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Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Question Answers - Water Resources

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:

  • Integrate agricultural development with rapid industrialisation.
  • Support both rural and urban economies.

The key benefits of these multipurpose projects include:

  • Providing water to areas facing water scarcity.
  • Irrigating fields during dry seasons, enhances agricultural productivity.
  • Controlling floods by regulating water flow.
  • Supplying water for domestic and industrial use.
  • Generating hydroelectricity for homes and industries.
  • Facilitating inland navigation for transport and trade.
  • Supporting fish breeding.
  • Offering recreational facilities.
  • Promoting soil conservation through afforestation.

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:

  • Natural Flow Disruption: Regulating and damming rivers alters their natural flow, leading to poor sediment flow and increased sedimentation at the reservoir's bottom. This results in rockier stream beds, which are less suitable for aquatic life.
  • Fragmentation: Dams fragment rivers, hindering the migration and spawning of aquatic species.
  • Vegetation Loss: Reservoirs created on floodplains submerge existing vegetation and soil, causing their decomposition over time.
  • Flood Control Failures: Ironically, dams intended for flood control can trigger floods due to sediment buildup and excessive water release during heavy rains.
  • Community Displacement: Projects like the 'Narmada Bachao Andolan' highlight the large-scale displacement of local communities, who lose their livelihoods when forced off their land.
  • Social Inequality: Benefits often accrue to landowners, large farmers, and industrialists, while displaced locals receive little support, widening the gap between rich and poor.

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:

  • Krishna-Godavari dispute: Involves Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh objecting to Maharashtra's diversion of more water from the Koyna tributary for a hydroelectric project, which reduces downstream flow.
  • Kaveri water dispute: A conflict between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the sharing of Kaveri river water.
  • Narmada River dispute: Involves Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
  • Ravi-Beas dispute: A disagreement between Punjab and Haryana.
  • Mandovi-Mahadayi-Vansadhara dispute: Involves Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.

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:

  • Most households have rainwater harvesting systems.
  • These systems collect rainfall for use during dry periods.
  • Approximately 15-25% of household water needs are met through this method.

The bamboo drip irrigation system in Meghalaya is a traditional method that has been in use for over 200 years. Key features include:

  • Bamboo pipes are used to collect and transport water from springs and streams.
  • This system utilises gravity to move water from hilltops to lower areas.
  • About 18-20 litres of water can flow through the bamboo pipes, which can transport it over long distances.
  • The water flow is carefully controlled by adjusting the pipe positions, delivering water directly to plant roots.
  • At the plant site, the flow reduces to 20-80 drops per minute.

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:

  • Population Growth: A dense and increasing population leads to higher water demand, straining existing resources.
  • Unequal Access: Water distribution is often unequal, particularly affecting rural areas where access is limited.
  • Domestic and Agricultural Needs: More water is needed for domestic use and to support expanding irrigation for food production. This can result in over-exploitation of water resources.
  • Industrial Demand: The rise in industries increases water consumption, putting additional pressure on freshwater supplies.
  • Pollution: Water resources can become unusable due to pollution from industrial effluents, agricultural chemicals, and domestic waste, further contributing to scarcity.

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:

  • Dense population: Urban lifestyles lead to higher water consumption. Many housing societies rely on groundwater pumping, causing depletion of water levels.
  • Industrial demand: Industries and multinational corporations consume large amounts of water, putting pressure on existing freshwater resources.
  • Water pollution: The discharge of domestic and industrial waste into water bodies contributes to water scarcity.

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:

  • Rajasthan: This desert region receives very low rainfall and is prone to drought, leading to regular water shortages.
  • Metropolitan Cities: Cities like Mumbai and Kolkata face acute water shortages due to their large populations and high water demands.
  • Urban Lifestyle: High water consumption in urban areas, coupled with over-exploitation of groundwater, contributes to water scarcity.
  • Agricultural Demand: Intensive agriculture requires significant water resources, leading to depletion and further scarcity.

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:

  • Effects of industrialisation:
    • Industries, such as cotton textile mills in Maharashtra and jute mills in West Bengal, consume large amounts of water.
    • Heavy water use leads to the over-exploitation of local freshwater sources.
    • Discharge of industrial waste has polluted major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, making them hazardous for human use.
  • Effects of urbanisation:
    • Metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Kolkata face severe water shortages due to their dense populations.
    • Urban lifestyles increase water and energy demands, exacerbating the scarcity.
    • Many housing societies rely on groundwater pumping, leading to the depletion of fragile water resources.
The document Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Question Answers - Water Resources is a part of the Class 10 Course Social Studies (SST) Class 10.
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FAQs on Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Question Answers - Water Resources

1. What are the main sources of freshwater on Earth?
Ans. The main sources of freshwater on Earth include rivers, lakes, glaciers, and groundwater. Glaciers and ice caps hold the majority of the world's freshwater, while lakes and rivers are important for immediate human use. Groundwater is also a crucial source, providing water for agriculture and drinking in many regions.
2. How does water scarcity affect agriculture?
Ans. Water scarcity significantly impacts agriculture by reducing crop yields and limiting the availability of irrigation. Farmers may struggle to maintain their crops and livestock without sufficient water, leading to food shortages and increased prices. Additionally, competition for water resources can cause conflicts among different agricultural sectors.
3. What are the methods for conserving water resources?
Ans. Methods for conserving water resources include rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, using drought-resistant crops, and implementing efficient water management practices. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and education about water conservation can help reduce water waste in households and industries.
4. How does pollution affect water resources?
Ans. Pollution adversely affects water resources by contaminating freshwater supplies, making them unsafe for drinking and recreation. Pollutants from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage discharge can harm aquatic ecosystems and lead to health problems for humans and wildlife. Clean-up efforts can be costly and complex.
5. What is the impact of climate change on water availability?
Ans. Climate change affects water availability by altering precipitation patterns, increasing evaporation rates, and causing more extreme weather events. Some regions may experience more frequent droughts, while others may face flooding. These changes can disrupt water supply and management, impacting agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystems.
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