Water Resources – MCQs with Answers and Explanations
CBSE Class 10 – Social Science (Geography)
Contemporary India – II | Chapter 3: Water Resources
Topics: Water Scarcity & Conservation • Multi-Purpose River Projects & Integrated Water Resources Management • Rainwater Harvesting
CBSE Board Examinations – NCERT Based Chapter Wise Study Materials
Instructions: These Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are designed strictly as per the NCERT syllabus for Geography – Contemporary India II, Chapter 3: Water Resources, making them ideal for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam preparation. Read each question carefully, select the correct option, and then click on the “Show Answer & Explanation” button to check your answer and understand the concept clearly.
A. Water Scarcity and the Need for Water Conservation and Management
Q1.
Which of the following is the most appropriate description of water scarcity?
Correct Answer: (b) Lack of potable water in comparison to its demand
Water scarcity does not mean total absence of water; it means that the available fresh water is
insufficient in quantity and/or poor in quality as compared to its demand for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses.
Even areas with high rainfall can face scarcity if water is overused, polluted or mismanaged.
Q2.
Which human activity is a major cause of water scarcity in many parts of India?
Correct Answer: (b) Over-utilisation and over-extraction of groundwater
In many regions, especially in tube-well irrigated areas, groundwater is extracted faster than it is replenished.
This unsustainable use lowers the water table and creates scarcity, even if rainfall is adequate. Options (a), (c) and (d)
actually help conserve water rather than causing scarcity.
Q3.
In which one of the following sectors is the largest proportion of freshwater in India used?
Correct Answer: (c) Agriculture
In India, a very high percentage of freshwater is used for irrigation. Growing water-intensive crops,
especially under the Green Revolution like paddy and sugarcane, has increased agricultural water demand. Domestic and
industrial uses consume comparatively smaller shares.
Q4.
Which of the following is not a reason for water scarcity in India?
Correct Answer: (d) Strict implementation of water-saving technologies everywhere
Options (a), (b) and (c) all lead to scarcity by reducing availability or quality of water. On the other hand,
strict implementation of water-saving technologies would reduce water scarcity, not cause it, hence (d) is the correct answer.
Q5.
Why is the conservation and management of water resources essential in India?
Correct Answer: (b) Because overexploitation and pollution are threatening water availability
India does receive rainfall, but overexploitation, increasing demand, and pollution of water bodies are
reducing usable freshwater. Therefore, planned conservation and scientific management are necessary to ensure
sustainable development and availability for future generations.
Q6.
Which of the following practices in agriculture increases water scarcity?
Correct Answer: (c) Replacing multiple crops with monoculture of water-intensive crops
Growing a single water-intensive crop (like paddy or sugarcane) over large areas increases irrigation demand
and leads to greater water use, thereby worsening scarcity. Options (a), (b) and (d) help to reduce water use and conserve moisture.
Q7.
In which of the following situations can water scarcity be observed even if rainfall is adequate?
Correct Answer: (c) When water is excessively used by industries and urban areas
Adequate rainfall does not guarantee sufficient water for all. If industrial units, thermal plants and urban
settlements consume large quantities and pollute water sources, other users may face scarcity. The problem is then
due to overuse and mismanagement, not low rainfall.
Q8.
Which of the following statements about water is correct?
Correct Answer: (b) Water is a renewable resource but can become scarce due to overuse
Water is part of the hydrological cycle and is technically renewable. However, overuse, pollution,
deforestation and climate change can lead to serious scarcity. Hence we must treat it as a precious and limited resource
and manage it carefully.
B. Multi-Purpose River Valley Projects and Integrated Water Resources Management
Q9.
Which of the following is not a typical objective of a multi-purpose river valley project?
Correct Answer: (d) Increasing regional water scarcity
Multi-purpose projects are designed to reduce scarcity through irrigation, drinking water supply,
flood control, navigation and power generation. Their aim is integrated development of the region.
Increasing scarcity is never an objective, although it may happen in some downstream areas if planning is poor.
Q10.
The Bhakra Nangal project has been built on which river?
Correct Answer: (b) Sutlej
The Bhakra Nangal multi-purpose project is built on the river Sutlej. It provides
irrigation to the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, and also generates hydroelectric power, reflecting the
multi-purpose nature of such projects.
Q11.
Which of the following is a social impact of large dams that has led to criticism of multi-purpose projects?
Correct Answer: (b) Large-scale displacement of local communities
Construction of large dams often leads to the submergence of vast areas, resulting in the displacement of
tribal and rural communities. Many of them do not receive proper rehabilitation, which has led to strong social
and environmental movements opposing such projects.
Q12.
Which river project is often called the “River Damodar’s flood control and power generation project”?
Correct Answer: (b) Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC)
The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) is a multi-purpose project on the river Damodar. It was created to
control devastating floods in the Damodar basin, as well as to provide irrigation, hydroelectricity and other benefits.
Q13.
In the context of water resources, “integrated water resources management” mainly means:
Correct Answer: (b) Considering all uses and users of water in a coordinated way
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) aims at the coordinated development of water, land and related resources,
taking into account the needs of different sectors and communities. It promotes efficient, equitable and sustainable
use, rather than fragmented, sector-wise planning.
Q14.
Which of the following statements about multi-purpose projects is incorrect?
Correct Answer: (c) They never cause any ecological problems
Large dams can submerge forests, affect aquatic life, disrupt natural flow of rivers and cause siltation.
So it is wrong to say they never cause ecological problems. They do provide irrigation, power and flood control,
hence options (a), (b) and (d) are correct features.
Q15.
Which of the following is a benefit of hydroelectric power generated by multi-purpose projects?
Correct Answer: (b) It is a renewable and non-polluting source of energy
Hydroelectric power uses the potential energy of falling water to generate electricity. It is a
renewable and largely non-polluting energy source, unlike thermal power plants that burn
coal or other fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases.
Q16.
Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
(Project – River)
(Project – River)
Correct Answer: (c) Sardar Sarovar – Narmada
The Sardar Sarovar dam is constructed on the Narmada river. Hirakud is on the Mahanadi,
Nagarjuna Sagar is on the Krishna, and Bhakra Nangal is on the Sutlej. Therefore, only option (c) is correctly matched.
Q17.
Which of the following movements is associated with opposition to large dams on the Narmada river?
Correct Answer: (b) Narmada Bachao Andolan
Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is a movement that arose to protest against the construction of large dams on
the Narmada river, such as the Sardar Sarovar project. The movement highlights issues of displacement,
environmental impact and rehabilitation.
C. Rainwater Harvesting and Local Water Conservation Practices
Q18.
What is the main aim of rainwater harvesting?
Correct Answer: (b) To collect and store rainwater for future use and recharge groundwater
Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops or open areas so that it
can be used during dry periods. It also helps recharge groundwater, reduces runoff and prevents flooding and soil erosion.
Q19.
Rooftop rainwater harvesting is most commonly practised in which of the following Indian states to overcome water scarcity?
Correct Answer: (a) Rajasthan
In the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, people have traditionally practised rooftop rainwater
harvesting and stored water in tanks like kunds and tankas. This helps them cope with low and highly variable rainfall.
Q20.
Which traditional water harvesting structure is found in the hilly and mountainous regions of India?
Correct Answer: (c) Kulhs
In the hilly regions such as Himachal Pradesh, people use kulhs, which are narrow channels
to divert water from streams for irrigation. Khadins and johads are found in Rajasthan, while tankas are underground
storage tanks for water.
Q21.
Which of the following is not an advantage of rainwater harvesting in urban areas?
Correct Answer: (c) Increases chances of urban flooding
Rainwater harvesting actually reduces urban flooding by capturing rooftop runoff and allowing it to percolate
into the ground. It also lowers demand on municipal supplies and can reduce water bills, so options (a), (b) and (d)
are advantages, not disadvantages.
Q22.
Why did many people in Rajasthan build underground tanks (tankas) in their houses?
Correct Answer: (b) To store rainwater collected during the rainy season for drinking
Tankas are underground tanks built in the arid regions of Rajasthan to store rainwater collected from rooftops.
This water is used mainly for drinking during the long dry season, when other sources become scarce or saline.
Q23.
In which of the following states did the people revive traditional johads and other rainwater harvesting structures,
leading to a rise in the groundwater level?
Correct Answer: (d) Rajasthan
In parts of Rajasthan, especially in Alwar district, people revived traditional johads and other structures
to harvest rainwater. This community-based effort led to a substantial rise in groundwater levels and revival of rivers.
Q24.
Which one of the following is a modern method of rainwater harvesting in urban areas?
Correct Answer: (b) Making rooftop structures to direct rainwater into recharge pits
In cities, rainwater from rooftops can be collected and directed into recharge pits, borewells or storage tanks.
This is a practical and effective urban rainwater harvesting technique that helps to recharge aquifers and reduce waterlogging.
Q25.
Which of the following is the most direct benefit of rainwater harvesting for farmers in semi-arid regions?
Correct Answer: (b) Improved availability of water for irrigation during dry spells
By storing rainwater in ponds, tanks or small check dams, farmers can use this water to irrigate crops during
dry periods. This reduces crop failure risk and stabilises agricultural production in semi-arid areas.
D. Integrative and Higher-Order Thinking MCQs (Chapter Revision)
Q26.
Which combination of measures will be most effective in tackling water scarcity in India?
Correct Answer: (b) Water conservation, rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation
An effective strategy includes conserving water, collecting rainwater and using efficient irrigation methods
like drip/sprinkler systems. These reduce wastage and enhance availability. The other options increase demand and pollution,
leading to more scarcity.
Q27.
A city facing frequent water cuts decides to promote rooftop rainwater harvesting in all buildings.
This step mainly reflects which principle of water management?
Correct Answer: (b) Local and decentralised community-based water conservation
Rooftop rainwater harvesting empowers individual households and communities to collect and conserve water
locally. This is a decentralised approach, which complements, rather than replaces, large projects and
reduces dependence on distant sources.
Q28.
Large dams sometimes cause conflicts between states mainly because:
Correct Answer: (b) The upstream state can control the flow of water to downstream states
States located upstream of a river can regulate water released from dams, affecting downstream states’ access
to water for irrigation, drinking and industry. This unequal control of a shared resource can lead to inter-state disputes.
Q29.
Which of the following best explains why traditional water harvesting systems are considered environment-friendly?
Correct Answer: (c) They store rainwater locally and recharge groundwater with minimal ecological disturbance
Traditional systems like johads, khadins, tankas and kulhs are built using local materials and knowledge.
They help store rainwater close to the point of use, recharge aquifers and have very limited ecological impact,
making them sustainable and environment-friendly.
Q30.
Which statement shows a correct understanding of the chapter “Water Resources” from the CBSE Class 10 NCERT?
Correct Answer: (c) A combination of large projects, local harvesting and responsible use is needed
The chapter emphasises that water is a critical but limited resource. We need a mix of
multi-purpose river valley projects, traditional/local rainwater harvesting and careful, equitable use
to ensure sustainable management for present and future generations.