Class 10 SST (Contemporary India) Chapter-3 Water Resource Questions and Answers New Updated NCERT Solutions 

Class 10 SST (Contemporary India) Chapter –  3 Water Resource Questions and Answers

EXERCISES Page no:  29

Question: 1. Multiple choice questions. 

Answer: Based on the information provided, we can classify the situations as follows:

(a) Region with high annual rainfall. 

Answer: (a) Region with high annual rainfall: Not suffering from water scarcity

Explanation: High rainfall typically indicates ample water availability.

(b) Region having high annual rainfall and large population. 

Answer:  (b) Region having high annual rainfall and large population: Suffering from water scarcity

Explanation: Despite high rainfall, a large population can lead to increased demand for water, potentially outstripping supply.

(c) Region having high annual rainfall but water is highly polluted. 

Answer: (c) Region having high annual rainfall but water is highly polluted: Suffering from water scarcity

Explanation: Even with high rainfall, if the water quality is poor due to pollution, it is not usable, leading to scarcity.

(d) Region having low rainfall and low population. 

Answer: (d) Region having low rainfall and low population: Not suffering from water scarcity

Explanation: A low population may not require much water, so the limited rainfall may suffice for their needs.

Summary Table

Question: 1 (ii) Which one of the following statements is not an argument in favour of multi purpose river projects? 

(a) Multi-purpose projects bring water to those areas which suffer from water scarcity. 

(b) Multi-purpose projects by regulating water flow helps to control floods. 

(c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood. 

(d) Multi-purpose projects generate electricity for our industries and our homes. 

Answer: To determine which statement is not an argument in favor of multi-purpose river projects, let’s analyze each option:

• (a) Multi-purpose projects bring water to those areas which suffer from water scarcity.
  • True: This is a valid argument in favor of such projects as they aim to supply water to drought-prone regions.
• (b) Multi-purpose projects by regulating water flow helps to control floods.
  • True: This statement supports the benefits of multi-purpose projects, as they are designed to manage water flow and mitigate flooding.
• (c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood.
  • False: This statement highlights a negative consequence of multi-purpose projects rather than a benefit. It points to the social and economic costs associated with such projects.
• (d) Multi-purpose projects generate electricity for our industries and our homes.
  • True: This is another argument in favor of multi-purpose projects, as they often include hydroelectric power generation.

The statement that is not an argument in favor of multi-purpose river projects is:

• (c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood.

Question: 1 (iii) Here are some false statements. Identify the mistakes and rewrite them correctly. 

These are the provided statements, identify the mistakes, and rewrite them correctly :-

(a) Original Statement: Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have helped in proper utilisation of water resources.

Answer: Mistake:  Urbanization and dense populations often lead to over-exploitation and mismanagement of water resources rather than their proper utilization.

Corrected Statement:  The proliferation of urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles has led to the over-exploitation and mismanagement of water resources.

(b) Original Statement: Regulating and damming of rivers does not affect the river’s natural flow and its sediment flow.

Answer: Mistake:  Regulating and damming rivers significantly impact their natural flow and sediment transport.

Corrected Statement:  Regulating and damming of rivers affect the river’s natural flow and sediment flow, leading to ecological imbalances.

(c) Original Statement: Today in Rajasthan, the practice of rooftop rainwater water harvesting has gained popularity despite high water availability due to the Indira Gandhi Canal.

Answer: Mistake: The availability of water from the Indira Gandhi Canal has reduced the necessity for rooftop rainwater harvesting in many areas.

Corrected Statement:  Today in Rajasthan, the practice of rooftop rainwater harvesting is declining due to the high water availability provided by the Indira Gandhi Canal.

Question: 2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words. 

(i) Explain how water becomes a renewable resource. 

Answer: Water is classified as a renewable resource due to its continuous movement within the hydrological cycle. This cycle involves processes such as evaporation, where water transforms into vapor, condensation into clouds, and precipitation as rain or snow. This natural process ensures that freshwater is consistently replenished, making it available for use. 

(ii) What is water scarcity and what are its main causes? 

Answer:  Water scarcity is the condition where the demand for freshwater exceeds its availability. Major causes include over-exploitation of water resources for agriculture and industry, pollution that renders water unsafe for use, rapid population growth increasing demand, and unequal access to water, particularly in marginalized communities. 

(iii) Compare the advantages and disadvantages of multi-purpose river projects. 

Answer:  Multi-purpose river projects offer several benefits, such as providing irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power, which support agriculture and industry. However, they also have drawbacks, including ecological disruption, displacement of local communities, sedimentation issues affecting aquatic habitats, and potential for increased flooding due to altered river dynamics.

Question: 3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words. 

(i) Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan is carried out. 

In the semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, rainwater harvesting is a crucial practice to cope with water scarcity. Traditional methods involve constructing underground tanks, known as tankas, which are designed to collect and store rainwater. These tankas are typically built adjacent to houses and are connected to the sloping roofs through pipes. When it rains, water from the rooftops flows into these tanks, ensuring a reliable source of drinking water during dry periods.

The first rain is often not collected, as it helps clean the roofs and pipes. Subsequent rains are then harvested. In addition to tankas, structures like Johads and Khadins are used to capture and retain rainwater in agricultural fields, allowing the soil to absorb moisture. This traditional knowledge of water management not only conserves water but also supports agriculture and sustains local communities in Rajasthan.

(ii) Describe how modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being carried out to conserve and store water. 

Answer:  Modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting techniques are being implemented across various regions to enhance water conservation and storage. One prominent method is the rooftop rainwater harvesting system, which involves collecting rainwater from rooftops through a network of pipes. This water is filtered and stored in underground tanks, ensuring a sustainable supply for domestic use.

In urban areas, such as in Tamil Nadu, the government has made rooftop rainwater harvesting mandatory for all new buildings, promoting widespread adoption. Additionally, communities are utilizing permeable pavements and infiltration trenches to allow rainwater to seep into the ground, replenishing groundwater levels.

Technological advancements have also led to the development of smart water management systems that monitor rainfall and optimize water collection and usage. These modern adaptations not only conserve water but also improve the resilience of communities against water scarcity.