Water Resources – CBSE Board Examinations Previous Years Question Bank
CBSE Class 10 – Social Science (Geography)
Contemporary India – II | Chapter 3: Water Resources
Topics: Water Scarcity & Water Conservation • Multi-Purpose River Projects & Integrated Water Resources Management • Rainwater Harvesting
CBSE Board Examinations – Chapter Wise Study Materials Based on NCERT
Instructions: The following 30 exam-style questions and answers are designed strictly as per the NCERT syllabus for Chapter 3: Water Resources, and follow the pattern of previous years’ CBSE Class 10 Board Final Examinations. Marks are indicated for each question to guide you in answer length and detail.
A. Water Scarcity and the Need for Water Conservation and Management
What is meant by water scarcity?
Answer:
Water scarcity refers to a situation where the available freshwater is insufficient to meet the
demands of people, agriculture and industries, either due to overuse, pollution or unequal access, even if total
rainfall is adequate.
Name any two human factors responsible for water scarcity in India.
Answer:
(i) Over-extraction of groundwater through tube-wells
(ii) Pollution of rivers and lakes by industrial effluents and untreated sewage.
(ii) Pollution of rivers and lakes by industrial effluents and untreated sewage.
How can population growth lead to water scarcity? Give any two reasons.
Answer:
(i) Growing population increases demand for water for drinking, domestic use and sanitation, putting pressure on existing sources.
(ii) More people require more food, which leads to expansion of irrigated agriculture, thereby increasing water demand from rivers and groundwater.
(ii) More people require more food, which leads to expansion of irrigated agriculture, thereby increasing water demand from rivers and groundwater.
“Water is a renewable resource, yet we face water scarcity in many regions.” Explain this statement with any
three suitable arguments.
Answer:
(i) Water renews itself through the hydrological cycle, but its distribution is highly uneven in time and space
(seasonal and regional variations).
(ii) Over-exploitation of groundwater, especially in dry regions, has lowered water tables so rapidly that natural recharge cannot keep pace.
(iii) Pollution of surface and groundwater by industrial discharge and urban sewage has reduced the amount of usable freshwater, creating scarcity even where water quantity appears high.
(ii) Over-exploitation of groundwater, especially in dry regions, has lowered water tables so rapidly that natural recharge cannot keep pace.
(iii) Pollution of surface and groundwater by industrial discharge and urban sewage has reduced the amount of usable freshwater, creating scarcity even where water quantity appears high.
Explain any three reasons why industrialisation has aggravated the problem of water scarcity in India.
Answer:
(i) Modern industries require large volumes of water for cooling, processing and cleaning, increasing demand on local sources.
(ii) Many industries discharge untreated effluents into rivers and lakes, making large stretches of water unfit for use and effectively reducing usable freshwater.
(iii) Thermal power plants and large industrial townships are often located near rivers, leading to concentrated withdrawal of water and severe local scarcity.
(ii) Many industries discharge untreated effluents into rivers and lakes, making large stretches of water unfit for use and effectively reducing usable freshwater.
(iii) Thermal power plants and large industrial townships are often located near rivers, leading to concentrated withdrawal of water and severe local scarcity.
Give any three reasons why conservation and management of water resources are essential for India’s development.
Answer:
(i) India’s growing population, agriculture and industries are increasing water demand; without conservation, future needs
cannot be met.
(ii) Overuse and pollution are degrading freshwater sources, so scientific management is needed to ensure sustainable development.
(iii) Water is crucial for food security, economic growth and ecological balance; its mismanagement can lead to droughts, conflicts and environmental crises.
(ii) Overuse and pollution are degrading freshwater sources, so scientific management is needed to ensure sustainable development.
(iii) Water is crucial for food security, economic growth and ecological balance; its mismanagement can lead to droughts, conflicts and environmental crises.
Distinguish between physical water scarcity and economic water scarcity with suitable examples.
Answer:
Physical water scarcity: Occurs where natural water availability is low, such as desert regions of Rajasthan.
Even with efficient technology, there is simply not enough water.
Economic water scarcity: Occurs where water is available, but people cannot access it due to lack of infrastructure, technology or financial resources, for example in many rural areas where pipelines, pumps or storage structures are absent.
Economic water scarcity: Occurs where water is available, but people cannot access it due to lack of infrastructure, technology or financial resources, for example in many rural areas where pipelines, pumps or storage structures are absent.
“Water resources in India are under great pressure today.” Justify this statement by explaining any five major causes
of water scarcity in the country.
Answer:
(i) Rapid population growth has raised demand for drinking water, sanitation and food production.
(ii) Expansion of irrigated agriculture, particularly water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane in dry regions, has increased groundwater extraction.
(iii) Industrialisation and urbanisation have led to higher demand for water and contamination of rivers and lakes with effluents and sewage.
(iv) Unequal access and social inequalities mean that some communities and areas get plenty of water while others suffer chronic scarcity.
(v) Deforestation and environmental degradation disturb the water cycle, causing erratic rainfall, reduced infiltration and faster surface runoff, all of which reduce groundwater recharge.
(ii) Expansion of irrigated agriculture, particularly water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane in dry regions, has increased groundwater extraction.
(iii) Industrialisation and urbanisation have led to higher demand for water and contamination of rivers and lakes with effluents and sewage.
(iv) Unequal access and social inequalities mean that some communities and areas get plenty of water while others suffer chronic scarcity.
(v) Deforestation and environmental degradation disturb the water cycle, causing erratic rainfall, reduced infiltration and faster surface runoff, all of which reduce groundwater recharge.
B. Multi-Purpose River Projects and Integrated Water Resources Management
What is a multi-purpose river valley project?
Answer:
A multi-purpose river valley project is a large dam or system of dams built on a river to achieve several objectives
together, such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, navigation, fisheries and water supply.
State any three objectives of multi-purpose river valley projects in India.
Answer:
(i) To provide assured irrigation to agricultural fields and reduce dependence on monsoon rains.
(ii) To generate hydroelectric power for domestic, agricultural and industrial use.
(iii) To control floods by regulating river flow and to facilitate inland navigation and fisheries in the reservoirs.
(ii) To generate hydroelectric power for domestic, agricultural and industrial use.
(iii) To control floods by regulating river flow and to facilitate inland navigation and fisheries in the reservoirs.
“Large dams have been a source of many social movements in India.” Explain any three social issues associated
with the construction of large dams.
Answer:
(i) Displacement of local people, especially tribals, due to submergence of villages and agricultural lands.
(ii) Inadequate or delayed rehabilitation, causing loss of homes, livelihoods and cultural identity.
(iii) Unequal distribution of benefits where water and electricity mainly reach urban and industrial areas, while displaced rural communities are left with losses.
(ii) Inadequate or delayed rehabilitation, causing loss of homes, livelihoods and cultural identity.
(iii) Unequal distribution of benefits where water and electricity mainly reach urban and industrial areas, while displaced rural communities are left with losses.
Why were multi-purpose projects once considered the “temples of modern India”? Why is this view now being
questioned by environmentalists and social activists?
Answer:
Initially, multi-purpose projects symbolised nation-building, promising irrigation, power, flood control and industrial
development, hence called “temples of modern India”. However, they are now questioned because they cause
large-scale displacement, ecological damage, loss of biodiversity and inter-state water disputes, and often do not
benefit the poor as expected.
Explain the concept of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Why is it important for a country like India?
Answer:
IWRM is a planning approach that aims at coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources
across different sectors, so that water is used efficiently, equitably and sustainably. In India, with vast regional and
seasonal variations in water availability, IWRM is essential to balance the needs of agriculture, industry, domestic use and
ecosystems without overexploiting any source.
Large dams sometimes lead to inter-state water disputes. Explain how, with the help of an example (no diagram required).
Answer:
Dams built in an upstream state can control the quantity and timing of water released to downstream states.
Downstream states may feel deprived of their fair share, leading to disputes over river water sharing. For example, conflicts
have arisen over the sharing of rivers like the Kaveri and the Narmada, as states differ on how much water each
should receive for irrigation and other uses.
Match the following multi-purpose projects with the rivers on which they are built and write the correct pairs in your answer:
(a) Bhakra Nangal (i) Krishna
(b) Hirakud (ii) Sutlej
(c) Nagarjuna Sagar (iii) Narmada
(d) Sardar Sarovar (iv) Mahanadi
(a) Bhakra Nangal (i) Krishna
(b) Hirakud (ii) Sutlej
(c) Nagarjuna Sagar (iii) Narmada
(d) Sardar Sarovar (iv) Mahanadi
Answer:
Correctly matched pairs are:
(a) Bhakra Nangal – (ii) Sutlej
(b) Hirakud – (iv) Mahanadi
(c) Nagarjuna Sagar – (i) Krishna
(d) Sardar Sarovar – (iii) Narmada
(a) Bhakra Nangal – (ii) Sutlej
(b) Hirakud – (iv) Mahanadi
(c) Nagarjuna Sagar – (i) Krishna
(d) Sardar Sarovar – (iii) Narmada
Describe any five advantages of hydroelectric power generated through multi-purpose river valley projects.
Why is it considered an important source of energy for India?
Answer:
(i) Hydroelectric power (HEP) uses running water to generate electricity and is therefore a renewable resource.
(ii) HEP generation does not burn fossil fuels, so it is largely non-polluting and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
(iii) Dams for HEP also provide irrigation, flood control and drinking water, making it a multi-purpose resource.
(iv) HEP plants have relatively low running costs once built and can supply cheap electricity over a long period.
(v) It helps India reduce dependence on imported fuels and strengthens energy security and rural electrification.
(ii) HEP generation does not burn fossil fuels, so it is largely non-polluting and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
(iii) Dams for HEP also provide irrigation, flood control and drinking water, making it a multi-purpose resource.
(iv) HEP plants have relatively low running costs once built and can supply cheap electricity over a long period.
(v) It helps India reduce dependence on imported fuels and strengthens energy security and rural electrification.
C. Rainwater Harvesting and Local Water Conservation Practices
What is meant by rainwater harvesting?
Answer:
Rainwater harvesting is the technique of collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops, open grounds or catchments
for later use and for recharging groundwater.
State any two objectives of rainwater harvesting in India.
Answer:
(i) To augment the availability of water for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes, especially during dry periods.
(ii) To recharge groundwater aquifers, thereby raising the water table and reducing dependence on external water supplies.
(ii) To recharge groundwater aquifers, thereby raising the water table and reducing dependence on external water supplies.
Explain how a rooftop rainwater harvesting system works in urban areas. Mention any three essential steps or components.
Answer:
(i) Rainwater falling on the rooftop is collected and directed through gutters and downpipes to a collection point.
(ii) The water is passed through a filter made of sand, gravel or other materials to remove debris and impurities.
(iii) Filtered water is either stored in an underground/overhead tank for household use or allowed to percolate into the ground through recharge pits or borewells to replenish groundwater.
(ii) The water is passed through a filter made of sand, gravel or other materials to remove debris and impurities.
(iii) Filtered water is either stored in an underground/overhead tank for household use or allowed to percolate into the ground through recharge pits or borewells to replenish groundwater.
Describe any three traditional rainwater harvesting structures used in Rajasthan.
Answer:
(i) Khadins: Earthen embankments built across slopes that collect surface runoff and allow it to soak into
the soil for crop cultivation.
(ii) Johads: Small earthen check dams or ponds constructed in shallow depressions to store rainwater and recharge groundwater.
(iii) Tankas: Underground tanks built in houses or courtyards to store rooftop rainwater for drinking during dry months.
(ii) Johads: Small earthen check dams or ponds constructed in shallow depressions to store rainwater and recharge groundwater.
(iii) Tankas: Underground tanks built in houses or courtyards to store rooftop rainwater for drinking during dry months.
Why is rainwater harvesting particularly important in regions with limited surface water resources?
Give any three reasons.
Answer:
(i) Such regions receive scanty or irregular rainfall; harvesting ensures storage of every available drop for later use.
(ii) It helps recharge depleted aquifers, making wells and handpumps functional for a longer period.
(iii) It reduces dependence on distant and costly water supply schemes, making water provision self-reliant and sustainable.
(ii) It helps recharge depleted aquifers, making wells and handpumps functional for a longer period.
(iii) It reduces dependence on distant and costly water supply schemes, making water provision self-reliant and sustainable.
Explain how traditional water harvesting systems in Alwar district of Rajasthan helped in
reviving the environment. Mention any five points.
Answer:
(i) People revived traditional johads and check dams, which stored rainwater and reduced runoff.
(ii) Stored water percolated into the ground, leading to a rise in groundwater levels and recharging wells.
(iii) Rivers and streams that had become seasonal started flowing for longer periods, some even turning perennial again.
(iv) Improved water availability increased agricultural productivity and reduced migration from villages.
(v) Better moisture conditions encouraged reforestation and biodiversity, thus improving the local micro-climate.
(ii) Stored water percolated into the ground, leading to a rise in groundwater levels and recharging wells.
(iii) Rivers and streams that had become seasonal started flowing for longer periods, some even turning perennial again.
(iv) Improved water availability increased agricultural productivity and reduced migration from villages.
(v) Better moisture conditions encouraged reforestation and biodiversity, thus improving the local micro-climate.
Mention any three advantages of rainwater harvesting in urban areas.
Answer:
(i) It reduces pressure on municipal water supply systems, especially during summer and peak demand.
(ii) It helps recharge groundwater, preventing the fall of water table due to over-extraction from borewells.
(iii) It decreases urban flooding and waterlogging by capturing rooftop runoff and promoting infiltration.
(ii) It helps recharge groundwater, preventing the fall of water table due to over-extraction from borewells.
(iii) It decreases urban flooding and waterlogging by capturing rooftop runoff and promoting infiltration.
D. Higher Order & Mixed Concept Questions (Chapter Revision)
How has changing cropping pattern in many parts of India contributed to water scarcity? Explain any three points.
Answer:
(i) Farmers have shifted from traditional coarse grains to water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane even in
low rainfall areas, raising irrigation demand.
(ii) Growing such crops under tube-well irrigation leads to over-extraction of groundwater beyond its recharge capacity.
(iii) Monoculture of water-intensive crops over large areas prevents crop diversification and keeps water demand high throughout the year, causing long-term depletion of water resources.
(ii) Growing such crops under tube-well irrigation leads to over-extraction of groundwater beyond its recharge capacity.
(iii) Monoculture of water-intensive crops over large areas prevents crop diversification and keeps water demand high throughout the year, causing long-term depletion of water resources.
“We need to move from only large-scale engineering projects to community-based water management.”
Justify this statement with any three arguments.
Answer:
(i) Community-based systems like johads, tankas and kulhs are low-cost, decentralised and better suited to local conditions.
(ii) They involve people’s participation and ownership, ensuring better maintenance and equitable distribution of water.
(iii) They cause less ecological disruption than large dams and can effectively complement major projects to create a sustainable water management network.
(ii) They involve people’s participation and ownership, ensuring better maintenance and equitable distribution of water.
(iii) They cause less ecological disruption than large dams and can effectively complement major projects to create a sustainable water management network.
On an outline map of India (not provided here), mark and label any three multi-purpose river valley projects
from the following list: Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud, Sardar Sarovar, Tehri, Nagarjuna Sagar.
Write the names of the projects, rivers and states in your answer.
Write the names of the projects, rivers and states in your answer.
Answer:
Any three of the following:
(i) Bhakra Nangal – River Sutlej – State: Himachal Pradesh/Punjab (border region).
(ii) Hirakud – River Mahanadi – State: Odisha.
(iii) Sardar Sarovar – River Narmada – State: Gujarat/Madhya Pradesh border region.
(iv) Tehri – River Bhagirathi (Ganga) – State: Uttarakhand.
(v) Nagarjuna Sagar – River Krishna – State: Telangana/Andhra Pradesh.
(i) Bhakra Nangal – River Sutlej – State: Himachal Pradesh/Punjab (border region).
(ii) Hirakud – River Mahanadi – State: Odisha.
(iii) Sardar Sarovar – River Narmada – State: Gujarat/Madhya Pradesh border region.
(iv) Tehri – River Bhagirathi (Ganga) – State: Uttarakhand.
(v) Nagarjuna Sagar – River Krishna – State: Telangana/Andhra Pradesh.
Explain how climate change can influence the pattern of water scarcity in India. Give any five impacts on
water resources.
Answer:
(i) Increased temperatures can cause higher evaporation from water bodies and soil, reducing effective water availability.
(ii) Changes in rainfall patterns may lead to more intense but fewer rain events, causing floods and then long dry spells.
(iii) Glacial melting in the Himalayas may initially increase river flows but later cause reduced base flows, affecting perennial rivers.
(iv) More frequent droughts in some regions will worsen physical water scarcity and crop failures.
(v) Rising sea levels can lead to saline intrusion into coastal aquifers, making groundwater unusable for drinking and irrigation.
(ii) Changes in rainfall patterns may lead to more intense but fewer rain events, causing floods and then long dry spells.
(iii) Glacial melting in the Himalayas may initially increase river flows but later cause reduced base flows, affecting perennial rivers.
(iv) More frequent droughts in some regions will worsen physical water scarcity and crop failures.
(v) Rising sea levels can lead to saline intrusion into coastal aquifers, making groundwater unusable for drinking and irrigation.
Explain the role of people’s movements such as the Narmada Bachao Andolan in creating awareness about the
impacts of large dams on water resources and society.
Answer:
Movements like Narmada Bachao Andolan have:
(i) Highlighted issues of displacement, loss of livelihoods and inadequate rehabilitation of people affected by large dams.
(ii) Drawn attention to ecological damage, including submergence of forests, biodiversity loss and changes in river ecosystems.
(iii) Encouraged debate on alternative, people-centred and sustainable water management methods, influencing policy and public opinion.
(i) Highlighted issues of displacement, loss of livelihoods and inadequate rehabilitation of people affected by large dams.
(ii) Drawn attention to ecological damage, including submergence of forests, biodiversity loss and changes in river ecosystems.
(iii) Encouraged debate on alternative, people-centred and sustainable water management methods, influencing policy and public opinion.
Suggest any five practical measures that students and families can adopt at home and in school to conserve water.
How do these measures reflect responsible citizenship?
Answer:
Measures:
(i) Fixing leaking taps and pipes promptly to avoid wastage.
(ii) Using buckets instead of showers for bathing and turning off taps while brushing teeth.
(iii) Reusing relatively clean water (e.g., from washing vegetables) for watering plants.
(iv) Planting trees and maintaining school gardens to improve groundwater recharge.
(v) Spreading awareness through posters, campaigns and eco-clubs about the importance of saving water.
These actions show responsible citizenship as they demonstrate concern for shared resources, future generations and environmental sustainability.
(i) Fixing leaking taps and pipes promptly to avoid wastage.
(ii) Using buckets instead of showers for bathing and turning off taps while brushing teeth.
(iii) Reusing relatively clean water (e.g., from washing vegetables) for watering plants.
(iv) Planting trees and maintaining school gardens to improve groundwater recharge.
(v) Spreading awareness through posters, campaigns and eco-clubs about the importance of saving water.
These actions show responsible citizenship as they demonstrate concern for shared resources, future generations and environmental sustainability.
Write any one suitable slogan on water conservation and briefly explain its message in one or two lines.
Answer:
Example slogan: “Save water today, secure life tomorrow.”
Explanation: The slogan conveys that conserving water in the present is essential to ensure the survival, health and development of people, plants and animals in the future.
Explanation: The slogan conveys that conserving water in the present is essential to ensure the survival, health and development of people, plants and animals in the future.