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I. Chapter Summary

This chapter addresses the significance of water as a resource. It explores India’s water scarcity, causes of water stress, and the urgent need for water conservation and management. Students learn about multi-purpose river valley projects like Bhakra Nangal and Hirakud, and their dual nature—developmental and ecological. The chapter also highlights traditional rainwater harvesting methods and the growing relevance of these techniques in contemporary water crisis scenarios.

II. Key Concepts Covered

Concept	Explanation
Water Scarcity	A situation where the water demand exceeds its availability. Causes: overuse, urbanization, industrialization.
Multi-purpose River Projects	Projects serving more than one purpose like irrigation, hydroelectricity, drinking water (e.g., Bhakra Nangal).
Water Conservation	Rational and judicious use of water through methods like rainwater harvesting and watershed development.
Rainwater Harvesting	Capturing and storing rainwater for later use; both traditional (rooftop) and community-based methods.
Dams and Conflicts	Large dams may cause displacement, environmental issues, and inter-state disputes.

III. Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)

1. Which of the following is a reason for water scarcity in India?
   a) Abundant rainfall
   b) Efficient irrigation
   c) Growing population ✅
   d) Large rivers
2. Which of the following is a multi-purpose river project?
   a) Amul Dairy
   b) Bhakra Nangal ✅
   c) Metro Project
   d) Expressway Construction
3. Which traditional method of water harvesting is practiced in Rajasthan? (PYQ – 2020)
   a) Kulhs
   b) Bamboo pipes
   c) Tankas ✅
   d) Rooftop pits
4. Why is rainwater harvesting important?
   a) For sewage control
   b) For soil formation
   c) To increase underground water table ✅
   d) To remove forest waste

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)

1. What are the main causes of water scarcity in India? (PYQ – 2019)
2. Mention three advantages of multi-purpose river projects. (PYQ – 2020)
3. Write a short note on the traditional rainwater harvesting system in India.
4. Why is water conservation important in today’s context?

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Explain how multi-purpose river valley projects have both positive and negative impacts on society. (PYQ – 2021)
2. Describe any five traditional water harvesting systems in India. (PYQ – 2018)
3. What are the causes of water scarcity? Suggest five measures to conserve water. (PYQ – 2020)
4. How does water scarcity affect economic development? Suggest integrated water resource management strategies.

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

1. “Large dams, though helpful, are a source of many social problems.” Justify with arguments.
2. Why is it important to encourage local and decentralized water harvesting methods in India?

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts

No formulas are present. Key definitions include:

• Water Scarcity – A condition where water availability is less than demand.
• Rainwater Harvesting – Capturing and storing rainwater for domestic and agricultural use.
• Watershed Management – Development and conservation of water resources in a particular area.
• Multi-purpose Project – A dam or project serving several functions like irrigation, flood control, power, etc.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)

 Deleted Content:
As per the rationalized NCERT content for 2025–26, this chapter is to be assessed only through map-based questions in board exams.

 Theory portions will not be tested in written exams, but students must study concepts for project work, oral assessments, and internal understanding.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Water Resources	1–2 (Map Only)	Identification of dams, river basins on maps

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Year	Marks	Question
2018	5	Describe five traditional rainwater harvesting systems.
2019	3	Explain causes of water scarcity.
2020	3	Mention three advantages of multi-purpose projects.
2021	5	Describe positive and negative impacts of large dams.

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics

• Chennai (2019 Water Crisis) – Highlighted urban water mismanagement.
• Rajasthan Tankas – Traditional storage system still in use today.
• Bhakra Nangal Dam – Used for irrigation, power generation, and flood control.
• Community-led Rainwater Harvesting – Alwar, Rajasthan (Tarun Bharat Sangh initiative).

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success

 Time Management

• Allocate 2 days for reading the chapter + 1 day for map practice.

 Exam Preparation

• Focus only on Map Work: Identify and locate major dams like Tehri, Hirakud, Sardar Sarovar, Bhakra Nangal, Rana Pratap Sagar.

 Stress Management

• Watch short videos (e.g., NDTV’s India Water Crisis coverage) for understanding real-life importance.
• Practice past year map questions using blank political maps.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific)

For Classes 9–10

Stream	Relevant Careers
Science	Hydrologist, Civil Engineer (Water), Environmental Expert
Commerce	Resource Economist, Urban Planning Consultant
Arts	Environmental Policy Researcher, Geography Educator

Exams/Competitions:

• NTSE
• Green Olympiad (TERI)
• CBSE Science Exhibition – Water Theme Projects

XI. Important Notes

•  Prepare only the map portion for board exams 2025–26.
•  Map work includes location of major rivers and dams.
•  Even though theory is deleted, it’s important for internal assessment and GK.