Question 1

Find out which are the major towns/cities located on the bank of the Ganga and its tributaries and major industries they have.

Accepted Answer

To answer this question, students should research or refer to maps and data about the Ganga river basin. Major towns/cities on the banks of the Ganga and its tributaries include Varanasi, Kanpur, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Patna, Haridwar, and others. Major industries in these cities vary but include textiles, leather, chemicals, sugar, and manufacturing industries. For example, Kanpur is known for leather and textile industries, Varanasi for silk weaving, and Patna for agro-based industries. Students should list these towns and their prominent industries based on their findings. — The question requires identification of towns/cities along the Ganga and its tributaries and the industries located there. This can be done by studying the river map and industrial distribution in the Ganga basin. The answer involves listing towns and their major industries, showing understanding of the relationship between river location and industrial development.

Question 2

Observe the quantity of water used at your home in various activities and enlist the ways in which the water can be reused and recycled in various activities.

Class teachers should organise a discussion on recycle and reuse of water.

Accepted Answer

Students should monitor daily water usage in activities such as bathing, washing utensils, cleaning, gardening, and vehicle washing. They should note the approximate quantity of water used in each activity. Then, they should identify ways to reuse water, for example, using bath water or washing water for gardening, using recycled water for cleaning or flushing toilets, and using reclaimed wastewater for industrial purposes like cooling. The discussion should focus on practical methods to reduce water wastage and promote water conservation through recycling and reuse. — This activity encourages students to be aware of their water consumption and think critically about water conservation. By observing and listing water use and reuse methods, students learn practical approaches to reduce freshwater demand and promote sustainable water management.

Question 3

Choose the right answers of the following from the given options.

(i) Which one of the following types describes water as a resource?
(a) Abiotic resource
(b) Non-renewable Resources
(c) Biotic Resource
(d) Non-cyclic Resource

(ii) Which one of the following south Indian states has the highest groundwater utilisation (in per cent) of its total ground water potential?
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Karnataka
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Kerala

(iii) The highest proportion of the total water used in the country is in which one of the following sectors?

(a) Irrigation

(c) Domestic use

(b) Industries

(d) None of the above

Accepted Answer

1(i) Water is described as an abiotic resource because it is a non-living natural resource. Hence, option (a) Abiotic resource is correct.

1(ii) Tamil Nadu has the highest groundwater utilisation in percentage of its total groundwater potential among South Indian states. Hence, option (a) Tamil Nadu is correct.

1(iii) The highest proportion of total water used in India is in the irrigation sector. Hence, option (a) Irrigation is correct. — 1(i) Water is a non-living natural resource, so it is abiotic.
1(ii) Tamil Nadu extensively uses groundwater for agriculture and domestic purposes, leading to highest utilisation.
1(iii) Agriculture consumes the largest share of water in India, primarily for irrigation, compared to industries and domestic use.

Question 4

Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) It is said that the water resources in India have been depleting very fast. Discuss the factors responsible for depletion of water resources?

(ii) What factors are responsible for the highest groundwater development in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu?

(iii) Why the share of agricultural sector in total water used in the country is expected to decline?

(iv) What can be possible impacts of consumption of contaminated/unclean water on the people?

Accepted Answer

2(i) Factors responsible for depletion of water resources in India include over-extraction of groundwater, increasing population, urbanisation, industrialisation, and inefficient water management.

2(ii) The highest groundwater development in Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu is due to intensive agriculture, availability of canal irrigation, and favourable hydrogeological conditions.

2(iii) The share of agriculture in total water use is expected to decline due to improved irrigation efficiency, growth of industrial and domestic water demand, and water conservation measures.

2(iv) Consumption of contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and can cause long-term health problems including malnutrition and impaired development. — 2(i) Overuse and mismanagement reduce water availability.
2(ii) Intensive farming and irrigation infrastructure promote groundwater use.
2(iii) Diversification of water use sectors and efficiency improvements reduce agriculture's share.
2(iv) Contaminated water causes diseases and health hazards.

Question 5

Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(i) Discuss the availability of water resources in the country and factors that determine its spatial distribution?

(ii) The depleting water resources may lead to social conflicts and disputes. Elaborate it with suitable examples?

(iii) What is watershed management? Do you think it can play an important role in sustainable development?

Accepted Answer

3(i) India has abundant water resources but their availability is uneven across regions and seasons. Factors determining spatial distribution include rainfall patterns, river systems, topography, and groundwater availability. Northern and northeastern regions receive heavy rainfall, while western and southern regions are drier. Seasonal variation causes water scarcity in summer months.

3(ii) Depleting water resources can cause conflicts between states, communities, and countries. Examples include disputes over river water sharing like the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and the Indus water conflict between India and Pakistan. Water scarcity can also lead to local conflicts over groundwater.

3(iii) Watershed management involves conservation, regeneration, and judicious use of all resources within a watershed to ensure sustainable water availability. It includes soil conservation, afforestation, rainwater harvesting, and efficient water use. It plays a vital role in sustainable development by preventing soil erosion, improving groundwater recharge, and supporting agriculture and livelihoods. — 3(i) Water availability depends on climatic and geographic factors causing uneven distribution.
3(ii) Limited water leads to competition and disputes at various levels.
3(iii) Watershed management conserves water and land resources, promoting sustainability.

Question 6

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water, and what percentage of this water is freshwater available for human use?

Accepted Answer

71% of Earth's surface covered by water; 3% freshwater — Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, but only about 3% of this water is freshwater. Out of this freshwater, only a small proportion is effectively available for human use due to factors like ice caps and glaciers.

Question 7

India accounts for approximately what percentage of the world's surface area, water resources, and population respectively?

Accepted Answer

2.45% surface area, 4% water resources, 17% population — India occupies about 2.45% of the world's surface area, has about 4% of the world's water resources, and supports more than 17% of the world's population, indicating a high population pressure on limited water resources.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a major source of surface water in India?

Accepted Answer

Wells — Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks. Wells are sources of groundwater, not surface water.

Question 9

What is the approximate total utilizable water resource in India from surface water and groundwater combined?

Accepted Answer

1,122 cubic kilometers — India's total surface water and replenishable groundwater resources amount to about 1,869 cubic km, but only about 60% is utilizable, which is approximately 1,122 cubic km.

Question 10

Why is only about 32% of India's surface water available for utilization despite the high mean annual flow?

Accepted Answer

Only about 32% of India's surface water is utilizable due to topographical, hydrological, and other constraints. Factors such as uneven rainfall distribution, river basin characteristics, and physical barriers limit the ability to harness the total flow effectively. — Surface water availability is influenced by natural factors like topography and rainfall distribution, as well as human factors such as infrastructure limitations. These constraints prevent full utilization of the mean annual river flow, resulting in only about 32% being practically usable.

Question 11

Explain how the catchment area and rainfall influence the flow of rivers in India.

Accepted Answer

River flow depends on the size of its catchment area and the amount of rainfall within that area. Larger catchment areas collect more water, and higher rainfall increases river discharge. For example, the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins have large catchment areas with high precipitation, resulting in significant river flow. — The catchment area determines the land area from which a river collects water, while rainfall provides the water input. Both factors combined affect the volume and variability of river flow, which is crucial for water resource planning and management.

Question 12

Which river basins in India account for about 60% of the total surface water resources despite covering only one-third of the country's area?

Accepted Answer

Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak — The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak river basins have large catchment areas with relatively high precipitation and thus account for about 60% of the total surface water resources, even though they cover only about one-third of India's area.

Question 13

Compare the utilization of groundwater resources in Punjab and Kerala.

Accepted Answer

Punjab utilizes a large proportion of its groundwater resources, with over 85% of net sown area irrigated mainly through wells and tubewells, leading to groundwater depletion. In contrast, Kerala uses only a small fraction of its groundwater potential, indicating underutilization. — Punjab's intensive groundwater use supports high agricultural productivity but causes declining water tables and environmental issues. Kerala, with abundant rainfall and surface water, relies less on groundwater, reflecting regional differences in resource use and availability.

Question 14

What are the consequences of over-extraction of groundwater in states like Punjab and Rajasthan?

Accepted Answer

Over-extraction of groundwater leads to declining water tables, increased concentration of harmful substances like fluoride and arsenic, soil salinity, and long-term sustainability issues. This affects agricultural productivity and poses health risks to the population. — Excessive withdrawal of groundwater reduces its availability and quality. In Punjab and Rajasthan, this has caused environmental degradation, making water unsafe and threatening future water security.

Question 15

Which Indian states have significant surface water resources in lagoons and backwaters, and what are the typical uses of this water?

Accepted Answer

Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal have vast surface water resources in lagoons and backwaters. This brackish water is mainly used for fishing and irrigating certain crops like paddy and coconut. — These coastal states have indented coastlines forming lagoons and backwaters. Although the water is brackish, it supports aquaculture and agriculture suited to saline conditions, contributing to local livelihoods.

Do you think that what exists today will

Do you think that what exists today will — Study Notes

Water Resources of India

Surface Water Resources

Groundwater Resources

Practice Questions — Do you think that what exists today will

All 9 Chapters in India -People And Economy