NCERT Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources Solutions
Short Introduction
Water is one of the most important natural resources on Earth. Although water is renewable through the hydrological cycle, many regions face water scarcity due to overuse, pollution, population growth, and unequal distribution. This chapter explains water conservation, multipurpose river projects, and rainwater harvesting methods in India.
Quick Information Box
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Chapter Name | Water Resources |
| Subject | Geography |
| Class | 10 |
| Book | Contemporary India – II |
| Chapter Number | 3 |
| Important Topics | Water Scarcity, Water Conservation, Multipurpose Projects, Rainwater Harvesting |
Concepts Used (Topics Covered)
- Water Scarcity
- Causes of Water Scarcity
- Water Conservation and Management
- Multipurpose River Projects
- Dams and Reservoirs
- Rainwater Harvesting
- Traditional Water Conservation Methods
- Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting
- Sustainable Water Resource Management
Important Formulas
There are no direct mathematical formulas in this chapter. Important concepts include:
- Hydrological Cycle = Evaporation + Condensation + Precipitation + Runoff
- Water Conservation = Efficient Use + Storage + Management
- Rainwater Harvesting = Collection + Storage + Reuse of Rainwater
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
1. Multiple Choice Questions
(i) Classify the following situations
(a) Region with high annual rainfall
Answer: Not suffering from water scarcity.
Explanation: High rainfall generally ensures sufficient water availability.
(b) Region having high annual rainfall and large population
Answer: Suffering from water scarcity.
Explanation: A large population increases demand and may create shortage despite high rainfall.
(c) Region having high annual rainfall but water is highly polluted
Answer: Suffering from water scarcity.
Explanation: Polluted water cannot be safely used for drinking and other purposes.
(d) Region having low rainfall and low population
Answer: Not necessarily suffering from water scarcity.
Explanation: Water demand is low due to a small population and available resources may be sufficient.
(ii) Which statement is NOT an argument in favour of multipurpose river projects?
Answer: (c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood.
Explanation:
This is a disadvantage rather than an advantage of multipurpose projects.
(iii) Identify the mistakes and rewrite correctly
(a) Incorrect Statement:
Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have helped in proper utilisation of water resources.
Correct Statement:
Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have increased pressure on water resources and aggravated water scarcity.
(b) Incorrect Statement:
Regulating and damming of rivers does not affect the river’s natural flow and its sediment flow.
Correct Statement:
Regulating and damming of rivers affect the river’s natural flow and sediment movement.
(c) Incorrect Statement:
Today in Rajasthan, rooftop rainwater harvesting has gained popularity despite high water availability due to the Indira Gandhi Canal.
Correct Statement:
Today in Rajasthan, rooftop rainwater harvesting is declining because water availability has increased due to the Indira Gandhi Canal.
2. Answer the Following Questions in About 30 Words
(i) Explain how water becomes a renewable resource.
Answer:
Water becomes a renewable resource because it is continuously renewed through the hydrological cycle involving evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
Explanation:
This natural process replenishes water resources regularly.
(ii) What is water scarcity and what are its main causes?
Answer:
Water scarcity refers to the shortage of usable water. Its main causes are population growth, over-exploitation of groundwater, industrialisation, urbanisation, pollution, and unequal distribution of water.
Explanation:
Human activities increase demand and reduce availability.
(iii) Compare the advantages and disadvantages of multipurpose river projects.
Answer:
Advantages:
- Irrigation facilities
- Hydroelectric power generation
- Flood control
- Water supply for domestic and industrial use
Disadvantages:
- Displacement of people
- Ecological imbalance
- Sedimentation
- Waterlogging and salinisation
- Disturbance to aquatic life
3. Answer the Following Questions in About 120 Words
(i) Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan is carried out.
Answer:
In the semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, especially in Bikaner, Barmer, and Phalodi, traditional rainwater harvesting systems called tankas are widely used. Tankas are underground storage tanks connected to sloping rooftops through pipes. Rainwater falling on roofs flows through these pipes and is collected in the tankas. The first rainfall is usually allowed to wash the roofs and pipes and is not stored. Water from subsequent rainfall is collected and preserved. These tankas provide a reliable source of drinking water during long dry periods and summer seasons. The stored rainwater, locally known as palar pani, is considered pure and safe. This traditional system has helped people survive in water-scarce desert regions for centuries.
(ii) Describe how modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being carried out to conserve and store water.
Answer:
Modern rainwater harvesting methods combine traditional knowledge with improved technology. Rooftop rainwater harvesting is now widely practiced in both urban and rural areas. Rainwater collected from roofs is filtered using sand and gravel before being stored in underground tanks, sumps, or recharge pits. In some places, collected water is used to recharge groundwater through wells and hand pumps. Tamil Nadu has made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory for all houses. Villages like Gendathur in Karnataka have successfully adopted these systems to meet their water requirements. These methods reduce dependence on groundwater, improve water availability, and help conserve water resources. Modern adaptations play a vital role in sustainable water management and addressing water scarcity.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming high rainfall always means no water scarcity.
- Ignoring water pollution as a cause of scarcity.
- Writing only advantages of dams and forgetting disadvantages.
- Confusing tankas with canals.
- Not mentioning groundwater recharge in rainwater harvesting.
Exam Tips
- Learn causes of water scarcity thoroughly.
- Remember examples like Tankas, Johads, Khadins, and Bamboo Drip Irrigation.
- Write balanced answers mentioning both merits and demerits of dams.
- Use keywords such as conservation, groundwater recharge, sustainable management, and hydrological cycle.
- Quote state examples like Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and Karnataka.
Practice MCQs
1. Which is the largest consumer of water in India?
A. Industries
B. Domestic Use
C. Irrigation
D. Transport
Answer: C. Irrigation
2. What is the purest form of natural water in Rajasthan called?
A. Jal
B. Palar Pani
C. Tanka Water
D. Canal Water
Answer: B. Palar Pani
3. Which state made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory?
A. Gujarat
B. Rajasthan
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Karnataka
Answer: C. Tamil Nadu
4. Bhakra-Nangal Project is built on which river basin?
A. Mahanadi
B. Sutlej-Beas
C. Godavari
D. Narmada
Answer: B. Sutlej-Beas
5. Which traditional irrigation system is found in Meghalaya?
A. Johads
B. Tankas
C. Bamboo Drip Irrigation
D. Khadins
Answer: C. Bamboo Drip Irrigation
FAQ Section
Q1. What is water scarcity?
Water scarcity refers to the shortage of usable and safe water for human needs.
Q2. Why is water conservation important?
It ensures sustainable use of water resources for future generations.
Q3. What are multipurpose river projects?
These are projects designed for irrigation, power generation, flood control, and water supply.
Q4. What is rainwater harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for future use.
Q5. Which traditional rainwater harvesting method is common in Rajasthan?
Tankas, Johads, and Khadins are common traditional methods.
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