Short & Long Answer Questions: Journey of a River | Our Wondrous World Class 5 - New NCERT PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Where does the Godavari River begin and end?
Ans: The Godavari starts at Trimbakeshwar in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It flows 1,465 km eastward, ending in the Bay of Bengal, forming a delta at Coringa Mangrove Forests.

Q2: What are tributaries, and how do they affect a river?
Ans: Tributaries are small streams that join a larger river, like Manjira and Indravati joining Godavari. They increase the river's water volume, making it wider and stronger.

Q3: Why is Godavari called a perennial river?
Ans: Godavari flows year-round due to consistent water from rain and tributaries. Unlike seasonal rivers, it doesn't dry up, supporting life and agriculture continuously.

Q4: How do dams on rivers like Godavari help people?
Ans: Dams store water for drinking, irrigation, and electricity. They prevent floods and provide water during dry seasons, but can displace people and animals.

Q5: What causes river pollution and its effects?
Ans: Waste, plastics, and factory chemicals pollute rivers, harming fish and making water unsafe. It affects health, ecosystems, and livelihoods dependent on clean water.

Q6: Explain the impact of floods on riverside communities.
Ans: Floods overflow banks, damaging homes, crops, and roads. They spread diseases and displace people, but trees and dams can reduce severity by slowing water.

Q7: How do people depend on rivers for livelihoods?
Ans: Rivers support fishing, farming, boating, and ecotourism. They provide water for crops like rice and occupations like ferry services or wildlife guiding.

Q8: What is a delta and where is Godavari's delta?
Ans: A delta is where a river spreads into streams before meeting the sea. Godavari's delta is at Coringa Mangrove Forests, rich in wildlife.

Q9: Why do rivers sometimes run dry?
Ans: Low rainfall, overuse, or pollution can dry rivers, causing water shortages. This affects drinking, farming, and forces migration for water access.

Q10: How can individuals help protect rivers?
Ans: Reduce waste, fix leaks, plant trees, and use eco-friendly products. Avoid littering and support clean-up programs like Namami Gange.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Describe the journey of the Godavari River and its significance in Indian culture.
Ans: Godavari begins at Trimbakeshwar, flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, and ends in the Bay of Bengal.

• It receives tributaries like Indravati, supporting forests and wildlife.
• Culturally, it's called Dakshina Ganga, sacred for events like Godavari Pushkaram.
• Stories from Ramayana link it to heritage.
• It sustains livelihoods in farming and fishing, but faces pollution. Protecting it preserves cultural and ecological value.

Q2: Discuss the benefits and challenges of building dams on rivers.
Ans: Dams like Polavaram on Godavari store water for irrigation, drinking, and power, preventing droughts and floods.

• They create reservoirs for fishing and tourism.
• However, they flood lands, displacing communities and wildlife, altering ecosystems.
• Solutions include rehabilitation and environmental planning.
• Balancing benefits with impacts ensures sustainable development for people and nature.

Q3: Explain how pollution affects river ecosystems and suggest prevention methods.
Ans: Pollution from waste and chemicals kills fish, birds, and plants, making water unsafe and disrupting food chains.

• Excess fertilisers cause algal blooms, choking life.
• Prevention includes reducing plastic use, treating factory waste, and community clean-ups.
• Programs like Namami Gange promote awareness.
• Planting trees along banks filters pollutants, while eco-friendly soaps help. Collective efforts restore river health.

Q4: What are the causes and safety measures for river floods?
Ans: Heavy rain, deforestation, and dam failures cause floods, damaging homes, crops, and spreading diseases.

• Safety includes preparing emergency kits, evacuating early, and avoiding floodwaters.
• Post-flood, clean surfaces to prevent illness.
• Planting trees slows water, and early warnings help.
• Communities can build embankments and follow evacuation plans to minimise loss and ensure safety.

Q5: How do rivers support biodiversity and human life, with examples from Godavari?
Ans: Rivers like Godavari host tigers, deer, and mangroves, providing habitats and food chains.

• They support human life through water for farming rice, fishing hilsa, and transport.
• Deltas like Coringa foster unique wildlife.
• Challenges like drying or pollution threaten this.
• Conservation via reduced waste and programs ensures rivers sustain biodiversity and livelihoods for generations.