Q1: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Although three-fourths of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, only a small proportion of it is freshwater that can be used for drinking and irrigation. Water is a renewable resource as it is continuously replenished by the hydrological cycle. However, many parts of the world, including India, face water scarcity due to various reasons. Some regions receive low rainfall or suffer from seasonal droughts, while in others, over-exploitation of groundwater and pollution have made water unsafe for use.
i. What is the main source of freshwater on Earth? (1 mark)
ii. Why do some regions suffer from water scarcity despite having high rainfall? (1 mark)
iii. Explain two human activities that contribute to water scarcity. (2 marks)
Ans:
i. The main sources of freshwater on Earth are surface runoff (rivers, lakes) and groundwater.
ii. Some regions suffer from water scarcity due to over-extraction of groundwater and water pollution caused by industries and domestic waste.
iii. Two human activities that contribute to water scarcity are:
- Overuse of groundwater: Excessive extraction of groundwater for agriculture and urban needs depletes aquifers faster than they can be replenished.
- Pollution: Industrial discharge, chemical runoff from farms, and untreated domestic sewage contaminate water bodies, making water unsafe for use.
Q2: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Dams were traditionally built to store and manage water for irrigation. However, in modern times, they serve multiple purposes, such as hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water supply for domestic and industrial use. Multi-purpose projects like the Bhakra-Nangal Dam on the Sutlej River and the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River integrate agriculture, industry, and urban development. Despite these benefits, large dams have also faced criticism due to displacement of people, loss of biodiversity, and changes in river ecosystems.
i. What is a multi-purpose river project? (1 mark)
ii. Name any two multi-purpose river projects in India. (1 mark)
iii. Explain one benefit and one drawback of multi-purpose river projects. (2 marks)
Ans:
i. A multi-purpose river project is a dam system that is used for irrigation, power generation, flood control, and water supply.
ii. Bhakra-Nangal Dam and Hirakud Dam are examples of multi-purpose projects in India.
iii. Benefit: Multi-purpose projects provide essential resources like irrigation water and electricity, supporting agriculture, industry, and urban development.
Drawback: They often lead to the displacement of local communities and cause environmental issues such as loss of biodiversity and changes in river ecosystems.
Q3: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Rainwater harvesting has been practiced in India for centuries to store and conserve water. In Rajasthan, houses have underground tanks (tankas) to store rainwater. In Meghalaya, bamboo pipes are used to divert water to fields, a practice known as bamboo drip irrigation. Tamil Nadu has made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory for all houses. In urban areas, rainwater harvesting is being promoted as a Ans to water shortages caused by declining groundwater levels.
i. What is rainwater harvesting? (1 mark)
ii. Which state has made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory? (1 mark)
iii. How does traditional rainwater harvesting benefit people in dry regions? (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for later use.
ii. Tamil Nadu has made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory for all houses.
iii. In dry regions, traditional rainwater harvesting benefits people by storing rainwater in tanks or underground structures, ensuring a reliable water supply for drinking and irrigation. This reduces dependence on scarce groundwater and helps communities cope with water shortages during dry seasons.
Q4: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
Post-independence, India witnessed rapid industrialisation, leading to increased water demand for factories, power generation, and urban centers. Industries not only consume large amounts of water but also pollute rivers and groundwater by releasing untreated waste and chemicals. Multinational companies (MNCs) have contributed to water depletion by extracting excessive groundwater for their operations, leading to a decline in water tables in many parts of the country.
i. How does industrialisation impact water resources? (1 mark)
ii. Why does groundwater depletion occur in urban areas? (1 mark)
iii. Suggest two measures to reduce industrial water pollution. (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Industrialisation increases water demand and leads to water pollution due to waste discharge.
ii. Groundwater depletion occurs due to over-extraction of water for industries and domestic use.
iii. Two measures to reduce industrial water pollution are:
- Installing water treatment plants: Treating industrial wastewater before releasing it into water bodies to prevent contamination.
- Recycling industrial wastewater: Reusing treated water within industrial processes to reduce freshwater consumption and pollution.
Q5: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:
India has several major rivers that flow across multiple states, leading to inter-state water disputes. One such example is the Krishna-Godavari dispute, where Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have conflicts over water usage. Maharashtra’s Koyna Dam project has been opposed by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, as it reduces the flow of water downstream. These disputes arise due to increasing demand for irrigation, industrial needs, and drinking water.
i. Why do inter-state water disputes arise? (1 mark)
ii. Which states are involved in the Krishna-Godavari water dispute? (1 mark)
iii. Suggest two ways to resolve inter-state water disputes peacefully. (2 marks)
Ans:
i. Inter-state water disputes arise due to competition over shared river water for irrigation, drinking water, and industries.
ii. The Krishna-Godavari dispute involves Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
iii. Two ways to resolve inter-state water disputes peacefully are:
- Creating a national water-sharing policy: A clear and fair policy can help allocate water resources equitably among states and reduce conflicts.
- Using technology for better water management: Advanced tools like satellite monitoring and data analysis can ensure transparent and efficient use of water resources, minimizing disputes.
