Which of the following is a major source of surface water in India?

Correct Option: C. Solution: Rivers are a major source of surface water in India.

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Summary

Chapter 4: Water Resources

Overview

Societies will face demographic transitions, geographical shifts, technological advancements, environmental degradation, and water scarcity.
Water scarcity is a significant challenge due to increased demand and pollution.

Water Resources in India

India covers 2.45% of the world's surface area and has 4% of the world's water resources.
Total water from precipitation: 4,000 cubic km.
Utilizable water resource: 1,122 cubic km (60% of 1,869 cubic km).

Surface Water Resources

Major sources: rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks.
Approximately 10,360 rivers and tributaries longer than 1.6 km.

Key Questions

What factors contribute to the depletion of water resources in India?
Why is groundwater development highest in Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu?
What impacts arise from the consumption of contaminated water?
Discuss the spatial distribution of water resources in India.
How can watershed management contribute to sustainable development?

Learning Objectives

Analyze the factors contributing to water scarcity in India.
Evaluate the geographical distribution of water resources in India.
Assess the sectoral utilization of water resources in India.
Discuss methods for the conservation and management of water resources.
Examine the impacts of contaminated water on public health.
Explore the role of watershed management in sustainable development.

Detailed Notes

Water Resources in India

Overview

India accounts for about 2.45% of the world's surface area.
It has 4% of the world's water resources and over 17% of the world's population.
Total water available from precipitation: approximately 4,000 cubic km.
Usable surface water and replenishable groundwater: 1,869 cubic km.
Only 60% of this can be beneficially used, leading to a total utilizable water resource of 1,122 cubic km.

Surface Water Resources

Major sources of surface water include:
- Rivers: About 10,360 rivers and tributaries longer than 1.6 km.
- Lakes
- Ponds
- Tanks

Challenges

Water scarcity is a significant challenge due to:
- Increased demand
- Shrinking supplies from overutilization and pollution
The availability of freshwater varies over space and time, leading to tensions and disputes among communities, regions, and states.

Conservation and Management

Efficient use and conservation of water are necessary for development.
Discussion on methods of conservation and management is essential for sustainable development.

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

Misunderstanding Water Scarcity: Many students confuse water scarcity with the total amount of water available. Remember, it's about the availability of freshwater, which is only about 3% of total water resources.
Ignoring Regional Variations: Students often overlook that the availability of freshwater varies significantly over space and time in India. Be sure to consider geographical distribution in your answers.
Overlooking Utilization Rates: It's common to forget that only 60% of the available water can be put to beneficial uses. This is crucial when discussing water resources.

Tips for Exam Preparation

Focus on Key Statistics: Memorize important figures such as India’s share of the world’s water resources (4%) and the total utilizable water resource (1,122 cubic km).
Understand Major Sources: Be clear about the four major sources of surface water: rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks, and their significance in India.
Discuss Conservation Methods: Be prepared to discuss methods of conservation and management of water resources, as this is often a key topic in exam questions.

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

Cultivation of water-intensive crops

Open grazing of livestock

Stall-feeding and cultivation of low water requirement crops

Construction of large dams

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Ralegan Siddhi emphasizes stall-feeding and the cultivation of crops with low water requirements, such as pulses and oilseeds, to conserve water.

Natural springs

Agricultural runoff

Mountain streams

Desalination plants

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Agricultural runoff, which includes fertilizers and insecticides, is a major source of water pollution in India.

To enhance the physical access of water on farms

To promote industrial water use

To develop urban water supply systems

To construct large dams

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The PMKSY aims to enhance the physical access of water on farms and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation.

Irrigation

Industries

Domestic use

None of the above

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The highest proportion of the total water used in the country is in the irrigation sector.

High population growth and rapid economic development.

Excessive rainfall and flooding.

Low agricultural productivity.

Lack of traditional water conservation practices.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

High population growth and rapid economic development increase water demand, leading to resource depletion.

Kerala

Tamil Nadu

Karnataka

Andhra Pradesh

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tamil Nadu has the highest groundwater utilisation among the given options.

It reduces dependence on government financial aid.

It increases the use of chemical fertilizers.

It promotes the cultivation of water-intensive crops.

It encourages open grazing practices.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The Ralegan Siddhi case study highlights that watershed development reduces dependence on government financial aid by promoting voluntary labor and self-reliance.

60%

32%

50%

75%

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Only about 32% of India's total water resources are utilizable due to various constraints.

Increasing industrial water discharge

Promoting rainwater harvesting

Encouraging deforestation

Reducing agricultural land

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Promoting rainwater harvesting is a sustainable water management practice.

Increased industrial demand

Improved irrigation techniques

Decreased agricultural production

Government regulations

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The share of the agricultural sector in total water usage is expected to decline due to increased industrial demand.

Abundant rainfall

Increased demand and pollution

Excessive surface water

Low population growth

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Water scarcity is due to increased demand coupled with shrinking supplies from overutilization and pollution.

High industrial water demand.

Extensive use of groundwater for irrigation.

Low annual precipitation.

Large-scale urbanization.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The primary factor is the extensive use of groundwater for irrigation, particularly for water-intensive crops, which leads to high levels of groundwater utilization.

Tamil Nadu

Karnataka

Andhra Pradesh

Kerala

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tamil Nadu has the highest groundwater utilization as a percentage of its total groundwater potential among the South Indian states.

Over-reliance on surface water

Excessive rainfall and flooding

High groundwater extraction for irrigation

Lack of industrial development

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The states of Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu experience high groundwater depletion primarily due to excessive extraction for irrigation purposes, driven by the cultivation of water-intensive crops.

Ganga

Yamuna

Sabarmati

Gomti

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Yamuna river is the most polluted river in India between Delhi and Etawah.

To promote industrial water use

To ensure access to irrigation for all agricultural farms

To develop urban water supply systems

To enhance coastal water management

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana aims to provide protective irrigation to all agricultural farms, enhancing rural prosperity.

High rainfall throughout the year

Spatio-temporal variability in rainfall

Abundant groundwater resources

Excessive industrial water usage

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Irrigation is needed due to spatio-temporal variability in rainfall in India.

It will increase the availability of surface water.

It will lead to more uniform distribution of rainfall.

It will create water stress conditions in many regions.

It will have no significant impact on water resources.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Climate change is expected to create water stress conditions in many regions due to increased demand and shrinking supplies caused by overutilisation and pollution.

Irrigation

Industries

Domestic use

None of the above

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The irrigation sector uses the highest proportion of total water in India.

Industrial effluents

Rainwater

Natural springs

Glacial melt

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Industrial effluents contain chemicals and waste that pollute river water, making it unfit for human use.

Selection of a water-stressed village in each district to create a 'Jal Gram'.

Construction of Arsenic-free wells in selected areas.

Development of desalination plants along the coastline.

Creating mass awareness through media and competitions.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Jal Kranti Abhiyan does not include the development of desalination plants; instead, it focuses on activities like creating 'Jal Grams', constructing Arsenic-free wells, and mass awareness.

High rainfall

Extensive irrigation needs for crops

Abundant natural springs

Proximity to the sea

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Punjab and Haryana have high groundwater utilisation due to extensive irrigation needs for crops like wheat and rice.

Construction of large dams

Rainwater harvesting

Promotion of low water-intensive crops

Voluntary labor for community projects

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Sustainable water management in watershed development often involves practices like rainwater harvesting, promoting low water-intensive crops, and voluntary labor for community projects. Large dams, however, can disrupt ecosystems and are not typically considered sustainable.

Increasing agricultural land

Developing water-saving technologies

Expanding industrial water use

Increasing groundwater extraction

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Developing water-saving technologies and methods is crucial for conserving water and ensuring sustainable development given the declining availability of freshwater.

1,869 cubic km

4,000 cubic km

1,122 cubic km

690 cubic km

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The total utilisable water resource in India is 1,122 cubic km.

Increased soil fertility

Decreased agricultural productivity

Increased soil salinity and groundwater depletion

Improved water quality

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The overuse of groundwater resources in Punjab and Haryana has led to increased soil salinity and a significant depletion of groundwater levels, adversely affecting agricultural productivity.

High concentration of pollutants due to low water flow

Excessive rainfall

Increased agricultural activities

Natural disasters

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

During summer, the flow of water is low, leading to a higher concentration of pollutants in rivers.

High demand for irrigation due to water-intensive crops

Industrial expansion

Urbanization and domestic use

Tourism development

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

In Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu, the cultivation of water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane requires substantial irrigation, leading to high groundwater utilisation.

Increased soil fertility

Rise in groundwater levels

Increase in soil salinity

Reduction in crop yield

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The overuse of groundwater in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh has led to an increase in soil salinity, which can adversely affect soil health and agricultural productivity.

To increase industrial water usage

To ensure water security through awareness and conservation

To promote urban development

To expand agricultural land

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Jal Kranti Abhiyan aims to ensure water security by involving local bodies, NGOs, and citizens in creating awareness about water conservation and management.

Irrigation; due to increasing efficiency and urbanization

Industries; due to rapid industrialization

Domestic use; due to population growth

None of the above; water usage is stable across sectors

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The agricultural sector, particularly irrigation, currently accounts for the highest proportion of total water usage in India. However, its share is expected to decline due to improvements in irrigation efficiency and increasing urbanization, which will shift water demand to domestic and industrial sectors.

Groundwater

Desalinated water

Rivers

Rainwater harvesting

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Rivers are a major source of surface water in India.

Tamil Nadu

Karnataka

Andhra Pradesh

Kerala

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tamil Nadu has the highest groundwater utilisation among the South Indian states.

Focus on high water-intensive crops

Dependence on government aid

Community involvement and voluntary labor

Construction of large dams

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Watershed development in Ralegan Siddhi emphasized community involvement and voluntary labor to reduce dependence on government aid.

High fluoride concentration

Excessive rainfall

Overuse of surface water

Lack of irrigation facilities

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Groundwater pollution in India has occurred due to high concentrations of heavy/toxic metals, fluoride, and nitrates.

Increased groundwater table levels.

Decreased soil salinity.

Depletion of groundwater resources.

Reduced agricultural productivity.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Intensive irrigation in these regions has led to the depletion of groundwater resources, as a large proportion of groundwater is used for irrigation.

To support industrial growth

To ensure water supply during dry spells

To maintain river flow

To prevent floods

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Irrigation is necessary to provide water during dry spells and ensure consistent agricultural productivity.

Creating Jal Gram in water-stressed villages

Building luxury resorts

Reducing groundwater pollution

Constructing arsenic-free wells

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Jal Kranti Abhiyan focuses on water conservation and pollution reduction, not on building luxury resorts.

Increase industrial water usage

Ensure water security through per capita availability

Promote urban development

Enhance tourism

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Jal Kranti Abhiyan aims to ensure water security by increasing per capita availability of water.

50%

71%

60%

80%

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Approximately 71% of the earth's surface is covered with water.

60%

32%

75%

50%

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Due to various constraints, only about 32% of India's available surface water can be effectively utilized.

Increasing industrial discharge

Reducing agricultural runoff

Constructing more dams

Diverting river flow

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Reducing agricultural runoff is an effective measure in preventing river pollution as it decreases the amount of fertilizers and pesticides entering the water bodies.

The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak basins account for 60% of the total surface water resources.

The Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri basins account for 60% of the total surface water resources.

The Indus basin accounts for 60% of the total surface water resources.

The Mahanadi and Narmada basins account for 60% of the total surface water resources.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak basins have high precipitation and large catchment areas, accounting for 60% of India's total surface water resources.

Agricultural sector

Industrial sector

Domestic sector

None of the above

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

With development, the shares of industrial and domestic sectors in total water utilization are likely to increase, while the share of the agricultural sector is expected to decline.

Ganga

Yamuna

Sabarmati

Gomti

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Yamuna river is considered the most polluted river in India between Delhi and Etawah due to high levels of organic and bacterial contamination.

Increased efficiency in irrigation techniques.

Reduction in agricultural land area.

Rise in industrial and domestic water demand.

Decrease in population growth.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The expected decline in the agricultural sector's share of total water usage is mainly due to the rise in industrial and domestic water demand as the country develops.

Yamuna River between Delhi and Etawah.

Sabarmati River at Ahmedabad.

Gomti River at Lucknow.

Vaigai River at Madurai.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The Yamuna River is noted as the most polluted river in the country between Delhi and Etawah.

True or False

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

India has about 4% of the world's water resources, despite having more than 17% of the world's population.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

While industrial effluents contribute to water pollution, the primary sources are organic and bacterial contamination from agricultural and domestic waste.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The total utilisable water resource in India is 1,122 cubic km, not 1,869 cubic km.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak rivers, although covering only about one-third of the total area, have 60% of the total surface water resources.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

India accounts for about 17% of the global population and has only 4% of the world's water resources, highlighting the need for efficient water management.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Jal Kranti Abhiyan aims to ensure water security by increasing per capita water availability in India through various conservation and management activities.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Despite water covering approximately 71% of the Earth's surface, freshwater makes up only about 3% of the total water.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Yamuna River is the most polluted river in India, especially between Delhi and Etawah.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Yamuna River is indeed the most polluted river in the country between Delhi and Etawah.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The highest proportion of the total water used in India is for irrigation, not industrial purposes.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

India accounts for about 17% of the world's population and only 4% of the world's water resources.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The share of the agricultural sector in total water utilisation is expected to decline as the shares of industrial and domestic sectors increase.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

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

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Central Pollution Control Board reports that organic and bacterial contamination is the main source of pollution in Indian rivers.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Watershed management is considered important for sustainable development.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana was launched to ensure access to protective irrigation for all agricultural farms in India.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra is a notable example of successful watershed development, transforming the village through community efforts and sustainable practices.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

India accounts for about 4% of the world's water resources.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The availability of freshwater varies over space and time in India.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The highest proportion of water used in India is for irrigation, not industrial purposes.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak river basins account for about 60% of India's total surface water resources due to their large catchment areas and high precipitation.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Ralegan Siddhi is a model for watershed development, showcasing successful water conservation and community involvement.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins, despite covering only about one-third of India's total area, account for 60% of the country's total surface water resources.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Groundwater utilisation is highest in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, not in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Kerala.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Yamuna River is identified as the most polluted river in India between Delhi and Etawah.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The highest proportion of total water used in India is for irrigation, not domestic purposes.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Freshwater indeed constitutes about 3% of the total water on Earth.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Despite the efforts of the Central Pollution Control Board, water pollution remains a significant issue in India, indicating that the measures have not been fully effective.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The share of the industrial sector in India's total water utilisation is expected to increase in the future.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Ralegan Siddhi, through effective watershed management and community involvement, transformed into a model of agricultural prosperity.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

India has a total availability of 1,869 cubic km from surface water and replenishable groundwater.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The total utilisable water resource in India is 1,122 cubic km, not 1,869 cubic km.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Jal Kranti Abhiyan aims to ensure water security by increasing per capita water availability, involving local bodies, NGOs, and citizens.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Much of the annual water flow in the Brahmaputra and Ganga basins is yet to be harnessed.

Water Resources

AI Learning Assistant

Summary

Chapter 4: Water Resources

Overview

Water Resources in India

Surface Water Resources

Key Questions

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Detailed Notes

Water Resources in India

Overview

Surface Water Resources

Challenges

Conservation and Management

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

Tips for Exam Preparation

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1.Which of the following practices is emphasized in the watershed development of Ralegan Siddhi to conserve water?

Correct Answer: C

Q2.Which of the following is a major source of water pollution in India?

Correct Answer: B

Q3.What is the main aim of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?

Correct Answer: A

Q4.Which sector uses the highest proportion of total water in the country?

Correct Answer: A

Q5.Which of the following is a significant factor contributing to the depletion of water resources in India?

Correct Answer: A

Q6.Which Indian state has the highest groundwater utilisation?

Correct Answer: B

Q7.In the context of water resource management, which of the following is a key advantage of watershed development as demonstrated by the Ralegan Siddhi case study?

Correct Answer: A

Q8.What percentage of India's total water resources is utilizable?

Correct Answer: B

Q9.Which of the following measures is suggested for sustainable water management?

Correct Answer: B

Q10.What is the primary reason for the expected decline in the share of the agricultural sector in total water usage in the future?

Correct Answer: A

Q11.What is the main reason for water scarcity in India?

Correct Answer: B

Q12.What is a primary factor contributing to the high level of groundwater utilization in Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu?

Correct Answer: B

Q13.Which of the following South Indian states has the highest groundwater utilization as a percentage of its total groundwater potential?

Correct Answer: A

Q14.Which of the following is a major factor contributing to groundwater depletion in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu?

Correct Answer: C

Q15.Which river is considered the most polluted in India between Delhi and Etawah?

Correct Answer: B

Q16.What is the primary purpose of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?

Correct Answer: B

Q17.What is the primary reason for the need for irrigation in India?

Correct Answer: B

Q18.Which of the following statements best describes the impact of climate change on water resources in India?

Correct Answer: C

Q19.Which sector uses the highest proportion of total water in India?

Correct Answer: A

Q20.Which of the following is a major cause of water pollution in rivers?

Correct Answer: A

Q21.Which of the following measures is NOT part of the Jal Kranti Abhiyan's proposed activities?

Correct Answer: C

Q22.What is the main reason for the high groundwater utilisation in Punjab and Haryana?

Correct Answer: B

Q23.In the context of watershed development, which of the following practices is NOT typically associated with sustainable water management?

Correct Answer: A

Q24.Which of the following measures is crucial for ensuring sustainable development in the context of declining freshwater availability in India?

Correct Answer: B

Q25.What is the total utilisable water resource in India?

Correct Answer: C

Q26.What is the primary environmental issue caused by the overuse of groundwater resources in states like Punjab and Haryana?

Correct Answer: C

Q27.Which of the following is a major cause of water pollution in rivers during summer?

Correct Answer: A

Q28.Which of the following is the main reason for the high groundwater utilisation in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu?

Correct Answer: A

Q29.Which of the following is a significant consequence of the overuse of groundwater in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh?

Correct Answer: C