Chapter 5.3 – Water resources of India

WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 5.3: Water resources of India

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Very short-type questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Analytical questions and answers
5. Explanatory questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs) [1 mark each]

1. Which is the longest river of India?
a) Yamuna
b) Brahmaputra
c) Ganga
d) Godavari

Ans: c) Ganga

2. Which of the following rivers flows westwards?
a) Godavari
b) Krishna
c) Narmada
d) Kaveri

Ans: c) Narmada

3. The river Ganga originates from:
a) Yamunotri Glacier
b) Gangotri Glacier
c) Siachen Glacier
d) Zemu Glacier

Ans: b) Gangotri Glacier

4. Which river is known as the ‘Sorrow of Bihar’?
a) Kosi
b) Gandak
c) Son
d) Ghaghara

Ans: a) Kosi

5. The Brahmaputra is known as Tsangpo in:
a) India
b) Nepal
c) Tibet
d) Bangladesh

Ans: c) Tibet

6. Which is the longest river of South India?
a) Krishna
b) Kaveri
c) Godavari
d) Mahanadi

Ans: c) Godavari

7. Which river forms the largest delta in the world?
a) Nile
b) Amazon
c) Ganga-Brahmaputra
d) Mississippi

Ans: c) Ganga-Brahmaputra

8. Which river does not form a delta?
a) Godavari
b) Krishna
c) Narmada
d) Mahanadi

Ans: c) Narmada

9. Which canal gets water throughout the year?
a) Inundation canal
b) Seasonal canal
c) Perennial canal
d) Tank canal

Ans: c) Perennial canal

10. Which is the largest brackish water lake in India?
a) Sambhar Lake
b) Chilika Lake
c) Dal Lake
d) Wular Lake

Ans: b) Chilika Lake

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 mark each]

1. The river Ganga originates from the __________ Glacier. (Gangotri)
2. The Hirakud Dam is built on the __________ River. (Mahanadi)
3. The Brahmaputra is known as __________ in Tibet. (Tsangpo)
4. The Yamuna meets the Ganga at __________. (Prayagraj)
5. The largest brackish water lake in India is __________ Lake. (Chilika)
6. The Damodar Valley Project was mainly developed for __________ control. (flood)
7. The Luni River is an example of an __________ river. (inland)
8. The Kaveri River forms a __________ at its mouth. (delta)
9. The Indus River drains into the __________ Sea. (Arabian)
10. The river Brahmaputra is called __________ in Bangladesh. (Jamuna)

2B. True or false [1 mark each]

1. The rivers of North India are mostly perennial in nature. (True)
2. The Narmada River forms a delta at its mouth. (False)
3. Perennial canals receive water only during floods. (False)
4. The Godavari River is known as the ‘Ganga of South India’. (True)
5. Tank irrigation is common in North India. (False)
6. The Luni River drains into the Bay of Bengal. (False)
7. The Damodar River was once known as the ‘Sorrow of Bengal’. (True)
8. The Western Ghats give rise to many rivers. (True)

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 mark each]

1. What are the canals that are used for irrigation throughout the year called?
Ans: The canals that are used for irrigation throughout the year are called perennial canals. These canals receive a continuous supply of water from rivers or reservoirs.

2. Name the common multipurpose river valley project of the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Ans: The Damodar Valley Project is the common multipurpose river valley project of Jharkhand and West Bengal. It was developed to control floods, provide irrigation, and generate hydroelectric power.

3. Name an important irrigation dam in eastern India.
Ans: The Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River is an important irrigation dam in eastern India. It is one of the longest dams in the world and helps in irrigation and flood control.

4. Which one is the longest river of South India?
Ans: The Godavari River is the longest river of South India. It originates in the Western Ghats and flows eastwards into the Bay of Bengal.

5. Name the famous waterfall on the river Narmada.
Ans: The famous waterfall on the river Narmada is the Dhuandhar Falls. It is located near Jabalpur and is known for its scenic beauty.

6. Name the longest tributary of the river Ganga.
Ans: The Yamuna River is the longest tributary of the river Ganga. It joins the Ganga at Prayagraj and contributes significantly to its flow.

7. Name the holy lake in Manipur.
Ans: Loktak Lake is the holy lake in Manipur. It is also the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India and is famous for its floating islands.

8. Where is the Eden Canal located?
Ans: The Eden Canal is located in Bihar. It is an important canal used for irrigation purposes in the region.

3. Short-type questions and answers [2 marks each]

1. Name three west flowing rivers of India.
Ans: The Narmada, Tapti, and Mahi are important west-flowing rivers of India. These rivers flow into the Arabian Sea and generally form estuaries instead of deltas due to steep slopes.

2. Name three rivers of north and south India each.
Ans: The major rivers of North India include the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, which are mostly glacier-fed perennial rivers. The important rivers of South India are the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, which mainly depend on rainfall and flow through the Peninsular Plateau.

3. What is an inland river?
Ans: An inland river is a river that does not flow into the sea or ocean but drains into a lake, desert, or inland basin. These rivers usually flow in arid and semi-arid regions where evaporation is high and water does not reach the sea. Such rivers often dry up before reaching a large water body. Inland rivers are commonly found in regions like Rajasthan.

4. Which rivers of South India make deltas at their mouths?
Ans: The Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers form large deltas at their mouths as they enter the Bay of Bengal. These rivers carry sediments and deposit them, forming fertile delta regions in South India.

5. Name two water divides of India.
Ans: The Ambala water divide and the Western Ghats are two important water divides of India. The Ambala water divide separates the Indus and Ganga river systems. The Western Ghats act as a major divide between rivers flowing towards the Arabian Sea and those flowing towards the Bay of Bengal, thus influencing drainage patterns in India.

6. Name the most important river of Rajasthan.
Ans: The Luni River is the most important river of Rajasthan. It originates in the Aravalli Hills near Ajmer and flows through the Thar Desert although its water becomes saline in the lower course, it plays an important role in supporting agriculture, livestock, and settlements in this dry region.

7. Name two salt water lakes of India.
Ans: Chilika Lake and Sambhar Lake are important saltwater lakes of India. These lakes contain saline water and are known for their rich biodiversity. They are also important for fishing, bird habitats, and salt production.

8. Name few tributaries of the river Ganga.
Ans: Important tributaries of the Ganga River include the Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi. These rivers join the Ganga at different places and supply a large amount of water. They also bring fertile silt from the Himalayas, which helps in making the plains very fertile and suitable for agriculture.

9. Name few east flowing rivers of India.
Ans: Some major east-flowing rivers of India are the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. These rivers originate mainly from the Western Ghats or central highlands and flow towards the east due to the slope of the land. They drain into the Bay of Bengal and form large and fertile deltas, which are important for agriculture.

10. Name two rivers of India that have waterfalls in their course.
Ans: The Narmada River and Kaveri River have waterfalls in their course. These waterfalls are formed due to hard rocks and steep slopes in their path. Such waterfalls are not only important for geography but also attract many tourists.

11. Name the left and right tributaries of the river Ganga.
Ans: The left bank tributaries of the Ganga River include the Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi, which mainly originate from the Himalayas and carry a large volume of water. The right bank tributaries include the Yamuna and Son rivers, which join the Ganga from the southern side and also contribute to its flow.

12. Where is the source of the river Ganga?
Ans: The Ganga River originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas. This glacier is the source of the Bhagirathi River, which later becomes the Ganga. The source is located at a high altitude and is covered with snow.

13. Name few cities located on the banks of the river Ganga.
Ans: Major cities located on the banks of the Ganga River are Haridwar, Kanpur, Varanasi, Patna, and Kolkata. These cities are important centres of culture, trade, and religion. Many religious activities and festivals take place along the river banks.

14. Which two rivers meet to form the river Ganga and where do they meet?
Ans: The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet at Devprayag from this confluence point, the river is known as the Ganga River and this place is considered very sacred in India.

15. Name the main tributary of the river Ganga.
Ans: The Yamuna River is the main and largest tributary of the Ganga River. It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier and joins the Ganga at Prayagraj. It contributes a large amount of water to the Ganga and plays an important role in the river system.

4. Analytical questions and answers [3 marks each]

1. Why do floods occur in Assam every year?
Ans: Floods occur in Assam every year mainly due to heavy monsoon rainfall in the Brahmaputra basin. The river receives a large amount of water from its numerous tributaries, which causes it to overflow. The flat plains and loose soil make flooding more severe. In addition, deforestation and silt deposition raise the riverbed, increasing the chances of floods.

2. Describe the course of river Ganga.
Ans: The Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand as the Bhagirathi River. It joins the Alaknanda River at Devprayag and is then known as the Ganga. The river flows through the northern plains, passing through several states and cities. Finally, it enters Bangladesh, forms a large delta, and drains into the Bay of Bengal.

3. Why is tank irrigation commonly practiced in South India?
Ans: Tank irrigation is common in South India because the region has uneven rainfall and many seasonal rivers. The rocky terrain makes it difficult to construct canals. Tanks help store rainwater during the monsoon for use during dry periods. This method is suitable for the plateau region.

4. What is the river Brahmaputra known as in different parts of its course?
Ans: The Brahmaputra is known by different names along its course. In Tibet, it is called the Tsangpo. When it enters Arunachal Pradesh, it is known as the Siang or Dihang. In Assam, it is called the Brahmaputra. In Bangladesh, it is known as the Jamuna.

5. Why have deltas not been formed at the mouth of west flowing rivers of India?
Ans: West-flowing rivers of India do not form deltas because they flow over steep slopes and have shorter courses. These rivers carry less silt compared to east-flowing rivers. The strong currents of the Arabian Sea wash away the sediments. As a result, these rivers form estuaries instead of deltas.

6. Why is India called the ‘land of rivers’?
Ans: India is called the ‘land of rivers’ because it has a large number of rivers flowing across the country. These rivers originate from the Himalayas as well as from the Peninsular Plateau. They provide water for agriculture, drinking, and industries. Rivers also play an important role in the culture, economy, and livelihood of the people.

7. Why are the rivers of South India non-perennial?
Ans: The rivers of South India are non-perennial because they mainly depend on rainfall rather than glaciers. These rivers originate from hills and plateaus, where there is no continuous source of water. During the dry season, the water flow decreases significantly. Therefore, many of these rivers do not flow throughout the year.

8. Name some flood-prone regions of India.
Ans: Some flood-prone regions of India include Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. These areas lie in the plains and receive heavy monsoon rainfall. Rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra often overflow in these regions. The flat land and poor drainage further increase the chances of flooding.

9. Mention the advantages of multi-purpose river valley projects.
Ans: These projects provide water for irrigation and help increase agricultural production. They generate hydroelectric power for industries and homes. They help control floods by regulating river flow. They also provide water for drinking and support navigation and fisheries.

10. Discuss the importance of irrigation in India.
Ans: Irrigation is important in India because agriculture depends heavily on monsoon rainfall, which is uncertain. It ensures a steady supply of water for crops throughout the year. Irrigation helps increase agricultural production and allows farmers to grow multiple crops. It also reduces the risk of crop failure due to drought.

11. What is a multi-purpose river valley project?
Ans: A multi-purpose river valley project is a large project that uses river water for several purposes. These include irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water supply. Such projects involve the construction of dams and reservoirs. They help in the overall development of a region.

5. Explanatory questions and answers [5 marks each]

1. Describe the lakes of India.
Ans: India has a wide variety of lakes that differ in origin, size, and type. Natural lakes are formed by natural processes such as tectonic movements or river action. Examples include Dal Lake and Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir. Man-made lakes are created by constructing dams across rivers, such as the Gobind Sagar Lake. Lakes can also be classified as freshwater and saltwater lakes. Freshwater lakes, such as Nainital Lake, provide water for drinking and irrigation. Saltwater lakes, such as Chilika Lake in Odisha, contain brackish water and are important for fishing and biodiversity. Another type of lake is the ox-bow lake, which is formed when a river changes its course and leaves behind a curved water body. Lakes play an important role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting aquatic life, providing water for human use, and promoting tourism.

2. Describe the course of the three major rivers of northern India.
Ans: The three major rivers of northern India are the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra, and all of them originate from the Himalayan region.

The Indus River rises near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet and flows northwest through Ladakh in India before entering Pakistan. It continues its journey across Pakistan and finally drains into the Arabian Sea. The river is joined by important tributaries such as the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, which together form a large river system.
The Ganga River originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand as the Bhagirathi River. It meets the Alaknanda River at Devprayag, after which it is known as the Ganga. The river flows through the northern plains of India, passing through several states, and finally enters Bangladesh, where it forms a large delta before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Its major tributaries include the Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi.
The Brahmaputra River originates in Tibet as the Tsangpo River and flows eastward before turning south into India through Arunachal Pradesh. It flows through Assam and then enters Bangladesh, where it joins the Ganga. Together they form the world’s largest delta and drain into the Bay of Bengal.

3. Compare the characteristic features of the rivers of north and south India.
Ans:

Basis of Comparison	Rivers of North India	Rivers of South India
Origin	The rivers of North India originate from the glaciers of the Himalayas.	The rivers of South India originate from hills and plateaus of the Peninsular region.
Nature of Flow	The rivers of North India are perennial and flow throughout the year.	The rivers of South India are mostly seasonal and depend on rainfall.
Length of Rivers	The rivers of North India have long courses.	The rivers of South India have shorter courses.
Type of Land	The rivers of North India flow over soft alluvial plains.	The rivers of South India flow over hard rocky plateau.
Meanders	The rivers of North India form large meanders and wide floodplains.	The rivers of South India form fewer meanders due to the hard surface.
Water Volume	The rivers of North India carry a large volume of water.	The rivers of South India carry comparatively less water.
Silt Load	The rivers of North India carry heavy silt and alluvium.	The rivers of South India carry less silt.
Fertility	The rivers of North India make the plains very fertile.	The rivers of South India make the land less fertile compared to the northern plains.
Delta/Estuary	The rivers of North India form large deltas.	The rivers of South India form either deltas or estuaries depending on the slope.
Examples	The examples of North Indian rivers are Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra.	The examples of South Indian rivers are Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.