Q1. Multipurpose river projects are referred as the ‘temples of modern India.’ Elucidate. OR Why did Jawaharlal Nehru proudly proclaim the dams as the temples of modern India? (2010)
Ans: Multipurpose River Projects were initiated after Independence to manage water resources effectively. They aimed to provide various benefits that would foster national development, overcoming the limitations of the colonial era.
Jawaharlal Nehru referred to these modern dams as ‘temples of modern India’ because they:
The key benefits of these multipurpose projects include:
Q2. In recent years, multipurpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny and opposition. Explain why. (2010) OR What objections have been raised against multipurpose river valley projects? Explain any three.
Ans: In recent years, multipurpose projects and large dams have faced significant scrutiny and opposition for several reasons:
Q3. What are interstate water disputes? Why are such issues raised? Give examples of interstate water disputes.
Ans: Interstate water disputes occur when two or more states experience tension over the sharing of river water, often due to the construction of multipurpose projects. These disputes arise from disagreements on the costs and benefits associated with these projects. When a river flows through multiple states, actions taken in one state, such as damming, can significantly impact the flow and availability of water in another state. This can lead to one state benefiting while another suffers, resulting in conflicts.
Examples of interstate water disputes include:
Q4. Write about the rooftop rainwater harvesting system prevalent in Meghalaya. How is the bamboo drip irrigation system employed for water harvesting in Meghalaya?
Ans: Rooftop rainwater harvesting is a common practice in Shillong, Meghalaya. Despite being near Mawsynram, the wettest place on Earth, Shillong faces significant water shortages due to its location in a rainshadow area. As a result:
The bamboo drip irrigation system in Meghalaya is a traditional method that has been in use for over 200 years. Key features include:
Q5. An area or region may have ample water resources but still face water scarcity. Explain why such circumstances arise.
Ans: Water scarcity in areas with ample water resources can occur due to several factors:
Q6. Identify the reasons (any three) for water scarcity specially, in metropolitan towns. Suggest one measure that in your opinion can lead to a more equitable distribution of available water supply.
Ans: Reasons for water scarcity in metropolitan towns:
A potential solution for a more equitable distribution of water is the linking of river systems in India. This approach can transfer water from areas with a surplus to those facing shortages.
Q7. Water is available in abundance in India but even then scarcity of water is experienced in major parts of the country. Explain with four examples.
Ans: India receives nearly 4 per cent of the world's precipitation, with total renewable water resources estimated at 1,897 sq km per annum. Despite this abundance, many regions in India face severe water scarcity. Currently, India ranks 133rd globally in water availability per person per annum, and by 2025, large parts of the country may experience absolute water scarcity.
Here are four examples illustrating this issue:
Q8. How have intensive industrialisation and urbanisation passed a great pressure on existing freshwater resources in India? Explain with two examples for each.
Ans: Intensive industrialisation and urbanisation in India have significantly stressed existing freshwater resources. Here are some examples illustrating their impact:
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