Water and Its conservation Lesson:15 Class VI Science, CBSE/NCERT

Answer these questions

1.Why do wet clothes placed on a clothes line get dry after some time? Explain.
Ans: It is due to evaporation of water by the heat of the sun.

2. Wet clothes dry faster if you keep them under a fan. Why?
Ans: The rate of Evaporation increases with increase in wind speed so, Wet clothes dry faster if
you keep them under a fan.

3. How does water kept under the shade of a tree also gets evaporated?
Ans: Air around us gets heated from sunlight. This warm air provides heat for evaporation of
water kept in the shade.

4. Why is there a need for conserving water? Give two reasons.

Ans: (i) Increasing population need more water.
(ii) Availability of water is decreasing day-by-day.

5. If you won’t drink enough water, what happens to your body?

Ans: There will be deficiency of water in body termed as dehydration. Our body temperature
increases , skin shrink, digestion problem etc.

6. You are drenched completely while playing in the rain. But you did not stop playing. To your
surprise, your clothes dried after some time. How?
Ans: Clothes dried after some time due to body heat produced while playing.

(drench meaning:
verb :(used with object)
to wet thoroughly; soak.
to saturate by immersion in a liquid; steep.
Noun:
the act of drenching.
something that drenches:a drench of rain.
a preparation for drenching or steeping.
a solution, especially one of fermenting bran, for drenching hides or skins.)

7. In what ways does water serves to sustain life?

Ans: Water help to control biological process of our body like ingestion, transpiration, excretion
etc. We use water for house hold work and agricultural work.

8. A village near a river will always get ground water where as a village which is far away will
face acute water problem. Why?

Ans: The major part of river seeps down through the soil and form Layer of ground water called
Layer of water table. A village which is far away will face acute water problem as the rate of the
formation of water is very slow.

I. Fill in the blanks:

 1. The process by which plants evaporate water is called _________________. Transpiration
2. The major natural source of water is _________________. Rain water
3. Water vapour gets added to the atmosphere by _______ and ________.
Evaporation , condensation
4. Water disappears from wet clothes by the process of _______. Evaporation
5. The source of water below the ground such as wells, tubewells, lakes etc. is known as
_______. Ground water
6. In winter mornings, ______is formed due to condensation of water vapour near the ground.
Fog
7. Many tiny water droplets high up in the air, come together and fall down as _____________ ,
and ___________. rain, hail,
8. The amount of the seepage of _____________ into the ground affects the availability of
ground water. Rain

II. Name the following:

1. Two natural sources of water. Rain,Ground water
2. Two fresh water bodies. Natural spring, Ground water
3. Two rainwater harvesting techniques: Storage of rainwater on surface for future use.
Recharge to ground water.
4. Four uses of water at home. irrigation, Cooking, Drinking, as a means of Transport, as a
coolant
5. The two processes through which water vapour enters the air. Evaporation
6. Two adverse effects of floods. Shortage of food grain, Epidemics
7. Two adverse effects of drought. Starvation, Loss of fertility of soil
8. Two factors leading to shortage of usable water on the earth. Drough, Flood

KEYWORDS:

 Precipitation: formation of raindrops, snow etc. from water vapour present in

the atmosphere due to falling in temperature.
 Clouds: masses of tiny droplets of water, ice particles, dust particles floating in the air.
 Water pollution: the contamination of water with harmful chemicals and germs.
 Flood: a condition when the ground becomes submerged under water, due to heavy
rain and overflowing of the river.
 Drought: absence of rain in particular region for a long time leading to a severe shortage
of water.
 Water cycle: the cyclic movement of water from the atmosphere to the earth.
 Evaporation: The process by which water turns into water vapour.
 Groundwater: the water which gets collected under the earth’s surface below the
impervious rocks.

 Condensation: the conversion of vpour of a substance into its liquid form by cooling.
 Water conservation: the phenomenon of preserving water so that it is available for the use
of plants, animals and Humans rainwater harvesting: recharging the groundwater
reservoirs by allowing the collected rainwater to Percolate into the ground transpiration:
the process by which some water in plants evaporates into the atmosphere.
 Water table: the level of groundwater.
 Water is essential for the survival of all forms of life.
 We need water for household, agricultural and industrial purposes.
 The main source of water is rain. Other sources of water are oceans, seas, rivers,
lakes, pond, springs.
 Natural water is present on the surface of the earth as well as under the surface of
the earth.
 A change in state from gaseous to liquid is called condensation.
 Water is universal solvent because a large number of substances can easily dissolve in it.
 The level of groundwater is known as the water table.
 An ocean is a single continuous body of salt water on the surface of the earth whereas
sea is usually a smaller part of the ocean.
 When it does not rain for a year or two, we experience a drought.
 When a number of water droplets are too much, they become heavy and come down to
the earth in the form of rain.
 Rain, hail and snow replenish water in rivers, lakes, ponds, wells and soil.
 The process of evaporation, transpiration, precipitation and its flow to oceans constitutes
water cycle.
 The removal of the upper layer of soil is called soil erosion. Plants and trees prevent soil
erosion.
 Water exists in all the three states of matter i.e. solid, liquid and gaseous.
 Water is a precious gift of nature, save water wherever you can.
 The amount of usable water on Earth is limited so it needs to be used carefully.
Multiple Choice Questions

1. The condition occurring due to no rainfall for a long period

(a) drought
(b) flood
(c) both (a) and (b)
(d) none of these
2. Plants and trees help in preventing
(a) floods
(b) rainfall
(c) snowfall
(d) all of them
3. The process by which water disappears from earth’s surface is known as
(a) evaporation
(b) condensation
(c) precipitation
(d) crystallisation
4. Which of the following is the purest form of water?
(a) oceans
(b) ponds
(c) rain
(d) sea
5. The process by which plants lose water from their leaves is called
(a) photosynthesis
(b) evaporation
(c) transpiration
(d) condensation
6. The level of groundwater is called
(a) water table
(b) water cycle
(c) hydrological cycle
(d) none of these
7. The water which is fit for human consumption is called
(a) saline water
(b) groundwater
(c) surface water
(d) potable water
8. The solid form of precipitation of water is called
(a) rain
(b) snow
(c) flood
(d) fog
Ans:
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (c) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (b).
Fill in the blanks with suitable answers.
(a) Wells and springs are underground sources of———–.
(b) In our country, most of the rainfall occurs during the——– season.
(c) Water is the most important substance for the survival of life on———.
(d) The———- of groundwater is called water table.
Ans:
(a) Wells and springs are underground sources of water.
(b) In our country, most of the rainfall occurs during the monsoon season.
(c) Water is the most important substance for the survival of life on earth.
(d) The level of groundwater is called water table.
State whether true or false:
(a) No rainfall for a year or more may lead to a flood.
(b) Rainwater harvesting helps in increasing the amount of groundwater.
(c) Evaporation occurs at all temperatures.
(d) There is no shortage of drinking water during floods.
(e) Seas are larger in size than rivers.
(f) The water cycle is a natural gift to all living beings.
Ans:
(a) False, (b) True, (c) False, (d) False, (e) True (f) True
Very Short Answer Type Questions.

1. What is precipitation?
Ans. As the clouds get cooled further the water drops freeze and then fall as rain, snow or hail.
This process is called precipitation.

2. Name one natural source of saline water.

Ans. Sea.

3. Name the process by which plants lose water.

Ans. Transpiration.

4. Name the different states of water?

Ans. Water vapour, water, ice or snow

5. Why is sea water not fit for drinking and agricultural purposes?
Ans. Seawater is not fit for drinking and agricultural purposes because it is saline in nature.

6. Name two natural calamities.

Ans. Flood and Drought

7. We hang our wet clothes out to dry. What happens to the water in the clothes?
Ans. The water from the clothes evaporates.

8. How are the animals living in soil affected, if it rains heavily?

Ans: Heavy rains kill the animals living in soil because such animals do not get air to breathe
when all the soil gets covered with flood water.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. List any four ways in which water can be conserved.

Ans. The various ways to conserve or minimise the wastage of water are as follows:
(i) We should make economical use of water while taking a bath or washing clothes.
(ii) We should use drip irrigation or spray irrigation systems for our crops.
(iii) Do not use a full flush from the cistern on a toilet when a half flush is sufficient
(iv) Integrated watershed plans for drinking, irrigation and industrial areas should be
developed.

2. How are clouds formed?

Ans. When the air moves up, it gets cooler and cooler and after reaching sufficient heights, the
air becomes so cool that the water vapour present in it condenses to form tiny drops of water
called droplets which remain floating in the air and thus clouds are formed.

3. What happens to plants when they are not watered?

Ans. If plants are not watered, they would wither. The seeds would not germinate and
plants would not grow well.

4. Explain what you mean by evaporation.

Ans. The process of changing water (liquid form) into water vapour (gaseous form) is
called evaporation.

5. What is the difference between fog and clouds?

Ans. Clouds can form at many different altitudes. They can be as high as 12 miles above
sea level or as low as the ground. Fog is a kind of cloud that touches the ground. Fog
forms when the air near the ground cools enough to turn its water vapour into liquid water
or ice.

6. What happens when there is a lot of rainfall?

Ans. When it rains excessively, water gets collected here and there, causing disruption of normal
life. The water levels of rivers, lakes and ponds rise. When it exceeds a certain maximum level,
the water reservoirs cause floods. Crops, fields, villages and low-lying, areas get submerged
under water. During floods, many animals living in water get trapped on land and die when the
flood water recedes. Heavy rains also kill the animals living in soil because such animals do not
get air to breathe when all the soil gets covered with flood water.

7. Differentiate between the terms ‘evaporation’ and condensation’.

Ans: The process of changing water (liquid form) into water vapour (gaseous form) is called
evaporation. This is the reason our perspiration dries up at room temperature and wet clothes
dry up even in shade. However, if you heat water, it starts boiling at 100°C and rapidly changes
to steam. If you cool steam, it changes to liquid water at
100°C. The process is called condensation.

Long Answer Type Questions :

1. What is a water cycle? Describe the water cycle in nature. Also, draw a labelled sketch to
show the water cycle in nature.
Ans. Water keeps on circulating in nature.Although we use water for different activities, the
amount of water remains the same on the earth’s crust. This is maintained by the water cycle.
The cyclic pattern in which water keeps moving from the oceans and seas to the sky as water
vapour, from the sky to the land as rain or snow and from land to the oceans and seas is known
as the water cycle.

2. Why is natural water not considered safe for drinking?

Ans. Oceans are the largest reservoirs of natural water because streams and rivers flow
into them. The water in an ocean is saline in nature because there are various types of salts
dissolved in it. Sea and ocean water cannot be used for drinking, washing clothes and for
irrigation purposes due to the various salts dissolved in it. Water in rivers becomes polluted due
to human activities and is thus not considered safe for drinking.

3. Discuss why water is required by plants and animals.

Ans: Plants and animals mostly contain water in their body. They need a large amount of
water for growth. Water is very important for life. Humans too need water to drink, to wash our
hands, to cook, to water plants and for any other things. Without water, the plants would die and
people and animals would go thirsty. Water provides habitat to many animals and plants. All
animals and plants living in water are adapted to live in water.

HOTS
1. Water gets absorbed easily in the soil as compared to a cemented floor. Why?
Ans. Water gets absorbed easily in the soil as compared to a cemented floor because the soil is
porous in nature.

2. Name a continuous process taking place in nature which involves all the following process
(which are not given in sequence): transpiration, evaporation, condensation ?
Ans. Water cycle .

3. What happens to the potted trees when they are over watered? Why?
Ans. Waterlogging takes place and roots are unable to take oxygen from the soil.

4. What would have been the consequence if the water was not recycled in nature by the
water cycle?
Ans: There would be no water available for use. Most of the natural phenomenon would
be affected.
Water is the most essential liquid for life to exist on Earth. We use water in large quantities for
various activities in our day to day life which include drinking, cooking food, brushing teeth,
bathing, cleaning various things, washing clothes, industrial use, growing plants and crops and
many more such activities.

Where do we get the water from?

The water we get in our taps are supplied to us through a network of pipes from the water works
department. This water is drawn from the nearby water sources like lakes, rivers, ponds, wells
etc.
Nearly two thirds of Earth is covered with water which is in the form of oceans and seas. The
ocean and sea water is saline in nature as large amounts of salts are dissolved in these waters.
Because of this, ocean and sea waters is not fit for drinking and for other major activities.
However, oceans and seas play a major role in supplying water to us through an important
process called water cycle.

Water Cycle :

During daytime, various water sources on Earth continuously receive Sun's heat due to which
water from these sources continuously change into vapor leaving behind the dissolved salts.
During daytime, green plants lose the excess water from their body through a process called
transpiration. Thus water vapor keeps continuously added to air through the process of
evaporation and transpiration.

Evaporation is the process by which water changes into its gaseous state on heating.
How are clouds formed?
Water vapor present in the air condenses into small droplets of water on cooling. This process is
called condensation which plays an important role in bringing back water on to Earth. It gets
cooler and cooler as we go high from Earth's surface. Water vapor, when moves up, get cooler
and thus condenses into small droplets of water. These droplets of water float in the sky and
appear as clouds. While floating, the tiny droplets of water come together and forms bigger
drops of water. Some of these drops become so big that these are attracted by Earth's
gravitational pull and fall on Earth as rain or at times, the water drops freeze to form ice and fall
down as hail. In colder regions, during winter, the water vapor directly freezes to form flakes of
ice which fall down on to Earth as snow.

Thus, water from various sources goes up into the air in the form of water vapor through the
process of evaporation and transpiration in plants. These vapors form clouds through the process
of condensation and comes back to Earth to fill the various water bodies. However, some part of
the rain water is absorbed by the ground and seep into the soil and is available as ground or
table water.

Such a circulation of water is known as water cycle which is a continuous process. Water cycle
plays an important role in maintaining the supply of water on the land.

The amount of rainfall and its duration are different from place to place. In India, it rains during
monsoon and farmers depend on monsoon for sowing seeds in the agricultural fields. At times,
there are heavy rains which result in the increase in water levels of rivers, lakes, ponds and other
such water bodies which damage crops. Heavy floods can even cause damage to domestic
animals, property and even human life.
At times, where there are no rains for a continuous period of time, the soil continuously loses
water through evaporation and through transpiration of plants. As the water is not being refilled,
the soil gets dry and the level of water in various water bodies goes down and down. Some
ponds and rivers nearly become dry without water. Even the ground water level goes too deep
and it becomes scarce. Fields become dry and many plants dry up and die due to lack of water.
Even few animals die due to lack of proper food and water. Such a terrible situation is called
drought.

How can we conserve water?

The water available for use by humans, plants and animals is very limited and it is decreasing
due to the extensive usage by humans. The demand for water is ever increasing due to the
overuse by the ever increasing population. This results in the shortage of water and we need to
take necessary steps to conserve water.

Rainwater Harvesting :

One of the best methods to increase the availability of water is collecting rain water and storing it
for future use. Such a method is known as rainwater harvesting.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting: In this method, the rain water from the root tops is collected in
storage tanks or a pit in the ground through pipes. The water collected through this method may
contain soil and needs to be filtered. The rain water collected in the pit, seeps into the soil and
refills the ground water.
Exercises
1. Fill up the blanks:

(a) The process of changing of water into its vapor is called evaporation.

(b) The process of changing water vapor into water is called condensation.

(c) No rainfall for a year or more may lead to drought in that region.

(d) Excessive rains may cause floods.

2. State for each of the following whether it is due to evaporation or condensation.

(a) Water drops appear on the outer surface of a glass containing cold water. - Condensation.

(b) Steam rising from wet clothes while they are ironed. - Evaporation.

(c) Fog appearing on a cold winter morning. - Condensation.

(d) Blackboard dries up after wiping it. - Evaporation.

(e) Steam rising from a hot girdle when water is sprinkled on it. - Evaporation.

3. Which of the following statements are 'true'?

(a) Water vapor is present in air only during during monsoon. ( )

(b) Water evaporates into air from oceans, rivers and lakes but not from the soil. ( )

(c) The process of water changing into its vapor is called evaporation. (True)

(d) The evaporation of water takes place only in sunlight. ( )

(e) Water vapor condenses to form tiny droplets of water in the upper layers of air where it is
cooler. (True)
Question: How to conserve water?
Answer: The various ways to conserve water are:
 Creating awareness among people about the need and ways to conserve water.
 Turn off the taps immediately after use. We should get the baking taps repaired
immediately.
 Wash the utensils by filling water basin.
 We should take water in limits for washing clothes.
 Use the same water after washing vegetables, fruits etc. for watering plants at your home.

Question: Around 76% of our earth is covered water then should we conserve water?
Answer: We should conserve water because only 1% of the earth’s surface is drinking covered
with pure water which is fresh and suitable for drinking for all forms of life.

Question: We drink the same water that dinosaurs drank why?

Answer: Water has been here for million of years. It continues to be recycled through the
environment over in a constant cycle known as water cycle. So its possible that the water drunk
by us is same as dinosaurs.

Question: What is rain water harvesting?

Answer: Rain water harvesting is a process of collecting rain water and keeping it reserved for
future.

Question: Why should we harvest rain water?

Answer: We should harvest rain water because.
 Collecting water will solve the problem of shortage of water.
 If this water runs down it can bad to flood and soil erossion.
 It also increases the underground water table and increases the fertility of soil.
 It helps in conserving the environment and prevent the ground water from being debated.

Question: Write down the advantages and disadvantages of dams.

Answer: Advantages:
 It stores water and provides water for irrigation.
 It beads to prevention of flooding because the water does not enter in the rivers in large
quantities.
 It is used to generate electricity. The electricity generated by dams is called
hydroelectricity.

Disadvantages:
 They can be constructed on limited sites.
 Effects aquatic life, plants and animals.
 The building of dams require relocating population living in that area.

Question: Define the following:

Answer:
Ground water: When rainwater falls the water gets absorbed by the soil and is collected under
the ground. This is called groundwater.
Water table: The level of ground water is called the water table. It is the level below which the
ground is saturated with water.
Flood: Arise in the normal water level in water bodies like lakes, rivers and ponds in certain areas
as a result of heavy rainfall over a long period it causes lot of damage to life and property such
condition are called flood.
Drought: A decrease in the normal water level in water bodies like lakes, rivers and ponds as a
result of no rainfall over a long period of time. This causes a lot of damage to the life of human,
animals and aquatic life.

Question: Suppose you want to dry your school uniform quickly. Would spreading it near an
anghiti or heater help you? If yes, how?

Answer: Yes, to dry the school uniform quickly, the uniform is spread near an anghiti or heater
because evaporation is rapid at higher temperature. Higher the temperature faster is the rate of
evaporation. So the uniform is dried up quickly.

Question: Take out a cooled bottle of water from refrigerator and keep it on a table. After some
time you notice a puddle of water around it. Why?
Answer: The cooled water bottle has very cold exposed surface. Due to cool surface there is
condensation of water-vapour from air on the surface of water bottle because water vapour is
present in atmosphere. The condensed water molecules spread around the bottle. So a puddle of
water is noticed after sometime.

Question: To clean their spectacles, people often breathe out on glasses to make them wet.
Explain why the glasses become wet?
Answer: The breathe out gases contain water-vapour. The water-vapour condenses at spectacles
so glass becomes wet and with the help of small amount of water, it is easy to clean the
spectacles.

Question: How are clouds formed?

Answer: The water present on the earth evaporates due to heating by the sun. The water vapour
in the air condenses to form tiny droplets of water at high altitude, which appears as clouds.
Thus clouds are formed by the condensation of water vapours present in air at high altitude.

Question: When does a drought occur?

Answer: If there is no rain for a long period or for many years then there is scarcity of water in
that region. This leads to drought.

Question: Write the sources of water on the earth.

Answer: Sources of water on the earth are:
Seas
Oceans
Rivers
Springs
Tubewells

Question: In which forms, water exists on the earth?

Answer: Water exists on the earth in all three physical forms: ice, water and water vapour.

Question: What is transpiration?

Answer: Loss of water in the form of water vapour through stomata of leaves is called
transpiration.
Question: How are the clouds formed?
Ans: Clouds are formed by the condensation of water vapour at high altitude.

Question: What is meant by the conservation of water?

Answer: Careful, economical and wise use of water and avoiding the wastage of water is called
conservation of water.

Question: Mention two main functions of water for living organisms.

Answer: Two main functions of water for living organisms are:
Water is essential for the germination of seeds, growth of plants and in photosynthesis.
Water is used for the transportation of people and goods.

Question: Why is ocean water not suitable for domestic use?

Answer: Sea and ocean water contains large amounts of various salts. It is due to these salts the
ocean water is salty and cannot be used for drinking, washing and for irrigation purposes.

Question: Why does the water split on the floor disappear after some time?
Answer: Due to evaporation the water split is changed into water vapour. So it disappears after
some time.

Water Cycle

Question: How does heavy rain affect us?

Answer: Heavy rains may cause:
A rise of water level in dams, rivers, lakes, etc.
Water logging and floods.
Floods cause damage to property, crops and animals.

Question: How does the failure of rainfall affect people on the earth?
Answer: The failure of rainfall can cause the following:
The soil becomes dry.
Water level in rivers, lakes, dams, etc. may fall. Ponds and canals may even dry up.
The ground water level falls.

Question: Name two processes responsible for the formation of clouds.

Answer: Evaporation and transpiration.

Question: During winters why do we see more fog in close areas where there are lots of trees?
Answer: Due to lots of trees, air at that place contains much more water vapour during winters.
These vapour condense on dust or smoke particles forming thick fog.
Water Resources:

Very Short Answers:-

1.How much of the earth surface is covered with water?
Ans. About 3/4th.

Short Answers:-
1.Three-fourths of the earth’s surface is covered with water but there is still scarcity of water
across the globe.’ Explain giving three reasons.
Ans. (1) 96.5 per cent of the total volume of world’s water is estimated to exist as oceans and
only 2.5 per cent as freshwater. Nearly 70 per cent of this freshwater occurs as ice sheets and
glaciers.
(2) The availability of water resources varies over space and time, due to variations in seasonal
and annual precipitation.
(3) Water scarcity is also caused by over-exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water
among different social groups.

WATER SCARCITY AND THE NEED FOR WATER CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

Very Short Answers:-

1.According to Fallen Mark, a Swedish expert, when does water stress occur?
Ans. According to Fallen Mark, water stress occurs when water availability is between 1,000 and
1,600 cubic meter per person per year.

Short Answers:-
1.’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 the statement with the help of
examples.
Ans. (1) Over-exploitation: People carelessly use water when it is abundantly available. That is
why, in the dry season shortage of water is faced by many places. Water is not judiciously used
in the time of rain. Surface runoff becomes flood in the cities but not being stored for the future
use.
(2) Excessive use: Industries and affordable class use maximum percentage of water available
for usage. They don’t feel to save the excessive water supply, which eventually cause severe
water scarcity.
(3) Unequal access: The people of wet areas are not sensible enough to store the excess for
those in the dry areas. Moreover the rich and affordable classes do not bother to get water
whatever situation may be due to their money power.

3.Define water scarcity. Explain any two causes of water scarcity in India.
Or
Explain any three causes for water scarcity in most parts of India.
Or
Describe the important factors responsible for the water scarcity in the world.
Or
Analyze any five major reasons of water scarcity in India.
Or
Explain any three causes of water scarcity.
Ans. (1) Water scarcity: Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet
the demand for water usage within a region.
Reasons behind water scarcity in India
The water scarcity is mostly man made due to excess population growth and mismanagement of
water resources. Some of the major reasons for water scarcity are:
(a)Inefficient use of water for agriculture. India is among the top growers of agricultural produce
in the world and therefore the consumption of water for irrigation is amongst the highest.
Traditional techniques of irrigation causes maximum water loss due to evaporation, drainage,
percolation, water conveyance, and excess use of groundwater. As more areas come under
traditional irrigation techniques, the stress for water available for other purposes will continue.
The solution lies in extensive use of micro-irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler
irrigation.
(b)Reduction in traditional water recharging areas. Rapid construction is ignoring traditional
water bodies that have also acted as ground water recharging mechanism. We need to urgently
revive traditional aquifers while implementing new ones.
(c)Sewage and wastewater drainage into traditional water bodies. Government intervention at
the source is urgently required if this problem is to be tackled.
(d)Release of chemicals and effluents into rivers, streams and ponds. Strict monitoring and
implementation of laws by the government, NGOs and social activists is required.

4.How is agriculture aggravating the problem of water scarcity in India? Explain.

Ans. (1) Water scarcity is an outcome of large and growing population and consequent greater
demands for water and unequal access to it.
(2) A large population means more water not only for domestic use but also to produce more
food.
(3) To facilitate higher food grain production, water resources are being over-exploited to expand
irrigated areas and dry-season agriculture.
(4) Most farmers have their own wells and tube wells in their farms for irrigation to increase their
produce.
(5) It may lead to falling groundwater levels, adversely affecting water availability and food
security of the people.

5.How does increasing number of industries exert pressure on existing fresh water resources?
Ans. (1) Industries use water and also require power to run them. Much of this energy comes
from hydro-electric power.
(2) Today in India hydraulic power contributes approximately 22% of total electricity produced,
depleting the ground level.
(3) Industrial waste pollutes rivers and lakes at a rapid pace.
(4) Industries are heavy users of water for various processes to be conducted by machines.
(5) Water is used as a major coolant for machines.

6.Why are dams considered to be a good source of conserving and managing water resources?
Ans. All the following mentioned requirements can be met with by constructing
(1) Industries are heavy users of water:
(2) They also require power which comes from hydro-electricity.
(3) Urbanization and its lifestyle have added pressure on water resources.
(4) Urbanization leads to dense population which results in over-exploitation of groundwater.
(5) They also provide water for irrigation.
Long Answers:-

1.How does urbanization and urban lifestyle lead to over-exploitation of water

resources? Explain.

Ans. (1) Multiplying urban centers with large and dense populations has increased the demand
for water.
(2) Urban lifestyles have not only added to water and energy requirements but have further
aggravated the problem.
(3) The housing societies or colonies in the cities have their own groundwater pumping devices
to meet their water needs.
(4) Fragile water resources are being over-exploited and have caused their depletion in several
cities.
(5) Urbanization creates vast opportunities which attract people. This increasing population
demands more water to fulfill their domestic needs.

2.Is it possible that an area or region may have ample water resources but is still facing water
scarcity? Explain with the help of three relevant examples.
Ans. (1) There is a situation when water is sufficiently available to meet the needs of the people
but the area still suffers from water scarcity. This scarcity may be due to bad quality of water.
(2) Water gets polluted by domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers
used in agriculture, thus, making it hazardous for human use.
(3) India’s rivers have turned into toxic streams.
(4) The assault on India’s rivers—from population growth, agricultural modernization,
urbanization and industrialization is enormous and growing day-by -day.

3. What is the importance of water as a natural resource? Describe any two methods of
conserving water.
Ans. (1) About three-fourth of the earth’s surface is covered with water. Only a small proportion
(2.5 per cent) of it accounts for fresh water that can be put to use. This fresh Water is
continually being renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle. All water moves within
the hydrological cycle ensuring that water is a renewable resource.
(2) Two methods of conserving water:
(i) Rooftop rain water harvesting is practiced to store drinking water particularly in Rajasthan.
(ii) In the floodplains of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields.
(iii) In arid and semi-arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rained storage
structures that allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil like the ‘Chains’ in Jaisalmet and
`Jihads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.

4.’Water is a very important and critical resource in India.’ Support the statement by explaining
any three points.
Ans. (1) A huge population resides in India which demands more water not only for domestic use
but also to produce more food. For higher food grain production farmers install their own tube
wells which lead to falling groundwater level adversely affecting water availability.
(2) Multiplying urban centers with large and dense population have added to water and energy
requirements. The housing societies have their own groundwater pumping devices to meet their
water needs. But in this way, water resources are being over-exploited.
(3) To run the industries, availability of water is an essential factor. But, the waste material
coming out from industries pollute the rivers.
5.How have industrialization and urbanization aggravated water scarcity in India?
Or
Explain any three ill-effects of industrialization and urbanization on water resources in India.
Or
How have industrialization and urbanization posed a great pressure on existing fresh water
resources in India? Explain with examples.
Ans. (1) Industrialization: Industries are heavy users of water. They also require energy to run
machines. Much of this energy comes from hydro-electric power.
(2) Urbanization: (I) Multiplying urban centers with large and dense populations and urban
lifestyles have not only added to water and energy requirements but also have further
aggravated the problem.
(ii) Most housing societies have their own groundwater pumping devices to meet their water
needs. This leads to depletion of underground water.

6. Why is there an urgent need to conserve and manage our water resources? Mention three
Reasons.
Or
Why is the conservation and management of our water resources a dire necessity? Give
five reasons.

Or
`It is essential to conserve and manage our water resources.’ Support the statement with
suitable examples.
Ans. Following are the reasons that we need to conserve and manage our water resources:
(1) Large growing population: This causes greater demand of water and unequal access of
people to water resources. Greater demand means demand for food and rise in food grain
production which needs more water.
(2) Over-exploitation of water resources: To expand irrigated areas and dry season, farmers
have their own wells and tube wells which may lead to falling groundwater levels.
(3) Intensive industrialization: In industry for various purposes, water is heavily used. To run
industries, power is required and 22% of it comes from hydro-electricity.
(4) Urbanization: Large and dense population adds to water demand and scarcity. Most pump
groundwater to meet their needs and water tables are falling consistently.
(5) Lack of rainwater harvesting: It is not mandatory except in Tamil Nadu.
MULTI-PURPOSE RIVER PROJECTS AND INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Very Short Answers:-
1.On which river is Chakra Nan gal Dam built?
Ans. Chakra Nan gal Dam is built on the river Sutlej.

2.Sadder Samovar Dam is built on which river?

Ans. Sadder Samovar Dam is built on the river of Narmada.

3.On which river is Konya Dam constructed?

Ans. Konya Dam is constructed on river Krishna.

4. Who proclaimed the dams as ‘the temple of modern India’?

Ans. Jawaharlal Nehru.

5.In which state is the Teri Dam located?

Ans. Uttarakhand.

6.On which river is the Teri Dam being constructed?

Ans. Bhagirathi.

Short Answers:-
1.Explain any two consequences of changing crop pattern due to irrigation.
Ans. (1) The population of India is growing rapidly and demands its food security the
government introduced schemes to the farmers to grow food crops twice or thrice a year.
Earlier, the farmers depended on rainfall in the monsoon season for their yearly productive With
failure in rain, they used to suffer a lot. Now-a-days farmers can take loan and use pumps to
irrigate their land. Over and over irrigation to get good returns and using of fertilizers to retain
the soil fertility, they, in turn, make the land exhausted and thus, the ultimately production is
suffering.
(2) On the other hand on the event of drawing more and more water from the underground
sources, the water table is also getting dried up. The fertilizer mixed water contaminates the
canals and other water bodies. ,

2.Describe in details the aim of Narmada Bache Angolan.

Ans. (1) Narmada Bache Angolan is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that mobilized
tribal people, farmers, environmentalists and human rights activists against the Sadder Samovar
Dam being built across the Narmada River in Gujarat.
(2) It originally focused on the environmental issues related to trees that would be submerged
under the water.
(3) Recently, it has re-focused its aim to enable poor citizen, especially the ousters (displaced
people) to get full rehabilitation facilities from the government.

3.How has irrigation changed the cropping pattern in many regions of India? Explain with the
examples.
Ans. (1) Farmers shift to water intensive and commercial crops.
(2) This leads to Stalinization of the soil.
(3) This has transformed the social landscape and increasing gap between richer land owners
and landless poor.
4.Explain three ways in which irrigation have changed the social landscape of the region.
Ans. (1) It has increased the social gap between the rich landowners and the landless poor.
(2) Dams have created conflicts between people who have different opinions on the use of
water.
(3) Dams have created inter-state water disputes. For example, Krishna-Godavari water dispute.

5.Evaluate the role of dams in flood control with the help of suitable examples.
Ans. (1) Initially, it was expected that large dams would control flood as well as help conserve
water.
(2) Ironically, the dams built to control floods have triggered floods due to sedimentation in the
reservoirs.
(3) Big darns have been mostly unsuccessful in controlling floods at the time of excessive
rainfall.
(4) The release of water from dams during heavy rains aggravated the flood situation in
Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2006.

6.What is the reason behind Krishna-Godavari water dispute? Name the multi-purpose river
valley project constructed on river Krishna.
Ans. Reasons behind Krishna-Godavari water dispute:
1.(i) Objection was raised by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh governments regarding the
diversion of more water of Korana by the Maharashtra government for a multi-purpose project.
(ii) The diversion would reduce downstream flow in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
which would adversely affect industry and agriculture.
(2) The multi-purpose river valley project constructed on river Krishna is Nagarjuna Sager Dam.

Long Answers:-
1.Mention any five advantages and five disadvantages of multi-purpose river projects.
Or
Mention any three advantages and three disadvantages of multipurpose river projects.
Or
Mention any six advantages of multi-purpose river projects.
Ans. (1) Advantages: Multi-purpose projects launched after independence with their integrated
water resources management approach, were thought of as the vehicle that would lead the
nation to the path of development and progress, overcoming the handicap of its colonial past.
(ii) Jawaharlal Nehru proclaimed the dams as the temples of modern India: the reason being that
it would integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialization
and growth of the urban economy.
(iii) Dams were built to impound rivers and rainwater that could be used later to irrigate
agricultural fields.
(iv) Hydro-electricity is also generated which is provided to industries to run machines.
(v) Dams control floods at the time of excessive rainfall.
(vi) It protects the devastation of life and property and soil does not get eroded.
(2) Disadvantages
1) Multipurpose project affects the natural flow of water.
2) it cause the excessive sediments at the bottom of the river which makes stream beds rockier.
3) it causes the poor habitat of aquatic life.multi purpose projects causes no migration of aquatic
fauna.
4) the dam submerged the vegetation and soil at the both of the bank of the river and causes
flood plains.
5 ) multipurpose projects also causes new social movement like Narmada bachao andolan.
2.Mention the new social movements that have been a result of opposition to multi two
movements that have been started to oppose multipurpose river projects in India. Why did they
oppose to these projects?
(i) Narmada Bache Angolan was started against the Sadder Samovar Dam being built across the
Narmada River in Gujarat.
(ii) Teri Dam Angolan—Resistance to these projects has primarily been due to the large’ scale
displacement of local communities.
(2) The landowners and large farmers, industrialists and a few urban centers are benefitted
from such projects.
(3) They oppose to these projects because.
(i) Construction of large dams leads to the large-scale displacement of the local communities.
(ii) The displaced people do not get full rehabilitation facilities from government.
(iii) Local people have to give up their land and livelihood.

3.Mention any three hydraulic structures of ancient India.

Or
Highlight any three hydraulic structures as a part of water management programmed initiated in
ancient India.
Ans. Three hydraulic structures of ancient India are as under:
(1) In the first century B.C. Sringaverapura near Allahabad had sophisticated water harvesting
system channeling the flood water of the river Gang.
(2) During the time of Chandragupta Maura, dams, lakes and irrigation systems were extensively
built.
(3) Sophisticated irrigation works have also been found in Kalong (Odessa), Nagarjunakonda
(Andhra Pradesh), Banner (Karnataka), Kolhapur (Maharashtra), etc.
(4) In the 11th century, Bhopal lake, one of the largest artificial lake of its time was built.
(5) In the 14th century, the tank in Haul Khans, Delhi was constructed by Iltutmish for supplying
water to Sire Fort area.

4.What is a multi-purpose river valley project? Mention any four objectives of it.
Or
Describe the major objectives of multi-purpose river valley projects.
Ans. (1) Multi-purpose river valley projects generally refer to large dams that serve several
purposes in addition to impounding the water of a river.
(2) Major objectives of multi-purpose river valley projects are as follows:
(i)These projects aim at providing irrigation water and power inputs which then enhances the
food productivity.
(ii) Such projects involve construction of several large, medium and small dams on rivers with
purpose of generation of electricity.
(iii)They are used to regulate river flow and ensure adequate supply of water during dry Periods.
(iv) Water supply for industrial and domestic purposes.
(v) These projects transmit benefits to distant places.

5.Explain the ecological problems being faced due to the multi-purpose river projects.
Ans. (1) Dams fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate especially for
spawning.
(2) The reservoirs that are created on the floodplains also submerge the existing vegetation and
soil leading to its decomposition over a period of time.
(3) Multi-purpose projects that were constructed to control floods have triggered floods which
cause extensive soil erosion.
 (4) Sedimentation also meant that the floodplains were deprived of silt, a natural fertilizer,
thriller adding on to the problem of land degradation.
(5) Multi-purpose projects induced earthquakes, caused water borne diseases and pests and
Pollution resulting from excessive use of water.

6.Define ‘a dam’. Describe any two problems caused due to multi-purpose projects.
Ans. (1) A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards flow, often
creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment. Dams refer to the reservoir rather than the structure.
(2) Two problems caused due to multipurpose projects are as follows:
(i) Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow causing poor flow and excessive
sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir, resulting in rockier stream beds and poorer
habitats for the rivers’ aquatic life.
(ii) The reservoirs that are created on the floodplains also submerge the existing vseegdetairin:
and soil leading to its decomposition over a period of time.

7.’In recent years multi-purpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny
and Opposition.’ Do you agree with the statement? Support your answer with any three
arguments.
Or
`Multi-purpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny and opposition for a
variety of reasons.’ Explain any five reasons.
Or
`Why are large dams under scrutiny these days?’ Mention any three ill-effects caused by this on
the environment. Explain any three reasons due to which large dams have come under great
opposition I recent years.
Or
Why have multi-purpose river projects come under great scrutiny and opposition? Explain any
three reasons.
Ans. (1) Agree: (i) Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow causing poor
sediment flow and excessive sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir.
(ii) It results in rockier stream beds and poorer habitats for the rivers’ aquatic life.
(iii) Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate.
(iv) The reservoirs created on the flood plains submerge the existing vegetation and soil leading
to its decomposition.
(2) Disagree: (i) Dams are built for irrigation as well as for generating electricity.
(ii) Darns supply water for domestic and industrial use.
(iii) Initially, it was expected that large dams would control flood as well as conserve water.

8.Why are dams called multi-purpose projects? Explain any three reasons.
Or
Why are dams referred to as multi-purpose projects? Explain any three reasons.
Ans. Dams are called multi-purpose projects because:
(1) Earlier they were built to impound rivers and rainwater could be used later for irrigation.
(2) Now, dams are built not only for irrigation but for generation of electricity, water supply for
domestic use, flood control, recreation, inland navigation and fish-breeding.
(3) Thus, they are called multi-purpose projects.
(4) For example, in the Sutlej-Beas river basin, the Bhakra-Nangal project water is being used
both for hydelpower production and irrigation.

9.’Why did Jawaharlal Nehru proudly proclaim the dams as the temples of modern India?’
Mention any four advantages of the dams.
Or
What did Jawaharlal Nehru say about the dams and why? Explain.
Or
Who proclaimed the dams as the ‘temples of modern India’? Explain any two reasons for it.
Or
Dams are referred as the ‘temples of modern India’? Who said this and why?
Ans. (1) Dams have been proclaimed as ‘temples of modern India’ because they integrate
development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialization and grow of
urban economy.
(2) Advantages of dam: (i) Irrigation, (ii) Electricity generation,
(iii) Water supply for domestic and industrial uses, (iv) Flood control,
(v) Recreation, (vi) Inland navigation,
(vii) Fish-breeding.

10.Why is groundwater a highly overused resource?

Ans. Groundwater is a highly overused resource because:
(1) Water is essential for life and is needed in every sphere of life.
(2) To raise crops and earn money, farmers depend on groundwater resources.
(3) With the increase in development activities, new industries are being set up. Industries are
the biggest consumers of water resources.
(4) Due to increasing urbanization process, new colonies and buildings are developed. They
consume huge amount of water.
(5) Also, farmers and people in general, use their own wells and tube wells for irrigation and
domestic purposes.

RAINWATER HARVESTING
Very Short Answers:-
1.What is the reference used for ‘rainwater’ in Rajasthan?
Ans. Palarpani is the reference used for rainwater in Rajasthan.

2.Chains’ and `Jihads’ are the rain fed storages structures of which state of India?
Ans. Chains’ and `Jihads’ are the rain fed storages structures of Rajasthan in India.

3.Which state has made rooftop rainwater harvesting structure compulsory to all the houses
across the state?
Ans. Tamil Nadu has made rooftop rainwater harvesting structure compulsory to all the houses
across the state.

Short Answers:-
1.Why is the rooftop rainwater harvesting the most common practice in Shilling in spite of the
fact that Cherapunjee and Mawsynram are situated only at a distance of 55 kames from there?
Explain.
Ans. (1) Shilling receives heavy rainfall during monsoon period but the state faces acute water
shortage during lean seasons.
(2) It is mainly due to lack of water storage system.
(3) Considering the limitations of surface and ground water in the state, the most reliable source
of water in the dry months is harvested rainwater. The state, therefore, laid emphasis on
rainwater harvesting.

2.Describe the rooftop rainwater harvesting technique.

Ans. Rooftop rainwater harvesting:-
 (1) Rooftop rainwater is collected using PVC pipe.
(2) Water is filtered using sand and bricks.
(3) Underground pipe takes water to sump for immediate usage.
(4) Excess water from the sump is taken to the well.
(5) Water from the well recharges the underground. The water collected in the well can be used
later for domestic purposes.

3.Explain any five techniques of rainwater harvesting used in India.

Or
`Different regions had developed different techniques to conserve water.’ Illustrate.
Ans. Five techniques of rainwater harvesting in India are as under:
(1) In hill and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like `gulls’ or lulls’ for
agriculture.
(2) Rooftop rainwater harvesting is practiced to store drinking water in Rajasthan.
(3) In flood plains of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields.
(4) 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 shadings’ and `Jihads’ in
Rajasthan.
(5) Rooftop rainwater is collected using PVC pipes into the wells. The water thus collected can be
used for various purposes.

4.Write the features of the tanks’ built in the houses of Bikaner, Paladin and Barmen
Ans. (1) The tanks could be as large as a big room; one household in Paladin had a tank that
was 6.1 meters deep, 4.27 meters long and 2.44 meters wide.
(2) The tanks’ were part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system and were
built inside the main house or the courtyard.
(3) They were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe.
(4) Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down the pipe and was stored in these underground
`tanks’.
(5) The first spell of rain was usually not collected as this would clean the roofs and the pipes.
The rainwater from the subsequent showers was then collected.

5.Why is rooftop rainwater harvesting important in Rajasthan? Explain.

Ans. (1) The rainwater stored in tanks’ is an extremely reliable source of drinking water when all
other sources are dried up.
(2) Rainwater is considered the purest form of natural water.
(3) Many houses constructed underground rooms adjoining the tanks to beat the summer heat
as it would keep the room cool.
(4) There is lack of perennial rivers in Rajasthan.
(5) The rainfall is not reliable in this region.
6.Explain the term, tanks’. Where were tanks built in India?

Ans. (1) The tanks’ were part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system and
were built inside the main house or the courtyard. They are built for storing drinking water. A
tank could be 6.1 meters deep, 4.27 meters long and 2.44 meters wide.
(2) The tanks were built in the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly in Bikaner,
Paladin and Barmen.

7.What is bamboo drip irrigation? Mention any two features of it.

Or
Describe Bamboo drip irrigation system. In which state of India it is practiced?
Ans:-Features of bamboo drip irrigation:
(i) Bamboo drip irrigation system is 200 year old system of tapping stream and spring water by
using bamboo pipe.
(ii) Bamboo pipes are used to divert perennial springs on the hilltops to the lower reaches by
gravity.
(iii) The channel sections, made of bamboo, divert water to the plant site where it distributed
into branches.

8.What is ‘rainwater harvesting system’? Which state in India has made compulsory?
Ans. (1) Rainwater harvesting is a technique of increasing the recharge of ground-water by
capturing and storing rainwater by constructing structures such as dug wells, percolation pits and
check dams.
(2) (i) Tamil Nadu has made this system compulsory to all the houses across the state.
(ii) There are legal provisions to punish the defaulters.

9.What role do `Gulls’ or ‘Kula’ of the Western Himalayas and `Chain’ and `Jihads’ in parts of
Rajasthan play? Describe.
Ans. (1) In Western Himalayas people build diversion channels like `guls”or’
(2) In arid and semi-arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rain-fed storage
structures.
(3) These allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil like the shadings’ in Jaywalker and
`Jihads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.

10.Why is the practice of rooftop rainwater harvesting slowly declining in Rajasthan? Which state
has made rooftop rain water harvesting compulsory?
Ans. (1) (i) In western Rajasthan the practice of rooftop rainwater harvesting is on the decline.
(ii) This is because; plenty of water is available now due to the perennial Rajasthan Canal.
(iii) Some houses still maintain tanks as they do not like the taste of tap water.
(2) Tamil Nadu has made this system compulsory. There are legal provisions to punish the
defaulters.

11.What are tanks? How are they useful for storing water?
Or
What are tanks? Mention their uses.
Ans. (1) (i) In the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, almost all the houses traditionally had
underground tanks for storing drinking water.
(ii) The underground tanks can have dimensions 6.1 m deep, 4.27 m long, 2.44 m wide.
(2) Uses : (i) We can use water in dry season.
(ii) It is useful to recharge the underground water.
(iii) It keeps the room cool.

12.Describe any three traditional methods of rainwater harvesting adopted in different parts of
India.
Or
Explain any three techniques of rainwater harvesting used in ancient India.
Or
Examine five traditional methods of rainwater harvesting practiced in different parts of
Or
Describe any three traditional methods of rainwater harvesting practiced in different parts
of India.
Ans. (1) Rainwater harvesting is a technique by which recharge of water can be increased. It is
done by artificial recharging of abandoned wells.
(2) Different methods of rainwater harvesting are as follows : (i) In hill and mountainous regions,
people built diversion channels like the ‘gills’ or lulls’ in the Western Himalayas for agriculture.
(ii) Rooftop rainwater harvesting is commonly practiced to store drinking water in Rajasthan.
(iii) In the floodplains of Bengal, people develop inundation channels to irrigate their fields.
(iv) In arid and semi-arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rained storage
structures that allow the water to stand and moisten the soil like the shadings’ in Jaywalker and
`Jihads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.

13.Describe the way, in which rainwater harvesting is carried out in the semi-arid and arid
regions of Rajasthan? Highlight the importance of rainwater harvesting in these regions. Mention
any two advantages of it.
Or
Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan is carried out.
Or
How is rainwater harvesting carried out in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan? Explain.
Ans. (1) In semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly in Bikaner, Paladin and Barer,
almost all the houses traditionally had underground tank or tanks for storing drinking water.
(2) The tanks could be as large as a big room; one household in Paladin had a tank that was 6.1
meters deep, 4.27 meters long and 2.44 meters wide.
(3) The tanks were part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system and were
built inside the main house or the courtyard.
(4) They are connected to the sloping roofs through a pipe and store rainwater in these
underground `tanks’.

14.Why are different water harvesting systems considered a viable alternative both socio-
economically and environmentally in a country like India?
Or
`Rainwater harvesting system is viable alternative both by socio-economically and
environmentally’. Support the statement with three examples.
Ans. (1) Keeping into view the disadvantages and rising resistance against the multi-purpose
projects, water harvesting system is considered a viable alternative both socio-economically and
environmentally.
(2) In ancient India also, along with the sophisticated hydraulic structures, there existed an
extraordinary tradition of various water-harvesting systems.
(3) People adopted different techniques in different areas. In hilly regions, people built diversion
channels like the ‘guts’ or ‘kills’ for agriculture.
(4) Rooftop rainwater harvesting is commonly practiced to store drinking water, wheal in
Rajasthan particularly
(5) In the floodplains of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields.
Khakis, Jihads and Tanks are the forms of rainwater harvesting practiced i Rajasthan.
VALUE BASED QUESTIONS:

1.’There is shortage of water as compared to its demand.’ In the light of the above statement,
what do you think are the reasons of water scarcity how can it be controlled?
Ans. (1) Reasons of water scarcity: (i) Urbanization. (ii) Industrialization. (iii) Over-exploitation
of water resources. (iv) Growing population.

(2) Ways to control water scarcity: (i) judicious use of water. (ii) Rain water harvesting. (iii)
Digging new ponds and tanks. (iv) Cleaning of existing ponds and tanks. (v) Keeping the flow of
river undisturbed. (vi) Keeping water resources clean and pollution-free.

2.’Dams were proclaimed to be the temples of modern India. At the same time they have many
disadvantages.’ In the light of the above statements, mention advantages and disadvantages of
dams.
Or
Describe any five disadvantages of constructing dams.
Ans. (1) Advantages of dams: (i) Irrigation.
(ii) Electricity generation.
(iii) Flood control.
(iv) Recreation.
(v) Water supply for domestic and industrial uses.
(vi) Inland navigation and fish breeding.

3.Government is announcing regularly to reduce water wastage. Explain any three human values
required for compliance.
Or
‘In spite of having ample water resources, some areas and several metropolitan- cities are facing
water scarcity in India.’ Explain any three values which can help to overcome this problem.
Ans. (1) Public awareness: People should be made aware about water scarcity. At the time of
sufficient availability of water, people do not use it wisely. Either it is wasted or misused by the
people. Media can play an important role in bringing awareness among the people by making
documentary film, advertisements, etc.
(2) Conservation of water: The tendency of conserving water need to be developed among the
masses. People’s participation or initiatives are essential to conserve water. They should
understand that every drop of water needs to be conserved.
(3) Importance of water: People should be made aware of the drastic effects of water scarcity.
People need to be taught to stop the others whom they found wasting or polluting the water. It
is essential that people should be sensitive enough towards the importance of water.
MajorDomainsoftheEarthClass6 Notes

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Description: This chapter deals with the major domains of the earth which are lithosphere,
atmosphere, hydrosphere together forming the biosphere, which ultimately makes life possible
on earth.

Major Domains of the earth: The three different life-giving components on the earth are:

1. Land
2. Water
3. Air

These three components are essential for the survival of living beings on earth. The three
components are also known as the lithosphere which consist of rocks, Hydrosphere which
consists of the water bodies and the atmosphere which constitute of gases and water vapour.
These domains together make up the live supporting Biosphere, the zone which is habitable by
humans, animals and plants.

Figure 1: Showing the major domains of the earth

 Lithosphere: The outer part of the earth consists of plates which are covered by hard rocks
and soil. This zone makes it possible for the human being or terrestrial animals to survive.
There is approximately 1/3 portion of the earth which is covered by the lithosphere, while
the rest is covered by the oceans. All important activities such as agriculture, settlement,
building industries take place on the hard layer which is known as the lithosphere. Many
burrowing animals also digs deep into the soil and survives within this lithosphere. The
lithosphere thus gives rise to the various continents.
 Continents: Continents are large landmasses which occur on the lithosphere. The continents
are divided into various countries and states. A list of continents according to their size is
given below:
Figure 2: Showing the layers of the earth

 Hydrosphere: The hydrosphere is the domain which constitutes all the water on the earth.
Water can either be present as fresh water in the rivers, lakes ponds or water can be saline
as in the seas and oceans. It can also be present within the lithosphere as underground
water. Any form of water which is present on the earth therefore is a part of the
hydrosphere. A list of constitutes which form the hydrosphere is given in a table below:

Water masses at Earth’s surface

oceans
ice caps, glaciers, and permanent snow
ground ice and permafrost
groundwater
lakes
soil moisture
swamp water
rivers

 Oceans: Oceans constitute the greatest volume of water within the hydrosphere. Ocean
water is saline and thus cannot be consumed by human or animals. However, the ocean play
a vital role in controlling the climate of the earth, in storing the carbon dioxide and maintain
all the biogeochemical cycles. Fishes, lobsters, crabs and many other animals are consumed
from the oceans. It is a treasure house for many minerals present in the earth. A list of
oceans of the earth are given below:

List of Oceans

 Pacific Ocean.
 Atlantic Ocean.
 Indian Ocean.
 Antarctic Ocean (Southern Ocean)
 Arctic Ocean.
Figure 3: showing the hydrosphere

 Atmosphere:

The atmosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth comprising of various gases such as the
nitrogen, oxygen, water vapour, carbon dioxide, ozone etc. These gases are retained by Earth’s
gravitational force. Many dust and particulate matter are also present within this domain. All the
weather phenomenon occurs within this zone. Clouds which form due to the water vapour occurs
in the lower most layer of the atmosphere. The atmosphere is further categorized into different
layers.

Figure 4: Showing the composition of gases in the atmosphere

Figure 5: different layers of the atmosphere

 Troposphere

The troposphere is the lowest layer of our atmosphere. Starting at ground level, it extends
upward to about 10 km above sea level. We humans live in the troposphere, and nearly all
weather occurs in this lowest layer.

 Stratosphere

The next layer up is called the stratosphere. The stratosphere extends from the top of the
troposphere to about 50 km above the ground. All the aeroplanes fly in this layer as there is no
weather disturbance.

 Mesosphere

Above the stratosphere is the mesosphere. It extends upward to a height of about 85 km

above our planet. Most meteors burn up in the mesosphere..

 Thermosphere

The atmosphere partially vanishes in this later. All the Sun’s rays are first absorbed within this
layer. Temperatures within Thermosphere are extreme, it is either too cold or too hot. There is
no weather phenomenon in this layer.
Figure 6: Showing the interaction between the land, air and water

 Biosphere – the domain of life: The biosphere, is the layer within the planet Earth where
life exists. This layer ranges from heights of up to ten kilometres above sea level, to depths
of the ocean. The ranges are determined according to the zones which helps life to sustain,
has water and oxygen. This biosphere is an integral part of all the domains as it is the only
sphere sustaining life. Energy received from the sun allows the trophic levels of different
orgasms to survive.

Figure 7: Biosphere interaction with the other domains

The major domains of the earth, viz. lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere all function together
to make the biosphere, which sustains life on earth. Earth is also thus known as the only planet
sustaining life due to the presence of the biosphere.