CBSE Class 10 Geography - 3 | Water Resources | Full Chapter | NCERT Animation

Summary

This script discusses the importance of water as a renewable resource, highlighting its essential role in life, agriculture, and industry. It addresses the paradox of water scarcity despite its abundance, explaining the limited availability of freshwater and the challenges of uneven distribution, overuse, and pollution. The script also explores solutions like rainwater harvesting and the pros and cons of large dams in managing water resources.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Nearly 75% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, making it one of the most abundant natural resources.
• 🔄 Water is a renewable resource, constantly moving through the hydrological cycle and never truly lost or spent.
• 💧 Freshwater is essential for life, including for drinking, cooking, cleaning, washing, and cultivation, as well as for industrial and economic growth.
• 🏞️ Early human settlements were established near water sources like rivers, highlighting the importance of water for survival and development.
• 🌊 Hydropower is a significant source of electricity worldwide, underlining the role of water in powering industries.
• 🔍 Despite the abundance of water, scarcity issues exist due to the limited availability of freshwater suitable for human and industrial use.
• 🌊 97% of Earth's water is saline, found in seas and oceans, with only 2.5% being freshwater, most of which is locked in ice caps and glaciers.
• 💧 Approximately 0.3% of freshwater is accessible in rivers, lakes, and ponds, which are the primary sources for human and industrial use.
• 🌧️ Rainwater is a vital source of freshwater, but without proper conservation, much of it is lost to the sea or through evaporation and pollution.
• 🇮🇳 India, despite having substantial water resources, ranks 133rd in the world for water availability per person per year, indicating the severity of water scarcity.
• 🚰 Water scarcity is caused by various factors including increased demand, unequal access, overexploitation, and contamination of water resources.

Q & A

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water?

Nearly 75 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water.

Why is water considered a renewable resource?

Water is considered a renewable resource because it is part of the hydrological cycle, changing forms but never being lost or spent.

Why were early human settlements typically located near rivers or other water sources?

Early human settlements were made along rivers or other water sources because water is vital for cultivation, essential for life, and necessary for daily requirements such as cooking, cleaning, and washing.

What is the primary source of electricity in the world according to the script?

Hydropower is one of the most important sources of electricity in the world.

How much of the Earth's total water is not fit for human and industrial use?

Around 97 percent of the total water available on Earth lies in seas and oceans, which is saline and not fit for human and industrial use.

What percentage of the Earth's total water exists as freshwater that we can use?

Only 2.5 percent of the total water on Earth exists as freshwater that we can use.

Why is water scarcity a problem in different parts of the world despite the abundance of water on Earth?

Water scarcity is a problem because most of the Earth's water is saline and not usable, and only a small fraction of freshwater is accessible and suitable for human and industrial use.

What is the position of India in terms of water availability per person per year according to UNESCO?

According to UNESCO, India is ranked 133rd in the world in terms of water availability per person per year.

What are the main causes of water scarcity in regions with abundant water resources?

The main causes of water scarcity in regions with abundant water resources include an increase in demand, unequal access to water, overexploitation, and contamination of existing water resources.

What is the purpose of dams in managing water resources?

Dams are used to control flooding, divert water into smaller streams for inland navigation, and serve as multi-purpose river projects that offer various benefits such as water storage, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.

What are some of the ecological problems caused by the construction of dams?

Some ecological problems caused by the construction of dams include the destruction of natural vegetation and soil, blocking of fish migration, upsetting ecological balance, and potential negative impacts on aquatic species.

Why do some people protest against the construction of large dams in India?

People protest against the construction of large dams in India due to reasons such as mass displacement of people, insufficient compensation, environmental degradation, ecological imbalance, and disputes over water sharing between states.

What is rainwater harvesting and why is it important?

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater during the wet season to meet freshwater requirements in the dry season. It is important because it helps conserve water, recharge groundwater, and utilize one of the purest forms of water available in nature.

What are some traditional methods of rainwater harvesting practiced in India?

Some traditional methods of rainwater harvesting in India include the use of diversion channels in the Himalayas, inundation channels in Bengal, earthen embankments in Rajasthan, and rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in various parts of the country.

How does bamboo drip irrigation work in Meghalaya?

Bamboo drip irrigation in Meghalaya involves using split bamboos to create shallow channels that form a network to divert and carry water from rain-fed springs to farms. The water is allowed to drip near the roots of the plants, providing an efficient irrigation method.