Water Resources – Case-based Questions with Answers

CBSE Class 10 Geography – Chapter 3 Water Resources | Case-Based Questions with Answers

Chapter 3: Water Resources – Case-Based Questions with Answers

Water Scarcity & The Need for Water Conservation and Management | Multi-Purpose River Projects & Integrated Water Resources Management | Rainwater Harvesting

CBSE Board Examinations – Chapter Wise Case-Based Practice:

20 topic-wise Case-Based Questions with simple, exam-ready answers.
Strictly based on NCERT Class 10 Geography, Contemporary India – II, Chapter 3: Water Resources.
Ideal for CBSE Class 10 Board Exams (competency & case-based questions pattern).

The following Case-Based Questions are framed strictly from NCERT Chapter 3: Water Resources. Each case includes a short passage (source-based / situation-based) followed by questions and clear, easy answers to help students understand concepts and practise the latest CBSE question pattern.

Topic 1: Water as a Resource & Water Scarcity

Case 1 – A Village Facing Water Shortage

Passage: In a semi-arid village of Maharashtra, the only tank in the village dries up by February every year. Women have to walk long distances to fetch water from a neighbouring village. At the same time, a few large farmers in the village use borewells to grow water-intensive crops like sugarcane for the market. The groundwater level is falling rapidly and many small farmers cannot afford deep tube wells.

Q1. Which type of water scarcity is shown in the passage – physical or economic? Why?

This is mainly an example of economic water scarcity because water is available underground, but most villagers cannot access it due to lack of money and technology for deep borewells.

Q2. Mention any two human-made reasons for water scarcity in this village.

Over-extraction of groundwater by large farmers for water-intensive crops like sugarcane.
Growing crops not suitable for a semi-arid climate, increasing pressure on limited water resources.

Q3. Suggest one measure to reduce water scarcity in this village.

The village can adopt community-based rainwater harvesting and recharge structures to replenish groundwater and promote less water-intensive crops.

Case 2 – A City with Tanker Supply

Passage: In a large Indian city, many residential colonies depend on private water tankers. Though the city receives adequate rainfall and has rivers nearby, the river water is heavily polluted with untreated sewage and industrial effluents. The municipal pipelines are old and leaky, causing further losses.

Q1. State any two causes of water scarcity in this city.

Pollution of river water by untreated sewage and industrial effluents.
Leakage and wastage through old and poorly maintained municipal pipelines.

Q2. How does water pollution lead to water scarcity here?

Pollution makes river water unfit for use, so even though water is present, the amount of usable, safe water becomes limited, creating scarcity.

Q3. Suggest one step the city administration can take to improve the situation.

The administration should treat sewage and industrial effluents before discharging them into the river and upgrade leaking pipelines to reduce wastage.

Case 3 – Uneven Rainfall in India

Passage: India receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon months. However, some regions like the North Eastern states and Western Ghats receive very high rainfall, while areas such as Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat and rain-shadow regions of the Deccan Plateau receive very little rainfall. This creates serious water stress in some parts of the country, even though India is considered a water-rich nation overall.

Q1. What is the main reason for water stress in some parts of India mentioned in the passage?

The main reason is the uneven distribution of rainfall over different regions of the country.

Q2. Name any two regions that frequently face water scarcity due to low rainfall.

Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat (any other valid drought-prone region is also correct).

Q3. Suggest one way in which India can reduce regional inequalities in water availability.

By developing integrated river basin planning and building appropriate storage and transfer systems while ensuring environmental safeguards.

Case 4 – Overuse of Groundwater in Green Revolution Areas

Passage: Regions of Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh became major Green Revolution areas with high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. These crops need assured irrigation. Over the years, farmers have installed many tube wells and pump sets to draw groundwater. As a result, the water table has fallen sharply in many places.

Q1. Why did farmers in these regions start overusing groundwater?

To provide assured irrigation for water-demanding HYV crops like wheat and rice.
To increase production and income by practising multiple cropping.

Q2. Mention two consequences of over-extraction of groundwater.

Falling groundwater levels, making wells and tube wells go dry.
Increased cost of pumping water from deeper levels for irrigation.

Q3. Suggest one sustainable practice farmers can adopt to reduce pressure on groundwater.

Farmers can adopt less water-intensive crops and use drip or sprinkler irrigation to save water.

Case 5 – A News Report on Water-Borne Diseases

Passage: A newspaper reports that after the monsoon, cases of diarrhoea and typhoid have increased in a town. Investigation reveals that drinking water pipelines pass very close to open drains. At many places, the old pipes are damaged and sewage leaks into them, contaminating drinking water.

Q1. Which type of problem related to water is highlighted in this case?

The problem highlighted is water pollution and contamination of drinking water.

Q2. How does this situation indirectly contribute to water scarcity?

Polluted water becomes unfit for consumption, so more safe water is needed. This reduces the amount of usable water, contributing to effective scarcity.

Q3. Suggest one measure to prevent such contamination.

Drinking water pipelines should be repaired and separated from sewage drains, and regular quality testing of water should be carried out.

Topic 2: Need for Water Conservation & Management

Case 6 – A School Campaign: “Save Every Drop”

Passage: A CBSE school starts a campaign called “Save Every Drop”. Students check leaking taps, put posters near wash basins, and keep buckets in the playground to collect water used for cleaning. They also organise a rally in the neighbourhood, explaining why water conservation is essential for the country.

Q1. Why is water conservation important for a country like India?

Because India faces increasing demand for water due to population growth, agriculture and industry, and has seasonal and regional variations in rainfall. Conserving water ensures sustainable availability.

Q2. Mention two simple measures of water conservation followed by the school.

Checking and repairing leaking taps.
Reusing relatively clean water for cleaning or gardening.

Q3. How do awareness campaigns help in water conservation?

Awareness campaigns encourage people to change their habits, reduce wastage and support community efforts to protect water resources.

Case 7 – A Farmer Changes Cropping Pattern

Passage: Ramesh, a farmer in a dry region, has always grown sugarcane because it gives good profits. However, groundwater in his village has gone down and irrigation costs are rising. After attending a government training programme, he switches to less water-intensive crops like millets and pulses.

Q1. How can changing cropping patterns help in water conservation?

Growing less water-intensive crops reduces the amount of water needed, helping conserve groundwater and surface water.

Q2. Name any two crops suitable for dry regions that use less water.

Millets (like jowar, bajra) and pulses are suitable low water-consuming crops for dry regions.

Q3. What economic benefit can Ramesh get from this change?

He can save on irrigation costs and still earn income by selling crops that are in demand and suited to his region.

Case 8 – Industrial Use of Water

Passage: A textile factory uses large quantities of water for dyeing and washing fabric. Earlier it discharged coloured wastewater directly into the river. After strict enforcement of pollution control laws, the factory installs an effluent treatment plant and starts recycling part of the treated water for its own use.

Q1. How was the factory creating water scarcity earlier?

By polluting the river with untreated wastewater, it reduced the availability of safe water for others, contributing to scarcity.

Q2. Mention two ways in which installing an effluent treatment plant helps water conservation.

It prevents pollution of river water, keeping it usable for others.
Recycling treated water reduces the factory’s dependence on freshwater sources.

Q3. Name one law or measure the government can use to ensure industries treat their effluents.

The government can enforce pollution control norms under environmental protection laws and make effluent treatment plants compulsory.

Case 9 – A Village Restores Its Pond

Passage: In a village, the common pond had turned into a dumping ground for garbage and sewage. The Panchayat and youth groups decided to clean and deepen the pond and prevent dumping. After two years, the pond started filling with rainwater and the water table in nearby wells improved.

Q1. Which type of water conservation measure is shown in this case?

This is an example of restoration and conservation of local water bodies.

Q2. How did improving the pond help the groundwater situation?

The cleaned and deepened pond collected rainwater, which percolated into the ground, recharging nearby wells.

Q3. Name two stakeholders who participated in this conservation effort.

The Panchayat and local youth groups (villagers/community) participated in the conservation effort.

Case 10 – Using Technology for Water Saving

Passage: A group of farmers in a village adopt drip irrigation and sprinkler systems with the help of a government subsidy. They find that crop yield remains the same but water use has reduced by almost 40%. Farmers also share the cost and maintenance of the system.

Q1. Name the two modern irrigation techniques used by the farmers.

Drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.

Q2. How do these techniques help in water conservation?

They deliver water directly and uniformly to plant roots, reducing evaporation, seepage and runoff losses.

Q3. What is one social benefit of farmers sharing the cost and maintenance?

It promotes cooperation and collective responsibility, making the system more sustainable and affordable.

Topic 3: Multi-Purpose River Projects

Case 11 – Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi

Passage: The Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River is one of the earliest multi-purpose projects in India. It was built to control floods in the Mahanadi basin. The reservoir stores large amounts of water and provides irrigation to fields in Odisha. It also generates hydroelectric power for industries and households.

Q1. Name the river on which the Hirakud Dam is built.

The Hirakud Dam is built on the Mahanadi River.

Q2. Mention any two purposes served by the Hirakud multi-purpose project.

Flood control in the Mahanadi basin.
Irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.

Q3. Why are such dams called “multi-purpose” projects?

Because they use river water for several purposes at the same time, such as irrigation, power, flood control and water supply.

Case 12 – Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC)

Passage: The Damodar Valley Corporation was created to manage the Damodar River which was once known as the “Sorrow of Bengal” due to frequent floods. The project includes a series of dams and barrages for flood control, irrigation, power generation and industrial water supply.

Q1. Why was the Damodar River earlier called the “Sorrow of Bengal”?

Because frequent and destructive floods in the Damodar River caused heavy loss of life and property in Bengal.

Q2. How has the DVC helped in reducing this problem?

The DVC constructed dams and barrages to regulate the river’s flow, storing excess water and thus controlling floods.

Q3. Mention any two other benefits of the DVC apart from flood control.

Provides irrigation to agricultural fields.
Generates hydroelectric power and supplies water to industries.

Case 13 – Bhakra Nangal Project

Passage: The Bhakra Nangal Project on the Satluj River consists of a high dam and a large reservoir called Gobind Sagar. It is a joint project of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The project supplies irrigation water to these states and generates hydroelectricity for domestic and industrial use.

Q1. On which river is the Bhakra Nangal Project built?

It is built on the Satluj River.

Q2. Name any two states that benefit from this project.

Punjab and Haryana (Rajasthan is also a beneficiary).

Q3. How does this project support agriculture in these states?

It provides assured irrigation through a network of canals, helping farmers grow crops even in dry seasons.

Case 14 – A Hydel Power Station Near a Dam

Passage: Near a large dam, a hydel power station is set up. Water stored in the reservoir is released through turbines. The moving water rotates the turbines and generates electricity. This electricity is supplied to nearby towns and villages at relatively low cost.

Q1. What type of energy is produced in the hydel power station?

Hydroelectric power (hydel power) is produced.

Q2. State any two advantages of hydel power.

It is a renewable source of energy.
It is clean and non-polluting compared to thermal power.

Q3. How are dams useful for both irrigation and power generation at the same time?

Dams store water at a height. This water is released to run turbines for power and then used in canals for irrigation.

Case 15 – A Debate on Big Dams

Passage: In a classroom discussion, some students support large dams saying they bring development, while others oppose them for causing displacement and environmental damage. The teacher explains that multi-purpose projects have both benefits and costs and must be planned carefully.

Q1. Give two arguments in favour of large dams.

They provide irrigation and support agricultural growth.
They generate hydroelectric power and help in flood control.

Q2. Give two arguments against large dams.

They cause displacement of people and loss of livelihoods.
They submerge forests and wildlife habitats, harming the environment.

Q3. What should be the balanced view regarding large dams?

We should recognise both their benefits and negative impacts and plan dams with proper rehabilitation, environmental safeguards and people’s participation.

Topic 4: Problems of Large Dams & Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)

Case 16 – Displacement Due to a Dam

Passage: A large dam project will submerge several villages and forests. The affected people, mostly tribal communities, depend on agriculture, fishing and forest produce. They are worried about losing their land, homes and culture. They demand proper compensation, land for land and rehabilitation before construction begins.

Q1. Name any two types of problems faced by people displaced due to dams.

Loss of homes and agricultural land.
Loss of livelihood and cultural ties with their original environment.

Q2. What do the affected people want from the project authorities?

They want fair compensation, proper rehabilitation and land for land before displacement.

Q3. Why is proper rehabilitation important in such projects?

Because it ensures that people who sacrifice their land for national projects can live with dignity and secure livelihoods, reducing social injustice and conflict.

Case 17 – Environmental Impact of a Dam

Passage: After a dam is built on a river, the downstream region experiences reduced water flow. Fish breeding patterns are disturbed and many wetland areas dry up. The delta receives less silt, causing coastal erosion and affecting agriculture in deltaic regions.

Q1. Mention any two environmental impacts mentioned in the passage.

Disturbance of fish breeding patterns and drying of wetlands.
Reduced silt deposition in deltas, leading to coastal erosion and affecting agriculture.

Q2. How does reduced silt in deltas affect agriculture?

Silt makes deltaic soil fertile; reduced silt deposition lowers soil fertility and productivity.

Q3. Suggest one measure to reduce environmental damage caused by dams.

Maintain minimum ecological flows of water and silt downstream and protect wetlands and fish habitats.

Case 18 – Need for Integrated Water Resources Management

Passage: In a river basin, upstream farmers want more water for irrigation, industries want water for factories, and cities want water for drinking. Environmental groups demand that enough water be left in the river to support fish and wetlands. These conflicting demands show the need for integrated planning.

Q1. Why do different users of water in a river basin come into conflict?

Because each group (farmers, industries, cities, environment) wants more water for its own needs, but the total water available is limited.

Q2. What is meant by Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)?

IWRM is a method of planning and managing water for the entire river basin, balancing the needs of all users and protecting the environment.

Q3. Mention one benefit of following IWRM.

It helps reduce conflicts and overuse by promoting fair, efficient and sustainable sharing of water.

Topic 5: Rainwater Harvesting & Community-Based Conservation

Case 19 – Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting in a City

Passage: In a city, the municipal corporation makes rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory for all new buildings. Residents install pipes to collect rainwater from roofs and direct it into recharge pits. After a few years, the groundwater level improves and many borewells which had run dry start yielding water again.

Q1. What is the main purpose of rooftop rainwater harvesting in this case?

The main purpose is to recharge groundwater by allowing rainwater to percolate into the soil.

Q2. Mention any two benefits observed after implementing this system.

Improvement in the groundwater level.
Borewells that had dried started yielding water again.

Q3. Why is it useful to make such systems compulsory in urban areas?

Because urbanisation reduces natural recharge and increases water demand; compulsory harvesting helps ensure sustainable groundwater availability.

Case 20 – Traditional Rainwater Harvesting in Rajasthan

Passage: In parts of Rajasthan, people have traditionally built structures like johads, khadins and tankas to collect rainwater. Johads are small earthen check dams that store rainwater and recharge groundwater. Tankas are underground tanks in houses that store rooftop rainwater for drinking. These methods have helped people survive in a dry climate for centuries.

Q1. Name any two traditional rainwater harvesting structures mentioned in the passage.

Johads and tankas (khadins is another correct example).

Q2. How do johads help in groundwater recharge?

Johads store rainwater and allow it to percolate into the ground, thereby recharging the aquifers.

Q3. Why are traditional harvesting methods still important today?

They are low-cost, eco-friendly and suited to local conditions, and can effectively supplement modern water management systems.

Water Resources – Case-based Questions with Answers

Chapter 3: Water Resources – Case-Based Questions with Answers

Topic 1: Water as a Resource & Water Scarcity

Topic 2: Need for Water Conservation & Management

Topic 3: Multi-Purpose River Projects

Topic 4: Problems of Large Dams & Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)

Topic 5: Rainwater Harvesting & Community-Based Conservation

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