StudyOSStudyOS CBSE Study Material, Class 5–12

Water Resources

NCERT Class 12 · Geography Based on NCERT Class 12 Geography textbook · Free CBSE study kit

Everything you need to ace this chapter, in one place.
Notes · Mind Map · Quiz · Assertion-Reason · Case Studies · Question Bank · Past Papers

Get Full Study Kit →
Studying with friends? Send them this chapter.

Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter examines India's water resources, their spatial distribution, sectoral utilisation, and the critical challenges of depletion and pollution. It explains that while water is a cyclic resource, freshwater availability is limited and unevenly distributed, leading to growing scarcity. The central idea is that sustainable development requires efficient management, conservation, and community participation through methods like rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and pollution control. A student must understand that water is a finite and precious resource that demands judicious use and collective action.
Key Concepts (19)
Water scarcity
The situation where demand for water exceeds supply due to over-utilisation and pollution, posing the greatest challenge to societies.
e.g. In Rajasthan, groundwater depletion has led to fluoride concentration in water, making it unfit for drinking.
Cyclic resource
A resource that is naturally replenished through cycles, such as the hydrological cycle, but whose availability is not unlimited.
e.g. Water evaporates, forms clouds, and returns as rain, but only a small fraction is usable freshwater.
Surface water resources
Water available on the Earth's surface in rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks.
e.g. The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus rivers are major sources of surface water in India.
Groundwater resources
Water stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers, replenished by rainfall and percolation.
e.g. In Punjab, over 85% of net sown area is irrigated through wells and tubewells, leading to groundwater depletion.
Replenishable groundwater
The portion of groundwater that is naturally recharged annually, estimated at 432 cubic km in India.
e.g. States like Chhattisgarh and Odisha utilise only a small proportion of their replenishable groundwater.
Water quality
The purity of water, or the absence of unwanted foreign substances such as microorganisms, chemicals, and industrial wastes.
e.g. The Yamuna river between Delhi and Etawah is the most polluted river in India due to organic and bacterial contamination.
Watershed management
Efficient management and conservation of surface and groundwater resources, involving prevention of runoff and recharge of groundwater through methods like percolation tanks and recharge wells.
e.g. The Haryali project in India aims at enabling rural populations to conserve water for drinking, irrigation, fisheries, and afforestation.
Rainwater harvesting
A low-cost, eco-friendly method to capture and store rainwater for various uses, including recharging groundwater aquifers.
e.g. In Rajasthan, traditional rainwater harvesting structures called Kund or Tanka are used to store harvested rainwater.
Irrigation
The artificial application of water to land to assist in the growth of crops, necessary due to spatio-temporal variability in rainfall.
e.g. Rice, sugarcane, and jute require high water availability, which is met only through irrigation.
Water pollution
The contamination of water bodies by toxic substances from industrial, agricultural, and domestic effluents, rendering water unfit for human use.
e.g. The Ganga at Kanpur and Varanasi is severely polluted due to industrial and domestic waste discharge.
Lagoons and backwaters
Coastal water bodies formed due to indented coastlines, generally brackish, used for fishing and irrigating certain crops like paddy and coconut.
e.g. Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal have vast surface water resources in lagoons and lakes.
Water Cess Act, 1977
Legislation aimed at reducing water pollution by imposing a cess on water consumption, though its impact has been marginal.
e.g. Despite the Act, 251 polluting industries were located along rivers and lakes in 1997.
National Water Policy 2012
A policy framework for conservation, development, and management of water resources, emphasising water as an economic good after meeting pre-emptive needs.
e.g. The policy recommends a national water framework law and community participation in water resource management.
Jal Kranti Abhiyan
A government initiative launched in 2015-16 to ensure water security through per capita availability, involving selection of water-stressed villages as 'Jal Grams'.
e.g. Under this abhiyan, one water-stressed village in each of 672 districts is selected for focused water conservation.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
A central government scheme launched in 2015-16 to ensure access to protective irrigation for all agricultural farms, with the motto 'Har khet ko pani' and 'Per drop more crop'.
e.g. PMKSY promotes integration of water source, distribution, and efficient use through technologies like drip irrigation.
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal)
A scheme implemented in water-stressed Gram Panchayats across seven states to bring behavioural change from consumption to conservation of groundwater.
e.g. The scheme covers 8220 water-stressed Gram Panchayats in 229 blocks across 80 districts.
Neeru-Meeru programme
A water conservation programme in Andhra Pradesh involving construction of water-harvesting structures through people's participation.
e.g. Percolation tanks, dug-out ponds (Johad), and check dams are built under this programme.
Arvary Pani Sansad
A water-harvesting initiative in Alwar, Rajasthan, that constructs structures like percolation tanks and check dams with community involvement.
e.g. This programme has helped rejuvenate local water sources in drought-prone areas.
Water footprint
A benchmark for water use for different purposes, as recommended by the National Water Policy 2012, to ensure efficient use.
e.g. Water auditing is used to measure the water footprint of agricultural and industrial processes.
How It Works
Water cycle and availability
  1. Precipitation in India provides about 4,000 cubic km of water annually.
  2. Surface water and replenishable groundwater availability is 1,869 cubic km.
  3. Only 60% of this (1,122 cubic km) can be put to beneficial uses due to topographical and hydrological constraints.
  4. Surface water utilisation is limited to 690 cubic km (32% of available surface water).
💡 Students often confuse total precipitation (4,000 cubic km) with utilisable water (1,122 cubic km). The difference is due to losses and constraints.
Groundwater utilisation and depletion
  1. Total replenishable groundwater in India is 432 cubic km.
  2. High utilisation occurs in north-western states (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan) and parts of south India (Tamil Nadu).
  3. Over-withdrawal leads to decline in groundwater table and concentration of contaminants like fluoride and arsenic.
  4. States like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Kerala utilise only a small proportion of their groundwater potential.
💡 Groundwater depletion is most severe in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh due to intensive irrigation of wheat and rice.
Water pollution and its sources
  1. Industrial, agricultural, and domestic effluents enter water bodies.
  2. Organic and bacterial contamination is the main source of pollution in rivers.
  3. Pollutant concentration is highest during summer when river flow is low.
  4. Groundwater pollution occurs due to heavy metals, fluoride, and nitrates.
💡 The Yamuna is the most polluted river in India between Delhi and Etawah, not the Ganga as a whole.
Watershed management
  1. Identify a watershed area and assess its natural and human resources.
  2. Prevent runoff through structures like percolation tanks, recharge wells, and check dams.
  3. Store and recharge groundwater to ensure sustainable water availability.
  4. Involve community participation for long-term success and maintenance.
💡 Watershed management is not just about water; it includes conservation of land, plants, animals, and human resources.
Rainwater harvesting
  1. Capture rainwater from rooftops or open spaces.
  2. Guide the water to borewells, pits, or wells for storage or groundwater recharge.
  3. Use stored water for domestic, agricultural, or industrial purposes.
  4. Recharge aquifers to improve groundwater quality and quantity.
💡 Rainwater harvesting is a low-cost, eco-friendly technique that also prevents soil erosion and flooding.
Recycle and reuse of water
  1. Collect wastewater from domestic activities like bathing, washing utensils, and vehicle washing.
  2. Treat or directly use the water for gardening or industrial cooling.
  3. Reduce demand for fresh water by using reclaimed water for non-potable purposes.
  4. Conserve better quality water for drinking.
💡 Recycling is currently practised on a limited scale in India, but has enormous potential.
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ Confusing total water with utilisable water
✗ India has 4,000 cubic km of water available for use.
→ 4,000 cubic km is the total precipitation, not the utilisable amount. Only 1,122 cubic km is actually utilisable due to losses and constraints.
✓ India's total utilisable water resource is 1,122 cubic km, which is 60% of the 1,869 cubic km of surface and replenishable groundwater.
⚠ Mixing up surface water utilisation percentage
✗ 32% of total water resources in India is utilisable surface water.
→ 32% refers to the proportion of available surface water (690 cubic km out of 1,869 cubic km) that can be utilised, not the total water resources.
✓ Only 32% of the available surface water (690 cubic km) can be utilised due to topographical and hydrological constraints.
⚠ Attributing highest water use to domestic sector
✗ Domestic sector uses the highest proportion of water in India.
→ Agriculture accounts for 89% of surface water and 92% of groundwater utilisation, making it the dominant sector.
✓ Agriculture is the largest consumer of water in India, accounting for 89% of surface water and 92% of groundwater utilisation.
⚠ Confusing the most polluted river
✗ The Ganga is the most polluted river in India.
→ While the Ganga is polluted at certain stretches (Kanpur, Varanasi), the Yamuna river between Delhi and Etawah is identified as the most polluted river in the country.
✓ The Yamuna river between Delhi and Etawah is the most polluted river in India, followed by the Sabarmati, Gomti, and others.
⚠ Misunderstanding watershed management scope
✗ Watershed management is only about water conservation.
→ Watershed management includes conservation, regeneration, and judicious use of all natural resources (land, water, plants, animals) and human resources within a watershed.
✓ Watershed management is an integrated approach that involves efficient management of surface and groundwater, along with land, vegetation, and human resources.
Compare & Contrast
Source and availability
Surface water resources
Groundwater resources
Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks (690 cubic km utilisable), while groundwater is stored in aquifers (432 cubic km replenishable). Surface water is more visible and directly used, but groundwater is less prone to evaporation and pollution.
Cause and effect
Water scarcity
Water pollution
Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient water due to over-utilisation and increased demand, while water pollution is the contamination of water by foreign substances, making it unfit for use. Pollution exacerbates scarcity by reducing the availability of usable water.
Scale and approach
Rainwater harvesting
Watershed management
Rainwater harvesting is a specific technique to capture and store rainwater at individual or community level, while watershed management is a broader, integrated approach that includes conservation of all resources within a watershed, involving multiple techniques like percolation tanks and recharge wells.
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: 2 MCQs (1 mark each), 1 SA of 3 marks, 1 LA of 5 marks, and occasionally a case study-based question (5 marks) on watershed development like Ralegan Siddhi.
Most asked: Water scarcity and its causes · Groundwater depletion in Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu · Water pollution and its impacts · Watershed management and its importance · Rainwater harvesting methods and benefits · Sectoral water utilisation (agriculture, industry, domestic) · National Water Policy 2012 and government schemes (PMKSY, Jal Kranti Abhiyan)
Don't skip: Discuss the availability of water resources in India and factors determining spatial distribution (5 marks).; Explain the concept of watershed management and its role in sustainable development (5 marks).; Describe the causes and consequences of groundwater depletion in north-western India (3 marks).; What is rainwater harvesting? Explain its methods and benefits (3 marks).
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. Water is a cyclic resource, but only 3% of Earth's water is freshwater, and a tiny fraction is usable.
  2. India has 2.45% of world's land, 4% of water resources, and 17% of population.
  3. Total utilisable water in India is 1,122 cubic km, out of 4,000 cubic km precipitation.
  4. Surface water utilisation is limited to 690 cubic km (32% of available surface water).
  5. Groundwater replenishable resources are 432 cubic km, with highest utilisation in Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu.
  6. Agriculture accounts for 89% of surface water and 92% of groundwater utilisation in India.
  7. Over-use of groundwater in Punjab and Haryana has led to depletion and salinity in soil.
  8. Water pollution is mainly due to organic and bacterial contamination from domestic and industrial effluents.
  9. The Yamuna is the most polluted river in India between Delhi and Etawah.
  10. Watershed management involves conservation of land, water, plants, animals, and human resources.
  11. Rainwater harvesting is a low-cost, eco-friendly method to capture and store rainwater and recharge aquifers.
  12. Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra is a successful case study of watershed development through community participation.
  13. National Water Policy 2012 treats water as an economic good after meeting pre-emptive needs like drinking and sanitation.
  14. PMKSY aims at 'Har khet ko pani' and 'Per drop more crop' through efficient water use.
  15. Jal Kranti Abhiyan selects water-stressed villages as 'Jal Grams' to ensure water security.
  16. Recycle and reuse of water can significantly reduce demand for fresh water in industries and households.

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. What percentage of the world's water resources does India account for despite having 17 per cent of the world's population?

  • A. 2 per cent
  • B. 4 per cent ✓
  • C. 6 per cent
  • D. 8 per cent

Answer: B — India accounts for 4 per cent of world's water resources despite having 2.45 per cent land area and 17 per cent of world population.

Q2. Which of the following statements about freshwater availability on Earth is INCORRECT?

  • A. Approximately 71 per cent of Earth's surface is covered with water
  • B. Freshwater constitutes 3 per cent of total water
  • C. Less than 1 per cent of freshwater is effectively available for human use
  • D. Most freshwater is easily accessible for human consumption ✓

Answer: D — Most freshwater is locked in ice caps and glaciers; only a very small proportion is effectively available for human use, making option D incorrect.

Q3. Out of the 1,869 cubic km of available surface water in India, how much can actually be utilised?

  • A. 690 cubic km (32 per cent) ✓
  • B. 1,122 cubic km (60 per cent)
  • C. 1,500 cubic km (80 per cent)
  • D. 1,869 cubic km (100 per cent)

Answer: A — Due to topographical, hydrological, and other constraints, only about 690 cubic km (32 per cent) of available surface water can be utilised.

Q4. The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river basins together account for what share of India's surface water resources despite covering only one-third of the country's area?

  • A. 40 per cent
  • B. 50 per cent
  • C. 60 per cent ✓
  • D. 70 per cent

Answer: C — These three river basins have 60 per cent of total surface water resources because they have high rainfall in their catchment areas and huge basin sizes.

Q5. Why is irrigation critically important in North-Western India and the Deccan plateau?

  • A. Because these regions have excess rainfall during all seasons
  • B. Because these regions are deficient in rainfall and are drought-prone ✓
  • C. Because agriculture is not practised in these regions
  • D. Because these regions receive only summer monsoon rainfall

Answer: B — North-Western India and Deccan plateau are deficient in rainfall and drought-prone, making assured irrigation essential for practising agriculture.

Q6. Consider the following statements: (Assertion) Agriculture accounts for 89 per cent of surface water and 92 per cent of groundwater utilisation in India. (Reason) India has traditionally been an agrarian economy with two-thirds population dependent on agriculture. Which is correct?

  • A. Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason explains Assertion ✓
  • B. Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason does not explain Assertion
  • C. Assertion is true but Reason is false
  • D. Assertion is false but Reason is true

Answer: A — Both statements are true: agriculture's high water demand stems directly from India's agrarian economy and its large agricultural workforce.

Q7. Which states are characterised by critically high groundwater utilisation that may lead to depletion if present trends continue?

  • A. Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Kerala
  • B. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu ✓
  • C. Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra
  • D. West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam

Answer: B — Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu show very high groundwater utilisation; Punjab and Haryana have >85 per cent of net sown area under irrigation via wells.

Q8. If India's annual precipitation is 4,000 cubic km and the total utilisable water resource is only 1,122 cubic km, what percentage of annual precipitation is actually utilisable?

  • A. 18.05 per cent
  • B. 22.04 per cent
  • C. 28.05 per cent ✓
  • D. 32.05 per cent

Answer: C — 1,122 cubic km ÷ 4,000 cubic km = 0.2805 or 28.05 per cent of annual precipitation is utilisable water resource.

Q9. Which three coastal states have vast surface water resources in lagoons and backwaters suitable for fishing and irrigation of paddy and coconut?

  • A. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka
  • B. Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal ✓
  • C. Goa, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
  • D. Gujarat, Goa, and Maharashtra

Answer: B — Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal have vast indented coastlines forming numerous lagoons and backwaters with brackish water used for fishing and irrigation.

Q10. According to the passage, what is the relationship between water quality deterioration and water scarcity in India? (HOTS)

  • A. Water quality deterioration increases scarcity by reducing usable freshwater, compounding the problem of shrinking supplies ✓
  • B. Water quality has no impact on the perception of water scarcity
  • C. Water quality deterioration only affects industrial users, not agricultural demand
  • D. Polluted water can be easily purified, so quality deterioration is not a real concern for scarcity

Answer: A — The chapter explicitly states that pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic effluents limits availability of usable water resources; thus quality loss directly reduces effective water supply alongside physical scarcity.

Flashcards

What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?

Approximately 3 per cent of total water on Earth is freshwater.

How much of India's total utilisable water resource is 1,122 cubic km?

It represents water from 4,000 cubic km annual precipitation that can actually be used beneficially in the country.

Which three major river basins account for 60 per cent of India's surface water resources?

The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak river basins account for 60 per cent despite covering only one-third of India's total area.

What is the main reason irrigation is necessary in India despite being an agricultural economy?

Spatio-temporal variability in rainfall, with many areas being drought-prone and winter/summer seasons being dry, makes assured irrigation essential for continuous agriculture.

Which sector uses the maximum percentage of India's groundwater resources?

Agriculture accounts for 92 per cent of groundwater utilisation in India.

Name two states where groundwater utilisation is critically high and unsustainable.

Punjab and Haryana have extremely high groundwater utilisation with more than 85 per cent of net sown area under irrigation through wells and tubewells.

What is water quality and why is it deteriorating in India?

Water quality refers to purity of water free from unwanted substances; it deteriorates due to industrial, agricultural, and domestic effluent pollution.

How much surface water can actually be utilised out of the 1,869 cubic km available in India?

Only about 690 cubic km (32 per cent) of available surface water can be utilised due to topographical, hydrological, and other constraints.

Which coastal states have vast surface water resources in lagoons and backwaters?

Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal have vast surface water resources in lagoons and backwaters that are used for fishing and irrigating paddy, coconut, and other crops.

What total replenishable groundwater resources does India possess?

India's total replenishable groundwater resources are about 432 cubic km.

Important Board Questions

Define water quality and state two major sources of water pollution in India. [2 marks]

Water quality = purity free from unwanted substances. Sources: name two from industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, domestic sewage.

Explain why irrigation is essential in India despite being an agricultural economy. Use the example of Punjab and Haryana to justify your answer. [5 marks]

Reason: spatio-temporal rainfall variability, drought-prone regions, dry winter/summer seasons, high-yielding varieties need regular moisture. Example: Punjab-Haryana >85% net sown area irrigated via wells; wheat-rice grown with irrigation; green revolution success linked to irrigation.

Analyse India's water resources crisis by discussing: (a) the gap between total precipitation and utilisable water, (b) sectoral water demand and over-exploitation, and (c) one conservation strategy. Include relevant data and state examples of over-exploited regions. [6 marks]

Data: 4,000 km³ precipitation → 1,122 km³ utilisable (28%). Sectoral: agriculture 89-92%, industry 2-5%. Over-exploitation: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu critical. Strategy: multipurpose projects (Bhakra-Nangal, Hirakud, Damodar Valley) or rainwater harvesting or watershed management. Must include specific state/river examples.

Assertion-Reason Questions for Water Resources

Q1. Assertion (A):

India accounts for only 4% of the world's water resources despite having more than 17% of the world's population.

Reason (R):

India's water scarcity is primarily due to unequal global distribution of precipitation and large population size relative to renewable water supplies.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both statements are true, and the reason correctly explains why the assertion is significant—the disparity between population share and water resource share creates acute scarcity. The reason directly addresses the cause of India's water stress.

Q2. Assertion (A):

Only 32% of India's available surface water (690 cubic km out of 1,869 cubic km) can be utilized for human purposes.

Reason (R):

The remaining 68% is lost because rivers flow only during the monsoon season.

Answer: C — A is true but R is false — The assertion is true based on chapter data, but the reason is false and incomplete. The chapter states topographical, hydrological, and other constraints prevent utilization—not merely seasonal flow. Many rivers like the Ganga flow year-round, and seasonal variation is only part of the constraint.

Q3. Assertion (A):

Agriculture accounts for 89% of surface water utilisation and 92% of groundwater utilisation in India.

Reason (R):

This high share reflects India's agrarian economy, Green Revolution's irrigation demands, and the necessity of irrigation due to spatio-temporal rainfall variability.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both statements are accurate. The reason correctly explains the assertion by connecting India's agricultural dependence, Green Revolution strategy requiring assured moisture, and the geographical reality of uneven rainfall distribution. This directly justifies why agriculture dominates water use.

Unlock more Assertion-Reason questions in Premium — unlock →

Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for Water Resources

Case Study:

Punjab and Haryana are among India's most agriculturally productive regions, producing wheat and rice that contribute significantly to national food security. However, agricultural statistics reveal concerning patterns: in Punjab, 76.1% of the net irrigated area depends on wells and tubewells, while in Haryana, 51.3% relies on these groundwater sources. Over the past three decades, groundwater tables in Punjab have declined by 0.5 to 1 meter annually in some districts. A recent survey found that the annual groundwater extraction in Punjab (24.7 cubic km) exceeds natural recharge (12.5 cubic km), creating an annual deficit of 12.2 cubic km. Despite warnings from agricultural scientists, farmers continue expanding irrigated area to maximize yields of high-yielding variety (HYV) crops.

Q1. Based on the passage, which state faces more acute groundwater stress: Punjab or Haryana? Justify your answer using numerical evidence.

  • A. Haryana, because it uses fewer wells and tubewells
  • B. Punjab, because 76.1% of its irrigated area depends on groundwater and its annual extraction (24.7 cubic km) exceeds recharge (12.5 cubic km), creating a 12.2 cubic km deficit ✓
  • C. Both states equally, as they share similar climates
  • D. Neither state, as the chapter mentions no water stress

Answer: B

Q2. The annual groundwater deficit of 12.2 cubic km in Punjab represents what major problem for long-term agricultural sustainability?

  • A. Increased food production will reduce poverty
  • B. Groundwater mining—extraction exceeds natural recharge, leading to eventual aquifer depletion and unaffordable well-deepening costs for farmers ✓
  • C. Surface water pollution will improve
  • D. Green Revolution crops require less water than traditional varieties

Answer: B

Q3. If the declining groundwater table in Punjab continues at 0.5 to 1 meter annually, and current groundwater occurs at depths of 30-50 meters in some areas, approximately how many years before tubewells become non-functional?

  • A. 50-100 years at 0.5 m/year decline ✓
  • B. 30-50 years at 1 m/year decline
  • C. Tubewells can be deepened indefinitely without cost
  • D. Groundwater will be exhausted within 5 years

Answer: A

Q4. Which chapter concept explains why farmers continue irrigating HYV crops despite groundwater depletion warnings?

  • A. HYV crops need regular moisture supply ensured only by developed irrigation systems; immediate productivity gains outweigh perceived future risks ✓
  • B. Rainfall is sufficient in Punjab throughout the year
  • C. Surface water is abundant and reliable
  • D. Groundwater scarcity is a myth

Answer: A

Unlock more case studies in Premium — unlock →

Previous Year Questions (PYQ) for Water Resources

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

CBSE 2026 · Set 64/5/3 · 1 mark

Choose the correctly matched pair from the following:

  • Bhil − Jhabua district
  • Ralegan Siddhi − Mumbai
  • Dharavi − Meerut district
  • Gaddi − Muzaffarnagar

CBSE 2026 · Set 64/4/1 · 1 mark

Which one of the following is the main objective of 'Haryali Project' ?

  • Water conservation for irrigation and fisheries
  • Water conservation for industries
  • Surface water availability for transport
  • Surface water availability for recreation

CBSE 2026 · Set 64/4/1 · 1 mark

Read the following water conservation measures adopted in the Ralegan Siddhi village carefully and choose most appropriate option. I. Constructing percolation tanks II. Repairing the embankments III. Emphasising stall-feeding of animals IV. Formation of 'Old Mandals'

  • Only I, II and III are correct.
  • Only I, II and IV are correct.
  • Only I, III and IV are correct.
  • Only II, III and IV are correct.

CBSE 2026 · Set 64/5/2 · 5 marks

Explain the necessity and methods of rainwater harvesting in India.

CBSE 2026 · Set 64/5/3 · 5 marks

Explain the main features of India's national water policy.

CBSE 2025 · Set 64/5/1 · 1 mark

Choose the correct group of states utilizing their groundwater resource moderately.

  • Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan
  • Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Punjab
  • Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
  • Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand

CBSE 2025 · Set 64/6/1 · 1 mark

[Diagram/Map-based question — skipped]

(19.1) Name the waterway given in the map.

CBSE 2025 · Set 64/6/1 · 5 marks

Explain the main objectives of Jal Kranti Abhiyan in India.

CBSE 2025 · Set 64/6/2 · 5 marks

Explain any five methods to prevent water pollution in India.

CBSE 2025 · Set 64/6/3 · 1 mark

[Diagram/Map-based question — skipped]

Name the waterway given in the map.

CBSE 2025 · Set 64/7/1 · 3 marks

Define water quality. Explain the reasons of deteriorating surface water quality in India.

CBSE 2025 · Set 64/6/3 · 5 marks

Explain the importance of rainwater harvesting in watershed management in India.

See all 20 board PYQs for this chapter — open PYQ tab →

Class 12 Geography Previous Year Questions, Chapter-wise

All 759 CBSE board questions from 2022–2026, sorted by chapter and question type. Free PDF download.

See all past board questions →

Next chapterMineral and Energy Resources →
Found this useful? Share it with your class group.

You've seen the free preview. Open the full interactive study kit — mind map, instant-graded quiz, progress tracking — free, no sign-in required.

Open Full Study Kit — Free →

Premium unlocks the full Question Bank, Daily Practice Papers, Chapter Quiz and Full Mock Papers for every chapter.