Water Resources | Long Answer Type Questions | Class 10th

Long Answer Type Questions:

Q.1 'Multipurpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny and opposition for a variety of reasons.' Explain.

Answer: Multipurpose river projects were expected to control floods, provide irrigation and generate power, but over time they have faced strong criticism.
i) Large dams often lead to heavy displacement of people, causing loss of homes, land and livelihoods.

ii) They create serious environmental problems such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity and disturbance of natural river flow.
iii) These projects may also increase regional inequalities, as water benefits often reach industries or richer farmers instead of local communities.

iv) In some cases, dams have even worsened flood situations by excessive sedimentation and sudden release of water.

Because of these social, economic and ecological impacts, multipurpose projects and big dams are now questioned by many groups.

Q.2 How can integrated water resources management help in addressing water scarcity?

Answer: Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) means planning, using and protecting water in a coordinated and sustainable way. It helps in reducing water scarcity through the following points:

i) Brings all water sources together: It treats surface water, groundwater, rainfall and river basins as one system. This helps in proper allocation and prevents overuse of any single source.

ii) Promotes efficient water use: It encourages methods like drip irrigation, sprinklers, and careful domestic use, which reduce wastage and save water for future needs.

iii) Improves groundwater recharge: IWRM supports rainwater harvesting, building check dams and watershed development. These measures help water seep into the ground and raise the water table.

iv) Prevents water pollution: By controlling waste from industries and cities, it keeps rivers and lakes clean. Clean water reduces pressure on available freshwater and increases usable supply.

v) Ensures fair distribution of water: It balances the needs of agriculture, households and industries. Fair and planned sharing reduces conflicts and makes water available to all sections.

For Example: Rajasthan’s rainwater harvesting structures, such as johads and check dams, have helped raise groundwater levels and provided water even during dry months.

Or

The Bhakra–Nangal project manages river water for irrigation, electricity and domestic use. It shows how one system can meet multiple water needs together.

Or

The Ganga Action Plan aims to treat sewage and industrial waste before it enters the river, making the water cleaner and usable again.

Or

Tamil Nadu made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory. As a result, groundwater levels rose in many cities like Chennai.

Q.3 “Modern dams provide several developmental benefits.” Explain.

Answer: i) Irrigation Support: Dams store river water and release it when required. This ensures regular irrigation, helps increase crop production and reduces dependence on monsoon rains.

ii) Hydroelectric Power Generation: Water stored in dams is used to produce hydroelectricity, which is a clean, renewable and low-cost source of energy for homes and industries.

iii) Flood Control: By regulating the flow of rivers, dams help control floods during heavy rainfall. They protect settlements, farmland and infrastructure from major damage.

iv) Drinking and Domestic Water Supply: Reservoirs created by dams supply water to cities, towns and villages. This supports drinking water needs, sanitation and daily household use.

v) Industrial Use and Multipurpose Benefits: Dams provide water to industries for processing and cooling.

Their multipurpose design allows a single structure to support irrigation, power generation, flood control and water supply, promoting overall development.

Q.4 Explain why large multipurpose river projects often become a source of dispute between different states and local communities.

Answer: There are several reasons behind the conflicts. These are:-

i) Disputes over sharing river water
States located upstream may hold back water for irrigation or power generation, while downstream states demand more flow. This unequal sharing creates long-standing conflicts, such as those seen in the Krishna–Godavari basin.

ii) Displacement of people and loss of land
Construction of big dams submerges villages, farms and forests. Local communities often feel insufficiently compensated or rehabilitated, leading to protests and resistance.

iii) Impact on farmers and tribal groups
Many tribal and farming communities lose access to their agricultural land, grazing areas and forest resources. The loss of livelihoods creates anger and opposition.

iv) Environmental changes affecting downstream areas
Reduced natural flow can cause soil degradation, fall in fish population and drought-like conditions downstream. Communities in affected areas oppose the project due to ecological harm.

v) Prioritising industries and cities over villages
Water from dams is often diverted to industries and urban centres. Rural communities argue that they are not getting their fair share, resulting in disputes over water allocation.

Q.5 Describe how modern techniques of water conservation and management help in saving water.

Answer: Modern techniques of water conservation play an important role in reducing wastage and ensuring efficient use of water. Here are some methods used for conservation:-

i) Drip Irrigation: This method delivers water directly to the roots of plants in slow, controlled amounts. It prevents evaporation and saves a large quantity of water compared to traditional flood irrigation.

ii) Sprinkler irrigation: By spraying water as fine droplets through rotating nozzles, sprinkler systems provide even irrigation and help minimise water loss on uneven or sandy land.

iii) Rainwater harvesting: Both rooftop and surface, allows communities to collect and store rainwater for later use and also helps recharge groundwater.

iv) Watershed development: It includes building check dams and contour bunding, which slows the movement of rainwater and increases infiltration into the soil.

v) Recycling and reuse of treated wastewater : This method of conserving water in industries and households reduces pressure on freshwater sources.

Together, these techniques promote sustainable and responsible water management.

Q.6 Explain the major causes of water scarcity in India. How can it be controlled?

Answer: Water scarcity occurs due to qualitative and quantitative reasons in any region. Here are the major causes of water scarcity in India.

a) Quantitative Reasons :

i) Over-extraction of groundwater: In many parts of India, groundwater is pumped out faster than it can be naturally refilled. This heavy use, especially through tube wells, has led to a sharp fall in water levels.

ii) Growing population and rising demand: As the population increases, more water is needed for drinking, farming, industries and daily use. This puts pressure on the limited water available for each person.

iii) Uneven and inadequate rainfall: Some regions receive very little rainfall or face frequent droughts. Irregular monsoons add to the problem by reducing the overall supply of fresh water.

b) Qualitative Reasons

iv) Pollution of rivers and lakes: Large amounts of untreated sewage and industrial waste are released into rivers and lakes. When water becomes polluted, it can no longer be used, which increases scarcity.

v) Agricultural contamination: Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides often washes into nearby water sources. This reduces the quality of water and leaves less clean water for people to use.