LIWA

Water Resources

CBSE Class 10 · Social Science · Chapter 8

Past board exam questions

CBSE 2027 sample paper · 2 marks

A drought-prone district wants to adopt a sustainable water conservation method using traditional knowledge. Suggest two suitable rainwater harvesting practices that could be implemented.

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1. Rooftop rainwater harvesting: rainwater collected from rooftops is stored in tanks (as in the underground tanks or tankas of Rajasthan) for domestic use, reducing dependence on surface and groundwater during dry periods. 2. Johads or khadins: these structures store rainwater on agricultural fields and allow it to seep into the ground, recharging groundwater and supporting irrigation in water-scarce areas.

CBSE 2026 board paper · 1 mark

In which Indian state is ‘Bamboo drip irrigation’ system used ?

  1. Himachal Pradesh
  2. Kerala
  3. Rajasthan
  4. Meghalaya
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Meghalaya

CBSE 2026 board paper · 1 mark

Arrange the location of the following dams of India from North to South and choose the correct option : I. Pravara II. Salal III. Koyna IV. Gandhi Sagar

  1. II, IV, III, I
  2. II, IV, I, III
  3. III, II, IV, I
  4. III, IV, II, I
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II, IV, I, III

CBSE 2026 sample paper · 1 mark

Which one of the following states has made roof top water harvesting compulsory in India?

  1. Haryana
  2. Punjab
  3. Assam
  4. Tamil Nadu.
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Tamil Nadu.

CBSE 2026 sample paper · 1 mark

Which of the following statements best evaluates the overall goal of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchaee Yojana?

  1. Addressing the negative ecological effects of large dams by reducing water usage.
  2. To provide better irrigation systems and sustainable water conservation practices for farmers.
  3. Shifting farmers from traditional crops to more commercial, water-intensive crops.
  4. Preserve the natural river flow and prevent the fragmentation of aquatic ecosystems.
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To provide better irrigation systems and sustainable water conservation practices for farmers.

CBSE 2026 board paper · 4 marks

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Water Supply Post-independent India witnessed intensive industrialisation and urbanisation, creating vast opportunities for us. Today, large industrial houses are as commonplace as the industrial units of many MNCs (Multinational Corporations). The ever-increasing number of industries has made matters worse by exerting pressure on existing freshwater resources. Industries, apart from being heavy users of water, also require power to run them. Much of this energy comes from hydroelectric power. Moreover, multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have not only added to water and energy requirements but have further aggravated the problem. If you look into the housing societies or colonies in the cities, you would find that most of these have their own groundwater pumping devices to meet their water needs. Not surprisingly, we find that fragile water resources are being over-exploited and have caused their depletion in several of these cities. (17.1) Explain the significance of water in the industrialisation of the country. (1) (17.2) How has urbanisation increased the demand for water ? (1) (17.3) Suggest any two measures to prevent the over-exploitation of water resources. (2)

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(17.1) Industries are heavy users of water (e.g. jute, cotton textile, pulp and paper industries need large amounts of water), and they also need power, much of which comes from hydroelectricity generated from water. (17.2) As urban areas expand, large and dense populations and urban lifestyles add to water and energy requirements; housing societies pump groundwater to meet their needs, so the demand for water increases. (17.3) Any two: (i) Water should be used judiciously. (ii) Recycling of water. (iii) Reuse of water. (iv) Rainwater harvesting / regulating the extraction of groundwater.

CBSE 2026 board paper · 4 marks

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Dam A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment. “Dam” refers to the reservoir rather than the structure. Most dams have a section called a spillway or weir over which or through which it is intended that water will flow either intermittently or continuously. Dams are classified according to structure, intended purpose or height. Based on structure and the materials used, dams are classified as timber dams, embankment dams or masonry dams, with several subtypes. According to the height, dams can be categorised as large dams and major dams or alternatively as low dams, medium height dams and high dams. (17.1) Define the term Dam. (1) (17.2) How do dams help in water management ? (1) (17.3) Why are dams called as multipurpose projects ? (2)

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(17.1) A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment. (17.2) Dams store water and manage (regulate) its flow; through canals they provide water for irrigation and other uses. (17.3) Any two – dams serve many purposes at once: (i) They control floods. (ii) Through canals they provide water for agriculture (irrigation). (iii) They are a source of electricity (hydel power) generation. (iv) They supply water for domestic and industrial use. (v) They provide inland navigation. (vi) They promote fish breeding.

CBSE 2026 board paper · 4 marks

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : FLOODS Basic safety precautions to be taken : • Listen to radio/TV for the latest weather bulletins and flood warnings. Pass on the information to others. • Make a family emergency kit which should include, a portable radio/transistor, torch, spare batteries, a first aid box along with essential medicines, ORS, dry food items, drinking water, matchboxes, candles and other essential items. • Keep hurricane lamp, ropes, rubber tubes, umbrella and bamboo stick in your house. These could be useful. • Keep your cash, jewellery, valuables, important documents etc. in a safe place. • If there is a flood, move along with your family members and cattle to safe areas like relief camps, evacuation centers, elevated grounds where you can take shelter. • Turn off power and gas connections before leaving your house. During Floods • Don’t enter into flood waters; it could be dangerous. • Don’t allow children to play in or near flood waters. • Stay away from sewerage line, gutters, drains, culverts etc. • Be careful of snakes; snakebites are common during floods. • Stay away from electric poles and fallen power-lines to avoid electrocution. • Don’t use wet electrical appliances, get them checked before use. • Eat freshly cooked and dry food. Always keep your food covered. • Use boiled and filtered drinking water. • Keep all drains, gutters near your house clean. • Stagnation of water can breed vector/water-borne diseases. In case of sickness, seek medical assistance. • Use bleaching powder and lime to disinfect the surroundings. (18.1) Suggest one precaution before using water after floods. (1) (18.2) Mention any two measures related to protection of food items during floods. (½ + ½ = 1) (18.3) Suggest two actions to be taken before leaving the house during a flood warning. (2)

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(18.1) Any one: Boil the water before drinking / use boiled and filtered water / disinfect the water / store it in clean, covered containers. (18.2) (i) Eat freshly cooked and dry food. (ii) Always keep your food covered. (18.3) Any two: (i) Turn off power and gas connections before leaving the house. (ii) Keep cash, jewellery, valuables and important documents in a safe place. (iii) Make a family emergency kit (radio, torch, spare batteries, first aid, ORS, dry food, drinking water). (iv) Listen to radio/TV for the latest bulletins and pass on the information to others. (v) Move with family members and cattle to safe areas like relief camps, evacuation centres or elevated ground.