CBSE BOARD COACHING CENTRE

CLASS- X SUB- Social Science (Geography)

Chapter- 03 Name- Water Resources

Previous Year Questions

Previous Year Questions 2025:

Q1: Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option: (1 Mark)
Column I (Dam) Column II (River)
(a) Hirakud (i) Chambal
(b) Gandhi Sagar (ii) Krishna
(c) Nagarjuna Sagar (iii) Kaveri
(d) Mettur (iv) Mahanad

(a) a-iv, b-i, c-iii, d-ii (c) a-iv, b-i, c-ii, d-iii
(b) a-i, b-ii, c-iv, d-iii (d) a-i, b-ii, c-iii, d-iv
Ans: (c) a-iv, b-i, c-ii, d-iii
The table below shows the correct matching of dams with their respective rivers:
Column I (Dam) Column II Correct Match
(River)
(a) Hirakud (iv) Mahanadi Hirakud Dam is located on the Mahanadi River in Odisha,
known for flood control and irrigation.
(b) Gandhi (i) Chambal Gandhi Sagar Dam is on the Chambal River in Madhya
Sagar Pradesh, used for power generation and irrigation.
(c) Nagarjuna (ii) Krishna Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is on the Krishna River in Andhra
Sagar Pradesh/Telangana, a major irrigation project.
(d) Mettur (iii) Kaveri Mettur Dam is on the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu,
supporting irrigation and power generation.

Correct Matches:

• a-iv (Hirakud - Mahanadi)

• b-i (Gandhi Sagar - Chambal)
• c-ii (Nagarjuna Sagar - Krishna)
• d-iii (Mettur - Kaveri)
Thus, option (C) is correct.
Q2: Choose the correct option regarding major states involved in the Krishna-Godavari issue: (1
Mark)
(a) Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu
(b) Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
(c) Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh
(d) Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha
Ans: (b) Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
The Krishna–Godavari dispute arose because Maharashtra diverted more water at Koyna for a
multipurpose project, to which Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh raised objections.
Q3: Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option: (1 Mark)
Column I (River) Column II (Dam)
(a) Chambal (i) Salal
(b) Ganga (ii) Bhakra Nangal
(c) Chenab (iii) Gandhi Sagar
(d) Satluj (iv) Tehri

(a) a-ii, b-iii, c-i, d-iv (c) a-iii, b-iv, c-i, d-ii
(b) a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i (d) a-iii, b-iv, c-ii, d-I
Ans: (c) a-iii, b-iv, c-i, d-ii
The table below shows the correct matching of rivers with their respective dams:
Column I (River) Column II (Dam) Correct Match
(a) Chambal (iii) Gandhi Sagar Gandhi Sagar Dam is one of the Chambal River in
Madhya Pradesh, used for irrigation and power.
(b) Ganga (iv) Tehri Tehri Dam is on the Bhagirathi River, a tributary of the
Ganga, in Uttarakhand, known for its height and
hydropower.
(c) Chenab (i) Salal Salal Dam is on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir, a
major hydropower project.
(d) Satluj (ii) Bhakra Nangal Bhakra Nangal Dam is on the Satluj River in Himachal
Pradesh/Punjab, a key multipurpose project.

Correct Matches:

• a-iii (Chambal - Gandhi Sagar)

• b-iv (Ganga - Tehri)
• c-i (Chenab - Salal)
• d-ii (Satluj - Bhakra Nangal)
Thus, option (C) is correct.
Q4: Choose the correct option of the states that have been majorly benefitted by the Sardar
Sarovar Dam. (1 Mark)
Options:
(a) Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana
(b) Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan
(c) Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh
(d) Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh
Ans: (b) Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on the Narmada River in Gujarat. It covers four states —
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan — providing irrigation facilities, drinking
water, and drought-proofing especially in arid regions like Barmer and Jalore in Rajasthan.
Q5: How has the overuse of underground water created a serious crisis in many parts of India?
Explain with examples in the context of sustainable development. (5 Marks)
Ans: The overuse of underground water has created a serious problem in many parts of India:

• Declining Water Table – Farmers use their own wells and tube-wells to irrigate crops. This
has caused the groundwater level to fall rapidly.
• Food Security at Risk – Over-exploitation of water for irrigation reduces availability in the
future and may threaten food production.
• Urban Areas – In many cities, housing societies depend on private pumps. This leads to
depletion of fragile water resources.
• Industrialisation – Industries use huge amounts of water and also pollute it, further reducing
usable freshwater.
• Need for Sustainable Use – Government programmes like Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal
Yojana promote conservation and smart management to protect this resource.
Hence, overuse of groundwater has caused a serious water crisis and can only be solved through
conservation and sustainable development.
Q6: How have industrialization and urbanization impacted water supply? Explain. (3 Marks)
Ans: Industrialisation and urbanisation have put immense pressure on water supply in India:

• Industrial Use – Industries are heavy users of water and also need large amounts of power,
much of which comes from hydroelectric sources.
• Pollution of Water – Many industries discharge wastes, chemicals, and effluents, making
freshwater hazardous for use.
• Urban Overuse – Rapid growth of cities with dense populations has increased demand. Most
colonies have their own pumps, leading to over-exploitation and depletion of fragile
groundwater resources.
Thus, industrialisation and urbanisation have worsened the problem of water scarcity.
Q7: Explain any three aims of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). (3 Marks)
Ans: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was started by the Government of India with the goal of providing
safe water in rural areas. Its aims are:

• Assured Water Supply – To provide every rural household with a regular supply of potable
piped water.
 • Service Level – To ensure at least 55 litres per person per day is available.
• Long-term Functionality – To make sure tap connections remain functional on a long-term
basis.
Thus, JJM focuses on improving the quality of life and ensuring safe drinking water for all rural
households.
Q8: Choose the correct option to fill the blank. An artificial lake built in the 11th century for water
conservation is: (1 Mark)
(a) Sambhar Lake (c) Bhopal Lake
(b) Wular Lake (d) Chilka Lake
Ans: (c) Bhopal Lake
The Bhopal Lake, built in the 11th century, was one of the largest artificial lakes of its time for water
conservation.
Q9: Match Column I with Column II and choose the correct option: (1 Mark)
Column I (Dam) Column II (River)
(a) Sardar Sarovar (i) Mahanadi
(b) Salal (ii) Chambal
(c) Gandhi Sagar (iii) Narmada
(d) Hirakud (iv) Chenab

(a) a-ii, b-i, c-iv, d-iii (c) a-iii, b-iv, c-ii, d-i
(b) a-iii, b-iv, c-i, d-ii (d) a-i, b-iii, c-iv, d-ii
Ans: (c) a-iii, b-iv, c-ii, d-i
The table below shows the correct matching of dams with their respective rivers:
Column I (Dam) Column II (River) Correct Match
(a) Sardar (iii) Mahanadi Sardar Sarovar Dam is on the Narmada River in Gujrat,
Sarovar known for irrigation and hydropower.
(b) Salal (iv) Chambal Salal Dam is on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir, a
major hydropower project.
(c) Gandhi (ii) Narmada Gandhi Sagar Dam is on the Chambal River in Madhya
Sagar Pradesh, used for irrigation and power.
(d) Hirakud (i) Chenab Hirakud Dam is on the Mahanadi River in Odisha, known
for flood control and irrigation.

Thus, option (C) is correct.

Previous Year Questions 2024:
Q1: Which one of the following is the irrigation system in Meghalaya?
(a) To irrigate land only during rainy season.
(b) To use large volumes of water for irrigation.
(c) To remove water from soil.
(d) To use bamboo drip irrigation system.
Ans: (d) To use bamboo drip irrigation system.
In Meghalaya, farmers use a unique method called bamboo drip irrigation, which involves directing
water through bamboo tubes to irrigate their fields. This traditional system is efficient and well-
suited to the hilly terrain of the region, allowing for sustainable agriculture even in areas with limited
water resources.

Previous Year Questions 2023:

Q2: In which of the following States Tungabhadra Dam is located?
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Kerala
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Karnataka
Ans: (d) Karnataka
The Tungabhadra Dam is located in the state of Karnataka. Therefore, the correct answer is (d)
Karnataka.
Q3: Read the given source and answer the questions that follow:
RAINWATER HARVESTING Many thought that, given the disadvantages and rising resistance against
the multi-purpose projects, the water harvesting system was a viable alternative, both socio-
economically and environmentally. In ancient India, along with the sophisticated hydraulic
structures, there existed an extraordinary tradition of water harvesting systems. People had in-
depth knowledge of rainfall regimes and soil types and developed wide-ranging techniques to
harvest rainwater, groundwater, river water and flood water in keeping with the local ecological
conditions and their water needs. In hill and mountainous regions, people-built diversion channels
like the 'guls' or 'kuls' of the Western Himalayas for agriculture. 'Rooftop rainwater harvesting' was
commonly practised to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan. In the floodplains of Bengal,
people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields. In arid and semi-arid regions,
agricultural fields were converted into rain-fed storage structures that allowed the water to stand
and moisten the soil like the 'khadins' in Jaisalmer and 'Johads' in other parts of Rajasthan.
(i) Why is water harvesting system a viable alternative?
(ii) Describe the process of 'rooftop rainwater harvesting.'
(iii) Mention any two methods adopted by ancient India for water conservation.
Ans:
(i) The water harvesting system emerges as a viable alternative due to its dual benefits—socio-
economic and environmental friendliness.
(ii) 'Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting' involves capturing rainwater from the roof, storing it in
reservoirs, and providing a sustainable source of drinking water, especially notable in
Rajasthan.
(iii) Ancient India employed diverse water conservation methods, such as building diversion
channels like 'guls' or 'kuls' in the Western Himalayas for agriculture and creating rainfed
storage structures like 'Khadins' in Jaisalmer and 'Johads' in Rajasthan's other regions.

Previous Year Questions 2022:

Q4: Which one of the following factors is mainly responsible for declining water level in India?
(a) Irrigation
(b) Industrialisation
(c) Urbanisation
(d) Over-utilisation
Ans: (d) Over-utilisation
Over-utilisation is mainly responsible for declining water level in India. A s the population increases,
the consumption of water also increases.

Previous Year Questions 2019:

Q5: How are traditional rainwater harvesting methods being carried out to conserve water
resources in different regions? Explain with examples.
Ans:
(i) In hilly regions, people engineered diversion channels
like ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ in the Western Himalayas to support
agriculture.
(ii) 'Rooftop rainwater harvesting' was a common practice in
Rajasthan for storing drinking water.
(iii) In Bengal's floodplains, people ingeniously developed
inundation channels for field irrigation.
(iv) Arid and semi-arid regions transformed agricultural
fields into rainfed storage structures like 'Khadins' in
Jaisalmer and 'Johads' in Rajasthan, while regions like
Bikaner, Phalodi, and Barmer adopted underground tanks for drinking water.
Q6: "Archaeological and historical records show that from ancient times we have been
constructing sophisticated hydraulic structures in India.” Substantiate the statement by giving
three pieces of evidence.
Ans: Archaeological and historical records reveal India's rich tradition of sophisticated hydraulic
structures:

• In the 1st century B.C., Sringaverapura near Allahabad showcased advanced water
harvesting, channeling Ganga's floodwaters.
• During Chandragupta Maurya's rule, extensive construction of dams, lakes, and irrigation
systems occurred.
• Evidence of sophisticated irrigation works is found in places like Kalinga, Nagarjunakonda,
Bennur, and Kolhapur. In the 11th century, the construction of Bhopal Lake and the 14th-
century tank in Hauz Khas, Delhi, further demonstrates India's historical prowess in hydraulic
engineering.
Q7: "Water scarcity may be an outcome of large and growing population in India." Analyse the
statement.
Ans: Water scarcity in India is exacerbated by its large and growing population:

• Greater demands for water arise not only from domestic use but also from increased food
production.
• Densely populated areas experience groundwater over-exploitation, significantly lowering
water tables.
• Industrial demands and associated pollution further strain freshwater resources,
contributing to water scarcity in many Indian cities.
Q8: "Multi-purpose projects and large dams have been the cause of many new social
movements." Highlight the concerns related to such movements.
Ans: Resistance to these projects (Narmada Bachao Andolan and Tehri Dam Andolan) has primarily
been due to the large-scale displacement of local communities. So, if the local people are not
benefiting from such projects, then who is benefited? With abundance of water many farmers
shifting to water intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like
salinization of the soil. It has transformed the social landscape i.e., increasing the social gap between
the richer landowners and the landless poor.
Q9: "Urbanisation has added to water scarcity." Support the statement with arguments.
Ans: Urbanization exacerbates water scarcity in India due to: Increased water demand for personal
use in densely populated urban centers. Over-exploitation of groundwater by housing societies and
colonies. Industries in urban areas contribute to water stress through high consumption and
pollution.
Q10: "The dams that were constructed to control floods have triggered floods.” Analyze the
statement.
Ans: Damming of rivers affects their natural flow causing poor sediment flow and excessive
sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir, and poorer habitat for the rivers’ aquatic life. Dams
also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate, especially for spawning.
Reservoirs created on the floodplains also submerge the existing vegetation and soil leading to its
decomposition.
Q11: "Water harvesting system is an effective measure to reduce the problem of water scarcity.”
Justify the statement.
Ans: A large amount of this precious water just drains away. The only way to save this water from
wastage is by rainwater harvesting. In its simplest form it involves storing the rainwater in tanks, or
by making embankments etc. The different methods of rainwater harvesting used in India have been
as follows:
(a) Guls or Kuls in the Western Himalayas.
(b) Rooftop rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan associated with tankas. Khadins in Jaisalmer and
Johads in other parts of Rajasthan were also popular.
(c) Inundation channels in West Bengal.
(d) In Meghalaya which gets copious rain, rainwater harvesting is commonly practiced.
(e) In modern civil construction and housing societies provision for rainwater harvesting.
Q12: How has Shillong solved the problem of acute shortage of water?
Ans: In Meghalaya, a system of tapping stream and spring water by using bamboo pipes is prevalent.
This system solved the problem of acute shortage of water, to some extent.
Q13: How has Tamil Nadu solved the problem of acute shortage of water?
Ans: Tamil Nadu has made roof top rainwater harvesting structure compulsory to all the houses
across the state. This provision helped the state Tamil Nadu to solve the problem of acute shortage
of water.

Previous Year Questions 2018:

Q14: Explain any three reasons for which the multi-purpose projects and large dams have come
under great scrutiny and opposition in the recent years.
Ans:
(a) Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow causing poor sediment flow and
excessive sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir, resulting in rockier stream beds and
poorer habitats for the rivers’ aquatic life.
(b) Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate, especially for
spawning.
(c) The reservoirs that are created on the floodplains also submerge the existing vegetation and soil
leading to its decomposition over a period of time.
Previous Year Questions 2017:
Q15: Water scarcity in most cases is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use and unequal access
to water among different social groups.” Explain the meaning of statement with the help of
examples.
Ans: Water scarcity in most cases results from over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access
among social groups:

• Over-exploitation is evident through extensive tube well use for irrigation and industrial
purposes.
• Excessive use is seen in urban areas where water is wasted due to inadequate recycling.
• Unequal access is apparent with affluent individuals having ample water while the poor face
limited supply.
Q16: What is rainwater harvesting?
Or
How is rainwater harvesting carried out in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan? Explain.
Ans:
(a) Rainwater harvesting is a technique of increasing the recharge of groundwater by capturing and
storing rainwater by constructing structures, such as dug wells, percolation pits, check dams.
(b)
• In arid and semi-arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rain fed storage
structures that allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil like the ‘Khadins’ in
Jaisalmer and ‘Johads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.
• In Bikaner, Phalodi and Banner, almost all the houses had underground tanks for storing
drinking water.

Previous Year Questions 2015:

Q17: “India has a monsoon type of climate, even then it faces water scarcity in many parts of the
country”. Elucidate the given sentence by providing some examples.
OR
What is water scarcity? Write the main reasons for water scarcity.
Ans: Water scarcity means shortage of water. It is usually associated with regions having low ground
water but it can also be about inferior quality of the water available. There are many other reasons
which can cause scarcity of water.
India has a monsoon type of climate which guarantees appropriate rainfall, yet it has water
scarcity because:
(1) The availability of water resources varies over space and time, mainly due to the variations in
seasonal and annual precipitation.
(2) Over-exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among different social groups of
citizens also causes scarcity.
(3) Water scarcity may be an outcome of a large and growing population and consequent greater
demand for water.
(4) Most farmers have their personal wells and tube wells in their farms for irrigation to increase
their production. Excessive exploitation of groundwater can cause water scarcity.
(5) Water scarcity can also be caused due to availability of inferior quality of water. This happens
because industrial and domestic waste are released into water bodies making them unfit for
use.

Previous Year Questions 2012:

Q18: How has intensive industrialisation and urbanisation posed a great pressure on existing fresh
water resources in India? Explain with two examples for each.
Ans: Intensive industrialisation and urbanisation has put greater pressure on existing fresh water
resources as:
(1) With the rising number of industries, the demand for water, as a consequence, has grown
tremendously.
(2) Industries are heavy users of fresh water as water is required for cooling the machines and
processing of goods.
(3) The untreated industrial effluents which are discharged into water bodies pollute the water
making it hazardous for human consumption causing qualitative scarcity.
(4) Urban lifestyles have further aggravated the problem. Urban population overdraws the
groundwater by using their own groundwater pumping devices.
(5) Large populations have greater demand of water for consumption and domestic purposes which
in turn has increased the stress on water bodies in regions surrounding them.