Class 12 Geography Chapter 16 India’s Water Resources The answer to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse throughout different chapters SCERT Class 12 Geography Chapter 16 India’s Water Resources and select need one.
Class 12 Geography Chapter 16 India’s Water Resources
Also, you can read the SCERT book online in these sections Solutions by Expert Teachers as per SCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines. These solutions are part of SCERT All Subject Solutions. Here we have given Assam Board/NCERT Class 12 Geography Chapter 16 India’s Water Resources Solutions for All Subject, You can practice these here…
LONG TYPE QUESTION & ANSWERS (MARKS – 5)
Q.1. Discuss the availability of water resources and spatial distribution patterns in India.
Ans :- India accounts for about 2.45% of the world’s surface area and it contains 4% of the world’s water resources and about 16% of world’s population.
The total water available from precipitation in India in a year is about 4,000 cubic km. The availability from surface water and replenishable ground water is 1,869 cubic km. Out of this only 60% can be put to beneficial uses. Thus, the total utilizable water resource in the country is only 1,122 cubic km.
In India, there are four major sources of surface water that can be identified. These are (i) rivers, (ii) Lakes, (iii) Ponds and (iv) Tanks. In the country, there are about 10,360 rivers and tributaries which are longer than 1.6 km each.
The mean annual flow in all the river basins in the country is estimated to be 1.869 cubic km. Due to topographical, hydrological and other constraints only about 690 cubic km (32 percent) of the available surface water can be utilised.
Factors determining spatial distribution of water resources are :
(i) Uneven precipitation
(ii) Nature of the relief feature.
(iii) Nature of the soils
(iv) Catchment areas
(v) Human activities
| Sl. No. | CONTENTS |
| PART-1 | |
| Chapter 1 | Human Geography Nature & Scope |
| Chapter 2 | The World Population Distribution, Density & Growth |
| Chapter 3 | Population Composition |
| Chapter 4 | Human Development |
| Chapter 5 | Primary Activities |
| Chapter 6 | Secondary Activities |
| Chapter 7 | Tertiary and Quaternary Activities |
| Chapter 8 | Transport and Communication |
| Chapter 9 | International Trade |
| Chapter 10 | Human Settlement |
| PART-2 | |
| Chapter 11 | Population Structure of India |
| Chapter 12 | Migration Pattern in India |
| Chapter 13 | Human Resources Department |
| Chapter 14 | Human Settlement of India |
| Chapter 15 | Land Resource and Agriculture |
| Chapter 16 | India’s Water Resources |
| Chapter 17 | Mineral and Fuel Resources in India |
| Chapter 18 | Manufacturing Industries of India |
| Chapter 19 | Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context |
| Chapter 20 | Transport and Communication in India |
| Chapter 21 | International Trade |
| Chapter 22 | Problems and Issues Geographical Perspective |
| PART-3 | |
| Chapter 23 | Assam Geography |
Q.2. The depleting water resources may lead to social and political conflicts and disputes in India; Discuss.
Ans :- Social conflicts disputes in many parts of the world also in India results the depleting water resources because :
(i) Limited water resources.
(ii) Water is the most essential element for all forms of life.
(iii) Unequal distribution of water, especially usable waters.
(iv) Water is most essential to generate hydel power.
(v) Water is needed to cultivate crops.
(vi) In transportation plays a major role. Because of these precious uses of water, social disputes and conflicts occur among the nations or communities, which results in the depleting water resources in different parts of the country and abroad.
Q.3. What do you mean by watershed management? Do you think that it can play an important role in sustainable development?
Ans :- Watershed management refers to efficient management and conservation of surface and groundwater resources. It involves prevention of runoff and storage and recharge of groundwater through various methods like percolation tank, recharge wells, etc. In broad sense watershed management includes conservation, regeneration and judicious use of all resources natural (like land, water, plants and animals) and humans within a watershed. It aims at bringing about balance between natural resources on the one hand and society on the other.
Role of watershed management in sustainable development :
In sustainable development, watershed management can play an important role, such as :
In India we have found many watershed development and management programmes initiated by the Central and state Governments, and some of these are being implemented by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) also Hariyali, Neeru- Meeru and Arvary Pani sansad are worth mentioning programmes. The whims of Hariyali is enabling the rural population to conserve water for drinking, irrigation, fisheries and afforestation.
Watershed management projects in many areas in India have been successful in rejuvenating the environment and economy of that region.
Q.4. Discuss the National Water Policy of India.
Ans :- The National Water Policy 2002 stipulates water allocation priorities broadly in the following order : drinking water-irrigation – hydropower – navigation industrial and other uses. The policy stipulates progressive new approaches to water management.
The key features are –
(i) Irrigation and multipurpose projects should invariably include drinking water components wherever there is no alternative source of drinking water.
(ii) Providing drinking water to all human beings and animals should be the first priority.
(iii) Measures should be taken to limit and regulate the exploitation of groundwater.
(iv) Both surface and groundwater should be regularly monitored for quality. A phased programme should be undertaken for improving water quality.
(v) The efficiency of utilisation in all the diverse use of water should be improved.
(vi) Awareness of water as a scarce resource should be forested.
(vi) Conservation consciousness should be promoted through education, regulation incentives and disincentives.
Q.5. Discuss the causes of water pollution in India and briefly write the ways and means of prevention of such pollution.
Ans :- Water pollution is caused due to several reasons.
Here are the few major causes of water pollution :
(i) Sewage And WasteWater: Sewage, garbage and liquid waste of households, agricultural lands and factories are discharged into lakes and rivers. These wastes contain harmful chemicals and toxins which make the water poisonous for aquatic animals and plants.
(ii) Dumping : Dumping of solid wastes and litters in water bodies causes huge problems. Litters include glass, plastic, aluminum, styrofoam etc. Different things take different amounts of time to degrade in water. They affect aquatic plants and animals.
(iii) Industrial Waste : Industrial waste contains pollutants like asbestos, lead, mercury and petrochemicals which are extremely harmful to both people and the environment. Industrial waste is discharged into lakes and rivers by using fresh water, making the water contaminated.
(iv) Oil Pollution : Sea water gets polluted due to oil spilled from ships and tankers while traveling. The spilled oil does not dissolve in water and forms a thick sludge polluting the water.
(v) Acid Rain : Acid rain is pollution of water caused by air pollution. When the acidic particles caused by air pollution in the atmosphere mix with water vapor, it results in acid rain.
(vi) Global Warming : Due to global warming, there is an increase in water temperature. This increase in temperature results in the death of aquatic plants and animals. This also results in bleaching of coral reefs in water.
(vii) Eutrophication : Eutrophication is an increased level of nutrients in water bodies. This results in a bloom of algae in the water. It also depletes the oxygen in water, which negatively affects fish and other aquatic animal populations.
There are many things that we can carry out individually to prevent water pollution.
(a) Toxic products like paints, automobile oil, polishes, and cleaning products should be stored and disposed of properly. As a matter of fact, it is better to use non-toxic products for the house as far as possible. Also, never dispose of such products by throwing them into your toilet or sink.
(b) Dispose of your trash in a proper manner and try to incorporate the recycling habit as far as possible. Non-degradable products like tampons, sanitary napkins, and diapers should not be flushed down the toilet, for these can end up damaging the process of sewage treatment, and usually end up as litter on beaches.
(c) Refrain from throwing litter into streams, lakes, rivers, or seas. If you do spot litter on beaches or in water systems, after ascertaining that it is safe, collect them and dispose them off in any nearby waste disposal system
(d) Try using environmentally friendly household products like toiletries, soap-based household cleaning material, and washing powder as far as possible.
(e) Try using natural fertilizers and pesticides as far as possible, or if not, do not overuse them or over-water gardens and lawns. This will help in reducing the pollutants that get into water systems due to runoffs.
(f) Automobile oil should be re-used as far as possible. Also, it is important to keep your automobile well maintained in order to prevent leakages of toxic fluids like antifreeze and oil.
(g) Also, actively conserve water by turning the tap off when you do not need running water, such as while brushing teeth. Apart from preventing water shortages, it lessens the amount of water that needs to be treated.
(h) Do not use colored bathing bars. They are known to contribute more to water pollution.
(i) Avoid buying packaged water as far as possible. The best policy to adopt is to carry a bottle of water when you step out of the house. You can carry one big bottle per head. This has two advantages: you eliminate your contribution to pollution related to plastic boules, and you save money.
Q.6. Discuss the water availability scenario in India and what do you think about its future.
Ans :- Availability of water resources in the country and factors that determines the Spatial Distribution :
(i) India has about 2.45 percent of the world’s surface area.
(ii) It has 4 percent of the world’s water resources. It also has about 16 percent of the world’s population.
(iii) The total water available from precipitation in the country in a year is about 4,000 cubic km.
(iv) Water available from surface water and replenishable groundwater is 1,869 cubic km.
Out of this only 60 percent is put to beneficial uses. Thus, the total utilisable water resource in the country is only 1,122 cubic km.
(v) Four major sources of surface water rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks.
(vi) In the country, there are about 10,360 rivers and their tributaries longer than 1,6 km each.
(vii) The mean annual flow in all the river basins in India is nearly 1,869 cubic km.
(vii) Due to topographical, hydrological and other constraints, only about 690 cubic km (32 percent) of the available surface water is utilised.
Q.7. Discuss the Water resource availability in India.
Ans :- Availability of water resources in the country and factors that determines the Spatial Distribution :
(i) India has about 2.45 percent of the world’s surface area.
(ii) It has 4 percent of the world’s water resources. It also has about 16 percent of the world’s population.
(iii) The total water available from precipitation in the country in a year is about 4,000 cubic km.
(iv) Water available from surface water and replenishable groundwater is 1,869 cubic km.
Out of this only 60 percent is put to beneficial uses. Thus, the total utilisable water resource in the country is only 1,122 cubic km.
(v) Four major sources of surface water rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks.
(vi) In the country, there are about 10,360 rivers and their tributaries longer than 1,6 km each.
(vii) The mean annual flow in all the river basins in India is nearly 1,869 cubic km.
(vii) Due to topographical, hydrological and other constraints, only about 690 cubic km (32 percent) of the available surface water is utilised.
Q.8. Give an account of prevention of Water Pollution.
Ans :- Water pollution is caused due to several reasons.
Here are the few major causes of water pollution :
(i) Sewage And WasteWater: Sewage, garbage and liquid waste of households, agricultural lands and factories are discharged into lakes and rivers. These wastes contain harmful chemicals and toxins which make the water poisonous for aquatic animals and plants.
(ii) Dumping : Dumping of solid wastes and litters in water bodies causes huge problems. Litters include glass, plastic, aluminum, styrofoam etc. Different things take different amounts of time to degrade in water. They affect aquatic plants and animals.
(iii) Industrial Waste : Industrial waste contains pollutants like asbestos, lead, mercury and petrochemicals which are extremely harmful to both people and the environment. Industrial waste is discharged into lakes and rivers by using fresh water, making the water contaminated.
(iv) Oil Pollution : Sea water gets polluted due to oil spilled from ships and tankers while traveling. The spilled oil does not dissolve in water and forms a thick sludge polluting the water.
(v) Acid Rain : Acid rain is pollution of water caused by air pollution. When the acidic particles caused by air pollution in the atmosphere mix with water vapor, it results in acid rain.
(vi) Global Warming : Due to global warming, there is an increase in water temperature. This increase in temperature results in the death of aquatic plants and animals. This also results in bleaching of coral reefs in water.
(vii) Eutrophication : Eutrophication is an increased level of nutrients in water bodies. This results in a bloom of algae in the water. It also depletes the oxygen in water, which negatively affects fish and other aquatic animal populations.
There are many things that we can carry out individually to prevent water pollution.
(a) Toxic products like paints, automobile oil, polishes, and cleaning products should be stored and disposed of properly. As a matter of fact, it is better to use non-toxic products for the house as far as possible. Also, never dispose of such products by throwing them into your toilet or sink.
(b) Dispose of your trash in a proper manner and try to incorporate the recycling habit as far as possible. Non-degradable products like tampons, sanitary napkins, and diapers should not be flushed down the toilet, for these can end up damaging the process of sewage treatment, and usually end up as litter on beaches.
(c) Refrain from throwing litter into streams, lakes, rivers, or seas. If you do spot litter on beaches or in water systems, after ascertaining that it is safe, collect them and dispose them off in any nearby waste disposal system
(d) Try using environmentally friendly household products like toiletries, soap-based household cleaning material, and washing powder as far as possible.
(e) Try using natural fertilizers and pesticides as far as possible, or if not, do not overuse them or over-water gardens and lawns. This will help in reducing the pollutants that get into water systems due to runoffs.
(f) Automobile oil should be re-used as far as possible. Also, it is important to keep your automobile well maintained in order to prevent leakages of toxic fluids like antifreeze and oil.
(g) Also, actively conserve water by turning the tap off when you do not need running water, such as while brushing teeth. Apart from preventing water shortages, it lessens the amount of water that needs to be treated.
(h) Do not use colored bathing bars. They are known to contribute more to water pollution.
(i) Avoid buying packaged water as far as possible. The best policy to adopt is to carry a bottle of water when you step out of the house. You can carry one big bottle per head. This has two advantages: you eliminate your contribution to pollution related to plastic boules, and you save money.
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