1
A village in Rajasthan traditionally used 'tankas' for storing drinking water. Despite the availability of water from the Indira Gandhi Canal, some households still maintain these underground tanks.(a) Why was the practice of maintaining 'tankas' significant in Rajasthan? [2 marks](b) Explain why the practice is declining in some areas despite its historical importance. [2 marks](c) What is the primary advantage of storing water in 'tankas' during the summer months? 1mark
2
Assertion (A): Water scarcity is an outcome of unequal access to water among different social groups.Reason (R): Industrialisation and urbanisation have increased pressure on freshwater resources, leading to over-exploitation and depletion, which disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. 1mark
3
A group of students is studying the impact of dams on river ecosystems. They observe that downstream areas sometimes face reduced water flow and changes in sediment deposition.(a) Explain how the construction of a dam can affect the natural flow of a river. [2 marks](b) Discuss the impact of reduced sediment flow on the riverbed and aquatic life. [2 marks](c) Identify one major river in India where a large multi-purpose project has faced significant opposition due to its environmental impact. 1mark
4
Mrs. Sharma lives in a densely populated urban area. Her housing society has its own groundwater pumping devices to meet the daily water needs of its residents.(a) What is a likely consequence of multiple housing societies in the same urban area relying heavily on groundwater pumping? [2 marks](b) How does this practice contribute to water scarcity, even if water is physically available from the ground? [2 marks](c) Suggest one alternative or complementary water source that her society could explore. 1mark
5
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to provide assured supply of potable piped water to every rural household.(a) What is the primary goal of the Jal Jeevan Mission? [1 mark](b) Explain the significance of providing assured potable water supply to rural households. [2 marks](c) How does JJM contribute to improving the quality of life in rural areas? 2marks
6
Assertion (A): Dams are essential for national development and progress.Reason (R): Multi-purpose river projects integrate agriculture, industrialisation, and urban development, overcoming the limitations of past economic models. 1mark
7
A farmer in a dry region is considering switching from traditional crops to water-intensive commercial crops to increase income.(a) What are the potential ecological consequences of such a shift in cropping pattern? [2 marks](b) How does the concept of 'per drop more crop' relate to sustainable agriculture and water use efficiency? [2 marks](c) Name a government scheme that aims to enhance irrigation facilities for agricultural farms. 1mark
8
A documentary highlighted the 'bamboo drip irrigation system' in Meghalaya, a 200-year-old method of water transport.(a) Describe the basic principle of the bamboo drip irrigation system. [2 marks](b) Explain how this system conserves water, even when transporting it over long distances. [2 marks](c) Why is this system particularly suitable for the hilly regions of Meghalaya? 1mark
9
The text mentions that in ancient India, people had an "extraordinary tradition of water-harvesting system."(a) Name and briefly describe any two traditional methods of water harvesting practiced in India. [3 marks](b) How did local ecological conditions influence the choice of these traditional methods? 2marks
10
Assertion (A): Modern multi-purpose projects have always been successful in controlling floods.Reason (R): Sedimentation in reservoirs behind dams can sometimes lead to increased flooding in downstream areas. 1mark
11
A city's water supply is facing a crisis, not because of low rainfall, but due to severe water pollution from industrial and domestic waste.(a) List any three sources of water pollution mentioned in the chapter. [3 marks](b) Explain why polluted water, even if abundant, leads to water scarcity. 2marks
12
Read the following passage and answer the questions:"The Sardar Sarovar Project, built over the Narmada River, is a large water resource project covering four states: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. It aims to meet the water requirements of drought-prone and desert areas, providing irrigation and ensuring assured water supply to make these areas drought-proof."(a) Which four states are covered by the Sardar Sarovar Project? [1 mark](b) What is the primary objective of this project in the context of water availability? [2 marks](c) Explain the significance of this project for the drought-prone regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. 2marks
13
The Narmada Bachao Andolan is a well-known movement in India.(a) What was the primary reason for the opposition to the river projects like the one on the Narmada? [2 marks](b) Identify any two negative impacts associated with large multi-purpose river projects. [2 marks](c) Despite the opposition, what are the key benefits these projects are intended to provide? 1mark
14
Assertion (A): Over-exploitation and mismanagement of water resources can lead to an ecological crisis.Reason (R): Depletion of groundwater levels and pollution of water bodies can have profound impacts on ecosystems and human livelihoods. 1mark
15
In the context of water management, explain the difference between the following:(a) Surface run-off and groundwater. [2 marks](b) Water scarcity due to availability and water scarcity due to quality. 3marks
16
A student is preparing a presentation on traditional hydraulic structures in India.(a) Name one hydraulic structure built in ancient India during the time of Chandragupta Maurya. [1 mark](b) Briefly describe the function of a 'kul' as mentioned in the context of water harvesting in the Himalayas. [2 marks](c) What is a 'khadin', and where was it commonly used for water conservation? 2marks
17
Assertion (A): Water is a renewable resource.Reason (R): The hydrological cycle continuously renews and recharges freshwater sources through processes like precipitation and evaporation. 1mark
18
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has been launched to improve irrigation facilities.(a) State any two broad objectives of PMKSY. [2 marks](b) How does PMKSY aim to improve water use efficiency on farms? [2 marks](c) What is the ultimate aim of the 'har khet ko pani' component of this scheme? 1mark
19
Tamil Nadu is the first state in India to make rooftop rainwater harvesting structures compulsory.(a) Describe the process of rooftop rainwater harvesting as commonly practiced. [3 marks](b) Explain the importance of this practice, especially in urban areas where water scarcity is prevalent. 2marks
20
Read the following statement and answer the question:"In recent years, multi-purpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny and opposition for a variety of reasons."(a) Mention any two reasons for the growing opposition to multi-purpose projects. [2 marks](b) Explain how the decomposition of submerged vegetation in reservoirs can impact water quality. [2 marks](c) What is the potential ecological consequence of fragmenting rivers with dams for aquatic fauna? 1mark
Answers
1
(a) 'Tankas' were crucial for storing drinking water in arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, where natural water sources were unreliable. This ensured a water supply even during dry periods.(b) The practice is declining because the availability of water from the Indira Gandhi Canal has reduced the perceived need for traditional storage methods. Some people also prefer tap water due to taste or convenience.(c) Storing water in 'tankas' makes it a reliable source of drinking water during summers when other surface water sources dry up.
2
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
3
(a) The construction of a dam obstructs the natural flow of a river, creating a reservoir behind it and altering the downstream flow patterns.(b) Reduced sediment flow can make the riverbed rockier and create poorer habitats for aquatic life. The absence of natural silt deposition can also lead to land degradation in floodplains.(c) The Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River is one such example that faced significant opposition.
4
(a) Over-exploitation of groundwater can lead to a significant fall in groundwater levels, making the resource scarce and potentially causing land subsidence.(b) This practice contributes to water scarcity by depleting a common resource faster than it can be replenished, leading to reduced availability for everyone.(c) The society could explore rainwater harvesting on rooftops, or explore connections to municipal water supply if available and reliable.
5
(a) The primary goal of JJM is to ensure that every rural household gets an assured supply of potable piped water on a regular, long-term basis.(b) Providing assured potable water supply improves public health by reducing waterborne diseases and frees up time, especially for women and girls, who often spend hours collecting water.(c) By ensuring access to safe drinking water, JJM enhances the overall quality of life, health, and dignity of people in rural areas.
6
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
7
(a) Switching to water-intensive commercial crops can lead to over-exploitation of groundwater, soil salinisation, and a decrease in soil fertility if intensive farming practices are adopted without proper management.(b) 'Per drop more crop' emphasizes using water more efficiently in agriculture by adopting technologies and methods that yield more produce with less water, thereby conserving water resources.(c) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a scheme aimed at enhancing irrigation facilities.
8
(a) The system uses bamboo pipes to tap and transport water from perennial springs on hilltops to lower reaches through gravity. Water is channelled and reduced to controlled drips at the plant site.(b) By using carefully placed bamboo channels and manipulating pipe positions, the system controls the water flow, delivering it drop by drop directly to the plant roots, thus minimising wastage.(c) This gravity-fed system is suitable for the hilly terrain as it doesn't require extensive pumping and effectively utilises natural spring water sources available at higher elevations.
9
(a) Two traditional methods are:
- Khadins: These are structures built in semi-arid regions (like Jaisalmer) that converted agricultural fields into rain-fed storage structures, allowing water to stand and moisten the soil.
- Johads: These are small check dams built in Rajasthan to capture rainwater and recharge groundwater, improving water availability in arid and semi-arid areas.
(b) Local ecological conditions dictated the methods. For instance, in the floodplains of Bengal, inundation channels were used, while in arid regions like Rajasthan, 'khadins' and 'johads' were developed to capture scarce rainfall. In hill regions, diversion channels like 'guls' or 'kuls' were constructed.
10
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
11
(a) Three sources of water pollution are:
- Domestic wastes (sewage)
- Industrial effluents
- Pesticides and fertilisers used in agriculture
(b) Polluted water is hazardous for human consumption and many other uses. Even if abundant, it cannot be used directly without costly treatment, effectively leading to scarcity for safe and healthy use.
12
(a) The four states covered by the Sardar Sarovar Project are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.(b) The primary objective is to provide water for irrigation and domestic uses, particularly to drought-prone and desert areas.(c) In Gujarat, about 75% of the command area is drought-prone, and the entire command in Rajasthan is drought-prone. The project's assured water supply will help make these areas drought-proof, significantly boosting agriculture and livelihoods.
13
(a) The primary reasons for opposition to river projects were the displacement of large numbers of people (often tribal communities and farmers), loss of livelihoods, and the significant environmental degradation caused by large dams.(b) Two negative impacts are:
- Causing large-scale displacement of people and loss of their livelihoods.
- Submerging existing vegetation and soil, leading to their decomposition and potential release of greenhouse gases.
(c) Key intended benefits include generating electricity for industries and homes, providing water for irrigation, domestic and industrial uses, and aiding in flood control.
14
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
15
(a)
- Surface run-off: This is the water from precipitation that flows over the land surface into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- Groundwater: This is water that has percolated through the soil and rock layers to accumulate beneath the Earth's surface in underground aquifers.
(b) - Water scarcity due to availability: This occurs when the total amount of freshwater available in a region is insufficient to meet the demands of its population and economy, often due to low rainfall or high consumption.
- Water scarcity due to quality: This occurs when there is sufficient water available quantitatively, but it is heavily polluted by domestic waste, industrial discharge, chemicals, or pesticides, making it unfit for human use and rendering it effectively scarce for safe consumption.
16
(a) During the time of Chandragupta Maurya, dams, lakes, and irrigation systems were extensively built.(b) A 'kul' is a diversion channel, often found in the Western Himalayas, used to channel water from streams to agricultural fields.(c) A 'khadin' is a long, earthen embankment with masonry or concrete structure that stores water from a large catchment area, used primarily for agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions like Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It allowed water to stand and soak the soil.
17
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
18
(a) Two broad objectives of PMKSY are:
- To enhance the physical access of water on the farm ('har khet ko pani').
- To improve on-farm water use efficiency and reduce wastage ('per drop more crop').
(b) PMKSY aims to improve water use efficiency by promoting irrigation and other water-saving technologies and introducing sustainable water conservation practices.
(c) The ultimate aim of 'har khet ko pani' is to ensure that every agricultural farm has access to assured irrigation.
19
(a) Rooftop rainwater harvesting involves collecting rainwater falling on the sloping roofs of houses using PVC pipes. This water is then filtered (e.g., using sand and bricks) and directed to an underground tank or sump for immediate use or storage. Excess water can be channelled to recharge wells or groundwater.(b) In urban areas, where ground surfaces are often concretised and infiltration is limited, rooftop rainwater harvesting provides a direct and accessible source of freshwater. It helps supplement municipal supply, reduces the strain on groundwater, and mitigates urban flooding by managing runoff.
20
(a) Two reasons for the growing opposition to multi-purpose projects are:
- Significant displacement of populations and loss of livelihoods.
- Adverse environmental impacts, such as affecting natural river flow, poor sediment flow, habitat destruction, and fragmentation of rivers.
(b) The decomposition of submerged vegetation in reservoirs releases organic matter, which can lead to a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels in the water and the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, potentially affecting water quality.
(c) Dams fragment rivers, creating barriers that make it difficult for aquatic fauna, especially fish, to migrate, particularly for spawning, which can disrupt their life cycles and reduce fish populations.
