Water Resources
Short Question
Question: What fraction of the earth’s surface is covered with water?
Answer: About three-fourth of the earth’s surface is covered with water.
Question: From where do we mainly obtain freshwater?
Answer: Freshwater is mainly obtained from surface runoff and groundwater.
Question: What ensures that water is a renewable resource?
Answer: The hydrological cycle ensures that water is a renewable resource.
Question: What is the largest consumer of water in India?
Answer: Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of water in India.
Question: Name the mission launched by the Government of India for rural water supply.
Answer: Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
Question: What is the main aim of the Jal Jeevan Mission?
Answer: To provide every rural household potable piped water supply.
Question: What did Jawaharlal Nehru call dams?
Answer: He called dams the “temples of modern India.”
Question: Which project integrates conservation of water with flood control in the Mahanadi basin?
Answer: The Hirakud Project.
Question: Name the movement against the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Answer: Narmada Bachao Andolan.
Question: Which state first made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory?
Answer: Tamil Nadu.
Question: What are ‘tankas’ in Rajasthan used for?
Answer: Tankas are underground tanks used for storing drinking water.
Question: Which rainwater harvesting method is popular in Western Himalayas?
Answer: ‘Guls’ or ‘kuls’ (diversion channels).
Question: Name the traditional rainwater harvesting structures in Jaisalmer.
Answer: Khadins.
Question: What is Bamboo Drip Irrigation?
Answer: A traditional system in Meghalaya that uses bamboo pipes to divert water.
Question: Which two rivers are associated with the Bhakra-Nangal Project?
Answer: The Sutluj and Beas rivers.
Long Questions
Question: What is water scarcity and what are its main causes?
Answer: Water scarcity means lack of sufficient and safe water to meet human needs. It is mainly caused by over-exploitation, excessive use, growing population, and unequal access. Pollution of water sources also adds to scarcity.
Question:How does agriculture lead to over-exploitation of water resources?
Answer: A large population demands more food, increasing irrigation needs. Farmers use tube wells and wells extensively, lowering groundwater levels. This results in unsustainable water use and affects long-term food security.
Question:Explain the role of industries in water scarcity.
Answer: Industries consume huge amounts of freshwater and energy. They also pollute water by releasing waste, chemicals, and toxins. This makes water hazardous for human and ecological use.
Question:What are multi-purpose river projects?
Answer: Multi-purpose river projects are dams built for various purposes like irrigation, power generation, water supply, flood control, navigation, and fishing. They integrate water use to promote agriculture, industry, and urban development.
Question:What are the disadvantages of large dams?
Answer: Large dams disturb river flow, cause sedimentation, and harm aquatic life. They also submerge forests and displace people. Many dams have failed to control floods, worsening the situation during heavy rains.
Question:What is the Narmada Bachao Andolan?
Answer: It is a movement against the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River. Tribal people, farmers, and activists protested displacement and environmental damage. They demanded proper rehabilitation and justice for affected communities.
Question: How is rooftop rainwater harvesting practiced in Rajasthan?
Answer: People build underground tankas connected to sloping roofs. Rainwater flows through pipes into these tankas after the first rain cleans the roof. The stored water is used for drinking, especially during summers.
Question: Explain the Bamboo Drip Irrigation system of Meghalaya.
Answer: This 200-year-old method uses bamboo pipes to divert spring water from hilltops to fields. Water travels long distances and reduces to controlled drops near plants. It conserves water while meeting agricultural needs.
Question: How has irrigation changed cropping patterns?
Answer: Irrigation encouraged farmers to grow commercial and water-intensive crops. This caused salinisation of soil and widened social gaps between rich landowners and poor farmers. It also created conflicts over water usage.
Question: Why is rainwater harvesting considered a viable alternative to dams?
Answer: Unlike big dams, rainwater harvesting is environment-friendly and cost-effective. It reduces dependence on groundwater, prevents floods, and provides safe drinking water. It also respects local ecology and traditional knowledge.
Leave a Reply