Test: Water Resources - 1 - Class 10 MCQ

Dams can create conflicts between different groups in regions as they compete for various uses and benefits from the same water resources. The construction and operation of dams can lead to disputes over water allocation, distribution of benefits, and conflicting priorities among stakeholders. This competition for water resources can intensify social tensions and exacerbate existing inequalities, thereby impacting the social landscape of the affected regions.

The bamboo drip irrigation system described in the involves a unique process where about 18-20 litres of water entering the bamboo pipes are transported over long distances, ultimately being reduced to 20-80 drops per minute at the plant site. This significant reduction in water volume highlights the efficiency and conservation aspect of this traditional irrigation system.

Tamil Nadu stands out as the first and only state in India to enforce the installation of rooftop rainwater harvesting structures across all houses within its jurisdiction. This initiative aims to promote water conservation and sustainability, with legal provisions in place to penalize those who do not comply with the regulation.

Explanation:

• Surface runoff is a primary source of freshwater that actively participates in the hydrological cycle, as it includes water from rain, melting snow, and rivers that eventually feed into lakes and streams.
• Glaciers store freshwater but are not a primary active source in the hydrological cycle.
• Ocean water and saltwater lakes contain saltwater, not freshwater.

Unequal access and over-exploitation of water resources among different societal groups are significant contributors to water scarcity issues globally. This disparity in water distribution can lead to shortages in regions that struggle to access an adequate water supply.

The agricultural sector in India is the largest consumer of water due to the extensive water requirements for irrigation, especially in the expanding irrigated areas for dry-season agriculture. This high demand for water in agriculture contributes significantly to water scarcity issues in the country.

Dams can disrupt the natural flow of rivers by causing poor sediment flow and leading to excessive sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir. This excessive sedimentation can result in rockier stream beds and create poorer habitats for the aquatic life of the rivers. The alteration of sediment flow is one of the adverse effects of damming rivers, impacting the ecological balance of river ecosystems.