April 10, 2026
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Chapter 3: Water Resources
Complete NCERT Solutions | Class 10 Social Science Geography – Contemporary India II
Quick Revision
OverviewChapter Summary
What is this chapter mainly about?
Answer:
This chapter explains the importance of water as a renewable resource, the causes of water scarcity, the need for water conservation and management, multi-purpose river projects, problems created by large dams, and traditional as well as modern rainwater harvesting systems. It also shows that water scarcity may occur not only because of low rainfall but also because of over-exploitation, excessive use, pollution and unequal access.
This chapter explains the importance of water as a renewable resource, the causes of water scarcity, the need for water conservation and management, multi-purpose river projects, problems created by large dams, and traditional as well as modern rainwater harvesting systems. It also shows that water scarcity may occur not only because of low rainfall but also because of over-exploitation, excessive use, pollution and unequal access.
Key IdeaDefinition
Why is water called a renewable resource?
Answer:
Water is called a renewable resource because it is continuously renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle. Water evaporates from water bodies, condenses to form clouds, returns as precipitation, and becomes surface runoff or groundwater. This natural circulation keeps water moving and renewing.
Water is called a renewable resource because it is continuously renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle. Water evaporates from water bodies, condenses to form clouds, returns as precipitation, and becomes surface runoff or groundwater. This natural circulation keeps water moving and renewing.
Key TermsAt a Glance
Important concepts from the chapter.
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Water Scarcity | Shortage of usable water due to low rainfall, overuse, unequal access or pollution. |
| Hydrological Cycle | Continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff and groundwater recharge. |
| Dam | A barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or slows the flow and creates a reservoir. |
| Multi-purpose Project | A river valley project that serves many purposes such as irrigation, power generation, flood control, water supply and navigation. |
| Rainwater Harvesting | Collection and storage of rainwater for future use. |
| Tanka | An underground tank used in Rajasthan to store rainwater collected from rooftops. |
In-text Questions and Activities
ITQ 1Thinking Question
How can an area with ample water resources still face water scarcity?
Answer:
An area with ample water resources can still face water scarcity if the available water is polluted, unequally distributed or over-exploited. Large population, industrialisation, urbanisation, excessive groundwater extraction and bad water management can create scarcity even in regions with sufficient rainfall or water bodies.
An area with ample water resources can still face water scarcity if the available water is polluted, unequally distributed or over-exploited. Large population, industrialisation, urbanisation, excessive groundwater extraction and bad water management can create scarcity even in regions with sufficient rainfall or water bodies.
ITQ 2Proposal Writing
From your everyday experiences, write a short proposal on how you can conserve water.
Suggested Proposal:
Title: Water Conservation at Home and School
Water is precious and should be used carefully. We can conserve water by closing taps while brushing, repairing leaking taps, using buckets instead of showers, reusing water from washing vegetables for plants, collecting rainwater, avoiding wastage during cleaning, and spreading awareness among friends and family. Schools and housing societies should install rainwater harvesting systems and check water leakage regularly. Small daily steps can save a large quantity of water.
Title: Water Conservation at Home and School
Water is precious and should be used carefully. We can conserve water by closing taps while brushing, repairing leaking taps, using buckets instead of showers, reusing water from washing vegetables for plants, collecting rainwater, avoiding wastage during cleaning, and spreading awareness among friends and family. Schools and housing societies should install rainwater harvesting systems and check water leakage regularly. Small daily steps can save a large quantity of water.
ITQ 3Research Activity
Find out more about any one traditional method of building dams and irrigation works.
Suggested Answer:
One traditional method of water management is the tanka system of Rajasthan. A tanka is an underground tank built in the main house or courtyard. Rainwater falling on sloping rooftops is collected through pipes and stored in the tanka. This stored water is used during dry months. The system is useful in arid and semi-arid regions where rainfall is low and uncertain.
One traditional method of water management is the tanka system of Rajasthan. A tanka is an underground tank built in the main house or courtyard. Rainwater falling on sloping rooftops is collected through pipes and stored in the tanka. This stored water is used during dry months. The system is useful in arid and semi-arid regions where rainfall is low and uncertain.
ITQ 4Local Survey
Find out other rainwater harvesting systems existing in and around your locality.
Suggested Answer:
Common rainwater harvesting systems found in many localities include rooftop rainwater harvesting, recharge pits, recharge wells, percolation tanks, check dams, farm ponds, contour trenches and community ponds. In hilly areas, spring water may be diverted through channels. In some regions, traditional tanks and stepwells are also used to store rainwater.
Common rainwater harvesting systems found in many localities include rooftop rainwater harvesting, recharge pits, recharge wells, percolation tanks, check dams, farm ponds, contour trenches and community ponds. In hilly areas, spring water may be diverted through channels. In some regions, traditional tanks and stepwells are also used to store rainwater.
ITQ 5Project
Collect information on how industries are polluting our water resources.
Suggested Answer:
Industries pollute water resources by releasing untreated chemicals, dyes, acids, heavy metals, oils, hot water and toxic waste into rivers, lakes and groundwater. Textile, leather, paper, chemical, fertiliser and mining industries are major sources of water pollution. Industrial waste reduces oxygen in water, kills aquatic life, makes water unsafe for drinking and harms agriculture. Pollution can be controlled by treating industrial effluents before discharge, recycling water, using cleaner technology and enforcing strict environmental laws.
Industries pollute water resources by releasing untreated chemicals, dyes, acids, heavy metals, oils, hot water and toxic waste into rivers, lakes and groundwater. Textile, leather, paper, chemical, fertiliser and mining industries are major sources of water pollution. Industrial waste reduces oxygen in water, kills aquatic life, makes water unsafe for drinking and harms agriculture. Pollution can be controlled by treating industrial effluents before discharge, recycling water, using cleaner technology and enforcing strict environmental laws.
Exercises – Multiple Choice Questions
1(i)MCQ Classification
Based on the information given below, classify each situation 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.
(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:
| Situation | Classification | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Region with high annual rainfall | Not suffering from water scarcity | High rainfall usually ensures sufficient water availability if properly managed. |
| High rainfall and large population | Suffering from water scarcity | Large population increases domestic, agricultural and industrial demand for water. |
| High rainfall but highly polluted water | Suffering from water scarcity | Polluted water is unsafe and cannot be used for drinking or domestic needs. |
| Low rainfall and low population | Not necessarily suffering from water scarcity | Low population may keep water demand low, so scarcity may not occur if water is managed well. |
1(ii)MCQ
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 help 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.
(a) Multi-purpose projects bring water to those areas which suffer from water scarcity.
(b) Multi-purpose projects by regulating water flow help 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.
Explanation: This statement is a criticism of multi-purpose river projects, not an argument in their favour.
Explanation: This statement is a criticism of multi-purpose river projects, not an argument in their favour.
1(iii)Correct the Statements
Identify the mistakes in the false statements and rewrite them correctly.
Answer:
| Incorrect Statement | Correct Statement |
|---|---|
| Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have helped in proper utilisation of water resources. | Multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have increased water and energy requirements and aggravated the problem of water scarcity. |
| Regulating and damming of rivers does not affect the river’s natural flow and its sediment flow. | Regulating and damming of rivers affects their natural flow and sediment flow, causing poor sediment flow and excessive sedimentation in reservoirs. |
| Today in Rajasthan, the practice of rooftop rainwater harvesting has gained popularity despite high water availability due to the Indira Gandhi Canal. | Today in western Rajasthan, the practice of rooftop rainwater harvesting is declining because plenty of water is available due to the perennial Indira Gandhi Canal. |
Exercises – Answer in About 30 Words
2(i)Short Answer
Explain how water becomes a renewable resource.
Answer:
Water becomes a renewable resource through the hydrological cycle. Water evaporates from oceans, rivers and lakes, forms clouds, returns as rain or snow, flows as surface runoff and recharges groundwater. This continuous circulation renews freshwater naturally.
Water becomes a renewable resource through the hydrological cycle. Water evaporates from oceans, rivers and lakes, forms clouds, returns as rain or snow, flows as surface runoff and recharges groundwater. This continuous circulation renews freshwater naturally.
2(ii)Short Answer
What is water scarcity and what are its main causes?
Answer:
Water scarcity means shortage of usable water for domestic, agricultural or industrial needs. Its main causes are low rainfall, drought, over-exploitation of groundwater, excessive irrigation, large population, urbanisation, industrialisation, unequal access to water and pollution of available water resources.
Water scarcity means shortage of usable water for domestic, agricultural or industrial needs. Its main causes are low rainfall, drought, over-exploitation of groundwater, excessive irrigation, large population, urbanisation, industrialisation, unequal access to water and pollution of available water resources.
2(iii)Short Answer
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of multi-purpose river projects.
Answer:
Multi-purpose river projects provide irrigation, electricity, flood control, water supply, inland navigation, recreation and fish breeding. However, they also cause displacement of people, loss of livelihood, submergence of forests and farmland, disruption of river flow, excessive sedimentation, ecological damage and conflicts over water sharing.
Multi-purpose river projects provide irrigation, electricity, flood control, water supply, inland navigation, recreation and fish breeding. However, they also cause displacement of people, loss of livelihood, submergence of forests and farmland, disruption of river flow, excessive sedimentation, ecological damage and conflicts over water sharing.
Exercises – Answer in About 120 Words
3(i)Long Answer
Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan is carried out.
Answer:
In semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, rainwater harvesting is traditionally carried out through underground tanks called tankas. These tankas are built inside the main house or courtyard. Rainwater falling on sloping rooftops is collected through pipes and stored in the underground tanka. The first spell of rain is usually not collected because it cleans the roof and pipes. Later rainwater is stored and used during dry months.
This water is considered reliable and clean. In some houses, it is used for drinking after other sources dry up. Rooftop rainwater harvesting was common across towns and villages of the Thar Desert. It helped people survive in areas with low and uncertain rainfall.
In semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, rainwater harvesting is traditionally carried out through underground tanks called tankas. These tankas are built inside the main house or courtyard. Rainwater falling on sloping rooftops is collected through pipes and stored in the underground tanka. The first spell of rain is usually not collected because it cleans the roof and pipes. Later rainwater is stored and used during dry months.
This water is considered reliable and clean. In some houses, it is used for drinking after other sources dry up. Rooftop rainwater harvesting was common across towns and villages of the Thar Desert. It helped people survive in areas with low and uncertain rainfall.
3(ii)Long Answer
Describe how modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being carried out to conserve and store water.
Answer:
Modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being used in many parts of India. In rooftop rainwater harvesting, rainwater from roofs is collected through pipes and stored in tanks or used to recharge groundwater. In Gendathur village of Mysuru, Karnataka, many households have installed rooftop rainwater harvesting systems to meet their water needs.
In Meghalaya, the bamboo drip irrigation system uses bamboo pipes to tap stream and spring water. Water is transported over long distances and delivered drop by drop near plant roots. Recharge pits, check dams, percolation tanks and farm ponds are also modern methods inspired by traditional water conservation. These methods reduce water scarcity, recharge groundwater and promote sustainable use of water.
Modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being used in many parts of India. In rooftop rainwater harvesting, rainwater from roofs is collected through pipes and stored in tanks or used to recharge groundwater. In Gendathur village of Mysuru, Karnataka, many households have installed rooftop rainwater harvesting systems to meet their water needs.
In Meghalaya, the bamboo drip irrigation system uses bamboo pipes to tap stream and spring water. Water is transported over long distances and delivered drop by drop near plant roots. Recharge pits, check dams, percolation tanks and farm ponds are also modern methods inspired by traditional water conservation. These methods reduce water scarcity, recharge groundwater and promote sustainable use of water.
Key Topics
Topic 1Water Scarcity
Main causes of water scarcity.
Answer:
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Low rainfall | Drought-prone areas receive less precipitation, reducing water availability. |
| Large population | More people require more water for domestic use and food production. |
| Over-exploitation | Excessive use of wells and tube wells lowers groundwater levels. |
| Irrigated agriculture | Dry-season agriculture consumes large quantities of water. |
| Industrialisation | Industries use large amounts of water and also pollute water bodies. |
| Urbanisation | Dense cities require more water and often overuse groundwater. |
| Pollution | Domestic waste, industrial effluents, pesticides and fertilisers make water unsafe. |
| Unequal access | Some groups get more water while others suffer shortages. |
Topic 2Need for Conservation
Why do we need to conserve and manage water resources?
Answer:
We need to conserve and manage water resources to prevent water scarcity, safeguard ourselves from health hazards, ensure food security, maintain livelihoods, support industries, protect natural ecosystems and prevent ecological crisis. Over-exploitation and mismanagement of water can lower groundwater levels, pollute rivers and lakes, damage agriculture and create conflicts. Conservation ensures water availability for present and future generations.
We need to conserve and manage water resources to prevent water scarcity, safeguard ourselves from health hazards, ensure food security, maintain livelihoods, support industries, protect natural ecosystems and prevent ecological crisis. Over-exploitation and mismanagement of water can lower groundwater levels, pollute rivers and lakes, damage agriculture and create conflicts. Conservation ensures water availability for present and future generations.
Topic 3Multi-purpose Projects
Uses and problems of multi-purpose river projects.
Answer:
| Benefits | Problems |
|---|---|
| Irrigation for agriculture | Large-scale displacement of people |
| Hydroelectric power generation | Loss of livelihood for local communities |
| Water supply for domestic and industrial use | Submergence of forests, vegetation and soil |
| Flood control | Changes in natural river flow |
| Inland navigation and recreation | Poor sediment flow and excessive sedimentation |
| Fish breeding | Difficulty in migration of aquatic fauna |
Dams and River Projects
Topic 4Definition
What is a dam? How are dams useful?
Answer:
A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or slows the flow of water, usually creating a reservoir or lake. Dams are useful because they store rainwater and river water for later use. They support irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, domestic and industrial water supply, flood control, inland navigation, recreation and fish breeding.
A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or slows the flow of water, usually creating a reservoir or lake. Dams are useful because they store rainwater and river water for later use. They support irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, domestic and industrial water supply, flood control, inland navigation, recreation and fish breeding.
Topic 5Examples
Important examples of multi-purpose river projects.
| Project | River Basin | Main Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Bhakra-Nangal Project | Sutlej-Beas basin | Hydel power production and irrigation |
| Hirakud Project | Mahanadi basin | Water conservation and flood control |
| Damodar Valley Project | Damodar river basin | Flood control, irrigation and power generation |
| Narmada Valley Projects | Narmada river basin | Irrigation, power and water supply |
Rainwater Harvesting
Topic 6Traditional Methods
Traditional rainwater harvesting systems in different regions of India.
Answer:
| Region | Traditional System | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Western Himalayas | Guls or Kuls | Diversion channels for agriculture. |
| Rajasthan | Rooftop rainwater harvesting and tankas | Storage of drinking water in arid regions. |
| Bengal floodplains | Inundation channels | Irrigation during floods. |
| Arid and semi-arid regions | Agricultural fields converted into rain-fed storage structures | Moisture conservation for crops. |
| Meghalaya | Bamboo drip irrigation | Transporting spring water through bamboo pipes to crops. |
Topic 7Rooftop Harvesting
Explain rooftop rainwater harvesting.
Answer:
Rooftop rainwater harvesting is a method in which rainwater falling on rooftops is collected through pipes and stored in underground tanks or used to recharge groundwater. In Rajasthan, rainwater from sloping roofs is carried into underground tankas. In Gendathur village of Mysuru, Karnataka, households use rooftop rainwater harvesting systems to meet water needs. This method reduces dependence on external water sources and helps conserve water locally.
Rooftop rainwater harvesting is a method in which rainwater falling on rooftops is collected through pipes and stored in underground tanks or used to recharge groundwater. In Rajasthan, rainwater from sloping roofs is carried into underground tankas. In Gendathur village of Mysuru, Karnataka, households use rooftop rainwater harvesting systems to meet water needs. This method reduces dependence on external water sources and helps conserve water locally.
Topic 8Bamboo Drip Irrigation
What is bamboo drip irrigation?
Answer:
Bamboo drip irrigation is a traditional water management system used in Meghalaya. In this system, bamboo pipes are used to tap stream and spring water from hilltops. Water flows through bamboo channels by gravity and is distributed through smaller pipes. At the final stage, water is released drop by drop near plant roots. This system is efficient because it saves water and is suitable for hilly terrain.
Bamboo drip irrigation is a traditional water management system used in Meghalaya. In this system, bamboo pipes are used to tap stream and spring water from hilltops. Water flows through bamboo channels by gravity and is distributed through smaller pipes. At the final stage, water is released drop by drop near plant roots. This system is efficient because it saves water and is suitable for hilly terrain.
Government Programmes
JJMJal Jeevan Mission
What is Jal Jeevan Mission?
Answer:
Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide every rural household with assured potable piped water through functional tap connections. The goal is to improve quality of life and ease of living, especially in rural areas, by ensuring regular water supply at the household level.
Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide every rural household with assured potable piped water through functional tap connections. The goal is to improve quality of life and ease of living, especially in rural areas, by ensuring regular water supply at the household level.
Atal JalAtal Bhujal Yojana
What is Atal Bhujal Yojana?
Answer:
Atal Bhujal Yojana, also called Atal Jal, is a groundwater management programme implemented in water-stressed areas. It focuses on community participation, behavioural change, conservation and smart water management. Its purpose is to shift people from careless consumption of groundwater towards sustainable and responsible water use.
Atal Bhujal Yojana, also called Atal Jal, is a groundwater management programme implemented in water-stressed areas. It focuses on community participation, behavioural change, conservation and smart water management. Its purpose is to shift people from careless consumption of groundwater towards sustainable and responsible water use.
Activity / Project
Activity 1Water Pollution Project
Prepare a short project on how industries are polluting water resources.
Sample Project:
Title: Industrial Pollution of Water Resources
Introduction:
Industries require large amounts of water and often release waste into rivers, lakes and groundwater sources. If untreated, this waste pollutes water and makes it unsafe for humans, animals and aquatic life.
Major pollutants:
1. Chemical waste from factories
2. Dyes from textile industries
3. Heavy metals from mining and metal industries
4. Oil and grease from workshops
5. Hot water from thermal plants
6. Fertiliser and pesticide residues from agro-based industries
Effects:
Industrial pollution causes water-borne diseases, death of fish, bad smell, loss of aquatic biodiversity, reduced oxygen in water and contamination of groundwater.
Solutions:
Industries should install effluent treatment plants, recycle water, reduce chemical use, follow pollution-control laws and regularly monitor water quality.
Conclusion:
Industrial development is important, but it must not destroy water resources. Clean technology and strict regulation are necessary for sustainable development.
Title: Industrial Pollution of Water Resources
Introduction:
Industries require large amounts of water and often release waste into rivers, lakes and groundwater sources. If untreated, this waste pollutes water and makes it unsafe for humans, animals and aquatic life.
Major pollutants:
1. Chemical waste from factories
2. Dyes from textile industries
3. Heavy metals from mining and metal industries
4. Oil and grease from workshops
5. Hot water from thermal plants
6. Fertiliser and pesticide residues from agro-based industries
Effects:
Industrial pollution causes water-borne diseases, death of fish, bad smell, loss of aquatic biodiversity, reduced oxygen in water and contamination of groundwater.
Solutions:
Industries should install effluent treatment plants, recycle water, reduce chemical use, follow pollution-control laws and regularly monitor water quality.
Conclusion:
Industrial development is important, but it must not destroy water resources. Clean technology and strict regulation are necessary for sustainable development.
Activity 2Role Play
Enact with your classmates a scene of water dispute in your locality.
Sample Role Play Outline:
Characters: Resident 1, Resident 2, farmer, factory owner, municipal officer, student volunteer.
Scene: People gather near a community water tank because water supply has become irregular.
Main points:
1. Residents complain about low water supply.
2. Farmers say they need water for crops.
3. The factory owner is accused of polluting the local stream.
4. The municipal officer explains that groundwater levels are falling.
5. The student volunteer suggests rainwater harvesting, water recycling, leak repair and fair distribution.
Conclusion: The community agrees to conserve water, report pollution and install rainwater harvesting systems.
Characters: Resident 1, Resident 2, farmer, factory owner, municipal officer, student volunteer.
Scene: People gather near a community water tank because water supply has become irregular.
Main points:
1. Residents complain about low water supply.
2. Farmers say they need water for crops.
3. The factory owner is accused of polluting the local stream.
4. The municipal officer explains that groundwater levels are falling.
5. The student volunteer suggests rainwater harvesting, water recycling, leak repair and fair distribution.
Conclusion: The community agrees to conserve water, report pollution and install rainwater harvesting systems.
Key Terms
GlossaryImportant Terms
Important terms from the chapter.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Freshwater | Water that can be used for human needs, mainly obtained from surface runoff and groundwater. |
| Hydrological Cycle | Continuous circulation of water between land, water bodies and atmosphere. |
| Water Scarcity | Shortage of usable water due to low availability, overuse, pollution or unequal access. |
| Groundwater | Water found below the earth’s surface in soil and rock layers. |
| Surface Runoff | Water that flows over the land surface after rainfall or snowmelt. |
| Dam | A barrier built across a river to store, direct or control water. |
| Reservoir | An artificial lake created by storing water behind a dam. |
| Multi-purpose Project | A project designed to serve several purposes such as irrigation, power generation and flood control. |
| Rainwater Harvesting | Collection and storage of rainwater for later use. |
| Tanka | Underground rainwater storage tank used in Rajasthan. |
| Bamboo Drip Irrigation | Traditional irrigation system of Meghalaya that uses bamboo pipes to carry water drop by drop to plants. |
| Water Pollution | Contamination of water by domestic waste, industrial effluents, chemicals, pesticides or fertilisers. |
| Jal Jeevan Mission | Government mission to provide rural households with assured potable piped water supply. |
| Atal Bhujal Yojana | Groundwater management programme focused on community participation and conservation. |
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