Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Question Answers - Contemporary India - II

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Short Questions Answers

Q1. What is hydrological cycle? What is its importance

Ans: The hydrological cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. It plays a crucial role in:

• Renewing and recharging freshwater supplies through processes like precipitation and surface runoff.
• Ensuring that all water is part of a renewable resource.
• Maintaining the balance of water in various ecosystems.

Understanding this cycle is vital for managing water resources effectively and addressing issues like water scarcity.

Q2. How has agriculture aggravated the problem of water scarcity in India Explain. [CBSE 2014]

Ans: Agriculture has aggravated water scarcity in India due to several factors:

• Water is essential for agriculture, primarily for irrigation.
• High-yield variety (HYV) seeds require more water compared to traditional seeds.
• The commercialisation of agriculture has led to significant groundwater extraction.
• Over-extraction of groundwater has resulted in a decline of the water table in many regions.

Q3. “Water scarcity may be an outcome of large and growing population”. Justify.

Ans: Water scarcity may be an outcome of large and growing population:

• A large population increases the demand for water for both domestic use and food production.
• Many Indian cities are experiencing water shortages due to their growing populations.
• A rising population directly affects water levels, leading to depletion of resources.

Q4. How does urbanisation and urban lifestyle lead to over-exploitation of water resources Explain. [CBSE 2013]

Ans: Urbanisation and urban lifestyle lead to over-exploitation of water resources in several ways:

• Overpopulation in cities increases the demand for water.
• Unplanned urbanisation contributes to water pollution.
• Urban development often damages existing water resources, particularly rivers. For instance, many rivers in India are polluted due to urban waste.
• Many urban areas rely on groundwater pumping, which depletes fragile water resources.

This combination of factors leads to significant challenges in managing water availability.

Q5. Is it possible that an area or region may have ample water resources but is still facing water scarcity Explain with the help of three relevant examples. [CBSE 2013]

Ans: Yes, it is possible that an area or region may have ample water resources but is still facing water scarcity. Many cities exemplify this issue:

• Water Quality: In many cities, there is no actual shortage of water; however, the available water is often unfit for consumption.
• Polluted Rivers: Cities located along rivers may find that these rivers have become toxic streams, making the water unsafe for use.
• Population Pressure: The growing population, along with increased industrial and vehicular activity, puts immense pressure on existing freshwater resources.

Q6. What is importance of water [CBSE 2012] Or “Water is a very important and critical resource in India.” Support the statement by explaining any three points. [CBSE 2013]

Ans: Water is a very important and critical resource in India.

• Vital for survival: Water is essential for human life, as it is needed for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
• Transportation: Waterways are crucial for transporting goods and people, making trade and travel more efficient.
• Industrial use: Industries rely on water for various processes, including cooling machinery and generating power.
• Agricultural input: Water is a fundamental resource for irrigation, supporting food production.

Q7. How do increasing number of industries exert pressure on existing freshwater resources [CBSE 2012]

Ans: Increasing number of industries exert pressure on existing freshwater resources:

• Industries use water for various purposes, including as a coolant, raw material, and solvent.
• They release harmful chemicals that contaminate water sources.
• Many Indian rivers are polluted due to the toxic chemicals discharged by industries.

Q8. What are dams? How do these help to conserve and manage water

Ans: A dam is a barrier built across a river or stream to control the flow of water, often creating a reservoir, lake, or impoundment. Dams serve several important purposes:

• Irrigation: They store rainwater and river water for agricultural use.
• Water Supply: Dams provide water for domestic and industrial needs.
• Flood Control: They help manage and mitigate flooding risks.
• Hydroelectric Power: Dams generate electricity by harnessing flowing water.
• Recreation: Reservoirs created by dams offer opportunities for leisure activities.
• Navigation: Dams facilitate inland navigation for boats and ships.
• Fish Breeding: They create habitats for fish and other aquatic life.

Modern dams are often referred to as multi-purpose projects because they integrate various uses of water, enhancing overall water management.

Q9. Distinguish between a dam and a multipurpose project.

Ans: Dam:

• A dam is a barrier built across a river to obstruct or slow down water flow, creating a reservoir or lake.
• It is a traditional concept.

Multipurpose Project:

• A multipurpose project serves various functions simultaneously, such as irrigation, electricity generation, flood control, fish breeding, and soil conservation.
• It is a modern concept.

Q10. Who proclaimed the dams as the temples of modern India Give reason.

Ans: Jawaharlal Nehru referred to dams as the ‘temples of modern India’ because:

• They promote the development of agriculture.
• They support the village economy.
• They facilitate rapid industrialisation.
• They contribute to the growth of the urban economy.

Long Questions Answers

Q11. Explain with four examples why multipurpose projects are harmful for the country.

Ans: Multipurpose projects can be harmful to a country for several reasons:

• Soil Fertility Decline: The construction of dams prevents annual floods, which naturally deposit nutrient-rich silt on downstream soil. This leads to decreased soil fertility.
• Impact on Aquatic Life: Dams disrupt the natural flow of rivers, reducing nutrient availability for fish. This affects sediment flow and creates poor habitats, making it hard for aquatic species to migrate for spawning.
• Displacement of Communities: Large dam projects often displace local populations, forcing them to abandon their land and livelihoods for the supposed greater good.
• Altered Cropping Patterns: With assured irrigation from multipurpose projects, farmers tend to shift to water-intensive crops. This change can lead to salinisation of the soil and ecological imbalance.

Q12. How do the multipurpose river projects affect the aquatic life Explain.

Ans: In recent years, multi-purpose projects and large dams have faced significant scrutiny for several reasons:

• Regulating and damming rivers disrupt their natural flow, leading to poor sediment movement and excessive sedimentation in reservoirs. This results in rockier streambeds and less suitable habitats for aquatic life.
• Dams fragment rivers, making it challenging for aquatic fauna to migrate, particularly during spawning seasons.
• The creation of reservoirs on floodplains submerges existing vegetation and soil, causing their decomposition over time.
• Irrigation practices have altered cropping patterns, with many farmers shifting to water-intensive and commercial crops, leading to ecological issues like soil salinisation.

Q13. Explain the quantitative and qualitative aspects of water scarcity.

Ans: Quantitative aspect:

• This aspect relates to the availability of water resources.
• Water availability varies due to seasonal and annual precipitation.
• Common causes of water scarcity include: Over-exploitation of resources, Excessive use, Unequal access among different social groups

Qualitative aspect:

• Water scarcity can occur even when water is available, due to poor quality.
• Concerns arise when water is polluted by: Domestic and industrial waste, Chemicals, pesticides, and fertilisers used in agriculture
• This pollution makes water hazardous for human use.

Q14. Why is there an urgent need to conserve and manage our water resources Mention three reasons.

Ans: Reasons for the urgent need to conserve and manage water resources:

• Essential for life: Water is crucial for all life forms. It is believed that life began in water, making it a fundamental requirement.
• Vital for agriculture: Water is necessary for growing crops. It dissolves minerals and nutrients in the soil, which plants absorb through their roots. In a largely agricultural country like India, water availability is critical.
• Industrial use: Industries rely on water for various purposes, including cooling, as a solvent, and as a raw material.
• Daily consumption: Water is essential for drinking and household needs. Urbanisation increases the demand for water daily.
• Ecosystem health: Conserving water helps protect natural ecosystems from degradation.
• Addressing scarcity: Overuse and mismanagement of water resources have led to significant water scarcity, making conservation imperative.

Q15. Examine the importance of the river valley projects in the development of hydel power and irrigational facilities in India.

Ans: Importance of river valley projects in the development of hydel power and irrigation in India:

• Power Generation: These multipurpose projects are crucial for generating electricity. As per the Economic Survey 2013, they produce over 39,788.40 MW of power, providing clean, pollution-free, and affordable energy essential for both industry and agriculture.
• Flood Control: By storing water, these projects help manage floods, transforming many 'rivers of sorrow' into 'rivers of boon', such as the Kosi River.
• Soil Conservation: They aid in conserving soil by slowing down water flow, thereby reducing erosion.
• Irrigation: These projects serve as the primary source of irrigation, supplying water to fields during dry seasons and supporting agriculture in arid regions through the construction of perennial canals.

Q16. “In recent years, the multipurpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny.” Give reasons.

Ans: In recent years, multi-purpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny and opposition for a variety of reasons.

• Adverse effects on soil fertility: Construction can lead to soil decomposition.
• Disruption of natural flow: Dams alter river flow, causing poor sediment transport.
• Habitat fragmentation: Dams hinder aquatic life migration, affecting spawning.
• Floodplain submergence: Reservoirs cover existing vegetation, impacting local ecosystems.
• Soil erosion: Flooding can lead to loss of fertile topsoil.
• Induced earthquakes: Large projects can trigger seismic activity.
• Water-borne diseases: Increased water stagnation can lead to health issues.
• Pollution: Excessive water use can result in contamination.