Extra 30 long-answer questions from Chapter: Water Resources (Class 10 CBSE Geography).
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1. What are the causes of water scarcity in India?
Answer:
Water scarcity in India is caused by several factors:
1. Unequal distribution of rainfall – Some regions receive heavy rainfall, while others suffer from droughts.
2. Overuse and wastage of water – Excessive irrigation, domestic use, and industrial demand lead to depletion.
3. Deforestation and climate change – Less forest cover reduces groundwater recharge, affecting water availability.
4. Population growth – Increased demand for water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use.
5. Pollution of water sources – Industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff contaminate rivers and lakes.
6. Over-extraction of groundwater – Continuous use of bore wells lowers the water table, causing water scarcity.
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2. What are the advantages of multipurpose river projects?
Answer:
Multipurpose river projects serve various needs, such as:
1. Irrigation – Provides water for agriculture, improving food production.
2. Hydroelectric power generation – Produces renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
3. Flood control – Dams regulate river flow, preventing floods in downstream areas.
4. Drinking water supply – Reservoirs store water for human consumption.
5. Navigation and transportation – Some dams help in inland water transport.
6. Recreation and tourism – Dams and reservoirs attract tourists, promoting local economies.
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3. What are the disadvantages of large dams?
Answer:
Large dams have several drawbacks:
1. Displacement of people – Many families are forced to relocate due to submerged villages.
2. Environmental destruction – Deforestation and loss of biodiversity occur due to dam construction.
3. High costs – Building and maintaining large dams require significant financial investment.
4. Silting and sedimentation – Over time, silt accumulates in reservoirs, reducing storage capacity.
5. Seismic activity – Large reservoirs can trigger earthquakes in certain regions.
6. Conflicts between states – Sharing water from dams often leads to political disputes.
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4. Describe traditional methods of water conservation in India.
Answer:
India has a long history of traditional water conservation methods:
1. Johads (Rajasthan) – Small earthen check dams that store rainwater.
2. Kuls (Himachal Pradesh) – Channels that divert water from glaciers for irrigation.
3. Tankas (Rajasthan and Gujarat) – Underground tanks used to store rainwater for drinking.
4. Bamboo Drip Irrigation (Meghalaya) – A system that transports water using bamboo pipes.
5. Stepwells (Gujarat and Rajasthan) – Wells with steps that allow easy water access.
6. Guls or Khatris (Western Himalayas) – Canals that channel water to fields for irrigation.
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5. What is rainwater harvesting? Describe its methods.
Answer:
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for future use. Methods include:
1. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting – Collecting rainwater from rooftops and directing it into storage tanks.
2. Recharge Pits – Structures that allow rainwater to seep into the ground and replenish groundwater.
3. Percolation Tanks – Small reservoirs that collect surface runoff and recharge groundwater.
4. Check Dams – Small barriers built across streams to slow water flow and allow percolation.
5. Contour Bunding – A method where small ridges are built along slopes to reduce runoff and increase absorption.
6. Trenches and Ponds – Dug-out structures that store rainwater for irrigation and groundwater recharge.
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6. Explain the impact of deforestation on water resources.
Answer:
Deforestation negatively affects water resources in many ways:
1. Reduces groundwater recharge – Fewer trees mean less water seeps into the ground.
2. Increases soil erosion – Without trees, soil gets washed away, reducing water retention.
3. Affects rainfall patterns – Less transpiration leads to lower humidity and reduced rainfall.
4. Increases risk of floods – Trees absorb water; without them, heavy rains cause floods.
5. Reduces water quality – Erosion increases sedimentation in rivers and lakes.
6. Loss of biodiversity – Aquatic ecosystems suffer due to sedimentation and pollution.
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7. Why is groundwater depletion a serious issue?
Answer:
Groundwater depletion leads to several problems:
1. Lowering of the water table – Wells and tube wells dry up.
2. Land subsidence – Excessive extraction causes the ground to sink.
3. Reduced water availability – Affects drinking water supply and irrigation.
4. Increased salinity – Overuse leads to saltwater intrusion in coastal areas.
5. Loss of biodiversity – Many plants and animals depend on groundwater.
6. Higher costs – Farmers need deeper bore wells, increasing costs.
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8. How does industrialization contribute to water pollution?
Answer:
Industries pollute water in many ways:
1. Dumping untreated waste – Factories release harmful chemicals into rivers and lakes.
2. Thermal pollution – Power plants discharge hot water, affecting aquatic life.
3. Heavy metals contamination – Lead, mercury, and arsenic poison water sources.
4. Oil spills – Petroleum industries cause water pollution through spills.
5. Plastic waste disposal – Factories contribute to plastic pollution in water bodies.
6. Overuse of water – Industries consume large amounts of water, causing depletion.
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9. What steps can be taken to conserve water at home?
Answer:
Water conservation at home can be achieved through:
1. Fixing leaks – Repairing dripping taps and pipes.
2. Using water-efficient appliances – Installing low-flow toilets and showers.
3. Reusing wastewater – Using kitchen water for plants.
4. Rainwater harvesting – Collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
5. Avoiding overuse – Turning off taps while brushing or washing dishes.
6. Planting drought-resistant plants – Reducing the need for watering gardens.
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10. What are the major uses of water in India?
Answer:
Water is essential for:
1. Agriculture – Used for irrigation in farms.
2. Domestic use – Drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
3. Industrial use – Factories need water for manufacturing processes.
4. Hydroelectric power – Dams generate electricity from water.
5. Transportation – Rivers and canals are used for inland water transport.
6. Recreation and tourism – Lakes and rivers attract tourists.
11. Why is water an important resource?
Answer:
Water is essential for life and has multiple uses:
1. Basic necessity – Used for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
2. Agriculture – Required for irrigation and livestock.
3. Industry – Used in manufacturing, cooling, and cleaning.
4. Electricity generation – Hydroelectric power depends on water.
5. Biodiversity and ecosystem balance – Supports aquatic and terrestrial life.
6. Transportation – Rivers and seas facilitate trade and travel.
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12. Explain the concept of integrated water resource management.
Answer:
Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) focuses on sustainable water use:
1. Equitable distribution – Ensuring fair access for all regions and communities.
2. Multiple-use planning – Managing water for agriculture, industry, and domestic needs.
3. Watershed development – Protecting and restoring water sources like lakes and rivers.
4. Pollution control – Implementing measures to prevent water contamination.
5. Groundwater recharge – Encouraging rainwater harvesting and check dams.
6. Community participation – Involving local people in water conservation efforts.
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13. How do inter-state water disputes arise? Give examples.
Answer:
Water disputes occur when states compete for river resources:
1. Unequal water distribution – States upstream control water flow.
2. Growing water demand – Increasing populations need more water.
3. Multipurpose dam conflicts – Different needs like irrigation vs. electricity.
4. Political and legal challenges – Disputes over water-sharing agreements.
5. Example: Cauvery Water Dispute – Between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over Cauvery River.
6. Example: Sutlej-Yamuna Link Dispute – Between Punjab and Haryana.
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14. What are the effects of urbanization on water resources?
Answer:
Urbanization impacts water availability and quality:
1. Increased demand – Growing population needs more water for daily use.
2. Groundwater depletion – Over-extraction leads to falling water tables.
3. Pollution – Untreated sewage and industrial waste contaminate rivers.
4. Reduction of recharge areas – Concrete surfaces prevent rainwater absorption.
5. Water supply challenges – Cities face frequent shortages.
6. Flooding issues – Poor drainage systems lead to urban floods.
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15. How do multipurpose river projects help in economic development?
Answer:
Multipurpose projects contribute to economic growth by:
1. Providing irrigation – Boosts agricultural productivity and rural income.
2. Generating hydroelectricity – Supplies industries and households with power.
3. Enhancing transport – Navigation on reservoirs and canals promotes trade.
4. Creating jobs – Construction and maintenance offer employment.
5. Encouraging tourism – Lakes and dams attract visitors.
6. Controlling floods – Reduces economic losses from flood damage.
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16. What is the significance of watershed management?
Answer:
Watershed management conserves water and soil:
1. Prevents soil erosion – Reduces land degradation and maintains fertility.
2. Enhances groundwater recharge – Improves water availability.
3. Improves agriculture – Provides sustainable irrigation.
4. Reduces flood risks – Controls water runoff.
5. Promotes afforestation – Trees help retain moisture in soil.
6. Involves community participation – Local people manage their own water resources.
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17. Explain the role of afforestation in water conservation.
Answer:
Afforestation helps in:
1. Reducing runoff – Trees slow down water flow, allowing percolation.
2. Improving groundwater levels – Roots help recharge underground aquifers.
3. Preventing soil erosion – Keeps topsoil intact and fertile.
4. Regulating rainfall – More trees increase atmospheric moisture.
5. Protecting river catchments – Forests around rivers keep them clean.
6. Maintaining biodiversity – Ensures a balanced ecosystem.
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18. What are the problems caused by excessive irrigation?
Answer:
Over-irrigation can be harmful:
1. Waterlogging – Excess water makes soil unfit for crops.
2. Salinization – Salt deposits in soil reduce fertility.
3. Depletion of groundwater – Overuse lowers water table.
4. Crop diseases – Damp soil increases fungal infections.
5. Loss of soil nutrients – Excess water washes away minerals.
6. Higher costs – More pumping and canal maintenance required.
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19. Describe the impact of climate change on water resources.
Answer:
Climate change disrupts water systems:
1. Irregular rainfall – Causes droughts and floods.
2. Glacial melting – Reduces long-term freshwater supply.
3. Higher evaporation – Lakes and rivers dry up faster.
4. Increased demand – Rising temperatures need more water for agriculture.
5. Groundwater stress – Over-extraction worsens due to less recharge.
6. More natural disasters – Cyclones and storms affect water security.
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20. How can industrial wastewater be managed?
Answer:
Industries can reduce water pollution by:
1. Installing treatment plants – Purify wastewater before release.
2. Recycling water – Using treated water for cooling or cleaning.
3. Using eco-friendly chemicals – Reducing toxic waste.
4. Rainwater harvesting – Reducing dependency on freshwater.
5. Enforcing strict laws – Government regulations on waste disposal.
6. Adopting green technology – Using less water-intensive processes.
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21. What are the benefits of interlinking rivers in India?
Answer:
River interlinking has several advantages:
1. Transfers water to dry regions – Solves drought problems.
2. Prevents floods – Excess water is diverted to other rivers.
3. Increases irrigation – Expands cultivable land.
4. Boosts hydroelectricity – New dams generate more power.
5. Enhances navigation – Waterways for transport improve trade.
6. Employment generation – Large-scale projects create jobs.
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22. Why is desalination not a common solution for water scarcity in India?
Answer:
Desalination is not widely used because:
1. High cost – Expensive technology and energy consumption.
2. Limited efficiency – Small-scale output compared to demand.
3. Environmental concerns – Waste salt harms marine ecosystems.
4. Infrastructure requirements – Needs large coastal plants.
5. Not suitable for inland areas – Only feasible near seas.
6. Alternative solutions available – Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge are better.
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23. How does water scarcity affect food security?
Answer:
Lack of water threatens agriculture:
1. Reduces crop yield – Less water means lower food production.
2. Increases food prices – Shortages lead to inflation.
3. Affects livestock – Lack of water for animals reduces dairy and meat output.
4. Forces farmers to migrate – Rural distress leads to urban migration.
5. Causes malnutrition – Less food availability impacts health.
6. Weakens rural economy – Farmers suffer income loss.
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24. What role do NGOs play in water conservation?
Answer:
NGOs help by:
1. Creating awareness – Educating people on conservation.
2. Implementing projects – Building rainwater harvesting systems.
3. Lobbying for policy changes – Influencing government policies.
4. Providing financial aid – Supporting rural communities.
5. Organizing community participation – Encouraging local action.
6. Monitoring pollution levels – Reporting violations to authorities.
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25. What is the role of the government in water conservation?
Answer:
The government contributes by:
1. Creating policies – Laws for sustainable water use.
2. Constructing dams – Ensuring water supply and flood control.
3. Funding research – Developing better irrigation methods.
4. Promoting rainwater harvesting – Making it mandatory in cities.
5. Controlling pollution – Enforcing waste treatment rules.
6. International cooperation – Managing transboundary rivers.
