assignment on water resources for class 10

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources in English and Hindi Medium updated for new academic session 2024-25 based on new NCERT Books and following the new CBSE Syllabus for 2024-25. Important questions, Important terms related to the chapter is also added with NCERT Solutions. The theoretical aspect of chapter ‘Water Resources’ to be assessed in the Periodic Tests only and will not be evaluated in Board Examination. However, the map items of this chapter as given in the Map List will be evaluated in Board Examination.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Question Answers

• Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 NCERT Solutions
• Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Hindi Medium
• Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Important Questions
• NCERT Book 10th Geography Chapter 3
• Notes and Study Material 10th Geography Chapter 3
• Class 10 Geography NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 in PDF format updated for new academic session 2024-25. Download Apps and digital contents for offline use based on latest CBSE Syllabus. If you have any doubt, please visit to discussion forum and ask your queries regarding to NIOS or CBSE Board.

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Exatra Questions Class 10 Geography Chapter 3

How the industrialisation and urbanization are responsible for the water scarcity.

(i) Rapid industrialisation after the independence. (ii) Due to ever-increasing number of industries excess use of fresh water. (iii) Multiplying urban centres with large and dense population and urban lifestyles have added to water and energy requirements. (iv) Overexploitation of water resources in cities as well as in villages.

What is Rain Water Harvesting? Write any two methods of Rain Water Harvesting popular in different regions of India?

(i) A technique in which rain water is filled in empty places, tanks in houses, abandoned dugwell etc. Later it is used. (ii) In hill and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like ‘guls’ and ‘kuls’ for irrigation. (iii) ‘Rooftop rain water harvesting’ was commonly practiced to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan. (iv) In the flood plains of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields. (v) Rain fed storage structures like the ‘Khadins’ and ‘Johads’ in arid and semi-arid regions.

How does an abandoned dug well can be re-filled by the rain water?

(i) Roof top rain water is collected using a PVC pipe (ii) Filtered using sand and bricks (iii) Underground pipe takes water to sumps for immediate usage (iv) Excess water from the sump is taken to the well. (v) Water from the well recharges the underground (vi) Later take water from the well.

Why does the water need to be conserve and managed despite being a renewable resource?

(i) There is only 2.5% fresh water in the world. (ii) Overexploitation of water resources. (iii) Growing population, greater demand and unequal access. (iv) Increasing Urbanization. (v) Due to Industrialisation.

What is multipurpose river valley project? State different purposes of these projects?

Building dams on a river and achieving many purposes is called Multi-purpose projects. Some of these are as follows: (i) Irrigation (ii) Electricity generation (iii) Water supply for domestic and industrial uses (iv) Inland navigation and tourism (v) Flood control (vi) Fish breeding.

Why the scarcity of water is increasing in our country day by day? Enlist the reasons behind it?

(i) India is a country of Monsoon climate. Sometime due to the failure of Monsoon the scarcity of water Increases. (ii) The rapid growth in the demand of irrigation water. (iii) Due to the industrial activities downfall of underground water. (iv) Growing pressure on the water resources due to the pace of urbanization. (v) To meet the needs of the growing population.

Important Terms related to 10th Geography Chapter 3

1. 96.5% of the total volume of world’s water is estimated to exists as oceans and only 2.5% as freshwater. 2. River Basin-Total irrigated area by the main river and its tributaries. 3. “Narmada Bachao Andolan”{Save Narmada Movement}-A movement against the Sardar Sarovar Dam being built across the Narmada river. 4. Underground Water-The water which is collected in the layers and rock pores below the soil. 5. Rain water harvesting-Collecting the rain water in dug wells and reuse of it.

6. Waterfall-In the middle of the river valley fall of a stream from a height. 7. Dam-A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment. 8. Multinational companies(MNCS)-Those companies whose industrial organisations work more than in a single nation and they invest capital in many countries to earn maximum profits. 9. Multi-purpose Projects-Many uses of the impounded water are integrated by making a dam. 10. Bamboo Drip Irrigation System-Tapping stream and spring water for irrigation by using bamboo pipes.

One Mark Questions with Answers

1. How much water is there in the world out of total volume for the use of humans? 2. Name the state and the river on which the Tehri Dam Project situated? 3. What was the main purpose of starting multipurpose projects after the independence of India? 4. What are Khadins’ and ‘Johads’? 5. By which name the roof top water harvesting is called in Rajasthan?

Answer of 1 Mark Questions

1. 2.5% 2. On Bhagirathi river in Uttrakhand. 3. (i) Development of Agriculture and the village economy. (ii) Rapid industrialisation (iii) Growth of the urban economy. 4. Rain fed storage structures to collect the water in arid and semi-arid regions. 5. Tanka

Important Questions on Class 10 Geography Chapter 3

Explain how water becomes a renewable resource..

All water that is used primarily ends up in the sea. From there, it enters the hydrological cycle in the form of water vapour. Freshwater is renewed by this cycle when precipitation occurs. Hence, water is a renewable resource.

What is water scarcity and what are its main causes?

Water scarcity or water stress occurs when water availability is not enough to match the demand for water. It is caused by an increase in population, growing demand for water, and unequal access to it.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of multi-purpose river projects.

Multipurpose river projects help in irrigation, electricity production, flood control, inland navigation and fish breeding. However, the reservoirs destroy local flora and fauna. Many native villages are submerged, and people lose their livelihood, with little or no hope of rehabilitation.

Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan is carried out.

Houses in the semi – arid regions of Rajasthan have traditionally constructed tanks for storing drinking water. They are big and are a part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system. The tanks are constructed inside the main house or the courtyard, and are connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe. The rain falling on the rooftop travels down and is stored in the tanks. The first spell of rain is not collected as this water cleans the roof and the pipes. The rainwater from the subsequent spells is collected. This water is used till the next rainy season, and is a reliable source of water even after other sources have dried up. The tanks also help in cooling the houses as rooms built around them have generally low temperatures due to conduction.

Describe how modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being carried out to conserve and store water.

Traditional methods of rainwater harvesting like ‘the rooftop method’ are becoming popular in India. In Gendathur village, Mysore, about 200 households have adopted the rooftop rainwater harvesting method, thereby making the village rich in rainwater. The state of Tamil Nadu has made it compulsory for all the houses to have rooftop rainwater harvesting structures. Defaulters are severely punished.

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• Water Resources Class 10 Notes CBSE Geography Chapter 3 (Free PDF Download)
• Revision Notes

Water Resources Class 10 Notes Geography Chapter 3 - PDF Download

Water resources is the third chapter in class 10 geography. The themes that will be explored in the class 10 geography chapter 3 notes are the sources of water, shortage of water, and the problems associated with it. The remarks on water resources also address the construction of dams across rivers. The issue of water conservation will also be covered in the water resources class 10 notes. The water resources notes contain all of the key subjects that are critical for the board test. It can help you save time and improve your results.

The following table shows the important highlights associated with CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 - Water Resources:

Related Chapters

Access Class 10 Social Science (Geography) Chapter 3 - Water Resources Notes

Earth's surface is covered three-fourth with water, but very small percentage of water is usable and accessible to us. This is mainly the surface run-off and groundwater which can be renewed by the hydrological process. Still, Water scarcity persists.

Causes of Water Scarcity: Some of the common causes are:-

Uneven Precipitation - The seasonal and annual rainfall varies with respect to geographical region and time.

Over Exploitation- With the increasing population and unequal access to water resources, the water resources are exploited for domestic purposes, industrial needs. It is also polluted due to hazardous practices of the industries.

Irrigative agricultural fields- Water is needed in a large quantity for growing crops. Farmer owns individual water pumps, which causes decreased groundwater level in that region, causing scarcity and drought. 

Industries - Industries not only harm and pollute the water resources like rivers and lakes, they also require groundwater for working by water pumping devices. The electric power supply source is also Hydroelectric power.

Releasing untreated chemicals into water bodies by the industries. 

Unplanned drainage system:- Throwing of garbage in water bodies pollute them and makes them unfit for use.

Solutions for Water Scarcity

Dams are a hydraulic structures built to store water for future use. They act as reservoir. They become barrier and restrict the flow of water which can be later used for purposes such as irrigation, domestic use, industrial use, aquaculture, etc.

It is used in Irrigating the feilds.

Used in Electricity Generation:  In the Sutlej-Beas River Basin, The Bhakra- Nangal Dam is used widely for hydel power production and irrigation.

Used as Water supply for domestic purposes.

Used to Supply water for industries and manufacturers.

Used in Flood control:-  The Hirakud Dam in the Mahanadi basin is used for flood control.

Used for Recreational purposes like water parks

Used in Inland Navigation.

Used in Fish Breeding.

Jawaharlal Nehru claimed dams to be "Temples of Modern India '' as they would help in activites like agriculture, development of village economy, blooming of industries, and growth of the urban economy.

Disadvantages of Dams

Constructions of Dam interrupted the flow of water which caused the irregular flow of sediments, increasing the sedimentation in the reservoir, which caused the livelihood of aquatic animals quite difficult. The dam led to fragmented rivers which caused the migration of aquatic organisms difficult.

Local People started getting displaced from their land. 

Due to high water availability, all farmers preferred commercial crops, which caused an ecological imbalance.

There was an increase in the social gap as they caused disputes among the people wanting their water needs to get prioritized. Even inter-state disputes became common.

Flood control dams triggered floods as well because of the sedimentation in the reservoir. When excessive rainfall occured, dams failed to control floods. The release of water from dams caused the floods itself many times.

Land degradation: Other than the loss of lives and properties, the flood also eroded soil. 

2. Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is done according to the region and its climatic conditions. It is done in India since ancient times.

In Western Himalayas - 'guls' or 'kuls' were formed which were the diversion channels for water for agriculture.

In Rajasthan - Rooftop Rainwater harvesting is common.

In West Bengal - Inundation channels are formed for irrigation.

In Arid and Semi-arid regions - Agricultural fields are used as rain-fed storage structures which allowed the rainwater to be stagnant and made the soil moist. They had large tanks which were as big as a room and were placed in the courtyard of their house, the rainwater from their sloppy roofs would accumulate in the tanks through a pipe.

Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources Notes

Summary of class 10 geography chapter 3 notes.

The main points covered in this chapter are:

Water Sources

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Three fourth of the earth is covered with water, but only 2.5 per cent out of the total water volume exists as freshwater. The rest 96.5 per cent is salt water from the ocean. More than 70 per cent of the freshwater source exists as glaciers in Antarctica and high altitude mountain regions of the world. In the world, there is only 30 per cent fresh water which is stored as groundwater. Water resources are renewable, and it gets renewed within a short period. The hydrological cycle makes water a renewable source.

Fresh Water Sources

The freshwater sources include surface water and groundwater. The surface water sources are rivers, lakes, ponds etcetera. The water that is stored underground is also a fresh water source. Both these sources get renewed by rainfall.

Water Scarcity and The Reasons Behind It

Water Scarcity is nothing but a shortage of water. It can happen naturally in the regions which are prone to drought and experience low rainfall.

Several other reasons may lead to water scarcity. These reasons include:

Water Scarcity can happen by overexploitation of the water resources. The excessive or unnecessary use of water in various parts of the world is one of the main reasons.

In dry areas, more water is required for irrigation purposes. Water is also required more and more because of multiple cropping and for HYV seeds. More food resources are needed as the urbanisation and industrialisation are progressing along with the civilisation.

Water is not distributed equally on this planet. In some parts, there is sufficient water available to fulfil all the needs, but in some parts, people suffer from water scarcity.

The water quality is deteriorating day by day. It happens because domestic wastes and industrial wastes get into the water sources. Water pollution can also occur as chemical pesticides, and fertilisers get washed away by rainfall and fall directly into the water bodies.

Human activities like the immersion of idols and many religious rituals also lead to water pollution, and the water sources become useless. Pumping out the groundwater leads to the falling level of water underground.

Water scarcity also affects the ecological cycle. It is high time to conserve and manage all the water resources.

Measures Taken for Water Conservation

Stoppage of overusing of underground water and it can be recharged by using techniques like rainwater harvesting, watershed development programs etcetera.

By avoiding the wastage of water.

Water conservation can also be done by using irrigation techniques like drip irrigation, sprinkles etcetera.

Multi-Purpose River Projects and Integrated Water Resources   Management

From ancient times the water is conserved by constructing structures like dams which were used by building stones over water sources. Even now in India, there is a presence of dams in most of the rivers.

Definition of Dam

A dam is a barrier that is being built across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the water flow and by doing so creates a water reservoir, lake or impoundment. The term ‘dam’ refers to the water reservoir, not the whole structure. You can also take a look at the major dams in India map class 10 to have a better understanding.

Most of the dams are built to control floods, but some of them triggered floods. One of the significant movements to save a river is ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’. It was a movement which was mobilised by an NGO and had protesters that include tribal people, farmers, human rights activists and environmentalists. The protest was against a dam called Sardar Sarovar Dam being built across the Narmada River in Gujarat. The movement focuses on rehabilitation and environmental issues.

Rain Water Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is a simple method in which rainwater is collected for future usage. Different ways are used for rainwater harvesting. These methods are –

In the floodplains of West Bengal, people build inundation channels for irrigation purposes.

In the hill regions, people built diversion channels for rainwater harvesting. An excellent example of it is ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ in the Western Himalayas.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting is a standard method that is used mostly in the arid and semi-arid regions like Rajasthan. ‘Tankas’ are part of this rooftop rainwater harvesting. It happens mainly in Bikaner, Barmer and some other areas.

CBSE Class 10 Geography Other Chapter Notes

Students can download class 10 contemporary india ii revision notes for all chapters free pdf through the links below..

CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Notes

CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Notes

CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 4 Notes

CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 5 Notes

CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 6 Notes

CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 7 Notes

Important Topics Covered in the Chapter

Following is a list of important topics that are covered under CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 - Water Resources. Students are advised to read these through before starting out with the revision process:

Some Facts and Figures

Multi-purpose River Projects

Objectives of Multi-purpose River Projects

Disadvantages of Multi-purpose River Projects

Movements against Multi-purpose River Projects

Rainwater Harvesting

How Tankas Work

The Class 10 Revision Notes on Geography Chapter 3 - Water Resources by Vedantu have been written by the greatest instructors in the field who have extensive understanding on how to make notes easy digestible for students. Reviewing these notes will undoubtedly aid your study for your Class 10 Geography test.

FAQs on Water Resources Class 10 Notes CBSE Geography Chapter 3 (Free PDF Download)

1. Explain how water becomes a renewable resource?

Water is seen as a renewable resource. Rainfall is the primary cause of surface and groundwater recharge in a short period of time due to three processes in the hydrological cycle. These are the three processes: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Water shortage results from overexploitation of water sources. Water scarcity is simply a lack of water, which can occur for a variety of causes such as water usage in dry season agriculture, water contamination that renders water sources worthless, and so on.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of multi-purpose river projects?

The advantages of multi-purpose river projects include Irrigation, Flood prevention, Hydrolytic electricity generation, Inland navigation, and Water supply for domestic and industrial purposes. The disadvantages of multi-purpose river projects are Aquatic flora and fauna get affected, The water flow gets affected, Land submerged in the surrounding areas, Land rehabilitation problem on a large scale and many ecological consequences.

3. What do you mean by water scarcity according to Chapter 3 Water Resources of Class 10 Geography?  What are its causes?

Water scarcity is the limited availability of water in a region over a specific period. This is mainly due to over-exploitation of the use of water. This over-exploitation has led to unequal access and excessive use of water for different social groups. A growing population like in India has increasing demands for the use of water and it is not available to fulfil everyone’s needs. It's multiple uses have led to this scarcity.  

These solutions are available on Vedantu's official website( vedantu.com ) and mobile app free of cost.

4. What are the uses of water resources according to Chapter 3 Water Resources of Class 10 Geography?

Domestic uses of water include bathing, cleaning, watering plants, and so on. They are also used for other reasons, including as irrigation for growing crops and other farming practices, as well as in multinational firms' industrial buildings. Water is also used to generate power. Water supplies are finite, but water usage is limitless. Water use has skyrocketed with industrialisation and urbanisation. Water pollution has also been caused through the commercial usage of water.

5. What is a dam according to Chapter 3 Water Resources of Class 10 Geography?

A dam is a structure that was earlier used to impound or store rainwater or river water for use in irrigation. But now, dams are used to produce Hydroelectricity, to store water for domestic and commercial purposes, for inland navigation, flood control, fish breeding, and recreational functions. Dams are now referred to as multipurpose projects owing to their multiple uses. Some famous dams in India are Bhakra Nangal Dam, the Hirakud Dam, and the Beas-Sutlej dam.

6. Why are multipurpose projects and large dams facing resistance according to Chapter 3 Water Resources of Class 10 Geography?

In recent times, the development of multipurpose projects and large dams are facing a lot of public scrutiny and resistance. That is because these big projects cause rehabilitation and resettlement on a very large scale. The people who are resettled are not properly compensated. The displacement of people and the natural fauna and flora is a big cost that is paid for these projects. Movements like Narmada Bachao Andolan and the Tehri Dam Andolan are some examples of resistance. 

7. Which is the first state in India to make rainwater harvesting compulsory according to Chapter 3 Water Resources of Class 10 Geography?

The first state in the country to make harvesting of rainwater mandatory for all the houses across the state is Tamil Nadu. All the houses are supposed to have rooftop structures for rainwater harvesting. Legal provisions have been introduced for those who do not abide by this law. If you are seeking notes of this chapter for your preparation, you should get Vedantu’s CBSE Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 Notes. These are comprehensive and simple to use. 

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Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Extra Questions and Answers Water Resources

In this page, you can find CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Extra Questions and Answers Water Resources Pdf free download, NCERT Extra Questions for Class 10 Social Science  will make your practice complete.

Water Resources Class 10 Extra Questions and Answer Geography Chapter 3 Very Short Answers Type

Question 1. How is freshwater obtained? Answer: The freshwater is mainly obtained from surface run off and ground water that continually being renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle.

Question 2. What is meant by hydrological cycle? Answer: Hydrological cycle, also known as water cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the earth through evaporation, condensation and precipitation.

Question 3. Mention the various sources of freshwater. Answer: The various sources of freshwater are precipitation, surface run-off and groundwater.

Question 4. The availability of water resources varies over space and time. Why? Answer: It happens mainly due to the variations in seasonal and annual precipitation.

Question 5. How is water scarcity caused? Answer: Water scarcity in most cases is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among different social groups.

Question 6. How has ever increasing number of industries caused water scarcity? Answer: The ever increasing number of industries has caused water scarcity by exerting pressure on existing fresh water resources. Industries, apart from being heavy users of water, also require power to run them. Much of this energy comes from hydroelectric power.

Question 7. How are water resources being exploited for agricultural activities? Answer: Water resources are being exploited to expand irrigated area in order to increase food grain production.

Question 8. What is a hydraulic structure? Answer: A hydraulic structure is structure submerged or partially submerged in any body of water, which disrupts the natural flow of water. They can be used to divert, disrupt or completely stop the flow.

Question 9. What are dams? Answer: Dams are barriers across flowing water that obstruct, direct or retard the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment.

Question 10. What purpose does the Bhakra Nangal project water serve? Answer: The Bhakra Nangal project water is being used both for hydel power production and irrigation.

Question 11. Why are dams now referred to as multi-purpose projects? Give example. Answer: Dams are now referred to as multi-purpose 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.

Question 12. Why did Jawaharlal Nehru call multi-purpose projects the ‘temples of modern India’? Answer: The multi-purpose projects, according to Jawaharlal Nehru integrate the development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialisation and growth of the urban economy.

Question 13. Name two social movements which have been launched against the multi-purpose projects. Answer:

• The Narmada Bachao Andolan
• The Tehri Dam Andolan.

Question 14. What is a multi-purpose river valley project? Answer: Multi-purpose river valley projects generally refer to large dams that serve many purposes including impounding the water of a river.

Question 15. Mention two techniques of rooftop rainwater harvesting. Answer: These two techniques are

• recharge through hand pump and
• recharge through abandoned dugwell.

Question 16. What is meant by tanka? Answer: Tanka is a circular hole in the ground to store water.

Question 17. Classify dams on bases of structure and the materials used. Answer: Based on structure and the materials used, dams are classified as timber dams, embankment dams or masonry dams, with several subtypes.

Question 18. Who are benefited from the multi-purpose projects? Answer: The landowners and big farmers, industrialists and few urban centres are benefited from the multipurpose projects.

Question 19. How do people in the flood plains of Bengal irrigate their fields? Answer: They develop inundation channels to irrigate their fields.

Question 20. How does over-exploitation of water resources lead to its scarcity? Answer: Over-exploitation of water resources lead to falling ground water levels thus causing water scarcity.

Water Resources Class 10 Extra Questions and Answer Geography Chapter 3 Short Answers Type

Question 1. What is a dam? How are dams classified? Answer: A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment.

• Dams refer to the reservoir rather then the structure.
• Dams are classified according to structure, intended purpose or height.
• Based on structure and the materials used, dams are classified as timber dams, embankment dams or masonry dams, with several subtypes.
• According to the height, dams are classified as large dams and major dams or alternatively as low dams, medium height dams and high dams.

Question 2. Describe any three different rainwater harvesting systems practised in India. (Imp) Answer: Three different rainwater harvesting systems practised in India are (i) In the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, almost all the houses traditionally have underground tanks or tankas for storing drinking water. These tanks are very big and are built inside the main house or the courtyard. They are connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe. The rain falling on the roof-tops travels down the pipe and is stored in these underground tanks.

(ii) In hilly and mountainous regions, people build diversion channels like the ‘guts’ or ‘kuls’ of the Western Himalayas for agriculture.

(iii) In arid and semi-arid regions, agricultural fields are converted into rain fed storage structures that allow the water to stand and moisten the soil like the ‘Khadins’ in Jaisalmer and ‘Johads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.

Question 3. How are local communities adversely affected by the construction of large dams? (Imp) OR Explain any three problems that local communities face due to the construction of large dams. Answer: Local communities face several problems due to the construction of large dams. Some of them are given below-

• Multi-purpose projects and large dams cause large scale displacement to the local communities.
• Local people are forced to give up their land, livelihood and their meagre access and control over resources.
• Their condition becomes miserable because no one pays attention on their rehabilitation.

Question 4. How has irrigation changed the cropping pattern? What is its impact on the social landscape? (Imp) Answer: Irrigation has changed the cropping pattern of many regions as farmers have shifted to water intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinisation of the soil. At the same time, it has transformed the social landscape. The social gap between the richer landowners and the landless poor has been increased.

The dams create conflicts between people wanting different uses and benefits from the same water resources. 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.

Question 5. How have intensive industrialisation and urbanisation posed a great pressure on existing fresh water resources in India? Explain. Answer: Post-independent India witnessed intensive industrialisation and urbanisation. This created vast opportunities for us but at the same time aggravated the problem of water scarcity. The ever-increasing number of industries has put immense pressure on the existing freshwater resources. Industries, apart from being heavy users of water, also require power to run them. Much of this energy comes from hydroelectric power.

Today, In India hydroelectric power contributes approximately 22 percent of the total electricity produced. Moreover, multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have not only added to water and energy requirements but have further aggravated the problem. Most of the housing societies and colonies in the cities have their own groundwater pumping devices to meet their water needs. We have already fragile water resources and that too are being over¬exploited causing their depletion in several of these cities.

Question 6. ‘Multi-purpose projects have failed to achieve the purpose for which they were built.’ Justify the statement. (Imp) Answer:

• The dams that were constructed to control floods have triggered floods due to sedimentation in the reservoir.
• The big dams have mostly been unsuccessful in controlling floods at the time of excessive rainfall. Many a time we have come to know about the release of water from dams during heavy rains. This only aggravates the flood situation.
• The floods have not only devastated life and property but also caused extensive soil erosion.
• It has also been observed that multi-purpose projects have induced earthquakes, have caused waterborne diseases and pests and pollution resulting from excessive use of water.

Question 7. Why are different water harvesting systems considered a viable alternative both socio economically and environmentally in a country like India? (Imp) Answer: (i) In India, the availability of water resources varies over space and time, mainly due to the variations in seasonal and annual precipitation. In such a situation, it is wise to adopt different water harvesting systems. Needless to say that water harvesting is a cheap method of conservation of water.

(ii) People in India have in-depth knowledge of rainfall regimes and soil types. They have developed wide ranging techniques to harvest rainwater, groundwater, river water and floodwater in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs.

(iii) Most importantly rainwater harvesting is not harmful from any angle. It is environment-friendly as well as cheap source of water supply.

Question 8. How can you say that water scarcity is an outcome of large and growing population? Answer: A large population means more water not only for domestic use but also to produce more food. Hence, to facilitate higher food grain production, water resources are being overexploited to expand irrigated areas and dry-season agriculture. It is a fact that most farmers have their own wells and tube-wells in their farms for irrigation to increase their produce. This leads to falling groundwater levels, adversely affecting water availability and food security of the people.

Question 7. Mention any six advantages of multi-purpose river projects. Answer: (i) Multi-purpose river valley projects are those projects which serve many objectives at the same time. Under these projects, a dam or a series of dams are constructed across the river for storing water. (ii) The stored water is used for several purposes, such as providing irrigation, generating hydro-electricity, navigation, etc. (iii) Sometimes when a particular region gets dry due to scanty rainfall, this water is sent to the cities for domestic purposes through canals.

Advantages of Multi-purpose river projects:

• They not only help in irrigation but also in electricity generation, water supply for domestic and industrial uses.
• They help in flood control, recreation, inland navigation and fish breeding.
• They are also associated with the development of agriculture and the village economy.
• Examples — In the Sutluj-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.

Disadvantages of Multi-purpose river projects

• Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow causing poor sediment flow and excessive sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir, resulting in rockier stream beds and porer habitats for the rivers’ aquatic life.
• Multi-purpose projects also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate, especially for spawning.
• The reservoirs that are created on the floodplains also submerge the existing vegetation and soil leading to its decomposition over a period of time.
• They also harm the environment and fertility of soil.
• They also lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood.

Question 10. Three-fourth of the earth’s surface is covered with water but there is still scarcity of water across the globe. Explain giving three reasons. (Imp) Answer:

• 96.5 percent of the total volume of world’s water is estimated to exist as oceans which are saline and not fit for human consumption.
• Only 2.5 percent is freshwater. Nearly 70 percent of this freshwater 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 the world’s aquifers. Thus, very little quantity is left for human consumption.
• This too is not used wisely and judiciously. It is over-exploited for selfish purposes causing water scarcity.

Question 11. Is it possible that an area or region may have ample water resources but is still facing water scarcity? If yes, how? (Imp) Answer: (i) In many cities there is no shortage of water but the water is not fit for human consumption.Much of the water is being polluted by domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers used in agriculture, thus making it hazardous for human use.

(ii) India’s rivers, especially the smaller ones, have all turned into toxic streams. And even the big ones like the Ganga and Yamuna are far from being pure. The assault on India’s rivers is enormous and growing by the day.

(iii) Over-exploitation and mismanagement of water resources impoverish this valuable resource and create crisis.

Question 12. Explain hydrological cycle with the help of a diagram. Answer: Hydrological cycle, also known as water cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the earth through evaporation, condensation and precipitation.

Question 13. Give a brief description of the Narmada Bachao Andolan. OR Why was the Narmada Bachao Andolan launched? Answer: Narmada Bachao Andolan, also known as Save Narmada Movement is a non-governmental organisation that took place as a result of the resistance to the multi-purpose projects due to the large scale displacement of local communities. The movement mobilised tribal people, farmers, environmentalists and human rights activists against the Sardar Sarovar Dam being built across the Narmada river in Gujarat. It originally focussed on the environmental issues related to trees that would be submerged under the dam water. Recently it has re-focused the aim to enable poor citizens, especially the oustees or displaced people to get full rehabilitation facilities from the government.

Question 14. What are the different stages of rooftop rainwater harvesting? OR Explain the rooftop rainwater harvesting technique. Answer:

• Rooftop rainwater is collected using a PVC pipe.
• The collected water is filtered using sand and bricks.
• Underground pipe takes water to sump for immediate usage.
• Excess water from the sump is taken to the well.
• Water from the well recharges the underground water.
• Now we can take water from the well.

Question 15. What do you know about the rooftop rainwater harvesting in Shillong, Megha-laya? Answer: Rooftop rainwater harvesting is the most common practice in Shillong, Meghalaya. It is interesting because Cherapunjee and Mawsynram situated at a distance of 55 km from Shillong receive the highest rainfall in the world, yet the state capital Shillong faces acute shortage of water. Nearly every household in the city has a rooftop rainwater harvesting structure. Nearly 15-25 percent of the total water requirement of the household comes from rooftop water harvesting.

Question 16. Why are multi-purpose projects facing resistance? Explain three reasons. (Imp) Answer: In recent years, multi-purpose projects and large dams have faced opposition for a variety of reasons- (i) Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow 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.

(ii) Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate, especially for spawning.

(iii) The reservoirs that are created on the floodplains also submerge the existing vegetation and soil leading to its decomposition over a period of time.

(iv) Multi-purpose projects and large dams cause large-scale displacement of local communities. Local people are forced to give up their land, livelihood and their meagre access and control over resources. As a result, they face hardships. On the other hand, the landowners, and large farmers, industrialists, etc. are benefited.

(v) Dams not only increase social gap between the richer landowners and the landless poor but also . create conflicts between people wanting different uses and benefits from the same water resources. For example, in Gujarat, the Sabarmati-basin farmers are agitated and almost caused a riot over the higher priority given to water supply in urban areas, particularly during draughts.

(vi) Irrigation has also changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinisation of the soil.

Water Resources Class 10 Extra Questions and Answer Geography Chapter 3 Long Answers Type

Question 1. How was water conserved in ancient India? Give any four examples in support of your answer. Answer: Archaeological and historical records show that from ancient times people have been constructing sophisticated hydraulic structures like dams built of stone rubble, reservoirs or lakes, embankments and canals for irrigation. This tradition is being followed in modern India too. People are building dams in most of the river basins. Four examples to show how water was conserved in ancient India-

(i) In the first century BC, Sringaverapura near Allahabad had sophisticated water harvesting system channelling the flood water of the river Ganga.

(ii) During the time of Chandragupta Maurya, dams, lakes and irrigation systems were extensively built.

(iii) Evidences of sophisticated irrigation works have also been found in Kalinga (Odisha), Nagarjunakonda (Andhra Pradesh), Bennur (Karnataka), Kolhapur (Maharashtra), etc.

(iv) In the fourteenth century, the tank in Hauz Khas, Delhi was constructed by Iltutmish for supply-ing water to Siri Fort area.

Question 2. “In recent years, the multi-purpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny.” Give reasons. (Imp) Answer: In recent years, multi-purpose projects and large dams have faced opposition for a variety of reasons- (i) Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow 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.

(v) Dams not only increase social gap between the richer landowners and the landless poor but also. create conflicts between people wanting different uses and benefits from the same water resources. For example, in Gujarat, the Sabarmati-basin farmers are agitated and almost caused a riot over the higher priority given to water supply in urban areas, particularly during draughts.

Question 3. Explain the ecological problems being faced due to the multi-purpose river projects. (Imp) Answer: In recent years, multi-purpose projects and large dams have faced opposition for a variety of reasons- (i) Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow 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.

Question 4. Write the features of the tankas built in the houses of Bikaner, Phalodi and Banner. Answer: (i) The tankas or tanks are found in the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly, in Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer. They are built underground to store drinking water.

(ii) These tankas are as large as a big room. One household in Phalodi has a tanka that is 6.1 metres deep, 4.27 metres long and 2.44 metres wide.

(iii) The tankas are part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system and are built inside the main house or the courtyard.

(iv) They are connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe. Rain falling on the rooftops travels down the pipe and is stored in these underground tankas.

Question 5. Why is rooftop rainwater harvesting important in Rajasthan? Explain. Answer: (i) Rajasthan is a desert region which receives scanty rainfall. Most of it falls during the rainy season from June to September, leaving the soil to parch the rest of the year.

(ii) Most of the wells in Rajasthan have gone dry and people face acute water crisis.

(iii) People in Rajasthan have, therefore, built underground tankas or tanks to store water. Almost all the houses traditionally have these tankas that serve great purposes.

(iv) These tankas are part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system. The rainwater stored in these tankas is an extremely reliable source of drinking water when all other sources are dried up, particularly in the summers.

(v) Rainwater is considered the purest form of natural water. As there is lack of perennial rivers in Rajasthan, people heavily depend on rainwater.

(vi) Rooftop rainwater harvesting is important in Rajasthan also for the reason that it is used to beat the summer heat as it keeps the room cool and comfortable.

Question 6. Give five reasons responsible for water scarcity in India. (Imp) Answer: Five reasons responsible for water scarcity in India are- (i) Population in India is growing fast. A large population means more water not only for domestic use but also to produce more food. To facilitate higher foodgrain production, water resources are being exploited to expand irrigated areas and dry-season agriculture.

(ii) The ever-increasing number of industries have made matters worse by exerting pressure on existing freshwater resources. Industries are heavy users of water. They also require power to run them. Much of this energy comes from hydroelectric power.

(iii) Most of the housing societies or colonies in the cities have their own groundwater pumping devices to meet their water needs. This has caused depletion of water resources in several of these cities.

(iv) The quality of water is deteriorating day by day due to domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers used in agriculture. As a result, even areas with sufficient water are suffering from acute water scarcity. This scarcity is mainly due to bad quality of water.

(v) Unequal distribution and availability of water resources have also aggravated the problem. There are areas which do not get abundant rainfall while in some areas flood like situation prevails, especially during rainy season. In both the situations people face the problem of safe drinking water.

Water Resources Class 10 Extra Questions and Answer Geography Chapter 3 Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions

Question 1. Throw light on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of water scarcity. Answer: Quantitative aspect: This aspect is associated with the availability of water resources. We know that the availability of water resources varies over space and time due to variations in seasonal and annual precipitation. But water scarcity in most cases is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among different social groups. Large population and an ever-increasing number of industries have made matters worse by exerting pressure on existing freshwater resources.

Industries are heavy users of water. Urban lifestyles have further aggravated the problem. Thus, we find that fragile water resources are being over-exploited and have caused their depletion in several areas.

Qualitative aspect: This aspect is associated with the situation where water is sufficiently available to meet the needs of the people, but, the area still suffers from water scarcity. This scarcity is mainly caused 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 fertilisers used in agriculture, thus, making it hazardous for human use.

Question 2. What is bamboo drip irrigation? Mention any two features of it. OR What is the mechanism of bamboo drip irrigation system? Answer: The bamboo drip irrigation system has been in practice in the north-eastern part of India, in the state of Meghalaya for more than 200 years. Here, the tribal farmers have been using this indigenous technique to irrigate their plantation crops. These farmers have developed this system of tapping stream and spring water to grow black pepper, betal leaves, etc. by using bamboo pipes.

The bamboo drip irrigation system is based on gravity and the steep slopes facilitate in implementing it. About 18-20 litres of water enters the bamboo pipe system, gets transported over hundreds of metres, and finally reduces to 20-50 drops per minute at the site of the plant.

Features/Mechanism

• In this irrigation system, bamboo pipes are used to divert perennial springs on the hilltops to the lower reaches by gravity.
• The channel sections, made of bamboo, divert water to the plant site where it is distributed into branches, again made and laid out with different forms of bamboo pipes. The flow of water into the pipes is controlled by manipulating the pipe positions.
• If the pipes pass a road, they are taken high above the land.
• The reduced channel sections and diversion units are used at the last stage of water application. The last channel section enables water to be dropped near the roots of the plant.

Question 3. Mention some of the objectives of the multi-purpose river valley projects. Answer:

• To help control floods
• To help store water which can be used for irrigation
• To provide drinking water
• To conserve soil
• To generate hydel power.

Water Resources Class 10 Extra Questions and Answer Geography Chapter 3 Value-based Questions (VBQs)

Question 1. Why is there an urgent need to conserve and manage water resources? Mention three reasons. OR ‘The need of the hour is to conserve and manage our water resources’. Justify the statement. Answer: There is an urgent need to conserve and manage our water resources to

• safeguard ourselves from health hazards
• ensure food security, continuation of our livelihoods and productive activities, and
• prevent degradation of our natural ecosystems.

Over-exploitation and mismanagement of water resources will impoverish this resource and cause ecological crisis that may have serious impact on our lives.

Question 2. Mention various methods for the conservation of water. Answer: Water is a valuable resource. It fulfils our basic needs. It is essential for life on the earth. Because the sources of water are limited and that too are reducing every year, its conservation is essential. Various methods of water conservation are-

• Rainwater harvesting— It is a method of collecting water while it rains to use it in future.
• Minimising draining off the rainwater- This method will improve underground storage. For this, vegetation cover should be expanded.
• Scientific management of the water resources of all the river watersheds from minor to major.
• Construction of dams across the rivers is also helpful in the conservation of water.
• We should try our best to prevent water resources from pollution. It is also necessary to educate and sensitize common people towards the need to conserve water.

Water Resources Class 10 Extra Questions and Answer Geography Chapter 3 Map-based Questions

Comprehensive Notes on Water Resources for Class 10 Students

Water Resources are essential for the survival and well-being of all living organisms. In this comprehensive guide, students can find detailed notes on Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources, including the importance of water conservation and management. Explore the various aspects of water resources and gain a deeper understanding of this crucial topic.

" Strive for progress.... Not Perfection."

Water Resources Class 10 Notes

Table of contents, water is a renewable resource.

Freshwater is mainly obtained from surface runoff and groundwater that is continually being renewed and rechanged through the hydrological cycle. All water moves within the hydrological cycle ensuring that water is a renewable resource.

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

Water Scarcity and the Need for Water Conservation and Management:

Water Scarcity is the lack of freshwater resources to meet the demands of water usage within a region.

Main causes of water scarcity:

• Water scarcity in most cases is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access to water among different social groups.
• Water scarcity may be an outcome of a large and growing population and consequent greater demands for water and unequal access to it.
• To facilitate higher food-grain production, water resources are being over-exploited to expand irrigated areas for dry-season agriculture.
• Intensive industrialization and urbanization exerted pressure on existing freshwater resources.
• Even if water is sufficiently available to meet the needs of the people, much of it is maybe polluted by domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers used in agriculture, thus causing water scarcity.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

The Goal of JJM is to enable every rural household to get an assured supply of potable piped water at a service level of 55 liters per capita per day regularly on a long-term basis by ensuring the functionality of the tap water connections.

Need for Water Conservation

• Sustainable Resource Management: Conserving water ensures its availability for future generations and sustains ecosystems.
• Mitigating Water Scarcity: Many regions face water scarcity, and conservation helps balance supply and demand.
• Preserving Aquatic Ecosystems: Conserved water supports healthy habitats for aquatic plants and animals.
• Reducing Energy Consumption: Water treatment and distribution consume energy, and conserving water lowers energy demands.
• Agricultural Efficiency: Efficient irrigation practices save water and optimize agricultural productivity.
• Economic Benefits: Water conservation lowers costs for individuals, businesses, and governments.
• Addressing Climate Change: Reduced water wastage contributes to climate change mitigation.
• Minimizing Water Pollution: Conservation reduces the need for pollutant removal from water sources.

Multi-purpose River Projects and Integrated Water Resources Management:

A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs, or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake, or impoundment. “Dam” refers to the reservoir rather than the structure.

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

• They integrate the development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialization and growth of the urban economy.
• They provide water for irrigation.
• They provide water for electricity generation
• Provide water supply for domestic and industrial uses.
• Helps in flood control.
• Provide recreation
• Helps in inland navigation.
• Useful for fish breeding.

Hence, dams are now referred to as multi-purpose projects where the many uses of the impounded water are integrated with one another.

In recent years, multi-purpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny and opposition for a variety of reasons

• Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow 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.
• Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate, especially for spawning.
• The dams have triggered floods due to sedimentation in the reservoir and the release of excess water during heavy rains.
• Multipurpose projects induced earthquakes, caused water-borne diseases, and pests, and lead to pollution resulting from excessive use of water.
• Irrigation has changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water-intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinization of the soil.
• The dams increase the social gap between the richer landowners and the landless poor.
• The dams create inter-state water disputes with regard to sharing the costs and benefits of the multi-purpose project.

Most of the objections to the projects arose due to their failure to achieve the purposes for which they were built.

• Ironically, the dams that were constructed to control floods have triggered floods due to sedimentation in the reservoir.
• Moreover, the big dams have mostly been unsuccessful in controlling floods at the time of excessive rainfall. The floods have not only devastated life and property but also caused extensive soil erosion.
• Sedimentation also meant that the flood plains were deprived of silt, a natural fertilizer, further adding to the problem of land degradation.
• It was also observed that the multi-purpose projects induced earthquakes, causing water-borne diseases and pests, and pollution resulting from excessive use of water.

Narmada Bachao Andolan or Save Narmada Movement

• It is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that mobilized tribal people, farmers, environmentalists, and human rights activists against the Sardar Sarovar Dam being built across the Narmada River in Gujarat.
• It originally focused on the environmental issues related to trees that would be submerged under the dam water.
• Recently it has re-focused the aim to enable poor citizens, especially the oustees (displaced people) to get full rehabilitation facilities from the government.

Rainwater Harvesting

The need for rainwater harvesting are:

• Rainwater harvesting is needed to provide it for agriculture, collect drinking water, irrigate the fields, and to moisten the soil.
• Rainwater harvesting is a viable alternative, both socio-economically and environmentally to multipurpose projects.

Traditional methods of rainwater harvesting:

• In hill and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like the ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ of the Western Himalayas for agriculture.
• ‘Rooftop rainwater harvesting’ was commonly practiced to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan.
• In the flood plains of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields.
• In semi-arid and 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.

Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater is commonly referred to as Palar Pani in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan.

• In the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly in Bikaner, Phalodi, and Barmer, almost all the houses traditionally had underground tanks for storing drinking water.
• The tanks could be as large as a big room.
• The tanks were part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system.
• They were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe.
• Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down the pipe and be stored in these underground tanks.
• The first spell of rain was usually not collected as this would clean the roofs and the pipes.
• The rainwater from the subsequent showers was then collected.

Tamil Nadu is the first state in India that has made rooftop rainwater harvesting structures compulsory for all houses across the state.

Importance of rooftop rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan:

• It was commonly practiced to store drinking water.
• The rainwater can be stored in the tanks till the next rainfall, making it an extremely reliable source of drinking water when all other sources are dried up, particularly in the summers.
• Rainwater (Palar Pani) is considered the purest form of natural water.
• Many houses construct underground rooms adjoining the ‘tanks’ to beat the summer heat as it would keep the room cool.
• Some houses still maintain the tanks since they do not like the taste of tap water.

Bamboo Drip Irrigation system

It is a 200-year-old system of tapping stream and spring water by using bamboo pipes and transporting water from higher to lower regions with the help of gravity.

• 18-20 liters of water enter the bamboo pipe system, gets transported over hundreds of meters, and finally reduces to 20-80 drops per minute at the site of the plant.
• The flow of water into the pipes is controlled by manipulating the pipe positions.
• If the pipes pass a road, they are taken high above the land.

Class 10 Social Science Map Work for 2023-24

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Water Resources is an important chapter in CBSE Class 10 Geography . Chapter 3 Geography covers the availability of freshwater resources on Earth and the causes of water scarcity in various regions. It also discusses the construction of dams on river banks and the positive and negative impacts of such constructions on the environment, society, and economy. Additionally, Chapter 3 highlights the importance of rainwater harvesting and its various methods to conserve water. It also discusses the significance of water management and the need for sustainable use of water resources.

In the water resources class 10 notes, the topic of water conservation is also going to be discussed. Chapter 3 – water resources notes cover all the necessary topics that are extremely important for the board examination of 2024. It can save you time and will positively affect your results.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 3: Water Resources

About three-fourths of the surface of the earth is covered with water, but only a small proportion of the same accounts for the freshwater, which can be put to use. Water is one of the renewable resources.

Water Scarcity and Need for Water Conservation and Management

The availability of water resources tends to vary over space as well as time:

• Water scarcity is mainly caused because of over-exploitation as well as excessive use and also unequal access to water among the various social groups.
• Water resources are also being able to be over-exploited for the expansion of irrigated areas for dry-season agriculture.
• In certain areas, water is not available properly to the needs of the people. But certain areas still suffer from water scarcity because of the bad quality of water.

Need for Conservation and Management of Water Resources

• For safeguarding ourselves against health hazards.
• For ensuring food security, continuity of livelihoods, and also for productive forms of activities.
• For prevention of degradation of natural ecosystems.

Read More: Water, Water Scarcity and Need for Water Conservation and Management

2. Multi-Purpose River-projects and Integrated Water Resources Management

The conservation of water in ancient times was done by the construction of well-developed hydraulic structures such as dams which are built of stone rubble, reservoirs, embankments, and also canals for irrigation. The construction of dams in modern times is a contribution to continuing the tradition.

A dam refers to a barrier situated across the flow of water which obstructs, directs as well as retards the flow, by the creation of a reservoir, lake, or impoundment. Dam refers to the reservoir which is built rather than referring to the structure.

Uses Of Dams

Dams are built because of the following reasons:

• For impounding rivers as well as rainwater which can be used later for the irrigation of the agricultural fields.
• For the generation of electricity.
• For supply of water for uses of domestic as well as industrial uses.
• For controlling floods.
•  For recreation, inland navigation as well as breeding of fish.

Side Effects of Creating Dams

Some of the important side effects of the creation of dams are as follows:

• River regulation and damming alter their natural flow, resulting in poor sediment flow and excessive sedimentation at the reservoir’s bottom, resulting in rockier stream beds and poorer habitats for the rivers’ aquatic life. 
• Dams also fragment rivers, making migration of aquatic fauna difficult, particularly for spawning. The reservoirs formed on the floodplains also submerge the existing vegetation and soil, causing it to decompose over time. Flooding was caused by sedimentation in the reservoir.
• Additionally, it was found that multipurpose projects contributed to pollution due to excessive water use, water-borne infections, and pests. Multi-purpose projects and large dams have also sparked many new social movements, such as the ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’ and the ‘Tehri Dam Andolan’,  among others. There has been opposition to these initiatives.
• Local community eviction has been a key point of contention with these initiatives. For the benefit of the country as a whole, locals were regularly compelled to give up their land, means of subsistence, and restricted access to and control over resources.

Some of the major objections which have arisen are due to the failures in the achievement of the purposes because of which they were built. The construction of most of the dams was for controlling floods, but the dams many times triggered floods. Extensive soil erosion also seems to have been caused because of the dams. The excessive and merciless use of water has led to earthquakes and caused waterborne diseases as well as pollution and pests.

India Major Rivers and Dams Map

Major Rivers and Dams

Narmada Bachao Andolan

The Narmada Bachao or Save Narmada Movement refers to the Non-Governmental Organisation or NGO, which is responsible for the mobilization of the tribal people, farmers, environmentalists as well as human rights activists against the Sardar Sarovar Dam which is constructed across the Narmada River in Gujarat.

Originally, the focus was mostly on environmental issues which were in relation to trees, which would be submerged under the dam water, and at present, it has refocused the aim on enabling poor citizens, mostly the displaced people for getting full rehabilitation facilities from the government.

The majority of the criticisms leveled at the projects stemmed from their failure to achieve the goals for which they were designed. A water harvesting system was a viable socioeconomic and environmental option. Along with sophisticated hydraulic structures, ancient India had an extraordinary tradition of water-harvesting systems. In response to the local ecological conditions and water needs, a variety of techniques for harvesting rainwater, groundwater, river water, and flood water were developed.

Read More: Multi-Purpose River Projects and Integrated Water Resources Management

3. Rain Water Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting refers to the method by which rainfall is collected for the use in future. The rainwater which is collected can be stored and utilized in different ways or for direct use for recharging purposes.

Different types of rainwater harvesting are used and adopted in different areas:

• In hilly and mountainous areas, the people built diversion channels like that of ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’, of the western Himalayas for use in agriculture.
• “Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting” is used very commonly for practising storing drinking water, particularly in dry states like Rajasthan.
• In the flood plains of West Bengal, people have developed inundation channels for the irrigation of their fields.
• In the case of both arid and semi-arid areas, agricultural areas have been converted to rain-fed storage structures which have allowed the water to stand and also provide moisture to the soil, which is known as Khadins in Jaisalmer and also Johads in parts of Rajasthan.
• The tankas are important and well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting and are built mostly inside the main house or in the courtyard. Mainly practised in Rajasthan for saving rainwater, like in Bikaner and Barmer areas.

Tamil Nadu is one of the first states in India to make it compulsory for the construction of rooftop rainwater structures across the state and legal provisions are present for violation of the same.

Bamboo drip Irrigation System

Rainwater harvesting from rooftops is the most common practice in Shillong, Meghalaya. In Meghalaya, a 200-year-old method of drawing water from springs and streams using bamboo pipes is widely used. About 18-20 litres of water enter the bamboo pipe system, gets transported over hundreds of meters, and finally reduces to 20-80 drops per minute at the site of the plant. 

The bamboo channel sections direct water to the plant location where it is distributed into branches that are also constructed and set out using various bamboo pipe designs. The flow of water into the pipes is controlled by manipulating the pipe positions. Reduced channel sections and diversion units are used at the last stage of water application. The last channel section enables water to be dropped near the roots of the plant. Pipes are taken high above when they pass a road.

Read More: Rainwater Harvesting

FAQs CBSE Class 10 Political Science Notes Chapter 3: Water Resources

What is the origin of water.

The research provides information that the origin of water lies in the rocks with which the earth was formed.

Mention the different types of Condensation.

Some important types of condensation include : Fog, Mist, Frost and Dew.

Mention some methods which can be followed for proper water management.

Some important methods which can be followed for proper water management are as follows: Rainwater Harvest Groundwater Recharge Drip Irrigation

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NCERT Book Solutions For Class 10 Geography Contemporary India - II Chapter 3 Water Resources

Ncert book solutions for class 10 geography contemporary india – ii chapter 3 water resources – cbse free pdf download.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 – Water Resources is present in PDF format at BYJU’S which can be downloaded for free. These solutions contain the answers to all exercise questions. Answers are created by subject experts and are written from an examination perspective. Referring to these solutions will help students in scoring high marks during the CBSE exam. Also, they will understand the answer writing skills through which they can express their answers in an effective way. So, go through these NCERT Solutions Class 10 and make the most of it.

• Chapter 1 Resources and Development
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• Chapter 4 Agriculture
• Chapter 5 Minerals and Energy Resources
• Chapter 6 Manufacturing Industries
• Chapter 7 Lifelines of National Economy

Students can download the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography PDF below.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography (Contemporary India II) Chapter 3 – Water Resources

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 – Water Resources

The solutions for Chapter 3 of Water Resources are given below. Students should also check NCERT Solutions for Class 10 for other subjects.

Exercise Page No 46

1. Multiple choice questions.

(i) Based on the information given below classify each of the situations as ‘suffering from water scarcity’ or ‘not suffering from water scarcity’.

(a) A region with high annual rainfall.

(b) A region having high annual rainfall and large population.

(c) A region having high annual rainfall but water is highly polluted.

(d) A region having low rainfall and low population.

(a) A region with high annual rainfall – Not suffering from water scarcity

(b) A region having high annual rainfall and large population – Suffering from water scarcity

(c) A region having high annual rainfall but water is highly polluted – Suffering from water scarcity

(d) A region having low rainfall and low population- Not suffering from water scarcity

(ii) Which one of the following statements is not an argument in favour of multipurpose river projects?

(a) Multi-purpose projects bring water to those areas which suffer from water scarcity.

(b) Multi-purpose projects by regulating water flow help to control floods.

(c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood.

(d) Multi-purpose projects generate electricity for our industries and our homes.

(c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood

(iii) Here are some false statements. Identify the mistakes and rewrite them correctly.

(a) Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have helped in proper utilisation of water resources.

(b) Regulating and damming of rivers does not affect the river’s natural flow and its sediment flow.

(c) In Gujarat, the Sabarmati basin farmers were not agitated when higher priority was given to water supply in urban areas, particularly during droughts.

(d) Today in Rajasthan, the practice of rooftop rainwater water harvesting has gained popularity despite high water availability due to the Indira Gandhi Canal.

(a) Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have resulted in improper utilisation of water resources.

(b) Regulating and damming of rivers does affect the river’s natural flow and its sediment flow.

(c) In Gujarat, the Sabarmati basin farmers were agitated when higher priority was given to water supply in urban areas, particularly during droughts.

(d) Today in Rajasthan, the practice of rooftop rainwater water harvesting popularity has declined due to high water availability from Indira Gandhi Canal.

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) Explain how water becomes a renewable resource.

Water can be considered as a renewable resource since there will be rains and surface water and groundwater will get recharged continuously due to the 3 process involved in the hydrological cycle.

The 3 processes of the hydrological cycle are

• Evaporations
• Condensation
• Precipitation

(ii) What is water scarcity and what are its main causes?

Many of our cities are such examples. Thus, water scarcity may be an outcome of large and growing population and consequent greater demands for water, and unequal access to it. A large population requires more water not only for domestic use but also to produce more food. Hence, to facilitate higher food-grain production, water resources are being over-exploited to expand irrigated areas for dry-season agriculture. Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of water. Most farmers have their own wells and tube-wells in their farms for irrigation to increase their productivity. This has adversely affected water availability and food security of the people.

(iii) Compare the advantages and disadvantages of multi-purpose river projects.

Advantages:

• Electricity generation
• Flood control
• Water supply for industrial and domestic purposes
• Tourist attraction
• Inland navigation

Disadvantages:

• The natural flow of water is affected
• Aquatic life gets affected
• Submergence of land in the surrounding areas
• Ecological consequences
• Large scale displacement of local people

3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.

(i) Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan is carried out.

In the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly in Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer, almost all the houses traditionally had underground tanks or tankas for storing drinking water. The tanks could be as large as a big room; one household in Phalodi had a tank that was 6.1 metres deep, 4.27 metres long and 2.44 metres wide. The tankas were part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system and were built inside the main house or the courtyard. They were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe. Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down the pipe and be stored in these underground ‘tankas’. The first spell of rain was usually not collected as this would clean the roofs and the pipes. The rainwater from the subsequent showers was then collected. The rainwater can be stored in the tankas till the next rainfall, making it an extremely reliable source of drinking water when all other sources are dried up, particularly in the summers. Rainwater, or ‘palar pani’, as commonly referred to in these parts, is considered the purest form of natural water.

(ii) Describe how modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being carried out to conserve and store water.

Water harvesting system is a viable alternative, both socio-economically and environmentally. In ancient India, along with the sophisticated hydraulic structures, there existed an extraordinary tradition of water-harvesting system. People had in-depth knowledge of rainfall regimes and soil types and developed wide-ranging techniques to harvest rainwater, groundwater, river water and floodwater in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. In hill and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like the ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ of the Western Himalayas for agriculture. ‘Rooftop rainwater harvesting’ was commonly practised to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan. In the flood plains of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields. 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. In Gendathur, a remote backward village in Mysuru, Karnataka, villagers have installed, in their household’s rooftop, rainwater harvesting system to meet their water needs. Nearly 200 households have installed this system and the village has earned the rare distinction of being rich in rainwater. Rooftop rainwater harvesting is the most common practice in Shillong, Meghalaya. It is interesting because Cherapunjee and Mawsynram situated at a distance of 55 km. from Shillong receive the highest rainfall in the world. Yet, the state capital Shillong faces an acute shortage of water. Nearly every household in the city has a rooftop rainwater harvesting structure. Nearly 15-25 per cent of the total water requirement of the household comes from rooftop water harvesting. Tamil Nadu is the first state in India which has made rooftop rainwater harvesting structure compulsory for all the houses across the state.

Water Resources Summary

The students will get to know about the following topics:

• Water scarcity and the need for water conservation and management
• Multipurpose river projects and integrated water resources management
• Hydraulic structures in ancient India
• Rainwater harvesting

‘Contemporary India-II’ is an important chapter for Class 10 Social Science subject. Apart from this chapter, the full set of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science is given in the linked article.

Also, explore – 

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography

Frequently Asked Questions on NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Geography Chapter 3

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Map Work: Water Resources Class 10 Geography Social Science Maps

• Post last modified: 2 March 2024
• Post category: Class 10 Maps

Class 10 Geography Chapter ‘Water Resources’ Map Work: The Class 10 Maps syllabus 2022-23 includes eight major dams to be located or identified on the map of India. The syllabus is given below and then the map of India will all the eight dams showing their possible precise locations.

Map Work Syllabus: Water Resources

The river and the states associated with the dams are also given here in brackets.

1. Salal (Chenab – Jammu & Kashmir)

2. Bhakra Nangal (Sutlej – Himachal Pradesh)

3. Tehri (Bhagirathi – Uttarakhand)

4. Rana Pratap Sagar (Chambal – Rajasthan)

5. Sardar Sarovar (Narmada – Gujrat)

6. Hirakud (Mahanadi – Orissa)

7. Nagarjuna Sagar (Krishna – Telangana & A.P.)

8. Tungabhadra (Tungabhadra – Karnataka)

Map Work: Water Resources (locate & label)

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Assignments Class 10 Social Science Water Resources

Please refer to Assignments Class 10 Social Science Water Resources Chapter 3 with solved questions and answers. We have provided Class 10 Social Science Assignments for all chapters on our website. These problems and solutions for Chapter 3 Water Resources Class 10 Social Science have been prepared as per the latest syllabus and books issued for the current academic year. Learn these solved important questions to get more marks in your class tests and examinations.

Water Resources Assignments Class 10 Social Science

ONE MARK QUESTIONS

Question. Who proclaimed dams as the temples of modem India? Ans :  Jawaharlal Nehru.

Question. Name any one river valley project which has significantly contributed to the loss of forests. Ans :  Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Question. In which state Bamboo Drip Irrigation is prevalent? Ans :  Meghalaya.

Question. On which river is the Nagaijunsagar dam built? Ans :  The Nagarjunsagar Dam is built on the Krishna.

Question. Name the river on which Nagarjunasagar dam is constructed. Ans :  The Nagarjunsagar Dam is built on the Krishna.

Question. On which river the Salal Dam is built? Ans :  Chenab.

Question. In which regions the release of water from dams during heavy rains aggravated the food situation in 2006? Ans :  Maharashtra and Gujarats

Question. Name the river on which Mettur dam has been built. Ans :  Mettur dam has been built on the Kaveri.

Question. What was the main purpose of launching multi- purpose projects in India after independence? Ans :  The main purpose of launching multi-purpose projects after independence was that they would integrate development of agriculture with rapid industrialization.

Question. What are the causes of water scarcity? Ans :  Rapid growth of population, uneven distribution of water resources and increase in demand of water.

Question. Which largest artificial lake was built in 11th century? Ans :  Bhopal lake.

Question. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built on which river? Ans :  Krishna.

Question. Which water is recharged by roof-top rainwater harvesting technique? Ans :  Ground water.

Question. Which of the following is not the cause of water scarcity? (a) Growing population (b) Expansion of irrigation facilities (c) Industries (d) Water harvesting technique Ans.  (d) Water harvesting technique

Question. Hirakud Dam is constructed on the river: (a) Ganga (b) Manjira (c) Manas (d) Mahanadi Ans.  (d) Mahanadi

Question. Which was the largest artificial lake of ancient India built in the 11th century? Ans.  Bhopal Lake

Question. Which river is known as “River of Sorrow” in Jharkhand and West Bengal? Ans.  Damodar River

Question. Bamboo drip irrigation system is followed in Uttar Pradesh. True or False. Ans.  False

Question. ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’ was started against large multi-purpose river projects. True or False. Ans.  True

Question. In Western Rajasthan today plenty of water is available due to …….. Ans.  Perennial Rajasthan Canal

Question. In the question given below.there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R).Mark your answer as per the codes provided below : (A) India’s rivers, especially the smaller ones, have all turned into toxic streams. (R) Dams were traditionally built to impound rivers and rainwater that could be used later to irrigate agricultural fields. Options: (1) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A (2) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A (3) A is true but R is False. (4) A is false but R is true Ans.  (2) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A

THREE MARKS QUESTIONS

Question. What is Bamboo Drip Irrigation? Mention any two features of it. Ans :  Bamboo Drip Irrigation system is a 200-year-old system of tapping stream and spring water by using bamboo pipe and transporting water from higher to lower regions through gravity. Features: a. 18-20 liters of water enters the bamboo pipe system, get transported over hundreds of meters and finally reduces to 20-80 drops per minute at the site of the plant. b. The flow of water into the pipes is controlled by manipulating the pipe positions.

Question. How have intensive industrialization and urbanization posed a great pressure on existing freshwater resources in India. Explain. or How does urbanization and urban lifestyle lead to over exploitation of water resources? Explain. or How have intensive industrialization and urbanization posed a great pressure on existing freshwater resources in India? Explain. Ans :  Post independent India witnessed intensive industrialisation and urbanisation. a. Arrival of MNC’s: Apart from fresh water they require electricity which comes from hydroelectric power. b. Multiplying urban centers with large and dense populations and urban life styles have not only added to water and energy requirements, but have further aggravated the problem. c. Large-scale migration from rural to urban areas is causing over exploitation of water resources.

Question. List any three advantages and three disadvantages of multipurpose river project. or What are the advantages and disadvantages of multipurpose river project. Ans : Advantages: a. These are the main source of power generation. b. They provide us neat, pollution free and cheapest energy which is the backbone of industry and agriculture. c. These projects control the floods because water can be stored in them. These projects have converted many, ‘rivers of sorrows’ into ‘rivers of boon’. d. These projects are the main source of irrigation and also help in conserving soil. Disadvantages: a. Due to the construction of dams, there are no adequate floods in the river. Because of this, the soil of the downstream region does not get nutrient rich silt. b. Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate for spawning, i.e., to produce eggs. c. It resulted in displacement of local communities. The local people often have to give up their land and livelihood and their meagre access and control over resources for the greater need of the nation.

Question. Highlight any three hydraulic structures as part of water management programmes initiated in ancient India along with the period when they were built. Ans :  Sophisticated hydraulic structures like dams built of stone rubble, reservoirs or lakes, embankments and canals for irrigation were built in various regions’ of the country. a. A sophisticated water harvesting system channelling the flood water of river Ganga was built at Sringaverapura near Allahabad in the 15th century BC. b. Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh, Bennur in Karnataka, Kolhapur in Maharashtra and Kalinga in Odisha have evidences of irrigation structures. c. In the 11th century, Bhopal Lake, one of the largest artificial lakes of its time was built. d. The tank in Hauz Khas, Delhi was constructed by Iltutmish in the 14th century to supply water to the Siri Fort Area.

Question. Water scarcity in most cases is caused by over exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among, different social groups. Explain the meaning of the statement with the help of examples Ans :  We can understand the meaning of the above statement through these examples: a. After a heavy downpour, a boy collects drinking water in Kolkata. b. A Kashmiri earthquake survivor carries water in the snow in a devastated ‘ village. c. A Rajasthani woman balances her matka and travels large distances to collect water.

Question. Give a short note on Multi-purpose projects In India. Ans.  1. launched after Independence with their integrated water resources management approach 2. Jawaharlal Nehru proudly proclaimed the dams as the ‘temples of modern India’; 3. lt would integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialisation and growth of the urban economy.

Question. Why dams are now referred as multi-purpose projects? Ans.  (a) 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.

Question. Give four major uses of water. Ans.  1. Drinking and domestic consumption like washing clothes. 2. Irrigation of farm lands. 3. Generation of Hydro-electricity. 4. Uses in industrial establishments.

Question. What is water scarcity? Write the main reasons for water scarcity. Ans. Water scarcity means shortage of water. 1. Large growing population 2. water resources are being over-exploited to expand irrigated areas 3. greater demand for water with growing urbanisation and industrialisation. 4. unequal access to water among different social groups 5. Excessive use of water by industries 6. Over exploitation of water in the urban areas

Question. Describe any three different rainwater harvesting systems practised in India. Ans.  In hills and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like guls or kuls for agriculture. • Inundation channels were built in the floodplains of Bengal, • In arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, agricultural fields were converted into rainfed storage structures

Question. What is the need for conservation of water resources? Ans.  (1) Water resources are limited and our requirements are increasing day by day. (2) Most of our resources are polluted and unsuitable for drinking and other purposes. (3) To safeguard ourselves from health hazards. (4) To ensure food security and for continuation of our livelihoods. (5) To prevent degradation natural ecosystem.of our water bodies

FIVE MARKS QUESTIONS

Question. Why are different water harvesting systems considered a viable alternative both socio-economically and environmentally in a country like India? Ans :  Keeping in view the disadvantages and rising resistance against the multi¬purpose projects, water harvesting system is considered a viable alternative both socio- economically and environmentally. 1. In ancient India also along with the sophisticated hydraulic structures, there existed an extraordinary tradition of various water harvesting systems. 2. People adopted different techniques in different areas. In hilly regions people built diversion channels like the ‘guls’ or “kuls’ for agriculture. 3. Roof-top rainwater harvesting was commonly practised to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan. 4. In the flood plains of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields. Khadins, Johads and Tanks are the forms of rainwater harvesting practised in Rajasthan.

Question. Describe any four traditional methods of rainwater harvesting adopted in different parts of India. Ans :  Methods of rainwater harvesting used in India are: a. Guls and Kuls: People built guls and kuls in hilly and mountainous regions to divert water. These are simple channels. They are mainly used in the Western Himalayas. b. Roof top rainwater harvesting: Commonly practised to store drinking water in Rajasthan. c. Inundation Channels: These channels developed in the flood plains of Bengal to irrigate fields. d. Khadins and Johads: In arid and semi-arid regions, some agricultural fields were converted into rain fed storage structures. These structures are found in Rajasthan. e. Tankas: The tankas were built inside the main house or the courtyard. They were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe. Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down the pipe and was stored in these underground ‘tankas’. The first spell of rain was usually not collected as this would clean the roofs and the pipes. The rainwater from the subsequent showers was then collected. The rainwater can be stored in the tankas.

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• An Introduction to Water Resources

Water- a must for all life forms on earth and the most important natural resource. We all know that about three-fourths of the earth’s surface is covered with water. But about 96.5% of the global water resources come from the oceans and seas. In India, the water resources amount to an estimated 1897 square kilometer per annum. However, we all know about the shortage of Water we are facing as a country. Let us learn more about the conversation of the water resource .

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Some quick facts and figures.

• The total volume of water on earth’s surface- 96.5%
• The total volume of usable freshwater- 2.5%
• The volume of freshwater in ice-sheets and glaciers- 70%
• Stored groundwater- 30%
• Precipitation (rainfall) in India- 4% of earth’s total
• India’s rank in the world for water availability per person (per annum)- 133

Conservation & Management of Water Resources

‘Water water everywhere, not a drop to drink.’  It is a very old saying in a different reference to the situation . But, this is exactly what we fear will happen very soon, if we do not wisely use and conserve our water resources.

Research shows that by 2025, India, along with many other countries will face a serious scarcity of water. Many regions in our country are currently undergoing the process of ‘water stress’. According to a research by Falken Mark, a Swedish expert on water, ‘water stress’ happens when the water availability falls below 1000 cubic meters per person per day.

How did we reach here?

Though blessed with large rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Narmada, and others, India’s socio-economic development has a lot to contribute to decreasing water resources. Rising population , industrialization, urbanization and modernization of agriculture , are some of the main reasons for water shortages in many parts of the country. As a result, most of our prominent rivers, especially the smaller ones have become toxic with waste products and pollution .

Saving our Water Resources

Water is indeed an essential resource for life on earth and it must be conserved. In fact, historically, humans had learned to conserve the available water resource by building dams.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Dams are simply hydraulic structures that act as a barrier between the source and destination of flowing water. Earlier, these dams were small and hand-made. In our modern society, engineering techniques and methods are used to construct most of these dams.

Depending on its need, the water flow can be obstructed, redirected or slowed down using a dam. The barrier often creates a small reservoir or a lake, collecting the excess flow of water. People use most dams for irrigation . While some dams are used for generating electricity , which we know as ‘hydropower’ or ‘hydro energy’.

Dams can be of different types and of various sizes. While timber dams are made from wood, the masonry or embankment dams are made with stones and concrete. Dams can also be low, medium or high in height, depending on their location and usage. Though dams can be helpful in conserving water resources, too many of them can also cause over sedimentation of the river beds.

Also, over usage of dams can reduce the aquatic life of the river, on which they flow. That is why we also have more natural and long-lasting methods of saving our water resources. The two most widely used methods are:

Rainwater Harvesting

You must have come across this term from multiple media sources. Rainwater harvesting is one of the most efficient and effective ways of conserving water. It is more like the recycling of natural water. In this, the rooftop rainwater harvesting is a common practice in states like Rajasthan, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and major parts of South India, where rainfall is usually heavy. People connect PVC pipes to a drain on their roof and the rainwater is collected below in large storage tanks.

This water is then utilized for daily needs even after rains are over. Mostly, people do not collect the water off first rainfall but thereafter. In Shillong and other parts of Meghalaya and rain prone regions of North East, water from rooftop rainwater harvesting covers about 15-25% of household water requirements.

DIY: You can try a home experiment for your learning exercise. Collect the rainwater and store it. You can even filter the water for a clean output. Now, use this water for your household needs or plants. Did you know? In the state of Tamil Nadu, it is compulsory for every house/residential building to have a rooftop rainwater harvesting system!

Bamboo Drip Irrigation system

This is an indigenous method which has been in practice for about 200 years in the north-eastern states of India. While this practice helps conserve the region’s water resources, it also helps in irrigation of local farms and fields. People use bamboo pipes for tapping the waters of streams and springs. About 18020 litres of water flow through a network of pipes and end up as drips on the farmlands.

Solved Questions for You

Q1. What is water stress?

Ans. According to a research by Falken Mark, a Swedish expert on water, ‘water stress’ happens when the water availability falls below 1000 cubic meters per person per day.

Q2. What are the different methods of water conservation?

Ans. We can conserve water resources using different methods:

• Dams: These are hydraulic structures that can either control, redirect or obstruct the flow of water from a water body. Dams are made from wood, stone or concrete.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater is collected from rooftops or ground and stored in large tanks for later use. Rainwater harvesting is popular in Rajasthan, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu.
• Drip Irrigation: This method is most practised in North Eastern states, for irrigation of farms as well as save the local water resources. Bamboo pipes flow water over a long distance and end up in drips when they reach the plants.

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Water Resources

Class 10 - total geography morning star, choose the correct option.

What is an aquifer?

• An underground well that readily gives out water on digging the land.
• An underground pond that was once a source of water and is now buried under rocks.

An underground stream saturated with water that is transmitted readily on to the surface.

• None of the above.

Which of the following measures are not used to conserve water?

• Rainwater harvesting

Using bottled drinking water only

• Water recycling
• Preventing water pollution

Which of the following is not a secondary source of water?

• Groundwater
• Lakes and ponds

Sprinkler irrigation is also known as ................ .

• Seepage irrigation

Overhead irrigation

• Protected irrigation
• Nozzle irrigation

Tanks form the main source of irrigation in ............... .

• Punjab and Haryana

the Deccan Plateau

• Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
• All of the above.

................ is not a conventional means of irrigation.

• Furrow irrigation
• Inundation canals

The most advanced and efficient method of irrigation is ............... .

• Tank irrigation.
• Drip irrigation.
• Canal irrigation.
• Well irrigation.

Drip irrigation

Most of the canals in India belong to which category?

• Perennial canals
• Navigation canals

Which of the following least irrigated state of India is solely dependent on canals?

• Arunachal Pradesh

Question 10

Which of the following is the most advanced and efficient method of irrigation?

• Spray irrigation
• Sprinkler irrigation

Answer the following questions

Question 1(a).

What do you understand by the term 'water resource'?

The term 'water resource' refers to any of the entire range of natural waters that occur on the earth and are of potential use to living beings.

Question 1(b)

Give two points of difference between 'surface water' and 'ground water'.

Question 1(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Need to adopt different means of irrigation.

(ii) Need for conserving water.

(iii) Man is responsible for water crisis in India.

(i) There is a need to adopt different means of irrigation because of uncertainty of rainfall, uneven distribution of rainfall, crop requirements, nature of the soil, effective utilisation of river water and to maximise production.

(ii) There is a need for conserving water for the following reasons-

• The over exploitation of ground water often results in the lowering of water table.
• The loss of vegetation causes drought and reduction of rainfall and lowering of the water table.
• Irrigation utilises more than 90% of the total freshwater.
• The increase in population results in water scarcity.
• Our water resources are polluted and their water can hardly be used without adequate treatment.

(iii) Man is responsible for water crisis in India because due to increase in population, irrigation and industrialisation, the demand for water has risen. This has led to a decline in groundwater levels in various parts of the country.

Question 1(d)

(i) What is meant by rainwater harvesting?

(ii) Mention any two rainwater harvesting systems practised in India.

(i) Rainwater harvesting is the process of increasing the recharge of groundwater by capturing and storing rainwater locally in sub-surface water reservoirs.

(ii) Two rainwater harvesting systems practised in India are-

• Khatri in western Himalayas
• Johads in central India

Question 2(a)

What is meant by the term irrigation?

Irrigation refers to the process of watering of agricultural plants through artificial means from wells, tanks, tube wells, canals, etc.

Question 2(b)

What is meant by the term 'water scarcity'? What has caused this scarcity in India?

Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage within a region.

Growing population, over-exploitation and unequal distribution of water among social groups are the main causes of water scarcity in India.

Question 2(c)

(i) Inundation canals are being converted to perennial canals.

(ii) Tank irrigation is preferred over other means of irrigation in Peninsular India.

(iii) Groundwater reserves are depleting at a fast rate.

(i) Inundation canals are being converted to perennial canals because inundation canals get supply of water only when the rivers are in flood while perennial canals can draw water throughout the year and irrigate large areas.

(ii) Tank irrigation is preferred over other means of irrigation in Peninsular India because-

• The rivers of Deccan are mainly dependent on the rainwater.
• Many streams become torrential during the rainy season but dry up when the rain ceases.
• The hard rocks in the area do not absorb waters, wells cannot be made there.
• The terrain is uneven with many natural depressions where tanks can be easily built.

(iii) Groundwater reserves are depleting at a fast rate due to increase in population, irrigation and industrialisation, the demand for water has risen. This has led to a decline in groundwater level in various parts of the country.

Question 2(d)

(i) What is meant by traditional or conventional methods of irrigation?

(ii) Name any two conventional methods of irrigation.

(i) Traditional methods of irrigation means to supply water to the plant zone by pumped water from surface or subsurface sources like ponds, rivers, channels or groundwater through earthen channels or pipes with gravitational force.

(ii) Two conventional methods of irrigation are wells and tanks.

Question 3(a)

State any two drawbacks of conventional methods of irrigation.

Two drawbacks of conventional methods of irrigation are-

• A large quantity of water is not properly utilised.
• The fields situated in low areas always get excess water causing prolonged water logging.

Question 3(b)

Give two advantages and two disadvantages of well irrigation.

Two advantages of well irrigation are-

• Wells can be dug at a very low cost which is well within the means of poor farmers.
• By the use of pumps and tubewells, water can be lifted even from great depths.

Two disadvantages of well irrigation are-

• Wells depend on underground water resources whose distribution varies from region to region.
• The traditional wells dry up due to over withdrawal of the ground water and lowering of the water table.

Question 3(c)

(i) Well irrigation is confined mainly to the alluvial plains.

(ii) In Tamil Nadu, nearly one-third of the net irrigated area is under canal irrigation.

(iii) Drip irrigation reduces loss of water through evaporation.

(i) Well irrigation is confined mainly to the alluvial plains as owing to the soft nature of the soil, wells can be easily dug and the yield of crops from the land after irrigation is considerably high.

(ii) In Tamil Nadu, nearly one-third of the net irrigated area is under canal irrigation because Tamil Nadu receives rainfall during the winter season while summer season remains dry. Thus, irrigation is needed in summer to make up the lack of rainfall.

(iii) Drip irrigation reduces loss of water through evaporation as this system consists of perforated pipes that are placed between rows of crops or buried along their root lines and give water directly on to the crops.

Question 3(d)

(i) Name any two states where well irrigation is practised.

(ii) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of tubewell irrigation.

(i) Two states where well irrigation is practised are Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

(ii) One advantage of tubewell irrigation is that it brings up clean water. One disadvantage of tubewell irrigation is that it is useless if the water is brackish.

Question 4(a)

Name the two types of canals. Name two states where perennial canals are widely used.

Two types of canals are-

Two states where perennial canals are widely used are Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Question 4(b)

How are the fields irrigated using the Persian wheel method?

Persian wheel method is a partly submerged vertical wheel with buckets attached to the rim. As the wheel is turned by draught animals rotating a geared horizontal wheel, the buckets are filled and emptied into a trough above, which carries the water to crop-sown fields.

Question 4(c)

(i) Canals make the soil infertile.

(ii) Tubewell irrigation is quite expensive.

(iii) Excessive accumulation of salts make the soils unsuitable for cultivation.

(i) Canals make the soil infertile because in canal irrigation, where water table is a few feet below the ground, the alkaline salts come to the surface, mix with the soil and make it unproductive.

(ii) Tubewell irrigation is quite expensive as it requires continuous supply of electricity.

(iii) Excessive accumulation of salts make the soils unsuitable for cultivation because when salt concentrations in the soil are high, the movement of water from the soil to the root is slowed down. When the salt concentrations in the soil are higher than inside the root cells, the soil will draw water from the root, and the plant will wilt and die. Hence, the soil becomes unsuitable for cultivation.

Question 4(d)

(i) Name two states in which tubewells are extensively used.

(ii) State why tubewell irrigation is important in Punjab.

(i) Two states in which tubewells are extensively used are Punjab and Haryana.

(ii) Tubewell irrigation is important in Punjab because it irrigates large areas of land in comparatively less time and it can irrigate the fields throughout the year.

Question 5(a)

What is meant by rainwater harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the process of increasing the recharge of groundwater by capturing and storing rainwater locally in sub-surface water reservoirs.

Question 5(b)

State any two methods of rainwater harvesting.

Two methods of rainwater harvesting are-

Question 5(c)

(i) Many farmers in India still use wells.

(ii) There is very little recharge of groundwater.

(iii) The traditional wells dry up.

(i) Many farmers in India still use wells because wells can be dug at a very low cost and the oxen which are kept for ploughing the land can be utilised for drawing water from the well.

(ii) There is very little recharge of groundwater as only a small amount of rain water runs down the earth surface and gets stored in the form of groundwater. So, only a small percentage of water gets down to the water table and forms ground water.

(iii) The traditional wells dry up due to the over-withdrawal of the groundwater and lowering of the water table.

Question 5(d)

(i) What is watershed management?

(ii) How is it beneficial for farmers in the long run?

(i) Watershed management refers to the efficient management and conservation of both the surface and groundwater resources. It includes the prevention of run-off as well as storage and recharge of groundwater by various methods like percolation pits, recharge wells, borewells, dugwells etc.

(ii) Watershed management is beneficial for farmers as it is aimed at conserving both soil and water. Since both soil and water are indispensible for the cultivation of crops, watershed management helps farmers to maximize their crop production and income.

Question 6(a)

What is 'drip irrigation'? How is it useful?

Drip irrigation is the most advanced and efficient method of irrigation. This system consists of perforated pipes that are placed between rows of crops or buried along their root lines and give water directly on to the crops.

It is useful as it reduces evaporation drastically and irrigation water is conserved. It also allows the grower to customise an irrigation programme most beneficial to each crop.

Question 6(b)

Explain briefly the need to conserve water.

We need to conserve water for the following reasons-

Question 6(c)

(i) Modern means of irrigation are gaining popularity.

(ii) Sprinkler irrigation helps in conserving water.

(iii) Spray irrigation is quite expensive.

(i) Modern means of irrigation are gaining popularity because of the following reasons-

• No loss of water due to seepage or evaporation
• Conserve water
• Prevent soil erosion
• Suitable for areas where the rainfall is low
• High efficiency

(ii) Sprinkler irrigation helps in conserving water as water is sprayed directly to the required plants so there is no loss of water through seepage or evaporation.

(iii) Spray irrigation is quite expensive because it requires complex machinery.

Question 6(d)

What is meant by furrow irrigation? What is its advantage?

Furrow irrigation is a type of flood irrigation in which the water poured on the field is directed to flow through narrow channels dug between the rows of crops, instead of evenly distributing the water throughout the whole field. The furrows must have equal dimensions, in order to guarantee that the water is distributed evenly.

The advantage of furrow irrigation is lower initial investment of equipment and lower pumping costs per acre-inch of water pumped.

Thinking Skills

Nature has endowed India with plentiful water resources. Despite this, acute shortage of water is noticed in some states. What could be the reasons for this shortage?

India is known to be a land of rivers with 12 major rivers and 46 medium rivers. Many of these rivers are perennial and some of them are seasonal. The annual rainfall in India is 1,170 mm which is higher as compared to the world average of 800 mm. Despite this, acute shortage of water in some states is due to the following reasons:

• Uneven distribution — Water resources are not distributed evenly across the country. The monsoons rains are also spread unevenly. The result is that some states are devastated with floods while others face severe drought at the same time.
• Population growth — India has one of the world's largest populations, and the demand for water is increasing due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural growth. India constitutes around 17% of the world's population but has only 4% of the world's freshwater resources.
• Poor water management — Inefficient management of water resources, lack of proper infrastructure, and poor governance are also contributing to the water shortage in some states.
• Pollution — Pollution of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, is reducing the availability of clean water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use.

In your city, critical shortage of water has been reported due to the sharp fall in the groundwater level. What steps you will take to check this scarcity of water?

To check this scarcity of water, we need to take quick steps to make proper policies and laws and adopt effective measures for water conservation. This can be done by using rainwater harvesting. It is the process of increasing the recharge of groundwater by capturing and storing rainwater locally in sub-surface water reservoirs.

Various kinds of recharge structures are possible which can ensure that rainwater percolates in the ground instead of draining away from the surface Some of these are:

• Borewells and Dugwells — They are used to raise the underground water table.
• Recharge Pit — They are excavated into the ground lined with a brick or stone wall with openings at regular intervals.
• Percolation Pits — It is a bored hole of up to 30 cm diameter drilled in the ground to a depth of 3 to 10 m.
• Recharge Trenches — They are excavated on the ground and refilled with porous media like pebbles, boulder or brick bats to harvest the surface runoff.
• Permeable Surfaces — For example, a patch of grass is used to retain a large proportion of the rainwater falling on it, yielding only 10-15 per cent as runoff.
• Porous tiles — They can be used on pavements and footpaths.

A number of water saving technologies have been developed in recent decades. Which one would you prefer to use in your area and why?

I would like to use rainwater harvesting technique to conserve water because the area where I reside receives adequate rainfall during the monsoon season. My locality is developed in such a way that every block has a big park with patches of grass and trees. The trees and grass minimize runoff.

The people of my area can collectively harvest rainwater on their rooftops and even use the parks for building various recharge structures such as borewells, recharge pits, percolation pits, recharge trenches, porous tiles on the pavement etc.

If you are given a choice between using traditional or modern methods of irrigation, which method you would prefer to use in your area and why?

I would prefer to use drip irrigation which is a modern method of irrigation because of the following reasons:

• It is the most advanced and efficient method of irrigation.
• This system consists of perforated pipes that are placed between rows of crops or buried along their root lines and give water directly on to the crops. As a result, evaporation is drastically reduced.
• It helps to conserve irrigation water.
• It allows the grower to customise an irrigation programme most beneficial to each crop.