Chapter 3 - Water Resources

In 10th-grade geography chapter 3, we will learn about water resources. The chapter begins with the available fresh water on Earth and how water scarcity situations arise. This chapter discusses the advantages and disadvantages of building dams on rivers. Finally, this chapter discusses rainwater harvesting as a means of saving water. Here I have compiled her Vidyakul CBSE notes for Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 on Water Resources. These notes cover all important topics covered in this chapter. You can also download these notes as PDFs for offline reading.

Water

Water covers three-quarters of the earth's surface, but only a small fraction of it is fresh water. Water is a renewable resource.

Water Scarcity and the Need for Water Conservation and Management

The availability of water resources varies in space and time.

Water scarcity is caused by overexploitation, abuse, and unequal access to water among different social groups. Water resources are overexploited to expand irrigated land for dry-season agriculture. In some areas, there is enough water to meet people's needs. However, these areas still suffer from water shortages due to poor water quality. It is now necessary to protect and manage our water resources.

To protect us from health hazards

Ensure food security, continuity of livelihoods, and productive activities. To prevent the degradation of natural ecosystems. Integrated Water Resource Management with Multipurpose River Projects Since ancient times, we have conserved water by building advanced hydraulic structures such as rubble dams, reservoirs and lakes, embankments, and irrigation canals. We have continued this tradition in modern India by building dams in most river basins.

Dam

A dam is a barrier overflowing water that blocks, directs, or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake, or dam. "Dam" refers to a reservoir rather than a structure.

Use of dam:

• River and rainwater will be dammed for later use for irrigation of agricultural fields and for power generation.
• Domestic and Industrial Water Supply.
• Flood protection.
• Recreation, inland navigation, and fish farming.

Side Effects of Dam Construction

Regulation and damming of rivers affect their natural flow. River aquatic habitats are becoming increasingly poor.

Disconnected rivers make it difficult for aquatic animals to move. Dams built on floodplains inundate existing vegetation and soil, causing degradation over time. The construction of large dams has given rise to many new environmental movements such as 'Narmada Bachao Andolan' and 'Tehri Dam Andolan'. construction of a dam.

Most of the opposition to the project has arisen from its failure to achieve the purpose for which it was built. Most dams were built to control floods, but these dams caused floods. The dam also caused massive soil erosion. Excessive water consumption has led to earthquakes, water-borne diseases, pests, and pollution.

See India's major rivers and dams on the map below.

Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is an easy way to collect rainwater for future use. Collected rainwater can be stored, used for various purposes, or used directly for replenishment.

Different regions have different rainwater harvesting methods.

In the hilly and mountainous areas, people have built diversion channels such as 'Guru' and 'Kuru' in the western Himalayas for agriculture.
“Rooftop rainwater harvesting” is widely practiced to store drinking water, especially in Rajasthan. In the flood plains of Bengal, people built flood channels to irrigate their fields. In arid and semi-arid areas, agricultural land is converted into rainwater harvesting structures, such as the 'Khadins' in Jaisalmer and the 'Johads' in other parts of Rajasthan, to retain water and moisten the soil. became. The tanka is part of a well-developed roof rainwater harvesting system and is installed in the main house or courtyard. This is mainly done for rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan, especially in Bikaner, Farodi, and Barmar regions. Many homes built a basement next to the tanka to withstand the summer heat to keep the room cool.

Tamil Nadu is the first state in India that has made rooftop rainwater harvesting structures compulsory for all houses across the state. There are legal provisions to punish defaulters.

Frequently asked Questions on CBSE Class 10 

What is the origin of water?

A study suggested that the water originated from rocks with which the Earth formed.

What are the different types of ‘Condensation’?

The types of condensations are 

1. Fog 

2. Mist 

3. Frost 

4. Dew

What are the methods that can be followed for proper water management?

1. Rainwater harvest 

2. Groundwater recharge 

3. Drip irrigation 

4. Greywater systems 

5. Sewage water treatment