B.

Answer the following questions:

1. What is surface water resource?
Surface water resources refer to the water available on the Earth's surface in the form of rivers, lakes,
reservoirs, and streams.
2. Mention the major sources of surface water.
Major sources of surface water include:
i. Rivers
ii. Lakes
iii. Reservoirs
iv. Streams and ponds
3. What are groundwater resources?
Groundwater resources are the water stored beneath the Earth's surface in the cracks and spaces in soil,
sand, and rock. It is collected through wells and springs.
4. What are the total replenishable groundwater resources of India?
The total replenishable groundwater resources of India are approximately 432 billion cubic meters (BCM)
annually.
5. Name any two states: (a) Where groundwater utilisation is very high.
- Punjab
- Haryana
(b) Where groundwater utilisation is very low.
- Chhattisgarh
- Assam
6. What is irrigation?
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil to assist in the growth of crops, especially in areas
where rainfall is insufficient or irregular.
7. 'Means of irrigation are required due to unequal distribution of rainfall'. Give reason.
Unequal distribution of rainfall causes some areas to experience heavy rainfall while others face drought-like
conditions. Therefore, irrigation is essential to ensure that crops receive a consistent supply of water, even
during dry periods.
8. What are the major sources of irrigation in India?
Major sources of irrigation in India include:
i. Canals
ii. Wells and tube wells
iii. Tanks
9. Give reasons: (a) Wells are the main source of irrigation in North India.
- North India has abundant groundwater due to the presence of rivers like the Ganga and its alluvial plains,
making wells a practical source of irrigation.
(b) Tank irrigation widely prevails in Tamil Nadu.
- Tamil Nadu has uneven rainfall and undulating terrain, which makes tank irrigation a viable method to
store rainwater and use it for agricultural purposes.
(c) Lined and unlined wells suit poor Indian farmers.
- Lined and unlined wells are affordable and easy to construct, making them accessible to poor farmers who
cannot afford expensive irrigation systems.
10. Mention any two drawbacks of well irrigation.
i. Water table depletion: Excessive reliance on well irrigation can lead to the lowering of groundwater
levels.
ii. Limited water supply: In areas with low groundwater levels, wells may dry up, leading to water
shortages.
11. Mention any three conditions required for well irrigation.
i. Adequate groundwater availability.
ii. Soft and permeable soil for easy water extraction.
iii. Low water table to ensure access to groundwater.
12. Name the rivers on which the following canals are located: (a) Upper Bari Doab Canal: River Ravi
(b) Rajasthan Canal: River Sutlej
(c) Nangal Canal: River Sutlej
(d) Mettur Canal: River Cauvery
13. Name any two states where tank is the main source of irrigation.
 i. Tamil Nadu
ii. Andhra Pradesh
14. What is rainwater harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater from surfaces such as rooftops for later use,
primarily for irrigation and domestic purposes.
15. What is rooftop rainwater harvesting?
Rooftop rainwater harvesting involves collecting rainwater from rooftops and storing it in tanks or directing
it into groundwater recharge systems like wells or borewells.
C. Structured Questions:
1. (i) Why is there a need for irrigation in India?
India experiences unequal and seasonal rainfall, with some areas receiving heavy rains and others
receiving very little. Irrigation ensures that crops get a steady supply of water even during dry
periods, enhancing agricultural productivity.
(ii) What are the major drawbacks of wells?
Groundwater depletion, high cost of drilling deep wells, and drying up of wells during droughts.
(iii) Canal irrigation is most widespread in northern India.
Northern India, especially in the Indo-Gangetic plains, has a large number of rivers, making canal
irrigation feasible and widespread due to the availability of perennial water sources.
2. Why is tank irrigation more important in the Deccan Plateau?
The Deccan Plateau has an uneven terrain and receives seasonal rainfall. Tank irrigation allows for
rainwater storage, which is crucial during dry spells. The rocky and uneven topography also supports
the construction of tanks.
3. With reference to Rainwater Harvesting, explain:
(a) Surface runoff harvesting:
This involves collecting rainwater that runs off the surface into reservoirs, tanks, or ponds for future use.
(b) Rooftop rainwater harvesting:
It is a method of collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops into storage tanks or recharge pits for later
use.
(c) Need for rainwater harvesting:
Rainwater harvesting is essential to conserve water, particularly in areas with water scarcity, reduce
dependency on groundwater, and prevent urban flooding.
(d) Advantages of rainwater harvesting:
- Reduces pressure on groundwater.
- Ensures water availability during dry periods.
- Improves groundwater recharge.
- Helps prevent soil erosion and urban flooding.
4. Why is there a need to conserve water resources?
Water resources need to be conserved due to increasing demand for water, depletion of freshwater
sources, the uneven distribution of rainfall, and the need to ensure sustainable agricultural and
industrial growth.
D. Extract-Based Questions:
Extract 1:
1. Compare the Surface Water Resources with Ground Water Resources.
Surface water resources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, whereas groundwater resources are
stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers and are accessed through wells and tube wells.
Groundwater is more reliable in times of drought compared to surface water.
2. Suggest any two techniques to conserve water.
i. Rainwater harvesting.
ii. Drip irrigation for efficient water use in agriculture.
3. Even today, agriculture in India is dependent on groundwater irrigation. Do you agree? Justify your answer
by giving reasons.
Yes, a significant portion of agriculture in India relies on groundwater because it provides a more
consistent water supply compared to surface water, which is seasonal and regionally variable.
4. State the importance of irrigation for agriculture.
Irrigation helps ensure a stable water supply, increases crop yields, and allows multiple cropping
cycles in a year, contributing to higher agricultural productivity.
Extract 2:
 1. Identify and define the technique.
The technique is Rainwater Harvesting, which involves collecting and storing rainwater for use
during dry periods or recharging groundwater.
2. State any three advantages of the technique.
i. Reduces water scarcity.
ii. Helps recharge groundwater.
iii. Reduces the risk of urban flooding.
3. State any two factors which lead to the urgency of adopting this technique in urban areas.
i. Rapid urbanization leading to reduced natural water recharge areas.
ii. Water scarcity due to over-reliance on limited surface and groundwater resources.
4. This technique is also known as 'Johad' and 'Zing'. Identify the regions where this technique is called so.
i. Johad is used in Rajasthan.
ii. Zing is used in Ladakh.
Board Questions Answers:
1. What is meant by an inundation canal?
An inundation canal draws water directly from rivers during the monsoon season when the water
level rises, and it works only during floods or heavy rainfall periods.
2. State two disadvantages of tank irrigation.
i. Tanks can dry up during the dry season.
ii. Large areas of land are wasted for tank construction, reducing agricultural land.
3. Mention two conditions essential for tubewells.
i. Abundant groundwater availability.
ii. Soft, permeable soil for easy drilling and water extraction.
4. Name two important canal systems in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
i. Uttar Pradesh: Sharda Canal, Upper Ganga Canal
ii. Punjab: Bhakra Canal, Sirhind Canal
5. Give two reasons to explain why artificial irrigation is essential.
i. Unequal distribution of rainfall across regions.
ii. Monsoons are seasonal, making year-round water supply necessary for agriculture.
6. Irrigation in India faces many problems. Name any two.
i. Waterlogging in canal irrigated areas.
ii. Salinization of soil due to improper drainage.
7. Name one state where tank irrigation is very important.
Tamil Nadu
8. Why is irrigation through groundwater still popular despite big river projects?
i. Groundwater is available throughout the year, unlike river water which can be seasonal.
ii. Groundwater can be accessed at the farmer's convenience, without relying on centralized irrigation
systems.
9. Distinguish between inundation canal and perennial canal.
Inundation canals operate only during floods or rainy seasons, while perennial canals have a
continuous water supply throughout the year.
10. Give two reasons why irrigation is necessary in India.
i. To provide a steady water supply for crops in regions with insufficient or irregular rainfall.
ii. To allow multiple cropping and improve crop yields.
11. State two ways in which the canal irrigation system can be improved in India.
i. Lining canals to prevent water loss due to seepage.
ii. Proper maintenance of canals to avoid siltation and waterlogging.
12. Name two districts of Rajasthan irrigated by the Indira Gandhi Canal. From which river is its water drawn?
Districts: Jaisalmer, Bikaner
River: Sutlej River
13. In which part of the country are wells the most important means of irrigation?
The Northern Plains, especially Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
14. What are the disadvantages of well irrigation?
i. Over-extraction leads to groundwater depletion.
ii. Wells can dry up during droughts, making irrigation unreliable.
15. How are tubewells beneficial to farmers in North India?
i. Tubewells provide a continuous supply of water, even during dry seasons.
 ii. They allow irrigation in areas with deep groundwater reserves.
16. Give two reasons why wells are more popular in the Northern part of the country.
i. The water table is high due to the proximity of large rivers.
ii. The alluvial soil of the Northern Plains is ideal for well construction.
17. State two advantages and two disadvantages of canals.
 Advantages:
i. Canals can irrigate large areas.
ii. They provide a continuous supply of water.
 Disadvantages:
i. Waterlogging can lead to soil degradation.
ii. High maintenance costs.
18. (a) Name two states in which well irrigation is widely used. Mention one advantage of well irrigation in India.
States: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
Advantage: It provides local farmers with easy access to water.
(b) Give three reasons to justify the need to conserve water.
i. Increasing demand due to population growth.
ii. Overuse of groundwater leading to depletion.
iii. Climate change causing unpredictable rainfall patterns.
(c) Mention any three water harvesting systems practised in India.
i. Rooftop rainwater harvesting.
ii. Johads (small earthen dams in Rajasthan).
iii. Zabo system in Nagaland.
19. (a) Mention two advantages of rainwater harvesting.
i. Reduces dependence on groundwater.
ii. Helps recharge groundwater levels.
(b) Why are inundation canals being converted to perennial canals? Give two reasons.
i. To ensure a consistent supply of water year-round.
ii. To prevent water scarcity during dry seasons.
(c) Give two advantages and one disadvantage that tubewells have over surface wells.
 Advantages:
i. Tubewells can tap into deeper water reserves.
ii. They provide a more reliable and continuous water supply.
 Disadvantage:
i. Tubewells are expensive to install and maintain.
(d) Where are tanks most widely used in India? Why?
Tanks are widely used in South India, especially Tamil Nadu, due to the region's uneven terrain and seasonal
rainfall patterns.
20. (a) Name two states in which tubewells are extensively used. Give a reason to explain its importance as a
source of irrigation.
States: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab
Reason: Tubewells can provide year-round irrigation, especially in areas where the groundwater level is high.
(b) Give two main reasons why water scarcity occurs in India.
i. Overuse and depletion of groundwater resources.
ii. Uneven distribution of rainfall across different regions.
(c) (i) Name two states where perennial canals are widely used.
Punjab, Haryana
(ii) Briefly explain two reasons for perennial canals being a popular form of irrigation in the named states.
i. Availability of perennial rivers like the Ganga and Sutlej.
ii. Large-scale agriculture requiring continuous irrigation.
(d) Name two methods of water harvesting in India.
i. Rooftop rainwater harvesting.
ii. Percolation tanks or Surface runoff harvesting
21. (a) State two reasons why tank irrigation is popular in South India.
i. Uneven terrain makes canal construction difficult.
ii. Seasonal rainfall patterns require storage of rainwater for later use.
(b) Mention two advantages that surface wells have over inundation canals.
i. Surface wells can be used year-round.
 ii. They are relatively inexpensive to construct.
(c)Give one geographical reason for each of the following statements:
(i) Irrigation is necessary despite the monsoon.
Monsoon rains are seasonal and unevenly distributed, leading to water scarcity during dry months.
(ii) The drip method of irrigation is the best among all modern methods of irrigation.
Drip irrigation minimizes water wastage and ensures that water reaches directly to the roots of plants.
(iii) Canal irrigation leads to the ground around it becoming unproductive.
Excessive water in canal-irrigated areas can cause waterlogging, leading to soil salinity.
(d) Give three reasons for the conservation of water resources.
i. To prevent water scarcity in the future.
ii. To ensure sustainable agriculture and food security.
iii. To maintain ecological balance and prevent desertification.
22. (a) Name two modern methods of irrigation. State one important reason for their growing popularity.
Methods: Drip irrigation, Sprinkler irrigation
Reason: They are water-efficient and minimize water wastage.
(b) Why is well irrigation still a popular means of irrigation? Give two reasons to support your answer.
i. Wells provide easy and reliable access to water.
ii. They can be installed and used in small agricultural plots.
(c) State the significance of rainwater harvesting.
Rainwater harvesting helps in conserving water, reducing groundwater depletion, and ensuring a sustainable
water supply.
23. (a) "Without irrigation, development of agriculture is difficult in India." Clarify the statement by giving two
reasons:
i. India experiences seasonal and uneven distribution of rainfall, making irrigation essential to ensure
consistent water supply for crops.
ii. Irrigation allows for multiple cropping cycles, which boosts agricultural productivity and ensures food
security.
(b) Give one reason for each of the following:
(i) The Northern Plain of India is found suitable for canal irrigation:
The Northern Plains are flat and have abundant water from perennial rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna,
making canal construction easy and effective.
(ii) Tank irrigation is an important method of irrigation in Karnataka:
Karnataka has a rugged terrain and seasonal rainfall, making tanks an effective method for storing water
during the monsoon and using it during the dry season.
(iii) Although expensive, sprinkler irrigation is gaining popularity in recent times:
Sprinkler irrigation conserves water by reducing wastage, making it suitable for water-scarce regions and
arid areas.
(c)
(i) What is rainwater harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for reuse, particularly for agriculture,
domestic purposes, and groundwater recharge.
(ii) Mention two objectives of rainwater harvesting:
i. To reduce the demand on groundwater and other water sources.
ii. To recharge the groundwater table and ensure water availability during dry periods.
24. (a) Give a reason for the significance of irrigation in:
(i) Punjab:
Punjab's agriculture is highly dependent on irrigation due to the region’s intensive farming practices,
particularly for water-intensive crops like wheat and rice.
(ii) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is an arid region with scanty and irregular rainfall, making irrigation vital for sustaining agriculture
and providing water to crops.
(b) Name a state where:
(i) Tube wells are common:
Punjab,Uttar Pradesh
(ii) Tank irrigation is popular:
Tamil Nadu
(c) Give one geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Sprinkler irrigation is practised in arid and semi-arid regions:
It reduces water wastage by ensuring water is evenly distributed and minimizes evaporation, crucial in areas
with limited water supply.
(ii) A tube well should be installed in a fertile and productive region:
Tube wells are expensive, and only fertile, productive areas can generate sufficient agricultural output to
justify the investment.
(iii) Canal irrigation is more suitable in the Northern Plains:
The Northern Plains have flat terrain and abundant water from perennial rivers, making canal irrigation
feasible and effective.
(d)(i) Name the activity shown in the diagram:
Rooftop rainwater harvesting.
(ii) Give two objectives of the activity named in (d) (i):
i. To store rainwater for domestic use.
ii. To recharge groundwater by directing collected water into wells or storage tanks.
25.(a) There is plenty of rain in India during the rainy season, yet we need irrigation. Give two reasons to support this
statement:
i. Rainfall in India is seasonal and concentrated over a few months, leading to long dry periods.
ii. Rainfall is unevenly distributed across regions, necessitating irrigation in areas with low rainfall.
(b)(i) Name three traditional means of irrigation:
Wells, tanks, and canals.
(ii) Give a reason why traditional means of irrigation are still important in most parts of India:
Traditional methods are cost-effective, accessible, and well-suited to small-scale farming.
(c)(i) Differentiate between surface water and groundwater:
 Surface water: Water found on the Earth's surface in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
 Groundwater: Water stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers and underground reservoirs.
(ii) Mention two reasons to explain as to why we are facing water scarcity in recent times:
i. Over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture and urban use.
ii. Pollution of water bodies and inefficient water management practices.
26.(a) "The modern means of irrigation are gaining popularity." Give two reasons to justify this statement:
i. Modern irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems conserve water by reducing wastage.
ii. They are more efficient, allowing for precise water delivery, which improves crop yields and reduces
waterlogging.
(b) Mention two factors that favour the development of tube well irrigation in Punjab:
i. High water table and abundant groundwater reserves.
ii. Fertile alluvial soil that supports intensive agriculture.
(c) Give a reason for each of the following:
(i) Most of the South Indian states are not suitable for the development of canal irrigation:
The uneven terrain and lack of perennial rivers in South India make canal construction difficult and less
effective.
(ii) There is an urgent need for water conservation in India:
Rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrialization have increased water demand, leading to
severe water shortages.
(iii) Development of irrigation is essential for the growth of the agriculture sector of India:
Irrigation ensures year-round farming, improves crop yields, and helps farmers cope with unreliable rainfall
patterns.
(d) Briefly explain the following terms:
(i) Inundation canal:
A type of canal that draws water from rivers during the monsoon season when the water level is high and
works only during floods or heavy rainfall periods.
(ii) Rooftop rainwater harvesting:
The process of collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops to be used for domestic, agricultural, or
groundwater recharge purposes.
(iii) Surface water:
Water found on the Earth's surface, such as in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which can be used for drinking,
irrigation, and other purposes.
27.(i) Give a reason for each of the following:
(a) Agriculture sector in India needs the support of irrigation:
Irrigation helps mitigate the effects of uneven and unpredictable rainfall, ensuring stable crop production.
(b) Well irrigation is a popular means of irrigation in Northern India:
The high water table and availability of fertile soil make wells a convenient and cost-effective option for
irrigation in the Northern Plains.
(ii) Distinguish between inundation canal and perennial canal:
i. Inundation canal: Operates only during floods or heavy rainfall.
ii. Perennial canal: Receives water from rivers year-round, regardless of rainfall.
(iii)(a) Where in India is tank irrigation most widely used?
Tamil Nadu
(b) Give one factor that has led to its popularity in the region mentioned by you:
Tamil Nadu has a semi-arid climate with uneven rainfall, making tanks essential for storing water for the dry
season.
(c) Mention one advantage of using a tank as a means of irrigation:
Tanks are cost-effective and can store large amounts of rainwater, providing a reliable water source during
droughts.
(iv)(a) What is Rainwater Harvesting?
The collection and storage of rainwater for reuse, particularly for agriculture, domestic use, and
groundwater recharge.
(b) Give two ways in which Rainwater Harvesting is important for India:
i. It reduces dependency on over-exploited groundwater resources.
ii. It helps in preventing water scarcity during dry seasons and improves groundwater recharge.