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WATER RESOURCES - Q&A

1. Multiple choice questions.

(i) Based on the information given below classify each of the situations as 'suffering from water scarcity' or 'not suffering from water scarcity'.

(a) Region with high annual rainfall.
(b) Region having high annual rainfall and large population.
(c) Region having high annual rainfall but water is highly polluted.
(d) Region having low rainfall and low population.

Answer:
(a) Not suffering from water scarcity (Explanation: Ample water availability usually prevents scarcity).
(b) [cite_start]Suffering from water scarcity (Explanation: A large population requires more water for domestic use and food production, leading to depletion even with high rainfall [cite: 752]).
(c) [cite_start]Suffering from water scarcity (Explanation: Even with ample water, scarcity may be due to bad quality of water polluted by wastes and chemicals, making it hazardous for use [cite: 785, 786]).
(d) Not suffering from water scarcity (Explanation: While rainfall is low, the low population means demand is likely managed, avoiding the "over-exploitation" that defines scarcity in the text context).


(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: (c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood.
[cite_start]Explanation: Options (a), (b), and (d) describe the intended benefits (irrigation, flood control, electricity)[cite: 809]. [cite_start]Option (c) describes a negative consequence/opposition to these projects[cite: 829].


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

(a) Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have helped in proper utilisation of water resources.
(b) Regulating and damming of rivers does not affect the river's natural flow and its sediment flow.
(c) Today in Rajasthan, the practice of rooftop rainwater water harvesting has gained popularity despite high water availability due to the Indira Gandhi Canal.

Answer:
(a) Mistake: "helped in proper utilisation of water resources."
[cite_start]Corrected Statement: Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have not only added to water and energy requirements but have further aggravated the problem[cite: 773].

(b) Mistake: "does not affect the river's natural flow and its sediment flow."
[cite_start]Corrected Statement: Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow causing poor sediment flow and excessive sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir[cite: 830].

(c) Mistake: "has gained popularity"
[cite_start]Corrected Statement: Today in western Rajasthan, sadly the practice of rooftop rainwater harvesting is on the decline as plenty of water is available due to the perennial Indira Gandhi Canal[cite: 1032].


2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) Explain how water becomes a renewable resource.

Answer: [cite_start]Freshwater is continually being renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle[cite: 737]. [cite_start]All water moves within the hydrological cycle (evaporation, condensation, and precipitation) ensuring that water is a renewable resource[cite: 738].


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

Answer: Water scarcity refers to the shortage of water to meet demands. [cite_start]It is mainly caused by over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access to water among different social groups[cite: 747]. [cite_start]Large populations requiring more food and domestic water, as well as industrialization and urbanization, also contribute to it[cite: 752, 771].


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

Answer: [cite_start]Advantages: They integrate irrigation, electricity generation, water supply for domestic and industrial uses, flood control, recreation, inland navigation, and fish breeding[cite: 809].
[cite_start]Disadvantages: They affect the natural flow of rivers causing poor sediment flow and excessive sedimentation[cite: 830]. [cite_start]They fragment rivers making migration difficult for aquatic life [cite: 831][cite_start], submerge existing vegetation [cite: 832][cite_start], and can induce earthquakes and water-borne diseases[cite: 848].


3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.

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

Answer: [cite_start]In the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly in Bikaner, Phalodi, and Barmer, almost all houses traditionally had underground tanks or 'tankas' for storing drinking water[cite: 967]. [cite_start]The tanks were built inside the main house or courtyard and were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe[cite: 999, 1000]. [cite_start]Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down the pipe and be stored in these underground 'tankas'[cite: 1001]. [cite_start]The first spell of rain was usually not collected to clean the roofs and pipes[cite: 1002]. [cite_start]The rainwater, called 'palar pani', is considered the purest form of natural water[cite: 1011]. [cite_start]Many houses also constructed underground rooms adjoining the 'tanka' to beat the summer heat[cite: 1012].


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

Answer: Traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being adapted in modern times to combat water scarcity. [cite_start]For example, in Gendathur, a remote village in Mysuru, Karnataka, villagers have installed rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in their households to meet water needs[cite: 1034]. [cite_start]Using PVC pipes, rooftop rainwater is collected and filtered using sand and bricks, then directed to underground sumps for immediate usage or to recharge dug wells[cite: 1013, 1014]. [cite_start]This system has made the village rich in rainwater[cite: 1035]. [cite_start]Furthermore, states like Tamil Nadu have made rooftop rainwater harvesting structures compulsory for all houses across the state, with legal provisions to punish defaulters, ensuring widespread adoption of these conservation techniques[cite: 1044, 1045].

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Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered with water?
Answer
Three-quarters (three-fourth).
Question
Through which process is freshwater continually renewed and recharged?
Answer
The hydrological cycle.
Question
Freshwater is primarily obtained from groundwater and _____.
Answer
Surface run-off.
Question
Why is water categorised as a renewable resource?
Answer
Because it moves continuously within the hydrological cycle.
Question
According to predictions, how many people will be living in absolute water scarcity by the year $2025$?
Answer
Nearly two billion.
Question
Apart from low rainfall, what are the three main causes of water scarcity in most cases?
Answer
Over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access among social groups.
Question
How does a large and growing population contribute to water scarcity?
Answer
It increases demand for domestic use and food production, leading to over-exploitation.
Question
Which sector is the largest consumer of water resources in India?
Answer
Irrigated agriculture.
Question
What is the primary risk of farmers using private wells and tube-wells to increase produce?
Answer
Falling groundwater levels, which adversely affects food security.
Question
How do industries contribute to the depletion of freshwater resources?
Answer
They are heavy users of water and require hydroelectric power to operate.
Question
How has urbanisation aggravated the problem of water requirements?
Answer
Dense populations and urban lifestyles increase demand, often met by local groundwater pumping.
Question
What is the 'qualitative' aspect of water scarcity even in areas with ample water?
Answer
Water becomes hazardous for use due to pollution from domestic, industrial, and agricultural wastes.
Question
What is the primary goal of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)?
Answer
To provide every rural household with $55$ litres of potable piped water per capita per day.
Question
Which government scheme focuses on sustainable groundwater management and behavioural change in $8220$ water-stressed Gram Panchayats?
Answer
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal).
Question
In the $1$st century B.C., which location near Allahabad had a sophisticated water harvesting system for the river Ganga?
Answer
Sringaverapura.
Question
During whose reign were dams, lakes, and irrigation systems extensively built in ancient India?
Answer
Chandragupta Maurya.
Question
Name three regions where evidence of sophisticated ancient irrigation works has been found.
Answer
Kalinga (Odisha), Nagarjunakonda (Andhra Pradesh), and Bennur (Karnataka).
Question
Which $11$th-century structure was one of the largest artificial lakes of its time?
Answer
Bhopal Lake.
Question
Who constructed the tank in Hauz Khas, Delhi, in the $14$th century?
Answer
Iltutmish.
Question
What was the specific purpose of the Hauz Khas tank in Delhi?
Answer
To supply water to the Siri Fort area.
Question
Definition: Dam
Answer
A barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs, or retards flow, often creating a reservoir or lake.
Question
How are dams classified based on their structure and materials?
Answer
Timber dams, embankment dams, or masonry dams.
Question
How are dams classified based on their height?
Answer
Large/major dams, or low, medium, and high dams.
Question
Why are dams now referred to as 'multi-purpose projects'?
Answer
They integrate various uses such as irrigation, electricity generation, flood control, and fish breeding.
Question
The Bhakra-Nangal project is located in which river basin?
Answer
The Sutluj-Beas river basin.
Question
Which project in the Mahanadi basin integrates water conservation with flood control?
Answer
The Hirakud project.
Question
Who proclaimed dams as the 'temples of modern India'?
Answer
Jawaharlal Nehru.
Question
Why did Jawaharlal Nehru advocate for multi-purpose river projects?
Answer
To integrate agricultural development with rapid industrialisation and urban growth.
Question
How does regulating a river with a dam affect the stream bed?
Answer
It causes poor sediment flow and excessive sedimentation, resulting in rockier stream beds.
Question
How do dams affect the migration of aquatic fauna?
Answer
They fragment rivers, making it difficult for fauna to migrate, especially for spawning.
Question
Why do reservoirs on floodplains lead to land degradation over time?
Answer
They submerge existing vegetation and soil, causing it to decompose.
Question
What irony exists regarding dams and flood control?
Answer
Dams built to control floods have sometimes triggered them due to sedimentation in the reservoir.
Question
How does the deprivation of silt in floodplains, caused by dams, affect the land?
Answer
It removes a natural fertiliser, leading to land degradation.
Question
Identify three negative environmental impacts associated with multi-purpose projects.
Answer
Earthquakes, water-borne diseases, and pollution from excessive water use.
Question
Which scheme aims to provide 'Har Khet Ko Pani' (water to every field) and 'Per Drop More Crop'?
Answer
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
Question
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built over which river?
Answer
Narmada River.
Question
Name the four states involved in the Sardar Sarovar project.
Answer
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Question
What percentage of the command area in Gujarat for the Sardar Sarovar project is drought-prone?
Answer
About $75$ per cent.
Question
The Krishna-Godavari water dispute involves objections from which two state governments?
Answer
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Question
What is the core reason for the Krishna-Godavari dispute regarding the Maharashtra government?
Answer
The diversion of more water at Koyna for a multi-purpose project.
Question
What are 'guls' or 'kuls' in the Western Himalayas?
Answer
Diversion channels built for agricultural irrigation.
Question
Which region of India traditionally uses 'rooftop rainwater harvesting' to store drinking water?
Answer
Rajasthan.
Question
In the floodplains of Bengal, what method was developed to irrigate fields?
Answer
Inundation channels.
Question
What are 'Khadins' and 'Johads' in Rajasthan?
Answer
Agricultural fields converted into rain-fed storage structures that moisten the soil.
Question
In the arid regions of Rajasthan, what are the underground tanks for storing drinking water called?
Answer
Tankas.
Question
How were tankas traditionally kept clean in Rajasthan?
Answer
The first spell of rain was not collected to clean the roof and pipes.
Question
What is 'Palar pani'?
Answer
Rainwater, considered the purest form of natural water in Rajasthan.
Question
Why did some houses in Rajasthan build underground rooms adjoining their tankas?
Answer
To keep the rooms cool and beat the summer heat.
Question
Which canal has led to a decline in traditional rooftop rainwater harvesting in western Rajasthan?
Answer
The Indira Gandhi Canal.
Question
Which village in Mysuru, Karnataka, is famous for having installed rooftop rainwater harvesting in $200$ households?
Answer
Gendathur.
Question
What is the estimated annual collection of rainwater per household in Gendathur?
Answer
$50,000$ litres.
Question
Which Indian state was the first to make rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory for all houses?
Answer
Tamil Nadu.
Question
Why does Shillong face acute water shortages despite being near the world's rainiest places?
Answer
Lack of water management/infrastructure, necessitating widespread rooftop harvesting.
Question
How much of the total water requirement of a household in Shillong typically comes from rooftop harvesting?
Answer
$15$ to $25$ per cent.
Question
Describe the 'Bamboo Drip Irrigation System' prevalent in Meghalaya.
Answer
A $200$-year-old system using bamboo pipes to tap and transport stream and spring water.
Question
In the bamboo irrigation system, how many drops per minute reach the plant site?
Answer
$20$ to $80$ drops.
Question
According to the Hindi excerpt, what is the average annual rainfall in Israel?
Answer
$25$ cm.
Question
What is the average annual rainfall in India, as per the text?
Answer
$114$ cm.
Question
Why does India face water scarcity for approximately $9$ months a year despite high rainfall?
Answer
Lack of proper water management causes rainwater to flow rapidly into rivers and the sea.
Question
In Kolkata, a record rainfall of $180$ mm caused what outcome?
Answer
Flooding that paralysed the city and disrupted traffic.