Water Resources – Short Answer Type Questions
Chapter 3: Water Resources – Short Answer Type Questions with Answers
Water Scarcity and The Need for Water Conservation and Management | Multi-Purpose River Projects and Integrated Water Resources Management | Rainwater Harvesting
- 50 topic-wise Short Answer Type Questions (2–3 marks level) with clear, stepwise answers.
- Strictly based on NCERT Class 10 Geography, Contemporary India – II, Chapter 3: Water Resources.
- Ideal for CBSE Class 10 Board Exams, class tests, assignments and quick revision.
These Short Answer Type Questions from Geography – Contemporary India – II, Chapter 3: Water Resources are arranged topic-wise. Answers are simple, structured and aligned with the NCERT textbook, making them suitable for CBSE Class 10 Board Examination preparation.
Topic 1: Water as a Resource & Water Scarcity
Q1. Why is water considered a “lifeline resource” for human beings and the economy?
- Water is essential for survival of human beings, animals and plants (drinking, sanitation, hygiene).
- It is required for agricultural activities such as irrigation, livestock rearing and fisheries.
- It is vital for industrial processes, power generation, transport and many other economic activities.
Q2. Define water scarcity. What does it imply in the Indian context?
- Water scarcity means shortage of adequate, safe and usable water in comparison to its demand.
- In India, it implies that many regions and people do not get enough water for drinking, agriculture and daily needs, even though total rainfall may be high.
Q3. Explain how population growth leads to water scarcity.
- Growing population increases demand for drinking water and domestic use (cooking, cleaning, sanitation).
- More people need more food, goods and services, which raises water demand for agriculture and industry.
- Urban expansion due to population growth leads to over-extraction of groundwater around cities.
Q4. “Water scarcity is caused not only by natural factors but also by human activities.” Justify the statement with examples.
- Natural factors: Uneven rainfall, droughts and seasonal concentration of monsoon cause shortage in many areas.
- Human activities: Overuse of groundwater for irrigation, industrial pollution of rivers and domestic sewage reduce usable water.
- Deforestation and urbanisation reduce groundwater recharge, further intensifying scarcity.
Q5. How do agricultural practices in India contribute to water scarcity?
- Heavy dependence on irrigation for crops like rice, wheat and sugarcane increases water demand.
- Use of flood irrigation causes excessive wastage of water.
- Adoption of water-intensive crops in dry areas (e.g., sugarcane in Maharashtra) leads to over-extraction of groundwater.
Q6. Explain the impact of industrialisation on water resources.
- Industries use large amounts of water for cooling, processing and cleaning, putting pressure on local water sources.
- Many industries discharge untreated effluents into rivers, lakes and groundwater, making them unfit for use.
- This pollution reduces the amount of safe, usable water, thereby creating water scarcity.
Q7. How does urbanisation lead to water scarcity and declining groundwater levels?
- Urban areas need large quantities of water for domestic and industrial use, increasing demand.
- Concrete surfaces and roads reduce infiltration of rainwater, leading to poor groundwater recharge.
- Continuous extraction from tube wells and borewells causes fall in water table in many cities.
Q8. Give any three human-made reasons for water scarcity in India.
- Over-exploitation of groundwater for intensive agriculture.
- Increasing industrial and domestic pollution of water bodies.
- Deforestation, urbanisation and poor management leading to low recharge and high wastage of water.
Q9. Why is over-extraction of groundwater a serious concern in states like Punjab and Haryana?
- These states practice intensive, irrigated agriculture with HYV crops like rice and wheat.
- Farmers use tube wells and borewells on a large scale, leading to rapid decline of groundwater levels.
- Falling water tables can cause wells to run dry, increasing cost of irrigation and threatening long-term water security.
Q10. Explain how water pollution aggravates the problem of water scarcity.
- Pollution from sewage and industrial effluents makes water unsafe for drinking and domestic use.
- Rivers and lakes contaminated with chemicals and waste cannot support aquatic life and agriculture properly.
- Thus, though water is present, the quantity of usable, clean water becomes very limited, increasing scarcity.
Topic 2: Need for Water Conservation and Management
Q11. Give any three reasons why water conservation is necessary in India.
- To meet the needs of a rapidly increasing population and growing economy.
- To tackle seasonal and regional variations in rainfall and prevent droughts and floods.
- To ensure sustainable use of limited freshwater resources for future generations.
Q12. How is water conservation linked with sustainable development?
- Sustainable development means meeting present needs without harming future generations.
- Conserving water prevents over-exploitation and pollution of water bodies.
- It ensures that adequate clean water remains available for long-term ecological and human needs.
Q13. Suggest any three measures to conserve water in agriculture.
- Adopting drip and sprinkler irrigation to minimise water wastage.
- Selecting less water-intensive crops in dry regions instead of paddy or sugarcane.
- Maintaining canals and field channels properly to prevent seepage and leakage.
Q14. How can industries contribute to water conservation?
- By using recycling and reuse of water for cooling and cleaning processes.
- By treating industrial effluents before discharge to avoid polluting rivers and lakes.
- By adopting water-efficient technologies and reducing wastage in production processes.
Q15. Explain any three methods of water conservation at household level.
- Using buckets instead of showers and turning off taps while brushing or washing.
- Repairing leaky taps and pipes promptly to avoid continuous loss of water.
- Collecting and reusing water from washing vegetables or clothes for gardening and cleaning.
Q16. Why is it said that “every drop of water has to be conserved”? Give any three points.
- Freshwater is a finite and scarce resource compared to total water on Earth.
- Demand is increasing due to population growth, agriculture and industry; wastage cannot be afforded.
- Even small savings by individuals collectively make a big difference at the national level.
Q17. How is vegetation cover related to water conservation?
- Trees and plants help in slowing down surface runoff and increasing infiltration of rainwater.
- Forest cover prevents soil erosion and maintains the water-holding capacity of the soil.
- Vegetation also influences the local climate and rainfall patterns, supporting water availability.
Q18. Explain the role of public awareness in water conservation.
- Awareness encourages people to avoid wastage and adopt water-saving habits in daily life.
- It motivates communities to participate in rainwater harvesting, pond cleaning and local conservation projects.
- Educated citizens can put pressure on authorities and industries to protect and manage water resources responsibly.
Q19. Why should we promote the use of alternative sources of energy to conserve water?
- Thermal power plants need large quantities of water for cooling, while hydel projects depend on river flows.
- Using alternatives like solar and wind energy reduces pressure on water resources.
- This helps conserve water in rivers and reservoirs for domestic and ecological needs.
Q20. How can traditional water conservation practices be useful in modern times?
- Traditional systems like johads, tankas and baolis are low-cost and suited to local conditions.
- They promote community participation in building and maintaining water structures.
- Reviving such practices can complement modern technologies and improve local water security.
Topic 3: Multi-Purpose River Projects
Q21. What is a multi-purpose river valley project? Give any two of its objectives.
- A multi-purpose river valley project uses the water of a river for several purposes simultaneously through a dam and its network.
- Objectives include: (i) Irrigation of agricultural fields and (ii) Generation of hydroelectric power.
Q22. List any three benefits of multi-purpose river valley projects for India.
- Provide assured irrigation and help increase agricultural production.
- Generate hydroelectric power, which is a renewable and clean source of energy.
- Help in flood control, navigation, fisheries and regional development.
Q23. Explain how multi-purpose projects help in flood and drought control.
- During heavy rainfall, dams store excess water and reduce the intensity of floods downstream.
- During dry periods, stored water is released through canals to irrigate fields and supply water, reducing drought impact.
- Thus, they help regulate the seasonal flow of rivers.
Q24. Why did Jawaharlal Nehru refer to dams as the “temples of modern India”? Do you agree?
- He believed large dams would bring development and prosperity by providing irrigation, power and flood control.
- They were seen as symbols of progress, industrialisation and self-reliance in independent India.
- However, later criticism shows that while they have benefits, they also have social and environmental costs, so planning must be balanced.
Q25. Describe any three features of the Bhakra Nangal Project.
- It is built on the Satluj River in Himachal Pradesh.
- It provides irrigation to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, supporting wheat and other crops.
- It generates hydroelectric power and helps in flood control in the Satluj-Beas basin.
Q26. State any three functions of the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River.
- It controls floods in the Mahanadi basin by storing excess monsoon water.
- Provides irrigation facilities to large areas in Odisha.
- Generates hydroelectric power for domestic and industrial use.
Q27. Explain how the Indira Gandhi Canal has changed the face of the Thar Desert.
- The canal brings water from the Satluj–Beas river system to the dry regions of Rajasthan.
- It has transformed desert areas into fertile agricultural land where crops like wheat and mustard are grown.
- It has also encouraged settlement and economic development in the region.
Q28. How do multi-purpose projects support industrial development?
- They supply reliable electricity to industries through hydropower generation.
- Provide water for industrial processes such as cooling, cleaning and manufacturing.
- Improve transport and communication infrastructure around project sites, promoting industrial growth.
Q29. What is the role of multi-purpose projects in fishery development?
- Reservoirs created by dams provide a suitable habitat for fish breeding and growth.
- Organised fishery activities can provide employment and income to local communities.
- Thus, they add an additional economic benefit to river valley projects.
Q30. Give any three reasons why multi-purpose projects are important for a monsoon-dependent country like India.
- They store rainwater during the short monsoon season and make it available for year-round use.
- Help in managing floods and droughts caused by uneven distribution of rainfall.
- Provide irrigation and hydel power necessary for agricultural and industrial growth.
Topic 4: Problems of Large Dams & Integrated Water Resources Management
Q31. Mention any three environmental problems caused by large dams.
- Submergence of forests and wildlife habitats, leading to loss of biodiversity.
- Disruption of natural flow and sediment of rivers, affecting downstream ecosystems and deltas.
- Changes in local climate and increased risk of earthquakes or landslides in some areas due to large reservoirs.
Q32. How do large dams affect the lives of local people and tribal communities?
- They often cause displacement of thousands of people from their homes and agricultural land.
- Many families lose their livelihoods, common property resources and cultural heritage.
- Rehabilitation measures are sometimes inadequate, leading to social and economic hardships.
Q33. Explain any three social issues related to large multi-purpose river valley projects.
- Unequal distribution of water and benefits among regions and social groups.
- Conflicts between states over sharing river waters and project control.
- Loss of traditional rights of local communities over forests, fisheries and grazing lands around the project area.
Q34. How can canal irrigation from dams lead to land degradation? Explain briefly.
- Excessive and unregulated supply of water may cause waterlogging of agricultural fields.
- Standing water evaporates, leaving behind salts and causing salinisation of soil.
- Saline, waterlogged soils reduce soil fertility and crop yields, leading to land degradation.
Q35. Define Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Why is it needed?
- IWRM is a way of planning and managing water resources at the river basin level, considering the needs of all users and the environment.
- It is needed to avoid fragmented, sector-wise planning and to ensure equitable, efficient and sustainable use of water.
Q36. Explain any three key principles of Integrated Water Resources Management.
- Managing water resources for the entire river basin, not just parts of it.
- Involving all major stakeholders – farmers, industries, local communities and government – in decision-making.
- Balancing development needs with environmental protection, ensuring minimum flows for rivers and wetlands.
Q37. Why is decentralised, community-based water management often considered better than centralised large projects?
- Local communities have better knowledge of their environment and water needs.
- Decentralised systems like small check dams and ponds cause less displacement and environmental damage.
- People’s participation improves maintenance and sustainability of water structures.
Q38. Suggest any three measures to minimise the negative impacts of large dams.
- Proper environmental impact assessment before construction and careful site selection.
- Fair and timely rehabilitation and compensation for affected families.
- Maintaining minimum ecological flows in rivers and monitoring soil and water conditions in command areas.
Q39. How can inter-state disputes arise from water sharing in multi-purpose projects?
- When rivers flow through more than one state, each state wants a greater share of water for its own needs.
- If agreements about allocation, timings and usage are not clear, conflicts and tensions may develop.
- Disputes may also arise about location of dams, submergence areas and cost-benefit sharing.
Q40. Why should planning for water resources be done at the river basin or watershed level?
- Rivers, groundwater and rainfall in a region are interconnected within a basin or watershed.
- Planning at this level helps to consider upstream–downstream linkages and environmental impacts.
- It enables integrated, coordinated management of surface and groundwater for all users.
Topic 5: Rainwater Harvesting & Community Initiatives
Q41. What is rainwater harvesting? Mention its two main aims.
- Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater from surfaces like roofs and courtyards.
- Its main aims are: (i) to store water for later use and (ii) to recharge groundwater through percolation.
Q42. Describe any three benefits of rooftop rainwater harvesting in urban areas.
- It helps in recharging groundwater and raising the water table.
- Reduces dependence on municipal water supply and borewells.
- Decreases surface runoff and urban flooding, especially during heavy rains.
Q43. What is a ‘tanka’? Explain its use as a rainwater harvesting structure.
- A tanka is an underground tank used in arid regions like Rajasthan.
- Rooftop or courtyard rainwater is channelled into the tanka through pipes.
- Stored water is used for drinking and domestic purposes during dry months.
Q44. Explain any three traditional methods of rainwater harvesting used in India.
- Johads and khadins in Rajasthan – earthen embankments that store rainwater and allow it to seep into the ground.
- Baolis and stepwells in Gujarat and Rajasthan – wells with steps used to collect and store rainwater.
- Ponds and tanks in peninsular India – community-owned structures for storing monsoon water.
Q45. How does rainwater harvesting help in reducing groundwater depletion?
- Harvested rainwater is directed to percolation pits, trenches or recharge wells.
- This water slowly infiltrates into the soil and replenishes aquifers.
- As a result, groundwater levels rise or remain stable even with continuous use.
Q46. Suggest any three steps a school can take to implement rainwater harvesting.
- Install a rooftop collection system with gutters and pipes leading to a storage tank or recharge pit.
- Use collected water for gardening, toilet flushing and cleaning.
- Form an eco-club to maintain the system and create awareness among students and parents.
Q47. Explain any three advantages of community-based water management.
- Local people take ownership and responsibility for maintaining water structures.
- Community decisions reflect real needs and priorities of the area.
- It encourages equitable sharing of water and reduces conflicts.
Q48. How did people in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan traditionally manage their water needs?
- They built johads, khadins and tankas to collect and store rainwater.
- Villages protected local ponds and tanks as common property resources.
- They used stored water judiciously for drinking and domestic uses in dry months.
Q49. Why is it important to protect local ponds, lakes and wetlands?
- They act as natural storage and recharge structures for groundwater.
- Support biodiversity and provide habitat for many plants and animals.
- Provide water for domestic, agricultural and cultural uses of local communities.
Q50. “Water is everybody’s business.” Comment with reference to community participation.
- Every person uses water and therefore has a responsibility to conserve it.
- Community participation in building and maintaining water structures leads to better management.
- When people, NGOs and government work together, water resources can be used in a more equitable and sustainable way.