Class 10 Social Science (Contemporary India 2) Chapter 3 Water Resources

 NCERT MCQs of  Class 10 Social Science(Contemporary India 2), chapter 3, Water Resources

1. 1) What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water?
   a) 29%
   b) 50%
   c) 71%
   d) 90%
   Answer: c) 71%
   Explanation: About 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, but only 2.5% is freshwater.

   2) Which of the following is the main source of freshwater on Earth?
   a) Oceans
   b) Glaciers and ice caps
   c) Seas
   d) Underground water
   Answer: b) Glaciers and ice caps
   Explanation: Glaciers and ice caps hold about 69% of the world’s freshwater.

   3) What is the process of artificial storage and conservation of water called?
   a) Rainwater harvesting
   b) Deforestation
   c) Industrialization
   d) Groundwater depletion
   Answer: a) Rainwater harvesting
   Explanation: Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use.

   4) Which river is known as the 'River of Sorrow' in India due to frequent floods?
   a) Ganga
   b) Brahmaputra
   c) Kosi
   d) Yamuna
   Answer: c) Kosi
   Explanation: The Kosi River causes frequent floods in Bihar, earning it the name "River of Sorrow".

   5) Which of the following is NOT a reason for water scarcity?
   a) Increasing population
   b) Unequal distribution of water
   c) Water pollution
   d) Water conservation
   Answer: d) Water conservation
   Explanation: Water conservation helps reduce scarcity, while other factors contribute to water shortages.

   6) Which of the following states in India faces acute water scarcity?
   a) Kerala
   b) Rajasthan
   c) West Bengal
   d) Assam
   Answer: b) Rajasthan
   Explanation: Rajasthan is a desert state with low rainfall and high water demand, leading to water scarcity.

   7) Which of the following is an example of a multipurpose river valley project?
   a) Bhakra Nangal
   b) Kolar Dam
   c) Hirakud Dam
   d) Both a and c
   Answer: d) Both a and c
   Explanation: Bhakra Nangal and Hirakud Dams serve multiple purposes, including irrigation, electricity, and flood control.

   8) Which is the longest dam in India?
   a) Bhakra Nangal Dam
   b) Tehri Dam
   c) Hirakud Dam
   d) Sardar Sarovar Dam
   Answer: c) Hirakud Dam
   Explanation: Hirakud Dam in Odisha is India’s longest dam, built on the Mahanadi River.

   9) Which is the highest dam in India?
   a) Bhakra Nangal Dam
   b) Tehri Dam
   c) Sardar Sarovar Dam
   d) Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
   Answer: b) Tehri Dam
   Explanation: Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand, built on the Bhagirathi River, is the highest dam in India.

   10) What is the primary purpose of constructing dams?
   a) Electricity generation
   b) Irrigation
   c) Flood control
   d) All of the above
   Answer: d) All of the above
   Explanation: Dams serve multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectricity, and flood control.

   11) Which of the following statements about water scarcity is true?
   a) It occurs only in deserts
   b) It is caused only by less rainfall
   c) It is a result of both natural and human factors
   d) It is not a major issue in India
   Answer: c) It is a result of both natural and human factors
   Explanation: Water scarcity can be due to climate, overuse, pollution, and deforestation.

   12) Which river valley project is built on the Narmada River?
   a) Tehri Dam
   b) Sardar Sarovar Dam
   c) Hirakud Dam
   d) Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
   Answer: b) Sardar Sarovar Dam
   Explanation: Sardar Sarovar Dam is a multipurpose project on the Narmada River.

   13) Which state benefits the most from the Indira Gandhi Canal?
   a) Punjab
   b) Rajasthan
   c) Gujarat
   d) Maharashtra
   Answer: b) Rajasthan
   Explanation: The Indira Gandhi Canal supplies water to arid areas of Rajasthan.

   14) Which of the following is a method of water conservation?
   a) Overuse of groundwater
   b) Constructing dams
   c) Excessive irrigation
   d) Cutting down forests
   Answer: b) Constructing dams
   Explanation: Dams help in water storage, irrigation, and flood control, aiding water conservation.

   15) Which of the following is an advantage of rainwater harvesting?
   a) Reduces groundwater recharge
   b) Prevents soil erosion
   c) Increases water pollution
   d) Causes water scarcity
   Answer: b) Prevents soil erosion
   Explanation: Rainwater harvesting prevents water runoff and soil erosion, while also recharging groundwater.

   16) Which factor affects the distribution of water resources in India?
   a) Climate
   b) Geography
   c) Population growth
   d) All of the above
   Answer: d) All of the above
   Explanation: Water availability depends on rainfall, landforms, population, and climate conditions.

   17) Which river is called the 'Lifeline of India'?
   a) Yamuna
   b) Brahmaputra
   c) Ganga
   d) Krishna
   Answer: c) Ganga
   Explanation: The Ganga River is called the Lifeline of India due to its agricultural and cultural significance.

   18) Which of the following is NOT a cause of water pollution?
   a) Dumping industrial waste
   b) Domestic sewage
   c) Afforestation
   d) Use of chemical fertilizers
   Answer: c) Afforestation
   Explanation: Afforestation helps conserve water resources, while pollution comes from industrial and agricultural waste.

   19) Which of the following describes drip irrigation?
   a) Wasting excess water in fields
   b) Sprinkling water over crops
   c) Supplying water directly to plant roots
   d) Flooding the fields with water
   Answer: c) Supplying water directly to plant roots
   Explanation: Drip irrigation conserves water by delivering it directly to the roots of plants.

   20) What is the major cause of groundwater depletion in India?
   a) Increasing forests
   b) Excessive use of tube wells
   c) Use of traditional farming methods
   d) Decrease in industrial activities
   Answer: b) Excessive use of tube wells
   Explanation: Overuse of tube wells and borewells leads to rapid groundwater depletion.

• 21) Which river is the main source of water for the Bhakra Nangal Dam?
  a) Ganga
  b) Satluj
  c) Yamuna
  d) Brahmaputra
  Answer: b) Satluj
  Explanation: The Bhakra Nangal Dam is built on the Satluj River, providing irrigation and hydroelectricity.

• 22) Which of the following is a disadvantage of large dam projects?
  a) Prevention of floods
  b) Displacement of people
  c) Generation of hydroelectricity
  d) Storage of water
  Answer: b) Displacement of people
  Explanation: Large dams often lead to displacement of people, submerging villages and forests.

• 23) Which of the following factors is responsible for uneven distribution of water in India?
  a) Seasonal rainfall
  b) Uneven topography
  c) Overuse of water
  d) All of the above
  Answer: d) All of the above
  Explanation: Uneven rainfall, hilly terrain, and overuse of water cause water scarcity in many regions.

• 24) Which state in India receives the highest rainfall?
  a) Rajasthan
  b) Kerala
  c) Meghalaya
  d) Gujarat
  Answer: c) Meghalaya
  Explanation: Meghalaya, especially Mawsynram, receives the highest rainfall in India.

• 25) Which of the following river valley projects is located in the southern part of India?
  a) Bhakra Nangal
  b) Nagarjuna Sagar
  c) Hirakud
  d) Sardar Sarovar
  Answer: b) Nagarjuna Sagar
  Explanation: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built on the Krishna River, benefiting Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

• 26) Which of the following is NOT a function of a multipurpose river project?
  a) Irrigation
  b) Hydro-power generation
  c) Promoting deforestation
  d) Flood control
  Answer: c) Promoting deforestation
  Explanation: Multipurpose river projects aim to conserve resources, not destroy them.

• 27) Which Indian city faces the worst water crisis due to excessive groundwater depletion?
  a) Mumbai
  b) Chennai
  c) Kolkata
  d) Hyderabad
  Answer: b) Chennai
  Explanation: Chennai faces severe water scarcity, especially during summers, due to over-extraction of groundwater.

• 28) Which dam is built on the Mahanadi River?
  a) Hirakud Dam
  b) Tehri Dam
  c) Bhakra Nangal Dam
  d) Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
  Answer: a) Hirakud Dam
  Explanation: Hirakud Dam, the longest dam in India, is built on the Mahanadi River in Odisha.

• 29) What is the main reason for promoting watershed management?
  a) To store water underground
  b) To prevent soil erosion and water loss
  c) To increase water pollution
  d) To promote industrialization
  Answer: b) To prevent soil erosion and water loss
  Explanation: Watershed management helps in conserving water and preventing soil erosion.

• 30) Which of the following practices helps in groundwater recharge?
  a) Deforestation
  b) Overuse of tube wells
  c) Rainwater harvesting
  d) Construction of highways
  Answer: c) Rainwater harvesting
  Explanation: Rainwater harvesting increases groundwater levels by storing and filtering rainwater.

• 31) Which region in India receives the least rainfall?
  a) Cherrapunji
  b) Thar Desert
  c) Western Ghats
  d) Sundarbans
  Answer: b) Thar Desert
  Explanation: The Thar Desert in Rajasthan is the driest region in India, receiving very little rainfall.

• 32) Which of the following is a traditional method of water conservation?
  a) Dams
  b) Tube wells
  c) Baolis (stepwells)
  d) Water purifiers
  Answer: c) Baolis (stepwells)
  Explanation: Baolis (stepwells) were traditional water storage structures used in India.

• 33) Which of the following rivers is NOT part of the Ganga River system?
  a) Yamuna
  b) Son
  c) Narmada
  d) Gandak
  Answer: c) Narmada
  Explanation: Narmada River belongs to the Narmada basin, while others are tributaries of the Ganga.

• 34) What is the purpose of a percolation tank?
  a) To store surface water
  b) To increase soil erosion
  c) To recharge groundwater
  d) To reduce rainfall
  Answer: c) To recharge groundwater
  Explanation: Percolation tanks help in recharging groundwater levels by allowing rainwater to seep underground.

• 35) Which of the following is NOT an advantage of river interlinking?
  a) Solving water scarcity
  b) Flood control
  c) Increased water transport
  d) Loss of biodiversity
  Answer: d) Loss of biodiversity
  Explanation: Interlinking rivers can disturb ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss.

• 36) Which of the following human activities leads to desertification?
  a) Water conservation
  b) Deforestation
  c) Afforestation
  d) Rainwater harvesting
  Answer: b) Deforestation
  Explanation: Deforestation removes vegetation, causing soil degradation and desertification.

• 37) What is the best way to reduce the demand for freshwater?
  a) Using more groundwater
  b) Reducing wastage and recycling water
  c) Increasing deforestation
  d) Increasing industrial discharge into rivers
  Answer: b) Reducing wastage and recycling water
  Explanation: Water conservation and recycling help in reducing freshwater demand.

• 38) Which Indian state has the highest number of dams?
  a) Maharashtra
  b) Tamil Nadu
  c) Gujarat
  d) Karnataka
  Answer: a) Maharashtra
  Explanation: Maharashtra has the largest number of dams in India.

• 39) Which of the following rivers is NOT a perennial river?
  a) Ganga
  b) Brahmaputra
  c) Godavari
  d) Luni
  Answer: d) Luni
  Explanation: The Luni River in Rajasthan is a seasonal river that dries up in summer.

• 40) Which river valley project is named after India's first Prime Minister?
  a) Bhakra Nangal Project
  b) Tehri Dam Project
  c) Indira Gandhi Canal
  d) Jawaharlal Nehru Port
  Answer: c) Indira Gandhi Canal
  Explanation: The Indira Gandhi Canal provides irrigation water to Rajasthan.

• 41) Which of the following rivers is known as the 'Dakshina Ganga' (Ganga of the South)?
  a) Krishna
  b) Godavari
  c) Kaveri
  d) Mahanadi
  Answer: b) Godavari
  Explanation: The Godavari River is the longest river in peninsular India, earning it the name Dakshina Ganga.

• 42) Which of the following is an example of an inland waterway?
  a) Arabian Sea
  b) Ganga-Brahmaputra River System
  c) Bay of Bengal
  d) Indian Ocean
  Answer: b) Ganga-Brahmaputra River System
  Explanation: Inland waterways are navigable rivers, canals, and lakes used for transportation.

• 43) What is the main objective of the National Water Policy (2002)?
  a) To increase water wastage
  b) To provide clean and adequate water for all
  c) To allow industrial pollution of water bodies
  d) To stop irrigation facilities
  Answer: b) To provide clean and adequate water for all
  Explanation: The National Water Policy (2002) aims to ensure sustainable and equitable water distribution.

• 44) Which of the following rivers forms an estuary?
  a) Ganga
  b) Yamuna
  c) Narmada
  d) Brahmaputra
  Answer: c) Narmada
  Explanation: Narmada forms an estuary, while Ganga and Brahmaputra form deltas.

• 45) Which of the following practices contributes to water conservation?
  a) Overuse of borewells
  b) Drip irrigation
  c) Industrial wastewater dumping
  d) Cutting down forests
  Answer: b) Drip irrigation
  Explanation: Drip irrigation conserves water by delivering water directly to plant roots.

• 46) Which of the following causes groundwater pollution?
  a) Rainwater harvesting
  b) Industrial waste discharge
  c) Reforestation
  d) Constructing dams
  Answer: b) Industrial waste discharge
  Explanation: Toxic industrial waste leaks into the ground, contaminating groundwater sources.

• 47) Which state is primarily benefited by the Tungabhadra Dam?
  a) Andhra Pradesh
  b) Karnataka
  c) Tamil Nadu
  d) Kerala
  Answer: b) Karnataka
  Explanation: The Tungabhadra Dam, built on the Tungabhadra River, benefits Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

• 48) Which of the following is NOT a major water pollutant?
  a) Domestic sewage
  b) Pesticides
  c) Clean rainwater
  d) Industrial chemicals
  Answer: c) Clean rainwater
  Explanation: Clean rainwater does not pollute water bodies, while sewage, pesticides, and chemicals do.

• 49) What is the main advantage of interlinking rivers?
  a) Prevention of floods and droughts
  b) Increase in pollution
  c) Reduction in groundwater levels
  d) Decline in agricultural productivity
  Answer: a) Prevention of floods and droughts
  Explanation: Interlinking rivers helps in balancing water supply across regions, reducing floods and droughts.

• 50) Which of the following does NOT contribute to groundwater recharge?
  a) Afforestation
  b) Construction of percolation ponds
  c) Overuse of tube wells
  d) Rainwater harvesting
  Answer: c) Overuse of tube wells
  Explanation: Excessive use of tube wells depletes groundwater, while the others help in recharge.

• 51) Which is the main reason for urban water scarcity?
  a) Increase in rainfall
  b) Overpopulation and mismanagement
  c) Decrease in industrial growth
  d) Excess river water
  Answer: b) Overpopulation and mismanagement
  Explanation: Unplanned urbanization and overuse of water resources cause urban water scarcity.

• 52) Which of the following rivers does NOT originate in India?
  a) Indus
  b) Ganga
  c) Godavari
  d) Krishna
  Answer: a) Indus
  Explanation: The Indus River originates in Tibet, China, before flowing into India and Pakistan.

• 53) What is the main source of water in rural areas?
  a) Bottled water
  b) Groundwater from wells and borewells
  c) Desalinated water
  d) Water transported from cities
  Answer: b) Groundwater from wells and borewells
  Explanation: Groundwater extraction is the primary source of drinking and irrigation water in rural India.

• 54) What is the main reason for the contamination of rivers in India?
  a) Natural filtration
  b) Domestic sewage and industrial waste
  c) Conservation programs
  d) Water harvesting
  Answer: b) Domestic sewage and industrial waste
  Explanation: Dumping of sewage and industrial waste pollutes rivers in India.

• 55) What is the function of check dams?
  a) Increase soil erosion
  b) Reduce water conservation
  c) Store and slow down water flow
  d) Increase desertification
  Answer: c) Store and slow down water flow
  Explanation: Check dams help in water storage and soil moisture retention.

• 56) Which of the following states depends on the Ganga River for water supply?
  a) Rajasthan
  b) Gujarat
  c) West Bengal
  d) Tamil Nadu
  Answer: c) West Bengal
  Explanation: The Ganga River provides water for irrigation and drinking in West Bengal.

• 57) Which dam project led to large-scale protests by environmental activists?
  a) Bhakra Nangal Dam
  b) Sardar Sarovar Dam
  c) Hirakud Dam
  d) Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
  Answer: b) Sardar Sarovar Dam
  Explanation: The Sardar Sarovar Dam project faced protests due to displacement of people and environmental concerns.

• 58) Which region in India faces water stress due to overuse of groundwater?
  a) Himalayan region
  b) Western India (Rajasthan and Gujarat)
  c) Eastern India (West Bengal and Odisha)
  d) Northeastern India
  Answer: b) Western India (Rajasthan and Gujarat)
  Explanation: Western India faces water stress due to over-extraction of groundwater.

• 59) Which of the following is NOT an impact of water pollution?
  a) Spread of diseases
  b) Decrease in fish population
  c) Improvement of water quality
  d) Contamination of drinking water
  Answer: c) Improvement of water quality
  Explanation: Water pollution reduces water quality and causes health issues.

• 60) Which of the following is a key feature of sustainable water management?
  a) Overuse of groundwater
  b) Wastewater recycling and rainwater harvesting
  c) Dumping industrial waste in rivers
  d) Increasing deforestation
  Answer: b) Wastewater recycling and rainwater harvesting
  Explanation: Sustainable water management involves recycling, conservation, and rainwater harvesting.