Chapter 10

Water Resources
Class 10 - Total Geography Morning Star

Choose the correct option

Question 1

What is an aquifer?

1. An underground well that readily gives out water on digging the land.
2. An underground pond that was once a source of water and is now buried under rocks.
3. An underground stream saturated with water that is transmitted readily on to the
surface.
4. None of the above.

Answer

An underground stream saturated with water that is transmitted readily on to the surface.

Question 2

Which of the following does not conserve water?

1. Rainwater harvesting
2. Using bottled drinking water only
3. Water recycling
4. Drip irrigation

Answer

Using bottled drinking water only

Question 3

Assertion (A): Many states have recorded a sharp fall in the groundwater levels, ranging
from 70 to 80 per cent.

Reason (R): With the increase in population the demand for water has risen.

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
3. A is true but R is false.
 4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation — Increase in population means an increase in the demand for water. This in
turn leads to decline in groundwater levels in many states.

Question 4

Which of the following is a cause for the decline in groundwater levels?

1. Irregular and erratic rainfall

2. Urbanisation
3. Loss of vegetative cover
4. All of the above.

Answer

All of the above.

Question 5

Sprinkler irrigation is also known as ............... .

1. Seepage irrigation
2. Overhead irrigation
3. Protected irrigation
4. Nozzle irrigation

Answer

Overhead irrigation

Question 6

Tanks form the main source of irrigation in ............... .

1. Punjab and Haryana

2. the Deccan Plateau
3. Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
4. All of the above.

Answer

the Deccan Plateau

Question 7

Assertion (A): Cherrapunji, which receives about 11,000 mm of rainfall annually, suffers
from acute shortage of drinking water.

Reason (R): Most of the rain falling on the surface tends to flow away rapidly, leaving very
little for the recharge of groundwater.

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation — Rainfall in India occurs in short spells of high intensity due to which most of
the rain falling on the surface tends to flow away rapidly, leaving very little for the recharge
of groundwater. This in turn causes Cherrapunji to suffer from acute shortage of drinking
water.

Question 8

................ is not a conventional means of irrigation.

1. Furrow irrigation
2. Wells
3. Tanks
4. Inundation canals

Answer

Furrow irrigation

Question 9

Rahul is constructing a house in Mathura. Of the following methods select those that he can
use to ensure rainwater harvesting.

(i) A garden
(ii) Porous tiles in his driveway
(iii) Rooftop rainwater harvesting
(iv) Borewell

1. (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)

2. (i), (ii), (iii)
3. (i), (ii), (iv)
4. None of them.
Answer

(i), (ii), (iii), (iv)

Question 10

Assertion (A): Runoff from only paved surfaces is used for storing rainwater.

Reason (R): It is relatively free of bacteriological contamination.

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation — Paved surfaces are relatively free of bacteriological contamination due to

lack of direct contact with soil and organic matter, limited microbial activity, and less
exposure to pollutants.

Question 11

Most of the canals in India belong to which category?

1. Perennial canals
2. Inundation canals
3. Navigation canals
4. None of the above.

Answer

Perennial canals

Question 12

Which of the following least irrigated state of India is solely dependent on canals?

1. Assam
2. Mizoram
3. Tripura
4. Arunachal Pradesh

Answer

Mizoram
Question 13

Assertion (A): For farmers rainfall is still the most important source of water.

Reason (R): Irrigation canals and tanks have been constructed by rulers since ancient times.

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.

Explanation — Farmers make use of irrigation canals and tanks, as well as rely on rainfall.
However, they are two separate facts.

Question 14

You have to maintain one public park in your colony. Which method of irrigation would you
prefer?

1. Furrow irrigation
2. Spray irrigation
3. Drip irrigation
4. Sprinkler irrigation

Answer

Sprinkler irrigation

Answer the following questions

Question 1(a)

What do you understand by the term 'water resource'?

Answer

The term 'water resource' refers to any of the entire range of natural waters that occur on the
earth and are of potential use to living beings.

Question 1(b)

Give two points of difference between 'surface water' and 'ground water'.

Answer
 Surface water Ground water

Surface water forms streams, lakes, rivers and The water which seeps through the cracks and crevices u
ponds flowing on land. surface of the land is known as ground water.

It can be used directly without pumping. It needs to be pumped out of the ground before it can be

Question 1(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Need to adopt different means of irrigation.

(ii) Need for conserving water.

(iii) Man is responsible for water crisis.

Answer

(i) There is a need to adopt different means of irrigation because of uncertainty of rainfall,
uneven distribution of rainfall, crop requirements, nature of the soil, effective utilisation of
river water and to maximise production.

(ii) There is a need for conserving water for the following reasons-

1. The over exploitation of ground water often results in the lowering of water table.
2. The loss of vegetation causes drought and reduction of rainfall and lowering of the
water table.
3. Irrigation utilises more than 90% of the total freshwater.
4. The increase in population results in water scarcity.
5. Our water resources are polluted and their water can hardly be used without adequate
treatment.

(iii) Man is responsible for water crisis in India because due to increase in population,
irrigation and industrialisation, the demand for water has risen. This has led to a decline in
groundwater levels in various parts of the country.

Question 1(d)

Rajasthan faces water scarcity, particularly in dry areas. The government has initiated water
harvesting projects to enhance water availability.

(i) What is meant by water harvesting?

(ii) State the objectives of water harvesting schemes.

Answer
(i) Rainwater harvesting is the process of increasing the recharge of groundwater by
capturing and storing rainwater locally in sub-surface water reservoirs.

(ii) The main objectives of rainwater harvesting are the following:

1. Meeting the ever increasing demand for water.

2. Reducing the run-off which chokes drains.
3. Avoiding the flooding of roads.
4. Augmenting the groundwater storage and raise the water table.
5. Reducing groundwater pollution.
6. Improving the quality of groundwater.
7. Reducing the soil erosion.
8. Supplementing domestic water requirement during summer and drought.

Question 2(a)

What is meant by the term irrigation?

Answer

Irrigation refers to the process of watering of agricultural plants through artificial means from
wells, tanks, tube wells, canals, etc.

Question 2(b)

What is meant by the term 'water scarcity'? What has caused this scarcity in India?

Answer

Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of
water usage within a region.

Growing population, over-exploitation and unequal distribution of water among social groups
are the main causes of water scarcity in India.

Question 2(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Inundation canals are being converted to perennial canals.

(ii) Tank irrigation is preferred over other means of irrigation in Peninsular India.

(iii) Groundwater reserves are depleting at a fast rate.

Answer

(i) Inundation canals are being converted to perennial canals because inundation canals get
supply of water only when the rivers are in flood while perennial canals can draw water
throughout the year and irrigate large areas.
(ii) Tank irrigation is preferred over other means of irrigation in Peninsular India because-

1. The rivers of Deccan are mainly dependent on the rainwater.

2. Many streams become torrential during the rainy season but dry up when the rain
ceases.
3. The hard rocks in the area do not absorb waters, wells cannot be made there.
4. The terrain is uneven with many natural depressions where tanks can be easily built.

(iii) Groundwater reserves are depleting at a fast rate due to increase in population, irrigation
and industrialisation, the demand for water has risen. This has led to a decline in groundwater
level in various parts of the country.

Question 2(d)

(i) What is meant by traditional or conventional methods of irrigation?

(ii) Name any two conventional methods of irrigation.

Answer

(i) Traditional methods of irrigation means to supply water to the plant zone by pumped
water from surface or subsurface sources like ponds, rivers, channels or groundwater through
earthen channels or pipes with gravitational force.

(ii) Two conventional methods of irrigation are wells and tanks.

Question 3(a)

State any two drawbacks of conventional methods of irrigation.

Answer

Two drawbacks of conventional methods of irrigation are-

1. A large quantity of water is not properly utilised.

2. The fields situated in low areas always get excess water causing prolonged water
logging.

Question 3(b)

Give two advantages and two disadvantages of well irrigation.

Answer

Two advantages of well irrigation are-

1. Wells can be dug at a very low cost which is well within the means of poor farmers.
2. By the use of pumps and tubewells, water can be lifted even from great depths.

Two disadvantages of well irrigation are-

 1. Wells depend on underground water resources whose distribution varies from region
to region.
2. The traditional wells dry up due to over withdrawal of the ground water and lowering
of the water table.

Question 3(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Well irrigation is confined mainly to the alluvial plains.

(ii) In Tamil Nadu, nearly one-third of the net irrigated area is under canal irrigation.

(iii) Drip irrigation reduces loss of water through evaporation.

Answer

(i) Well irrigation is confined mainly to the alluvial plains as owing to the soft nature of the
soil, wells can be easily dug and the yield of crops from the land after irrigation is
considerably high.

(ii) In Tamil Nadu, nearly one-third of the net irrigated area is under canal irrigation because
Tamil Nadu receives rainfall during the winter season while summer season remains dry.
Thus, irrigation is needed in summer to make up the lack of rainfall.

(iii) Drip irrigation reduces loss of water through evaporation as this system consists of
perforated pipes that are placed between rows of crops or buried along their root lines and
give water directly on to the crops.

Question 3(d)

(i) Name any two states where well irrigation is practised.

(ii) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of tubewell irrigation.

Answer

(i) Two states where well irrigation is practised are Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

(ii) One advantage of tubewell irrigation is that it brings up clean water.

One disadvantage of tubewell irrigation is that it is useless if the water is brackish.

Question 4(a)

Name the two types of canals. Name two states where perennial canals are widely used.

Answer

Two types of canals are-

1. Inundation canals
 2. Perennial canals

Two states where perennial canals are widely used are Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Question 4(b)

How are the fields irrigated using the Persian wheel method?

Answer

Persian wheel method is a partly submerged vertical wheel with buckets attached to the rim.
As the wheel is turned by draught animals rotating a geared horizontal wheel, the buckets are
filled and emptied into a trough above, which carries the water to crop-sown fields.

Question 4(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Canals make the soil infertile.

(ii) Tubewell irrigation is quite expensive.

(iii) Excessive accumulation of salts make the soils unsuitable for cultivation.

Answer

(i) Canals make the soil infertile because in canal irrigation, where water table is a few feet
below the ground, the alkaline salts come to the surface, mix with the soil and make it
unproductive.

(ii) Tubewell irrigation is quite expensive as it requires continuous supply of electricity.

(iii) Excessive accumulation of salts make the soils unsuitable for cultivation because when
salt concentrations in the soil are high, the movement of water from the soil to the root is
slowed down. When the salt concentrations in the soil are higher than inside the root cells, the
soil will draw water from the root, and the plant will wilt and die. Hence, the soil becomes
unsuitable for cultivation.

Question 4(d)

Canals are a channel for supply of water from rivers to the farm fields. The perennial canals
are not only an advantage but can be disadvantageous too. The perennial canals are functional
in the state of Punjab due to the favourable situations available there.

(i) What conditions favour the development of canal irrigation in the mentioned area?

(ii) State two disadvantages of it.

Answer

(i) The following conditions favour the development of canal irrigation in Punjab:
 1. Presence of rivers (like Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi)
2. Gentle slope of land
3. Extensive farmlands
4. Low rainfall
5. Alluvial soil

(ii) Two disadvantages of Canal irrigation (perennial) are as follows:

1. In areas where perennial unlined canals flow at ground level and between raised high
banks, the water table may rise excessively, leading to waterlogging and swamp
formation, rendering the soil uncultivable.
2. Waterlogging reduces the soil's ability to absorb water, so even slight excess rainfall
can flood the land, damaging crops, homes, and stored goods due to poor drainage.

Question 5(a)

Briefly explain why groundwater levels are dropping rapidly in India.

Answer

The groundwater levels are dropping rapidly in India due to the following reasons:

1. The over-exploitation of groundwater is mainly responsible for the lowering of water

table.
2. Excessive extraction for agriculture, especially through borewells, has led to a
significant decline in the water table.
3. This issue is further worsened by a reduction in rainfall, which limits the natural
recharge of groundwater.
4. Industrial use and the growing demand from a rising population also contribute to this
rapid depletion.

Question 5(b)

How can groundwater be recharged? Name a method to recharge groundwater.

Answer

Groundwater can be recharged by allowing rainwater to seep into the ground. One effective
method is rainwater harvesting, where rainwater is collected and directed into the soil through
pits, trenches, or wells, helping to refill underground water reserves.

Question 5(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Many farmers in India still use wells.

(ii) There is very little recharge of groundwater.

(iii) Tubewells are important in Punjab.

Answer

(i) Many farmers in India still use wells because wells can be dug at a very low cost and the
oxen which are kept for ploughing the land can be utilised for drawing water from the well.

(ii) There is very little recharge of groundwater because rapid urbanisation has reduced open
spaces and natural surfaces, preventing rainwater from seeping into the ground and
replenishing the water table.

(iii) Tubewells are important in Punjab because the state has fertile alluvial soil and a high
demand for irrigation to support intensive farming, especially of wheat and rice. The presence
of abundant groundwater makes tubewells a reliable source of irrigation.

Question 5(d)

(i) What is watershed management?

(ii) How is it beneficial for farmers in the long run?

Answer

(i) Watershed management refers to the efficient management and conservation of both the
surface and groundwater resources. It includes the prevention of run-off as well as storage
and recharge of groundwater by various methods like percolation pits, recharge wells,
borewells, dugwells etc.

(ii) Watershed management is beneficial for farmers as it is aimed at conserving both soil and
water. Since both soil and water are indispensible for the cultivation of crops, watershed
management helps farmers to maximize their crop production and income.

Question 6(a)

What is 'drip irrigation'? How is it useful?

Answer

Drip irrigation is the most advanced and efficient method of irrigation. This system consists
of perforated pipes that are placed between rows of crops or buried along their root lines and
give water directly on to the crops.

It is useful as it reduces evaporation drastically and irrigation water is conserved. It also

allows the grower to customise an irrigation programme most beneficial to each crop.

Question 6(b)

Explain briefly the need to conserve water.

Answer
We need to conserve water for the following reasons-

1. The over exploitation of ground water often results in the lowering of water table.
2. The loss of vegetation causes drought and reduction of rainfall and lowering of the
water table.
3. Irrigation utilises more than 90% of the total freshwater.
4. The increase in population results in water scarcity.
5. Our water resources are polluted and their water can hardly be used without adequate
treatment.

Question 6(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Modern means of irrigation are gaining popularity.

(ii) Sprinkler irrigation helps in conserving water.

(iii) Spray irrigation is quite expensive.

Answer

(i) Modern means of irrigation are gaining popularity because of the following reasons-

1. No loss of water due to seepage or evaporation

2. Conserve water
3. Prevent soil erosion
4. Suitable for areas where the rainfall is low
5. High efficiency

(ii) Sprinkler irrigation helps in conserving water as water is sprayed directly to the required
plants so there is no loss of water through seepage or evaporation.

(iii) Spray irrigation is quite expensive because it requires complex machinery.

Question 6(d)

What is meant by furrow irrigation? What is its advantage?

Answer

Furrow irrigation is a type of flood irrigation in which the water poured on the field is
directed to flow through narrow channels dug between the rows of crops, instead of evenly
distributing the water throughout the whole field. The furrows must have equal dimensions,
in order to guarantee that the water is distributed evenly.

The advantage of furrow irrigation is lower initial investment of equipment and lower
pumping costs per acre-inch of water pumped.
Question 7(a)

Picture 7(a) shows drip irrigation in a field. List its advantages.

Answer

The advantages of Drip irrigation are as follows:

1. It is the most advanced and efficient method of irrigation.

2. This system consists of perforated pipes that are placed between rows of crops or
buried along their root lines and give water directly on to the crops.
3. As a result, evaporation is drastically reduced and irrigation water is conserved.
4. Drip irrigation allows the grower to customise an irrigation programme most
beneficial to each crop.

Question 7(b)
Picture 7(b) is Agrasen ki Baoli (New Delhi) — a step-well whose current form is believed to
be constructed in the 14th century. The water level varies seasonally. It is designed to ensure
water availability throughout the year with all fluctuations. Write a short note on any
traditional irrigation method.

Answer

One of the traditional methods of irrigation include Well Irrigation.

A well is a small hole dug in the surface of the earth to obtain water from the water table for
irrigation and other purposes. Wells are usually of two types: Lined wells (manmade), and
Unlined wells (formed by different natural phenomena).

Well irrigation is a cheap, simple and dependable source of irrigation. It is practised in areas
where plenty of groundwater is available and the depth of the water table does not exceed
15m.

Question 7(c)
Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Loss of water due to evaporation is highest in tanks.

(ii) Many cities have banned construction of tubewells.

(iii) Rabi crops are grown in areas with irrigation facilities.

Answer

(i) Loss of water due to evaporation is highest in tanks due to large area coverage and its
shallow depth.

(ii) Many cities in India have banned the construction of tubewells because excessive
extraction of groundwater lowers the water table, leading to water scarcity. It can also cause
the ground to sink which can damage buildings and infrastructure.

(iii) Rabi crops are grown in areas with irrigation facilities because they are sown in winter
when rainfall is low. These crops, like wheat and barley, need a regular water supply, which
is provided through irrigation.

Question 7(d)

Given a choice which modern method of irrigation would you use to irrigate your farm? Give
reasons to support your answer.

Answer

If given a choice, I would use the drip irrigation method to irrigate my farm. This is due to
the following reasons:

1. It is one of the most advanced and efficient method of irrigation.

2. The system uses perforated pipes placed between crop rows or along root lines,
delivering water directly to the plant roots.
3. This reduces evaporation significantly and helps conserve irrigation water.
4. Drip irrigation allows farmers to customise irrigation programme according to the
specific needs of each crop, improving yield and resource efficiency.

Thinking Skills

Question 1

Nature has endowed India with plentiful water resources. Despite this, acute shortage of
water is noticed in some states. What could be the reasons for this shortage?

Answer

India is known to be a land of rivers with 12 major rivers and 46 medium rivers. Many of
these rivers are perennial and some of them are seasonal. The annual rainfall in India is 1,170
mm which is higher as compared to the world average of 800 mm. Despite this, acute
shortage of water in some states is due to the following reasons:

1. Uneven distribution — Water resources are not distributed evenly across the
country. The monsoons rains are also spread unevenly. The result is that some states
are devastated with floods while others face severe drought at the same time.
2. Population growth — India has one of the world's largest populations, and the
demand for water is increasing due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and
agricultural growth. India constitutes around 17% of the world's population but has
only 4% of the world's freshwater resources.
3. Poor water management — Inefficient management of water resources, lack of
proper infrastructure, and poor governance are also contributing to the water shortage
in some states.
4. Pollution — Pollution of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, is
reducing the availability of clean water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use.

Question 2

In your city, critical shortage of water has been reported due to a sharp fall in the
groundwater level. What steps you will take to check this scarcity of water?

Answer

To check this scarcity of water, we need to take quick steps to make proper policies and laws
and adopt effective measures for water conservation. This can be done by using rainwater
harvesting. It is the process of increasing the recharge of groundwater by capturing and
storing rainwater locally in sub-surface water reservoirs.

Various kinds of recharge structures are possible which can ensure that rainwater percolates
in the ground instead of draining away from the surface Some of these are:

1. Borewells and Dugwells — They are used to raise the underground water table.
2. Recharge Pit — They are excavated into the ground lined with a brick or stone wall
with openings at regular intervals.
3. Percolation Pits — It is a bored hole of up to 30 cm diameter drilled in the ground to a
depth of 3 to 10 m.
4. Recharge Trenches — They are excavated on the ground and refilled with porous
media like pebbles, boulder or brick bats to harvest the surface runoff.
5. Permeable Surfaces — For example, a patch of grass is used to retain a large
proportion of the rainwater falling on it, yielding only 10-15 per cent as runoff.
6. Porous tiles — They can be used on pavements and footpaths.

Question 3

Our country has a long history of water conservation techniques like (i) Surangam (Kerela):
A horizontal well dug in laterite rock until a significant amount of water is struck. This water
seeps out of the hard rock. Outside of the Surangam, the water is gathered in an open pit.
(ii) Bawaris/Baolis (Rajasthan): A system of layered steps was created around the reservoirs
to narrow and deepen the wells, reducing water loss through evaporation harvesting the
scanty rainfall received by the region. (iii) Eri/ Ooranis (Tamil Nadu): A tank system that
manages floods, minimises soil erosion and runoff during heavy rains. Thus recharging
groundwater. (iv) Ahar Pynes (Bihar) are reservoirs with three-sided embankments (Ahar)
constructed at the end of man-made diversion channels (Pynes). (v) Zing (Ladakh): Tank
used to harvest water from glaciers. As the glacier melts during the day, a network of
channels fill up with water. By the afternoon the water in the channels turns into a flowing
stream which collects in the tank by evening and is used the next day.

Which one would be suitable for your city? Have you observed any of these traditional
systems? If you have, briefly describe it.

Answer

The most suitable traditional water conservation system for my city would be Ahar Pynes.

My city is located on the Indo-Gangetic plains in North India, a region known for its fertile
soil and agriculture-based economy. This area receives seasonal rainfall and has several
rivers and natural drainage channels. The Ahar Pynes system is ideal here because it helps in
managing excess rainwater during the monsoon by diverting it through pynes (channels) into
ahars (reservoirs), preventing flooding and soil erosion. It also ensures water is stored for
irrigation during dry periods, supporting sustainable farming and groundwater recharge.

Yes, I have observed Chand Baori in Rajasthan. It is a stunning architectural marvel and one
of India's deepest and largest stepwells. It features a square shape with multiple tiers of steps
arranged in a precise geometrical pattern. It has 3,500 narrow steps leading down to a depth
of about 20 meters (65 feet). The steps are constructed without mortar or iron clips, relying
on a precise design for stability. It is strategically positioned to capture and store rainwater,
ensuring a reliable water supply for the surrounding community, especially during dry
periods.