41 to Q.60, Statement-based questions, 1 mark each (20 marks). Section D: Q.61 to Q.80, Short Answer, 3 marks each (60 marks), about 60–80 words. Section E: Q.81 to Q.100, Long Answer, 5 marks each (100 marks), about 120–150 words. Section F: Q.101 to Q.110, Value-based questions, 3 marks each (30 marks).
4. Complete solutions with marking points are given after the questions.

SECTION – A (Multiple Choice Questions · 1 Mark each)

Q.1 – Q.20 Choose the correct option.20 × 1 = 20

1. About what percentage of the world's total water volume is freshwater?

(a) 25 per cent(b) 2.5 per cent(c) 10 per cent(d) 50 per cent

2. Freshwater is mainly obtained from –

(a) oceans(b) surface run-off and groundwater(c) glaciers only(d) sea ice only

3. India receives approximately what share of the global precipitation?

(a) 4 per cent(b) 14 per cent(c) 24 per cent(d) 40 per cent

4. Which of the following is NOT a main cause of water scarcity in India?

(a) Over-exploitation(b) Excessive use(c) Unequal access to water(d) Equal and fair distribution of water

5. Water scarcity in India is largely caused by –

(a) very low population(b) a large and growing population and unequal access(c) absence of rivers(d) excess rainfall everywhere

6. Which sector is the biggest user of water in India?

(a) Industry(b) Domestic use(c) Transport(d) Agriculture

7. Approximately what share of India's electricity is produced by hydroelectric power according to NCERT?

(a) 22 per cent(b) 2 per cent(c) 50 per cent(d) 80 per cent

8. Which of the following dams is built on the river Narmada?

(a) Hirakud(b) Sardar Sarovar(c) Tehri(d) Nagarjuna Sagar

9. Hirakud Dam is built on the river –

(a) Krishna(b) Sutlej(c) Mahanadi(d) Bhagirathi

10. Bhakra Nangal Dam is built across the –

(a) Narmada(b) Mahanadi(c) Ganga(d) Sutlej and Beas

11. Tehri Dam is built on the river –

(a) Bhagirathi(b) Narmada(c) Krishna(d) Mahanadi

12. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built on the river –

(a) Godavari(b) Krishna(c) Ganga(d) Narmada

13. Who called dams the ‘temples of modern India’?

(a) Mahatma Gandhi(b) Sardar Patel(c) Jawaharlal Nehru(d) B.R. Ambedkar

14. Multi-purpose river projects are NOT used for –

(a) irrigation(b) power generation(c) manufacturing arms(d) flood control

15. The Narmada Bachao Andolan is a movement against –

(a) Sardar Sarovar Dam(b) Tehri Dam(c) Hirakud Dam(d) Bhakra Dam

16. In Rajasthan, underground tanks for storing drinking water are called –

(a) johads(b) kuls(c) khadins(d) tankas

17. Rainwater is called ‘palar pani’ in –

(a) Meghalaya(b) Kerala(c) parts of Rajasthan(d) Assam

18. Khadins and johads are rainwater harvesting methods of –

(a) Meghalaya(b) Kerala(c) Tamil Nadu(d) Rajasthan

19. The 200-year-old bamboo drip irrigation system is practised in –

(a) Rajasthan(b) Gujarat(c) Meghalaya(d) Punjab

20. Which state was the first to make rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory for all houses?

(a) Tamil Nadu(b) Kerala(c) Rajasthan(d) Gujarat

SECTION – B (Assertion (A) – Reason (R) · 1 Mark each)

Q.21 – Q.40 Choose: (a) Both A and R true, R explains A; (b) Both true, R does not explain A; (c) A true, R false; (d) A false, R true.20 × 1 = 20

21. Assertion (A): Water is a renewable resource.
Reason (R): It is renewed through the hydrological cycle.

22. Assertion (A): Water scarcity is increasing in India.
Reason (R): Growing population and over-exploitation of groundwater are increasing demand.

23. Assertion (A): Multi-purpose projects are called the temples of modern India.
Reason (R): They integrate development of agriculture and village economy with rapid industrialisation.

24. Assertion (A): Dams have been criticised by environmentalists.
Reason (R): They regulate natural flow of rivers, causing sedimentation and affecting aquatic life.

25. Assertion (A): Narmada Bachao Andolan opposed the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Reason (R): Large numbers of people were displaced and lost their livelihood.

26. Assertion (A): Tankas helped people of Bikaner to store drinking water.
Reason (R): Rainwater from rooftops was collected in underground tanks.

27. Assertion (A): Rooftop rainwater harvesting is useful in urban areas.
Reason (R): It reduces dependence on groundwater and recharges it.

28. Assertion (A): Hirakud Dam is on the Mahanadi.
Reason (R): Sardar Sarovar is on the Narmada.

29. Assertion (A): Khadins are found in Jaisalmer.
Reason (R): Meghalaya has a bamboo drip irrigation system.

30. Assertion (A): Bhakra Nangal is on the Sutlej-Beas.
Reason (R): Tehri Dam is on the Bhagirathi.

31. Assertion (A): Gendathur village in Mysuru practises rooftop rainwater harvesting.
Reason (R): Tamil Nadu has made rooftop harvesting compulsory.

32. Assertion (A): Water scarcity is only due to low rainfall.
Reason (R): Water scarcity can also result from over-exploitation and unequal access.

33. Assertion (A): Dams have no disadvantages.
Reason (R): Dams can displace people and affect aquatic life.

34. Assertion (A): Hydroelectric power supplies the entire electricity of India.
Reason (R): It contributes about 22 per cent of the electricity.

35. Assertion (A): Tehri Dam is on the Narmada.
Reason (R): It is on the Bhagirathi.

36. Assertion (A): Tehri Dam is built on the Bhagirathi.
Reason (R): It is built on the Narmada.

37. Assertion (A): Water is a renewable resource.
Reason (R): Water once used can never be renewed.

38. Assertion (A): Johads and khadins are traditional rainwater structures of Rajasthan.
Reason (R): They are used in Kerala for drip irrigation.

39. Assertion (A): Rainwater (palar pani) is considered the purest form of natural water.
Reason (R): It is stored in tankas made from sea water.

40. Assertion (A): Tamil Nadu made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory.
Reason (R): Rainwater harvesting increases groundwater depletion.

SECTION – C (Statement-Based Questions · 1 Mark each)

Q.41 – Q.60 Read the two statements and choose the correct option.20 × 1 = 20

41. Statement I: Water is a renewable resource.
Statement II: It is renewed through the hydrological cycle.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

42. Statement I: About 96.5 per cent of the world's water is in the oceans.
Statement II: Only about 2.5 per cent is freshwater.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

43. Statement I: Hirakud Dam is on the Mahanadi.
Statement II: Sardar Sarovar is on the Narmada.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

44. Statement I: Tankas store rainwater in Rajasthan.
Statement II: Palar pani is the rainwater stored there.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

45. Statement I: Meghalaya has a bamboo drip irrigation system.
Statement II: Gendathur in Mysuru practises rooftop rainwater harvesting.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

46. Statement I: Agriculture uses the largest share of water in India.
Statement II: Hydroelectricity supplies about 82 per cent of India's electricity.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

47. Statement I: Nehru called dams the temples of modern India.
Statement II: Dams have no social or ecological costs.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

48. Statement I: Tehri Dam is on the Bhagirathi.
Statement II: Nagarjuna Sagar is on the Ganga.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

49. Statement I: Khadins are found in Jaisalmer.
Statement II: Johads are found in Kerala.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

50. Statement I: Tamil Nadu made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory.
Statement II: Meghalaya has no traditional water system.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

51. Statement I: Sardar Sarovar is on the Mahanadi.
Statement II: The Narmada Bachao Andolan opposed Sardar Sarovar.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

52. Statement I: Bhakra Nangal is on the Narmada.
Statement II: Bhakra Nangal is on the Sutlej-Beas.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

53. Statement I: Freshwater is the largest share of world water.
Statement II: Most of the world's water is in the oceans.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

54. Statement I: Water scarcity is caused only by low rainfall.
Statement II: Over-exploitation and unequal access also cause scarcity.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

55. Statement I: Tankas are used in Assam.
Statement II: Tankas are used in Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

56. Statement I: Dams cause no displacement of people.
Statement II: Dams never affect aquatic life.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

57. Statement I: Hydroelectric power is 80 per cent of India's power.
Statement II: Water is not a renewable resource.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

58. Statement I: Khadins are in Meghalaya.
Statement II: Bamboo drip irrigation is in Rajasthan.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

59. Statement I: Tehri Dam is on the Krishna.
Statement II: Hirakud Dam is on the Sutlej.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

60. Statement I: Rooftop harvesting is banned in Tamil Nadu.
Statement II: Palar pani is the dirtiest water.

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.(b) Only Statement I is correct.(c) Only Statement II is correct.(d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

SECTION – D (Short Answer · 3 Marks each)

61. What is the hydrological cycle?(3)

62. Why is water called a renewable resource? Why is it still scarce?(3)

63. What are the main causes of water scarcity in India?(3)

64. How has irrigation led to water scarcity?(3)

65. How has industrialisation affected water resources?(3)

66. How has urbanisation increased pressure on water?(3)

67. What is meant by multi-purpose river projects?(3)

68. Why did Jawaharlal Nehru call dams the temples of modern India?(3)

69. State any three advantages of multi-purpose projects.(3)

70. State any three disadvantages of dams.(3)

71. What was the Narmada Bachao Andolan?(3)

72. What is rainwater harvesting?(3)

73. What are tankas? How are they used?(3)

74. What are khadins and johads?(3)

75. Describe the bamboo drip irrigation system of Meghalaya.(3)

76. What is the rooftop rainwater harvesting system?(3)

77. What did Tamil Nadu do about rainwater harvesting?(3)

78. What are guls or kuls?(3)

79. Name any three traditional irrigation or water works of ancient India.(3)

80. What are inundation channels?(3)

SECTION – E (Long Answer · 5 Marks each)

81. Explain the causes of water scarcity in India.(5)

82. Describe how irrigation, industry and urbanisation have increased the demand for water.(5)

83. Explain the importance of multi-purpose river projects.(5)

84. Describe the problems caused by multi-purpose river projects.(5)

85. Explain the Narmada Bachao Andolan and the debate on big dams.(5)

86. Describe the rainwater harvesting methods of Rajasthan.(5)

87. Explain traditional methods of water harvesting in different parts of India.(5)

88. Describe the bamboo drip irrigation system of Meghalaya.(5)

89. Explain the importance of rooftop rainwater harvesting with examples.(5)

90. Why is water conservation necessary? Suggest some measures.(5)

91. Explain the advantages of dams, with examples.(5)

92. Describe India's ancient water management systems.(5)

93. Why is rainwater harvesting essential in arid regions? Explain with examples.(5)

94. State the rivers on which Hirakud, Bhakra Nangal, Tehri, Sardar Sarovar and Nagarjuna Sagar are built, and mention one use of each.(5)

95. Why is water called a renewable but scarce resource?(5)

96. Describe the role of people in conserving water.(5)

97. Describe the impact of the Green Revolution on water use.(5)

98. Explain why integrated water management, combining traditional and modern methods, is needed in India.(5)

99. Explain the hydrological cycle and its importance.(5)

100. Compare traditional water harvesting methods with big dams.(5)

SECTION – F (Value-Based Questions · 3 Marks each)

101. How can you save water at home and school?(3)

102. Why should rainwater be harvested in our school?(3)

103. How should people treated unfairly by a dam project be helped?(3)

104. What lesson do we learn from traditional water systems?(3)

105. Why must industries treat waste water?(3)

106. How can neighbours cooperate to share scarce water?(3)

107. What values does Gendathur village teach?(3)

108. Why should we not pollute rivers and ponds?(3)

109. How can farmers reduce water use?(3)

110. Why is a balanced view on dams needed?(3)

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CBSE · NCERT

Water Resources – Solutions

Geography · Chapter 3

www.careerinformationportal.in

Class : XSubject : Social Science (Geography)Total Marks : 250

SECTION – A (MCQ Solutions)

Quick Answer Key – MCQ (Q.1 – Q.20)

1. (b)	2. (b)	3. (a)	4. (d)	5. (b)	6. (d)	7. (a)	8. (b)	9. (c)	10. (d)
11. (a)	12. (b)	13. (c)	14. (c)	15. (a)	16. (d)	17. (c)	18. (d)	19. (c)	20. (a)

Quick Answer Key – Assertion–Reason (Q.21 – Q.40)

21. (a)	22. (a)	23. (a)	24. (a)	25. (a)	26. (a)	27. (a)	28. (b)	29. (b)	30. (b)
31. (b)	32. (d)	33. (d)	34. (d)	35. (d)	36. (c)	37. (c)	38. (c)	39. (c)	40. (c)

Solutions with Explanation

1. Ans. (b) 2.5 per cent

About 96.5 per cent of the world's water is in the oceans and only about 2.5 per cent is freshwater.

2. Ans. (b) surface run-off and groundwater

Freshwater is obtained from surface run-off and groundwater, renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle.

3. Ans. (a) 4 per cent

India receives about 4 per cent of the global precipitation.

4. Ans. (d) Equal and fair distribution of water

Water scarcity is due to over-exploitation, excess use and unequal access, not fair distribution.

5. Ans. (b) a large and growing population and unequal access

A large population needs more water for domestic use and for producing food.

6. Ans. (d) Agriculture

Most of the water is used for irrigation in agriculture.

7. Ans. (a) 22 per cent

Hydroelectric power contributes about 22 per cent of the electricity produced.

8. Ans. (b) Sardar Sarovar

Sardar Sarovar is built on the Narmada.

9. Ans. (c) Mahanadi

Hirakud Dam is on the Mahanadi in Odisha.

10. Ans. (d) Sutlej and Beas

The Bhakra-Nangal project is in the Sutlej–Beas river basin.

11. Ans. (a) Bhagirathi

Tehri Dam is on the Bhagirathi in Uttarakhand.

12. Ans. (b) Krishna

Nagarjuna Sagar is on the Krishna.

13. Ans. (c) Jawaharlal Nehru

Nehru proclaimed dams as the temples of modern India.

14. Ans. (c) manufacturing arms

They serve irrigation, electricity, water supply, flood control, recreation, navigation and fish breeding.

15. Ans. (a) Sardar Sarovar Dam

The Narmada Bachao Andolan opposed the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

16. Ans. (d) tankas

Tankas are underground tanks in Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer.

17. Ans. (c) parts of Rajasthan

It is regarded as the purest form of natural water.

18. Ans. (d) Rajasthan

Agricultural fields were converted into rainfed storage structures called khadins (Jaisalmer) and johads.

19. Ans. (c) Meghalaya

Meghalaya has a 200-year-old system of tapping stream and spring water using bamboo pipes.

20. Ans. (a) Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu was the first state to make it compulsory.

SECTION – B (Assertion – Reason)

21. Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Both true. The hydrological cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation) continually renews freshwater, so R explains A.

22. Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Both true. A growing population needs more water and groundwater is over-exploited, which explains rising scarcity.

23. Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Both true. Nehru felt dams would link agriculture and the village economy with industrialisation, hence ‘temples of modern India’.

24. Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Both true. Regulation of river flow causes sedimentation and harms aquatic life, which is why dams are criticised.

25. Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Both true. Displacement and loss of livelihood were the main reasons for the Narmada Bachao Andolan.

26. Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Both true. Rooftop rainwater was led through pipes into underground tankas, which explains how drinking water was stored.

27. Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Both true. Harvesting rooftop water lessens use of groundwater and can recharge it, so it is useful in cities.

28. Ans. (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Both true. They are facts about two different dams; one does not explain the other.

29. Ans. (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Both true, but khadins (Rajasthan) and the bamboo system (Meghalaya) are separate facts.

30. Ans. (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Both true. They are separate dams on different rivers, so R does not explain A.

31. Ans. (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Both true. The village and the state policy are separate facts; R does not explain A.

32. Ans. (d) A is false but R is true.

A is false: scarcity also results from over-exploitation, pollution and unequal access. R is true.

33. Ans. (d) A is false but R is true.

A is false: dams cause sedimentation, displacement and harm to aquatic life. R is true.

34. Ans. (d) A is false but R is true.

A is false: hydroelectric power gives only about 22 per cent of India's electricity. R is true.

35. Ans. (d) A is false but R is true.

A is false: Tehri Dam is on the Bhagirathi, not the Narmada. R is true.

36. Ans. (c) A is true but R is false.

A is true. R is false: Tehri Dam is on the Bhagirathi in Uttarakhand; the Sardar Sarovar is on the Narmada.

37. Ans. (c) A is true but R is false.

A true; R false: the hydrological cycle renews it.

38. Ans. (c) A is true but R is false.

A is true. R is false: the bamboo drip system is in Meghalaya and khadins and johads are in Rajasthan.

39. Ans. (c) A is true but R is false.

A is true. R is false: tankas store rainwater, not sea water.

40. Ans. (c) A is true but R is false.

A is true. R is false: rainwater harvesting recharges groundwater and reduces depletion.

SECTION – C (Statement-Based Questions)

Quick Answer Key – Statement-Based (Q.41 – Q.60)

41. (a)	42. (a)	43. (a)	44. (a)	45. (a)	46. (b)	47. (b)	48. (b)	49. (b)	50. (b)
51. (c)	52. (c)	53. (c)	54. (c)	55. (c)	56. (d)	57. (d)	58. (d)	59. (d)	60. (d)

41. Ans. (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

Both correct. The hydrological cycle renews freshwater.

42. Ans. (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

Both correct. About 96.5% of the world's water is in oceans and only about 2.5% is freshwater.

43. Ans. (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

Both correct. Hirakud is in Odisha and Sardar Sarovar is in Gujarat.

44. Ans. (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

Both correct. Rooftop rainwater (palar pani) is stored in tankas in Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer.

45. Ans. (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

Both correct. Meghalaya's bamboo drip system is 200 years old, and Gendathur has about 200 households with rooftop harvesting.

46. Ans. (b) Only Statement I is correct.

I correct; II wrong (about 22 per cent).

47. Ans. (b) Only Statement I is correct.

I is correct; II is wrong because dams displace people and affect ecology.

48. Ans. (b) Only Statement I is correct.

I correct; II wrong (Krishna).

49. Ans. (b) Only Statement I is correct.

I is correct; II is wrong because johads are in Rajasthan.

50. Ans. (b) Only Statement I is correct.

I is correct; II is wrong because Meghalaya has the 200-year-old bamboo drip system.

51. Ans. (c) Only Statement II is correct.

I is wrong (Sardar Sarovar is on the Narmada); II is correct.

52. Ans. (c) Only Statement II is correct.

I is wrong; II is correct. Bhakra Nangal is on the Sutlej–Beas.

53. Ans. (c) Only Statement II is correct.

I is wrong; II is correct. Most of the world's water is in the oceans.

54. Ans. (c) Only Statement II is correct.

I is wrong; II is correct. Over-exploitation and unequal access also cause scarcity.

55. Ans. (c) Only Statement II is correct.

I is wrong; tankas are used in Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer (Rajasthan). II is correct.

56. Ans. (d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

Neither is correct. Dams displace people and affect aquatic life.

57. Ans. (d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

Neither is correct. Hydropower is about 22% and water is renewable.

58. Ans. (d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

Neither is correct. Khadins are in Rajasthan; the bamboo drip system is in Meghalaya.

59. Ans. (d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

Neither is correct. Tehri is on the Bhagirathi; Hirakud on the Mahanadi.

60. Ans. (d) Neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.

Neither is correct. Tamil Nadu made it compulsory; palar pani is the purest form of natural water.

SECTION – D (Short Answer · 3 Marks each)

61. Ans.

• The continuous circulation of water between oceans, atmosphere and land. [1]
• Water evaporates, condenses to form clouds and falls as precipitation. [1]
• It renews freshwater, so water is a renewable resource. [1]

62. Ans.

• The hydrological cycle renews freshwater. [1]
• Only about 2.5 per cent of the world's water is freshwater. [1]
• Over-use, pollution and unequal distribution create scarcity. [1]

63. Ans.

• Large and growing population increases demand. [1]
• Over-exploitation and excessive use of water, especially in irrigation and industry. [1]
• Unequal access and water pollution. [1]

64. Ans.

• Farmers use tube wells to irrigate more crops. [1]
• This lowers the groundwater level. [1]
• The Green Revolution encouraged water-intensive crops. [1]

65. Ans.

• Industries use large quantities of freshwater. [1]
• Industries need water for processing and also for hydroelectricity. [1]
• Industrial effluents pollute water. [1]

66. Ans.

• Urban population is large and lifestyles need more water. [1]
• Housing societies and colonies have their own tube wells. [1]
• This leads to over-exploitation of groundwater. [1]

67. Ans.

• Projects that serve several purposes at once. [1]
• Irrigation, electricity, water supply and flood control. [1]
• Recreation, inland navigation and fish breeding. [1]

68. Ans.

• Dams would integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with industrialisation. [1]
• They would build the urban-industrial economy. [1]
• They were symbols of progress. [1]

69. Ans.

• They control floods. [1]
• They provide irrigation and hydroelectricity. [1]
• They provide water for domestic and industrial use. [1]

70. Ans.

• They regulate the natural flow of rivers, causing sedimentation. [1]
• They displace people and cause loss of livelihood. [1]
• They affect aquatic life and cause flooding in some areas. [1]

71. Ans.

• A movement against the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada. [1]
• It opposed displacement of local people. [1]
• It raised questions about the costs of big dams. [1]

72. Ans.

• Collecting and storing rainwater for later use. [1]
• It recharges groundwater. [1]
• It reduces dependence on rivers and dams. [1]

73. Ans.

• Underground tanks in Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer. [1]
• Rooftop rainwater flows through pipes into them. [1]
• They store drinking water, called palar pani. [1]

74. Ans.

• Traditional rainwater harvesting structures of Rajasthan. [1]
• Agricultural fields are converted into rain-fed storage structures. [1]
• Khadins are in Jaisalmer. [1]

75. Ans.

• It is a 200-year-old system. [1]
• Bamboo pipes tap stream and spring water. [1]
• Water is carried by gravity to plants in drops. [1]

76. Ans.

• Rainwater falling on rooftops is collected through pipes. [1]
• It is stored in tanks or sent to recharge pits. [1]
• Gendathur in Mysuru is a good example. [1]

77. Ans.

• It was the first state in India to make rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory. [1]
• All houses in the state must have such structures. [1]
• This increased groundwater levels. [1]

78. Ans.

• Diversion channels built in the hills of the western Himalayas. [1]
• They carry water for agriculture. [1]
• They are traditional water harvesting methods. [1]

79. Ans.

• Sringaverapura near Allahabad had a water harvesting system channelling Ganga flood water. [1]
• Chandragupta Maurya built dams, lakes and irrigation systems. [1]
• Bhopal Lake in the 11th century and Hauz Khas tank by Iltutmish. [1]

80. Ans.

• Channels in the flood plains of Bengal. [1]
• They carry floodwater to fields. [1]
• They are traditional irrigation structures. [1]

SECTION – E (Long Answer · 5 Marks each)

81. Ans.

• A large and growing population needs more water for domestic use and for producing food. [1]
• Over-exploitation of groundwater through tube wells for irrigation lowers water tables. [1]
• Industrialisation and urbanisation increase demand; industries and housing colonies depend heavily on freshwater and groundwater. [1]
• Unequal access to water between regions and social groups creates scarcity even where total supply is adequate. [1]
• Pollution from industrial effluents, chemicals and sewage reduces the quantity of usable water. [1]

82. Ans.

• The Green Revolution spread water-intensive crops and tube-well irrigation, especially in Punjab and Haryana. [1]
• Agriculture is the largest user of water in India. [1]
• Industries need water for processing, cooling and hydroelectricity. [1]
• Urban lifestyles and housing societies with their own tube wells increase per-capita use and groundwater extraction. [1]
• As demand exceeds the recharge, scarcity and falling water tables result. [1]

83. Ans.

• They store water to provide irrigation to farms in dry seasons. [1]
• They generate hydroelectricity; hydropower contributes about 22 per cent of India's electricity. [1]
• They help control floods by regulating river flow. [1]
• They provide water for domestic and industrial use. [1]
• They also support recreation, inland navigation and fish breeding. [1]

84. Ans.

• Dams regulate the natural flow of rivers, causing excessive sedimentation and rocky stream beds. [1]
• They affect aquatic life and the migration of fish. [1]
• Large numbers of people are displaced and lose their land and livelihood. [1]
• Sometimes dams worsen floods and soil erosion in some areas. [1]
• Interstate water-sharing disputes arise over such projects. [1]

85. Ans.

• It is a movement against the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada. [1]
• Villagers were displaced and lost land and livelihood. [1]
• The project promised irrigation, drinking water and power to Gujarat and other states. [1]
• The debate is about costs and benefits for different groups. [1]
• A balanced approach with fair rehabilitation and alternatives is needed. [1]

86. Ans.

• In Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer, houses had underground tanks (tankas) for drinking water. [1]
• Rooftop rainwater flowed through pipes into the tankas. [1]
• The first spell of rain was not collected so that roofs and pipes were cleaned. [1]
• Rainwater, called palar pani, is regarded as the purest form of natural water. [1]
• Khadins in Jaisalmer and johads store rainwater in fields and recharge groundwater. [1]

87. Ans.

• Guls and kuls: diversion channels in the western Himalayas for agriculture. [1]
• Inundation channels in the flood plains of Bengal. [1]
• Khadins and johads in the arid and semi-arid areas of Rajasthan. [1]
• Tankas for drinking water in Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer. [1]
• Bamboo drip irrigation in Meghalaya. [1]

88. Ans.

• It is a 200-year-old system for tapping stream and spring water. [1]
• Bamboo pipes carry water to different places. [1]
• The water enters the system in large quantity and is transferred by gravity to lower reaches. [1]
• At the plant, the flow is reduced to a few drops per minute. [1]
• It uses water very efficiently for crops like betel leaf and pepper. [1]

89. Ans.

• It reduces dependence on groundwater and surface sources. [1]
• It recharges groundwater when the water is led into recharge pits. [1]
• Gendathur village in Mysuru has about 200 households with rooftop systems. [1]
• Shillong in Meghalaya practises it despite heavy rainfall nearby, because of drinking-water shortage. [1]
• Tamil Nadu was the first state to make it compulsory. [1]

90. Ans.

• Freshwater is limited and unequally distributed. [1]
• Demand is rising due to population, industry and irrigation. [1]
• Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge help. [1]
• Reduce wastage, fix leaks and reuse water. [1]
• Prevent pollution of rivers and ponds. [1]

91. Ans.

• Bhakra Nangal on the Sutlej-Beas provides irrigation and power. [1]
• Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi helps in flood control and irrigation. [1]
• Nagarjuna Sagar on the Krishna irrigates large areas. [1]
• Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi provides water and electricity. [1]
• Dams also support navigation and fish breeding. [1]

92. Ans.

• Sringaverapura near Allahabad had a sophisticated system channelling Ganga's flood water. [1]
• Chandragupta Maurya's period saw dams, lakes and irrigation systems. [1]
• Kalinga, Nagarjunakonda, Bennur and Kolhapur had sophisticated irrigation works. [1]
• In the 11th century, Bhopal Lake was one of the largest artificial lakes of its time. [1]
• In the 14th century, Iltutmish built the Hauz Khas tank in Delhi. [1]

93. Ans.

• Rainfall is low and uncertain, and rivers are few. [1]
• Tankas store drinking water. [1]
• Khadins and johads conserve moisture for fields. [1]
• They recharge groundwater. [1]
• They reduce dependence on distant water sources. [1]

94. Ans.

• Hirakud – Mahanadi, flood control and irrigation. [1]
• Bhakra Nangal – Sutlej-Beas, irrigation and power. [1]
• Tehri – Bhagirathi, power and water supply. [1]
• Sardar Sarovar – Narmada, irrigation and drinking water. [1]
• Nagarjuna Sagar – Krishna, irrigation. [1]

95. Ans.

• The hydrological cycle continuously renews freshwater. [1]
• Only about 2.5 per cent of the world's water is freshwater. [1]
• Distribution across regions and seasons is uneven. [1]
• Over-use and pollution reduce usable water. [1]
• Hence careful management is needed. [1]

96. Ans.

• Harvest rainwater at homes and schools. [1]
• Avoid wastage of water. [1]
• Prevent pollution of water bodies. [1]
• Revive traditional systems like johads. [1]
• Cooperate in community water management. [1]

97. Ans.

• High-yielding varieties need assured irrigation. [1]
• Tube wells and canals expanded. [1]
• Groundwater levels fell in states like Punjab and Haryana. [1]
• Water-intensive crops like rice and wheat spread. [1]
• Scarcity and salinity problems followed. [1]

98. Ans.

• Water is unevenly distributed across regions and seasons. [1]
• Big dams provide large-scale irrigation, power and flood control. [1]
• Traditional systems like tankas, khadins and johads recharge groundwater at low cost. [1]
• Community participation ensures fair sharing and maintenance. [1]
• Combining both approaches makes water use sustainable. [1]

99. Ans.

• Water evaporates from oceans and land. [1]
• It condenses to form clouds. [1]
• Precipitation falls as rain or snow. [1]
• Run-off flows into rivers and some seeps to groundwater. [1]
• This cycle renews freshwater and sustains life. [1]

100. Ans.

• Traditional methods are local, low-cost and community-managed. [1]
• Dams are large, costly and capital-intensive. [1]
• Dams may displace people and affect rivers. [1]
• Traditional methods recharge groundwater. [1]
• A mix of both can ensure sustainable water supply. [1]

SECTION – F (Value-Based Questions · 3 Marks each)

101. Ans.

• Close taps when not in use. [1]
• Fix leaks. [1]
• Reuse water for plants. [1]

102. Ans.

• Reduces dependence on groundwater. [1]
• Recharges groundwater. [1]
• Teaches responsibility. [1]

103. Ans.

• Fair compensation. [1]
• Proper rehabilitation. [1]
• Involvement in decisions. [1]

104. Ans.

• They are low-cost and sustainable. [1]
• Respect for nature. [1]
• Local knowledge is valuable. [1]

105. Ans.

• To avoid pollution. [1]
• To protect health. [1]
• To conserve water. [1]

106. Ans.

• Fair sharing rules. [1]
• Avoid wastage. [1]
• Community decisions. [1]

107. Ans.

• Cooperation. [1]
• Self-reliance. [1]
• Resource conservation. [1]

108. Ans.

• They are sources of life. [1]
• Pollution harms health. [1]
• Clean water is needed by future generations. [1]

109. Ans.

• Drip irrigation. [1]
• Crop choices. [1]
• Rainwater storage. [1]

110. Ans.

• Dams have benefits. [1]
• They also have costs. [1]
• Decisions should be fair and informed. [1]

QUICK REVISION · KEY POINTS (CBSE / COMPETITIVE)

1. Freshwater ~2.5% of world water; India gets ~4% of global precipitation.
2. Causes of scarcity: population, over-exploitation, irrigation, industry, urbanisation, unequal access.
3. Dams: Hirakud–Mahanadi, Bhakra Nangal–Sutlej/Beas, Tehri–Bhagirathi, Sardar Sarovar–Narmada, Nagarjuna Sagar–Krishna.
4. Pros and cons of multi-purpose projects; Narmada Bachao Andolan.
5. Rainwater harvesting: tankas, khadins, johads, guls/kuls, bamboo drip (Meghalaya), Gendathur, Tamil Nadu.
6. Ancient works: Sringaverapura, Chandragupta Maurya, Bhopal Lake, Hauz Khas.

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