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Water Resources

NCERT Class 10 · Social Science Based on NCERT Class 10 Social Science textbook · Free CBSE study kit

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Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter explores the paradox of water scarcity despite water being a renewable resource, emphasizing that scarcity is often caused by over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access rather than just low rainfall. It covers the need for water conservation and management, the role of multi-purpose river projects and their drawbacks, and traditional and modern rainwater harvesting techniques. The one big idea a student must walk away with is that water is a finite and fragile resource that requires careful management and conservation at all levels—individual, community, and national—to ensure sustainability and equitable access.
Key Concepts (13)
Hydrological cycle
The continuous movement of water within the earth and atmosphere, which ensures that water is a renewable resource.
e.g. Rain falling on the Western Ghats eventually flows into rivers, evaporates, and returns as rain again.
Water scarcity
A situation where there is a shortage of water, often caused by over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access to water among different social groups, rather than just low rainfall.
e.g. Many Indian cities like Kolkata have ample rainfall but still face water scarcity due to pollution and overuse.
Over-exploitation
The excessive use of water resources beyond their natural recharge capacity, leading to depletion.
e.g. Farmers installing their own tube-wells for irrigation, causing falling groundwater levels.
Multi-purpose river projects
Dams built to integrate multiple uses of impounded water, such as irrigation, electricity generation, water supply, flood control, recreation, inland navigation, and fish breeding.
e.g. The Bhakra-Nangal project in the Sutluj-Beas basin is used for both hydel power production and irrigation.
Dam
A barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment.
e.g. The Hirakud Dam in the Mahanadi basin integrates conservation of water with flood control.
Rainwater harvesting
The technique of collecting and storing rainwater for future use, often through rooftop collection systems or underground tanks.
e.g. In Rajasthan, rooftop rainwater is collected and stored in underground 'tankas' for drinking water.
Tanka
An underground tank traditionally used in Rajasthan for storing rainwater collected from rooftops.
e.g. A household in Phalodi had a tanka that was 6.1 metres deep, 4.27 metres long and 2.44 metres wide.
Guls or Kuls
Diversion channels built in hill and mountainous regions of the Western Himalayas for agriculture.
e.g. In Himachal Pradesh, farmers use kuls to divert glacier meltwater to their fields.
Khadins and Johads
Traditional rain-fed storage structures in arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan that allow water to stand and moisten the soil.
e.g. Khadins in Jaisalmer and Johads in other parts of Rajasthan are used to capture rainwater for agriculture.
Bamboo drip irrigation system
A 200-year-old system in Meghalaya that uses bamboo pipes to tap stream and spring water and transport it to plant sites by gravity.
e.g. About 18-20 litres of water enters the bamboo pipe system, gets transported over hundreds of metres, and finally reduces to 20-80 drops per minute at the plant site.
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
A Government of India mission to enable every rural household to get an assured supply of potable piped water at a service level of 55 litres per capita per day regularly on a long-term basis.
e.g. The mission aims to provide tap water connections to all rural households in India.
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal)
A scheme implemented in water-stressed Gram Panchayats to bring behavioural changes in the community from consumption to conservation and smart water management.
e.g. It is being implemented in 8220 water-stressed Gram Panchayats across seven states including Gujarat, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
A programme that ensures access to protective irrigation for all agricultural farms, with objectives like 'har khet ko pani' and 'per drop more crop'.
e.g. It aims to improve on-farm water use efficiency and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation.
How It Works
Hydrological cycle (renewability of water)
  1. Water evaporates from the earth's surface and forms clouds.
  2. Precipitation (rain, snow) falls back to the earth.
  3. Water flows as surface runoff or percolates into the ground as groundwater.
  4. Groundwater is continually renewed and recharged through the cycle.
  5. All water moves within the hydrological cycle, ensuring water is a renewable resource.
💡 Students often forget that groundwater is also part of the hydrological cycle and is renewable, but only if not over-exploited.
Causes of water scarcity
  1. Over-exploitation of water resources (e.g., excessive tube-well irrigation).
  2. Excessive use of water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes.
  3. Unequal access to water among different social groups.
  4. Pollution of water by domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides, and fertilisers.
  5. Large and growing population leading to greater demands for water and food.
💡 Students often think water scarcity is only due to low rainfall; they must mention over-exploitation, unequal access, and pollution as key causes.
Multi-purpose river projects (how dams work)
  1. A dam is built across a river to impound water and create a reservoir.
  2. The stored water is used for multiple purposes: irrigation, electricity generation, water supply, flood control, recreation, inland navigation, and fish breeding.
  3. Water is released from the reservoir as needed for these uses.
  4. The integrated management of water aims to balance different demands.
💡 Students often confuse 'dam' with 'reservoir' — the dam is the structure, the reservoir is the water body created.
Rooftop rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan
  1. Sloping roofs of houses are connected to underground tanks (tankas) through pipes.
  2. The first spell of rain is not collected as it cleans the roofs and pipes.
  3. Rainwater from subsequent showers is collected and stored in the tanka.
  4. The stored water (palar pani) is used as drinking water, especially in summers when other sources dry up.
💡 Students often miss the detail that the first spell of rain is not collected — this is a common exam point.
Modern rooftop rainwater harvesting system (e.g., Gendathur, Karnataka)
  1. Rooftop rainwater is collected using a PVC pipe.
  2. The water is filtered using sand and bricks.
  3. An underground pipe takes the filtered water to a sump for immediate usage.
  4. Excess water from the sump is taken to a well.
  5. Water from the well recharges the underground aquifer.
  6. Later, water can be taken from the well for use.
💡 Students often forget the filtration step using sand and bricks — it is critical for the system's effectiveness.
Bamboo drip irrigation system (Meghalaya)
  1. Perennial springs on hilltops are tapped using bamboo pipes.
  2. Water flows by gravity through the bamboo pipe system over hundreds of metres.
  3. Channel sections made of bamboo divert water to the plant site.
  4. The flow of water is controlled by manipulating the pipe positions.
  5. At the last stage, reduced channel sections allow water to drop near the roots of the plant at 20-80 drops per minute.
💡 Students often think this is a modern technique — it is a 200-year-old traditional system.
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ Confusing water scarcity with drought
✗ Water scarcity only occurs in regions with low rainfall or drought-prone areas.
→ The chapter clearly states that water scarcity is often caused by over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access, not just low rainfall. Many areas with ample rainfall (e.g., Kolkata) face water scarcity due to pollution and overuse.
✓ Water scarcity can occur even in high rainfall regions due to over-exploitation, pollution, and unequal access to water.
⚠ Calling dams 'temples of modern India' without context
✗ Jawaharlal Nehru called dams 'temples of modern India' because they are religious structures.
→ Nehru used the phrase metaphorically to highlight that dams would integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialisation and growth of the urban economy. They are not actual temples.
✓ Jawaharlal Nehru proudly proclaimed dams as the 'temples of modern India' because they would integrate agriculture, village economy, industrialisation, and urban growth.
⚠ Forgetting the disadvantages of multi-purpose projects
✗ Multi-purpose projects are always beneficial and have no negative impacts.
→ The chapter lists several disadvantages: affect natural river flow, cause sedimentation, fragment rivers, submerge vegetation, trigger floods, induce earthquakes, cause water-borne diseases, and lead to soil salinisation.
✓ Multi-purpose projects have both advantages (irrigation, electricity, flood control) and disadvantages (ecological disruption, displacement, sedimentation, and increased flood risk).
⚠ Mixing up 'dam' and 'reservoir'
✗ The dam is the water body created behind the barrier.
→ The chapter defines 'dam' as the barrier across flowing water, and 'reservoir' as the lake or impoundment created. The term 'dam' often refers to the reservoir in common usage, but technically they are different.
✓ A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir or lake.
⚠ Thinking rainwater harvesting is only for rural areas
✗ Rainwater harvesting is only practised in rural areas like Rajasthan.
→ The chapter gives examples of urban areas like Shillong (Meghalaya) and Tamil Nadu (which made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory for all houses) adopting this practice.
✓ Rainwater harvesting is practised in both rural and urban areas. For example, Tamil Nadu has made rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory for all houses, and Shillong uses it to meet 15-25% of water needs.
⚠ Ignoring the role of population growth in water scarcity
✗ Water scarcity is only caused by physical shortage of water.
→ The chapter explicitly states that water scarcity may be an outcome of large and growing population and consequent greater demands for water, and unequal access to it.
✓ Water scarcity is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use, unequal access, and large population leading to greater demand for water and food.
Compare & Contrast
Cause of water scarcity
Water scarcity due to low rainfall
Water scarcity due to over-exploitation and pollution
Low rainfall leads to physical unavailability of water, while over-exploitation and pollution cause scarcity even in areas with ample rainfall (e.g., Kolkata).
Approach to water management
Multi-purpose river projects (dams)
Rainwater harvesting
Multi-purpose projects are large-scale, centralised structures that impound rivers for multiple uses but have significant ecological and social drawbacks; rainwater harvesting is a decentralised, traditional, and eco-friendly method that collects rainwater locally and recharges groundwater.
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: 2 MCQs (1 mark each), 1 Short Answer (3 marks), 1 Long Answer (5 marks) — total 10 marks
Most asked: Causes of water scarcity · Multi-purpose river projects: advantages and disadvantages · Rainwater harvesting techniques (especially rooftop harvesting in Rajasthan and modern adaptations) · Water as a renewable resource (hydrological cycle) · Jal Jeevan Mission and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
Don't skip: Discuss the causes of water scarcity and explain why water scarcity can occur even in high rainfall regions (5 marks).; Compare the advantages and disadvantages of multi-purpose river projects (5 marks).; Describe how rainwater harvesting is carried out in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan and how modern adaptations are being used (5 marks).
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. Water is a renewable resource because it is continually renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle.
  2. Water scarcity is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use, unequal access, and pollution, not just low rainfall.
  3. Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of water.
  4. Multi-purpose river projects integrate irrigation, electricity generation, water supply, flood control, recreation, navigation, and fish breeding.
  5. Jawaharlal Nehru called dams the 'temples of modern India' for their role in development.
  6. Disadvantages of dams include affecting natural river flow, sedimentation, submerging vegetation, triggering floods, inducing earthquakes, and causing water-borne diseases.
  7. Rooftop rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan uses underground tankas connected to sloping roofs to store rainwater (palar pani).
  8. The first spell of rain is not collected in rooftop harvesting as it cleans the roofs and pipes.
  9. Tamil Nadu is the first state in India to make rooftop rainwater harvesting compulsory for all houses.
  10. Gendathur village in Karnataka has installed rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in nearly 200 households, harvesting about 50,000 litres per house annually.
  11. The bamboo drip irrigation system in Meghalaya is a 200-year-old traditional method using bamboo pipes to divert spring water by gravity.
  12. Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide every rural household with 55 litres of potable piped water per capita per day.
  13. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana focuses on 'har khet ko pani' and 'per drop more crop'.
  14. Atal Bhujal Yojana aims to bring behavioural changes from water consumption to conservation in water-stressed areas.
  15. Over-exploitation of groundwater for irrigation leads to falling groundwater levels and affects food security.

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. A city has abundant rainfall and sufficient water resources, yet faces severe water scarcity. Which of the following is the MOST likely reason? A) Low groundwater recharge due to heavy industrialisation B) High seasonal variation in precipitation C) Arid climate conditions D) Absence of rivers in the region

  • A. Low groundwater recharge due to heavy industrialisation ✓
  • B. High seasonal variation in precipitation
  • C. Arid climate conditions
  • D. Absence of rivers in the region

Answer: A — The chapter explains that even cities with ample water resources face scarcity due to over-exploitation by industries and urban groundwater pumping, not rainfall patterns; option B ignores the text's emphasis on mismanagement.

Q2. Assertion (A): Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of water in India. Reason (R): Farmers use wells and tube-wells on their farms to increase agricultural produce, which can lead to falling groundwater levels. Choose the correct option:

  • A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A ✓
  • B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
  • C. A is true but R is false
  • D. A is false but R is true

Answer: A — Both statements are true; the reason directly explains why irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer—farmers extensively use wells and tube-wells, causing groundwater depletion.

Q3. A state government introduces a policy restricting groundwater extraction in agricultural zones. Based on the chapter, what is the PRIMARY benefit of this policy? A) It will increase food production immediately B) It will help prevent groundwater depletion and ensure long-term food security C) It will eliminate water scarcity completely D) It will increase rainfall in the region

  • A. It will increase food production immediately
  • B. It will help prevent groundwater depletion and ensure long-term food security ✓
  • C. It will eliminate water scarcity completely
  • D. It will increase rainfall in the region

Answer: B — The chapter links falling groundwater levels to food security; restricting extraction protects groundwater renewal, whereas option A contradicts the chapter's discussion of sustainability over immediate gains.

Q4. According to the passage, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide rural households with potable piped water at 55 litres per capita per day. Which underlying water management principle does this reflect? A) Quantity-based water distribution only B) Quality and equity in water access C) Reduction of agricultural water use D) Elimination of all dams and reservoirs

  • A. Quantity-based water distribution only
  • B. Quality and equity in water access ✓
  • C. Reduction of agricultural water use
  • D. Elimination of all dams and reservoirs

Answer: B — The mission ensures both potable (quality) water and assured supply to rural areas (equity), addressing the chapter's point that water scarcity results from unequal access and quality issues.

Q5. Assertion (A): Water is a renewable resource because it is continually renewed through the hydrological cycle. Reason (R): Despite water being renewable, countries face water scarcity due to over-exploitation and unequal access. Choose the correct option:

  • A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A ✓
  • C. A is true but R is false
  • D. A is false but R is true

Answer: B — Both statements are true; however, R does not explain why water is renewable—rather, it explains why scarcity occurs despite renewability, making them related but not causally linked.

Q6. Read: "Post-independent India witnessed intensive industrialisation and urbanisation, creating vast opportunities. However, the ever-increasing number of industries has exerted pressure on freshwater resources. Industries are heavy users of water and also require hydroelectric power, further depleting freshwater." Based on this extract, what is a consequence of rapid industrialisation on water resources? A) Increased groundwater recharge B) Over-exploitation of freshwater resources C) Reduction in dam construction D) Improved water quality in cities

  • A. Increased groundwater recharge
  • B. Over-exploitation of freshwater resources ✓
  • C. Reduction in dam construction
  • D. Improved water quality in cities

Answer: B — The extract explicitly states that industries exert pressure on freshwater resources and are heavy users, leading to over-exploitation; option A contradicts the passage's message.

Q7. Assertion (A): Water pollution from domestic and industrial wastes makes water hazardous for human use. Reason (R): The government has launched schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure potable water supply in rural areas. Choose the correct option:

  • A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A ✓
  • C. A is true but R is false
  • D. A is false but R is true

Answer: B — Both are true; however, JJM is a response to water scarcity and quality issues rather than an explanation for why pollution makes water hazardous—they address the same problem but are not causally linked.

Q8. A region has constructed multiple dams across its river basins for irrigation, yet experiences water scarcity during dry seasons. Which concept from the chapter BEST explains this situation? A) Unequal temporal and spatial distribution of water availability B) Complete absence of rainfall C) Excessive water pollution D) Insufficient dam construction

  • A. Unequal temporal and spatial distribution of water availability ✓
  • B. Complete absence of rainfall
  • C. Excessive water pollution
  • D. Insufficient dam construction

Answer: A — The chapter explicitly states that water availability varies over space and time due to seasonal and annual precipitation variations; dams help manage this variability, so scarcity in dry seasons reflects unequal temporal distribution.

Q9. Read: "In ancient India, such as in the first century B.C. at Sringaverapura near Allahabad, sophisticated hydraulic structures were built. In modern India, the tradition has continued with construction of dams in most river basins." What does the historical continuity mentioned in this extract suggest about India's approach to water management? A) Modern India abandoned ancient water management techniques B) Water conservation through structural interventions has been a long-standing priority C) Dams are a modern invention with no historical precedent D) Ancient structures were less effective than modern dams

  • A. Modern India abandoned ancient water management techniques
  • B. Water conservation through structural interventions has been a long-standing priority ✓
  • C. Dams are a modern invention with no historical precedent
  • D. Ancient structures were less effective than modern dams

Answer: B — The passage shows continuity from ancient to modern times, indicating that building hydraulic structures has been a persistent strategy for water management across Indian history.

Q10. According to the chapter, why would developing drought-resistant crops and dry farming techniques be beneficial in addressing water scarcity? A) They eliminate the need for irrigation completely B) They reduce agricultural water demand and support food security without over-exploitation C) They increase rainfall in dry regions D) They make industries obsolete

  • A. They eliminate the need for irrigation completely
  • B. They reduce agricultural water demand and support food security without over-exploitation ✓
  • C. They increase rainfall in dry regions
  • D. They make industries obsolete

Answer: B — The chapter mentions these techniques as alternatives to reduce irrigation demand, which is the largest consumer of water; this lowers pressure on freshwater resources while maintaining food production.

Flashcards

What percentage of Earth's surface is water, and how much is usable freshwater?

Three-fourths of Earth's surface is water, but only a small proportion is freshwater that can be used.

List three main causes of water scarcity despite water being renewable.

Over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access to water among different social groups are the main causes.

Why is irrigated agriculture a major concern for groundwater depletion?

Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of water; farmers use wells and tube-wells excessively, causing falling groundwater levels.

What does the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aim to achieve?

JJM ensures every rural household receives assured supply of potable piped water at 55 litres per capita per day.

Define multi-purpose river projects with one example.

Multi-purpose projects use impounded water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, water supply, flood control, and recreation; example: Bhakra-Nangal project.

How do industries and urban centres worsen water scarcity?

Industries are heavy water users requiring hydroelectric power; urban centres with dense populations and lifestyles increase water and energy demands.

Name the Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) scheme and its focus.

Atal Jal operates in water-stressed regions of seven states and promotes behavioural change from consumption to conservation and smart water management.

What is the predicted water scarcity situation by 2025?

By 2025, nearly two billion people will live in absolute water scarcity according to predictions.

How does water pollution create scarcity even when water is abundant?

Domestic, industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides, and fertilisers pollute water, making it hazardous and reducing the available usable freshwater.

What ancient structures in India demonstrate water conservation practices?

Sophisticated hydraulic structures like dams, reservoirs, embankments, and canals were built from ancient times for irrigation and water management.

Important Board Questions

Define water scarcity and state two main causes responsible for it despite water being a renewable resource. [2 marks]

Water scarcity = over-exploitation + unequal access (NOT just low rainfall). State: population growth + agricultural over-use OR industrial demand + urban pumping.

Explain how irrigated agriculture contributes to groundwater depletion and threatens food security. Give one example from your region or India. [3 marks]

Farmers use wells/tube-wells excessively for dry-season farming → falling groundwater tables → reduced water availability → food insecurity. Example: Rajasthan, Gujarat, or Punjab overpumping.

Analyse how post-independent India's industrialisation and urbanisation have intensified water scarcity. Suggest two solutions to manage this crisis, referring to multi-purpose projects or government schemes. [5 marks]

Industrialisation increases water + energy demand; urbanisation = dense populations + groundwater pumping. Solutions: Multi-purpose dams (Bhakra-Nangal integrates irrigation + hydropower + flood control) OR Jal Jeevan Mission (piped water supply) OR Atal Jal (behavioural conservation). Explain one fully.

Assertion-Reason Questions for Water Resources

Q1. Assertion (A):

Water is a renewable resource that is continually replenished through the hydrological cycle.

Reason (R):

Because only a small proportion of Earth's water can be used as freshwater for human purposes.

Answer: C — A is true but R is false — The assertion is true—water is renewable through the hydrological cycle. However, the reason is incorrect; water's renewability exists independently of whether only a small proportion is fresh. The reason describes water availability, not the cause of renewability. Renewability comes from the continuous water cycle, not from the proportion of freshwater available.

Q2. Assertion (A):

Urban water scarcity in Indian cities is caused by over-exploitation of groundwater through private pumping devices.

Reason (R):

Because cities have large dense populations requiring more water, and industries demand hydroelectric power.

Answer: B — Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true. Cities do face scarcity due to over-exploitation through private groundwater pumping (mentioned explicitly in the text). However, the reason is not the correct explanation for this specific assertion. The reason explains why demand is high (population and industrial needs), but the assertion is specifically about over-exploitation mechanisms (pumping devices), which is a supply-side issue rather than demand.

Q3. Assertion (A):

The Jal Jeevan Mission targets to provide 55 litres of potable piped water per capita per day to rural households.

Reason (R):

Because the Government of India wants to prevent ecological crisis and degradation of natural ecosystems.

Answer: B — Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A — The assertion is true—the passage specifically mentions '55 litres per capita per day' as JJM's target. However, the reason is incorrect as an explanation for this specific target. While the passage mentions preventing ecological crisis as a general need for water conservation, the specific 55-litre target is explained as the mission's goal to 'improve the quality of life and enhance ease of living,' not primarily to prevent ecological crisis.

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Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for Water Resources

Case Study:

Rajasthan's water crisis has become critical with groundwater levels dropping 6 metres in the past decade. Farmers, relying on tube-wells and deep borewells for irrigation during the dry season, have intensified extraction to meet growing food production demands. Meanwhile, cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur face constant water shortages despite attempts at rainwater harvesting. The state government launched the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide piped water at 55 litres per capita per day to rural households, but implementation remains slow. Agricultural output has increased by 30% due to irrigation expansion, yet water tables continue to plummet, threatening future food security.

Q1. What is the primary reason for Rajasthan's groundwater depletion mentioned in the passage?

  • A. Increased rainfall in the region
  • B. Over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation through tube-wells and borewells ✓
  • C. Reduction in agricultural activities
  • D. Industrial water usage only

Answer: B

Q2. How does the passage illustrate the conflict between food security and water security?

  • A. Increased food production (30%) is achieved while water tables decline ✓
  • B. Food production has decreased due to water restrictions
  • C. Water shortage has eliminated agricultural output
  • D. Agricultural output is independent of water availability

Answer: A

Q3. What does the slow implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission suggest about water resource management in Rajasthan?

  • A. The mission is fully successful
  • B. Water conservation efforts face practical implementation challenges despite policy initiatives ✓
  • C. Rural areas have sufficient water
  • D. The mission guarantees food security

Answer: B

Q4. Which statement best describes Rajasthan's water crisis as presented in the passage?

  • A. A comprehensive crisis affecting both agriculture and urban supply due to over-exploitation ✓
  • B. A problem of water scarcity limited only to rural areas
  • C. A temporary issue that will resolve through increased rainfall
  • D. Caused solely by insufficient rainfall

Answer: A

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Previous Year Questions (PYQ) for Water Resources

Real CBSE board exam questions from past papers — free to attempt.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/4/1 · 1 mark

Sardar Sarovar Dam has been built over the Narmada river in Gujarat. This is one of the largest water resources projects of India covering four states – Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Sardar Sarovar Project would meet the requirement of water in drought prone and desert areas. Sardar Sarovar Project will provide irrigation facilities to 18.45 lakh hectare of land, covering 3112 villages in 15 districts of Gujarat. It will also irrigate 2,46,000 hectare of land in the strategic desert districts of Barmer and Jalore in Rajasthan and 37,500 hectare in the tribal hilly tract of Maharashtra through lift. About 75% of the command area in Gujarat is drought prone while entire command in Rajasthan is drought prone. Assured water supply will soon make this area drought proof.

Why is Sardar Sarovar Project considered important for Gujarat?

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/5/1 · 1 mark

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Floods have not only devastated life and property but also caused extensive soil erosion. Sedimentation also meant that the flood plains were deprived of silt, a natural fertilizer, further adding on to the problem of land degradation. It was also observed that the multipurpose projects induced earthquakes, caused water-borne diseases and pests and pollution resulting from excessive use of water. Irrigation has also changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinisation of the soil. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has been started which ensures access to some means to protective irrigation for all agricultural farms in the country, thus bringing much desired rural prosperity. Some of the broad objectives of this programme are to enhance the physical access of water on the farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani), improve on farm water, use efficiency to reduce wastage and increase availability both in duration and extent, irrigation and other water saving technologies (per drop more crop) and introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc.

Explain the role of floods in land degradation.

CBSE 2026 · Set 31/5/2 · 4 marks

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. Floods have not only devastated life and property but also caused extensive soil erosion. Sedimentation also meant that the flood plains were deprived of silt, a natural fertilizer, further adding on to the problem of land degradation. It was also observed that the multipurpose projects induced earthquakes, caused water-borne diseases and pests and pollution resulting from excessive use of water. Irrigation has also changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinisation of the soil. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has been started which ensures access to some means to protective irrigation for all agricultural farms in the country, thus bringing much desired rural prosperity. Some of the broad objectives of this programme are to enhance the physical access of water on the farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani), improve on farm water, use efficiency to reduce wastage and increase availability both in duration and extent, irrigation and other water saving technologies (per drop more crop) and introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc.

(18.1) Explain the role of floods in land degradation.

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/1 · 1 mark

Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option: Column I (Dam) - Column II (River) a. Hirakud - i. Chambal b. Gandhi Sagar - ii. Krishna c. Nagarjuna Sagar - iii. Kaveri d. Mettur - iv. Mahanadi

  • a-iv, b-i, c-iii, d-ii
  • a-i, b-ii, c-iv, d-iii
  • a-iv, b-i, c-ii, d-iii
  • a-i, b-ii, c-iii, d-iv

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/1 · 1 mark

Choose the correct option regarding major states involved in the Krishna Godavari issue:

  • Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
  • Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
  • Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
  • Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/1 · 5 marks

(a) Recent evidence suggests that overuse of groundwater is the statement in the context of sustainability of development. OR (b) [Text incomplete in source]

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/2 · 1 mark

Choose the correct option regarding major states involved in the Krishna Godavari issue :

  • Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
  • Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
  • Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
  • Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/2 · 1 mark

Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option: Column I (Dam): a. Hirakud, b. Gandhi Sagar, c. Nagarjuna Sagar, d. Mettur Column II (River): i. Chambal, ii. Krishna, iii. Kaveri, iv. Mahanadi

  • a-iv, b-i, c-iii, d-ii
  • a-i, b-ii, c-iv, d-iii
  • a-iv, b-i, c-ii, d-iii
  • a-i, b-ii, c-iii, d-iv

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/2 · 5 marks

Recent evidence suggests that overuse of groundwater is causing serious problems. Explain this statement in the context of sustainability of development.

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/1/3 · 1 mark

Choose the correct option regarding major states involved in the Krishna-Godavari issue:

  • Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
  • Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
  • Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
  • Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/2/1 · 1 mark

Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option: Column I (River): a. Chambal, b. Ganga, c. Chenab, d. Satluj; Column II (Dam): i. Salal, ii. Bhakra Nangal, iii. Gandhi Sagar, iv. Tehri

  • a-ii, b-iii, c-i, d-iv
  • a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i
  • a-iii, b-iv, c-i, d-ii
  • a-iii, b-iv, c-ii, d-i

CBSE 2025 · Set 31/2/1 · 1 mark

Choose the correct option of the states that have been majorly benefitted by the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

  • Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana
  • Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan
  • Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
  • Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh

See all 31 board PYQs for this chapter — open PYQ tab →

Class 10 Social Science Previous Year Questions, Chapter-wise

All 805 CBSE board questions from 2022–2026, sorted by chapter and question type. Free PDF download.

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Class 10 Social Science Map Work

All 87 places on the CBSE 2026-27 map list, with where each is and what to remember, marked with the board years (2022–2026) each was asked. Free PDF download.

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