Water Resources Class 10 important questions with answers

What comes in the exam

• Water Resources is the third chapter of Contemporary India – II.
• Almost every year there is a dam question: the 3-mark Geography map question (locate and label) usually has a dam as one of its places, or an MCQ asks you to match dams with rivers or arrange them north to south.
• Case studies are big here: often a 4-mark source on Sardar Sarovar, on what dams do, or on industry, cities and water.
• Traditional rainwater harvesting and the problems of big dams also come almost every year, mostly as MCQs or case studies.
• 2- and 3-mark written questions are rare.

Top 10 Water Resources questions from board papers

Real CBSE questions, printed as they appeared. Open each answer to see the marking and the steps.

1. Q1 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2026

   Order dams from north to south

   Arrange the location of the following dams of India from North to South and choose the correct option : I. Pravara II. Salal III. Koyna IV. Gandhi Sagar

   • (A) II, IV, III, I
   • (B) II, IV, I, III
   • (C) III, II, IV, I
   • (D) III, IV, II, I
   Answer and marking

   Correct option: (B) II, IV, I, III

   1. Place each dam on the map. Salal – Jammu and Kashmir ; Gandhi Sagar – Madhya Pradesh ; Pravara and Koyna – Maharashtra, Koyna further south
   2. Order them from north to south. II, IV, I, III
   3. So pick the option that fits every fact you checked. (B) II, IV, I, III 1 mark

   Answer: (B) II, IV, I, III

   Marks: Correct option 1

   For full marks: Picture the outline map and place each dam's state before ordering.

   Where students lose marks: (A) is picked by putting Koyna before Pravara; Koyna lies further south in Maharashtra.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (B) II, IV, I, III

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2. Q2 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2026

   State using bamboo drip

   In which Indian state is 'Bamboo drip irrigation' system used ?

   • (A) Himachal Pradesh
   • (B) Kerala
   • (C) Rajasthan
   • (D) Meghalaya
   Answer and marking

   Correct option: (D) Meghalaya

   1. Recall where bamboo pipes carry stream water to plants. In Meghalaya, a 200-year-old system uses bamboo pipes to tap stream and spring water
   2. So pick the option that fits every fact you checked. (D) Meghalaya 1 mark

   Answer: (D) Meghalaya

   Marks: Correct option 1

   For full marks: Remember Meghalaya with bamboo drip irrigation and Rajasthan with tankas.

   Where students lose marks: (A) is picked because Himachal is hilly too, but the bamboo system is in Meghalaya.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (D) Meghalaya.

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3. Q3 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2025

   Match dams and rivers

   Match Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option : Column-I (Dam): a. Sardar Sarovar; b. Salal; c. Gandhi Sagar; d. Hirakud Column-II (River): i. Mahanadi; ii. Chambal; iii. Narmada; iv. Chenab

   • (A) a-ii b-i c-iv d-iii
   • (B) a-iii b-iv c-i d-ii
   • (C) a-iii b-iv c-ii d-i
   • (D) a-i b-iii c-iv d-ii
   Answer and marking

   Correct option: (C) a-iii b-iv c-ii d-i

   1. Match each dam to its river. Sardar Sarovar – Narmada ; Salal – Chenab ; Gandhi Sagar – Chambal ; Hirakud – Mahanadi
   2. Write the code. a-iii, b-iv, c-ii, d-i
   3. So pick the option that fits every fact you checked. (C) a-iii b-iv c-ii d-i 1 mark

   Answer: (C) a-iii b-iv c-ii d-i

   Marks: Correct option 1

   For full marks: Match the pairs you are surest of, then check the code fits all four.

   Where students lose marks: (B) is picked by swapping c and d; Gandhi Sagar is on the Chambal, Hirakud on the Mahanadi.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (C) a-iii b-iv c-ii d-i

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4. Q4 MCQ · 1 mark CBSE · 2025

   States served by a Narmada dam

   Choose the correct option of the states that have been majorly benefitted by the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

   • (A) Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana
   • (B) Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan
   • (C) Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
   • (D) Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh
   Answer and marking

   Correct option: (B) Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan

   1. Recall which states the Sardar Sarovar Dam benefits. The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada serves Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
   2. So pick the option that fits every fact you checked. (B) Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan 1 mark

   Answer: (B) Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan

   Marks: Correct option 1

   For full marks: Remember the Narmada flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, and its canal reaches Rajasthan.

   Where students lose marks: (A) is picked because Gujarat and Rajasthan are right, but Punjab and Haryana are far from the Narmada.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (B) Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan

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5. Q5 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2025

   Water works of ancient India

   Describe any three ways of water conservation used in ancient India.

   Answer and marking

   1. Start with the hydraulic structures the book names that held back river water. Sophisticated hydraulic structures like dams built of stone rubble were built to conserve and manage water. 1 mark
   2. Add the structures that stored water for later use. Reservoirs or lakes were constructed to store water. 1 mark
   3. End with structures that took water to fields. Embankments and canals were built for irrigation. 1 mark

   Answer: Dams of stone rubble ; reservoirs or lakes ; embankments and canals for irrigation

   Marks: Any three points 1 each

   For full marks: Give three different structures and add what each one did. 'Describe' needs a short use, not only a name.

   Where students lose marks: Writing modern dams like Bhakra Nangal; the question asks about ancient India.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any three, 1 each: sophisticated hydraulic structures built since ancient times for conservation and management of water; stepwells, reservoirs and lakes constructed; embankments and canals built for irrigation; ponds created; any other relevant point.

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6. Q6 Short answer · 3 marks CBSE · 2025

   Industry, cities, water supply

   How have industrialisation and urbanisation impacted water supply ? Explain.

   Answer and marking

   1. Start with what growing industries did to fresh water. The ever-increasing number of industries put huge pressure on existing freshwater resources. 1 mark
   2. Show how city housing societies add to the problem. Housing societies in cities pump their own groundwater, so fragile water resources are over-exploited and depleted. 1 mark
   3. End with the harm to water quality. Untreated industrial effluents increase the toxicity of water. 1 mark

   Answer: Pressure on freshwater ; groundwater over-exploited and depleted ; industrial effluents pollute water

   Marks: Any three points 1 each

   For full marks: Cover both parts of the question: industries and cities. 'Explain' needs the effect on water in each point.

   Where students lose marks: Writing only about industries and leaving out urbanisation, which the question also asks about.

   CBSE marking scheme

   Any three, 1 each: huge pressure on water resources; fragile water resources over-exploited; depletion of groundwater; untreated industrial effluents increase toxicity of water; any other relevant point (students' views to be considered).

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7. Q7 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2026

   Case: Industry, cities and water

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Water Supply Post-independent India witnessed intensive industrialisation and urbanisation, creating vast opportunities for us. Today, large industrial houses are as commonplace as the industrial units of many MNCs (Multinational Corporations). The ever-increasing number of industries has made matters worse by exerting pressure on existing freshwater resources. Industries, apart from being heavy users of water, also require power to run them. Much of this energy comes from hydroelectric power. Moreover, multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have not only added to water and energy requirements but have further aggravated the problem. If you look into the housing societies or colonies in the cities, you would find that most of these have their own groundwater pumping devices to meet their water needs. Not surprisingly, we find that fragile water resources are being over-exploited and have caused their depletion in several of these cities. (17.1) Explain the significance of water in the industrialisation of the country. (1) (17.2) How has urbanisation increased the demand for water ? (1) (17.3) Suggest any two measures to prevent the over-exploitation of water resources. (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (17.1) Say how industries depend on water in two ways. Water is a key input for industries, and most of their electricity comes from hydroelectric power. 1 mark
   2. (17.2) Link growing cities to rising water use. As cities grow, population and water demand rise; housing societies pump their own groundwater. 1 mark
   3. (17.3) Give a first measure everyone can follow. Use water judiciously. 1 mark
   4. Give a second measure that uses water again. Recycle and reuse water. 1 mark

   Answer: (17.1) Key input and hydel power ; (17.2) more people, more demand, own pumps ; (17.3) judicious use ; recycle and reuse

   Marks: (17.1) 1 · (17.2) 1 · (17.3) Any two measures 1 each

   For full marks: Read the source first; 17.1 and 17.2 are answered in its lines. In 17.3 give two different measures.

   Where students lose marks: In 17.1 saying only 'industries need water' without how, as a key input or through hydel power.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (17.1) Water is a key input for industries like jute, cotton textile, pulp; industries use electricity mostly from hydroelectric power; any other relevant point (1). (17.2) As urban areas expand, population grows and so does water demand (housing societies pump groundwater); any other relevant point (1). (17.3) Any two, 1 each: judicious use of water; recycling of water; reuse of water; any other relevant point (e.g. rainwater harvesting). (1+1+2=4)

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8. Q8 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2026

   Case: Effects of big dams

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Floods have not only devastated life and property but also caused extensive soil erosion. Sedimentation also meant that the flood plains were deprived of silt, a natural fertilizer, further adding on to the problem of land degradation. It was also observed that the multipurpose projects induced earthquakes, caused water-borne diseases and pests and pollution resulting from excessive use of water. Irrigation has also changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinisation of the soil. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has been started which ensures access to some means to protective irrigation for all agricultural farms in the country, thus bringing much desired rural prosperity. Some of the broad objectives of this programme are to enhance the physical access of water on the farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani), improve on farm water, use efficiency to reduce wastage and increase availability both in duration and extent, irrigation and other water saving technologies (per drop more crop) and introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc. (18.1) Explain the role of floods in land degradation. (1) (18.2) How has irrigation changed cropping pattern ? (1) (18.3) Explain any two objectives of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana’. (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. (18.1) Take the effect of floods on soil straight from the source. Floods cause extensive soil erosion, and sedimentation deprives flood plains of silt, a natural fertiliser. 1 mark
   2. (18.2) Say what kind of crops farmers moved to. Farmers shifted to water-intensive and commercial crops. 1 mark
   3. (18.3) Give a first objective with its slogan. Enhance physical access of water on the farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani). 1 mark
   4. Give a second objective with its slogan. Use drip, sprinkler and other water-saving technologies (per drop more crop). 1 mark

   Answer: (18.1) Soil erosion and loss of silt ; (18.2) water-intensive and commercial crops ; (18.3) har khet ko pani ; per drop more crop

   Marks: (18.1) 1 · (18.2) 1 · (18.3) Any two objectives 1 each

   For full marks: All three answers are in the source; read it first. Writing the slogans in brackets makes each objective clear.

   Where students lose marks: In 18.3 writing 'har khet ko pani' and 'assured irrigation' as two objectives; they are the same one.

   CBSE marking scheme

   (18.1) Any one (1): floods cause soil erosion; sedimentation deprives flood plains of silt, a natural fertiliser, adding to land degradation. (18.2) Any one (1): farmers shift to water-intensive crops; shift to commercial crops. (18.3) Any two (1+1): increase physical access of water on the farm; expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani); improve on-farm water-use efficiency to reduce wastage; drip/sprinkler and other water-saving technologies (per drop more crop); introduce sustainable water conservation practices; any other relevant point.

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9. Q9 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2026

   Case: Dams and water use

   Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow : Dam A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment. “Dam” refers to the reservoir rather than the structure. Most dams have a section called a spillway or weir over which or through which it is intended that water will flow either intermittently or continuously. Dams are classified according to structure, intended purpose or height. Based on structure and the materials used, dams are classified as timber dams, embankment dams or masonry dams, with several subtypes. According to the height, dams can be categorised as large dams and major dams or alternatively as low dams, medium height dams and high dams. 17.1 Define the term Dam. (1) 17.2 How do dams help in water management ? (1) 17.3 Why are dams called as multipurpose projects ? (2)

   Answer and marking

   1. 17.1 Use the source's first line for the definition. A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment. 1 mark
   2. 17.2 Say how the stored water reaches fields. Dams manage the flow of water and provide water for irrigation through canals. 1 mark
   3. 17.3 Give a first use of the stored water. They generate electricity. 1 mark
   4. Give a second, different use. They control floods. 1 mark

   Answer: 17.1 Barrier that obstructs, directs or retards flow ; 17.2 manage flow, canals for irrigation ; 17.3 electricity ; flood control

   Marks: 17.1 1 · 17.2 1 · 17.3 Any two uses 1 each

   For full marks: In 17.3 'multipurpose' means many uses of one dam, so give two different uses.

   Where students lose marks: In 17.1 copying 'Dam refers to the reservoir' as the definition; the definition is the barrier line.

   CBSE marking scheme

   17.1 A dam is a barrier to flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment (1). 17.2 Dams manage the flow of water and through canals provide water for irrigation (1). 17.3 Any two, 1 each: (i) control floods; (ii) provide water for agriculture through canals; (iii) generate electricity; (iv) water for domestic and industrial use; (v) inland navigation; (vi) fish breeding; (vii) any other relevant point.

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10. Q10 Case study · 4 marks CBSE · 2026

    Case: Sardar Sarovar project

    Read the given source and answer the questions that follow : Sardar Sarovar Project Sardar Sarovar Dam has been built over the Narmada river in Gujarat. This is one of the largest water resources projects of India covering four states – Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Sardar Sarovar Project would meet the requirement of water in drought prone and desert areas. Sardar Sarovar Project will provide irrigation facilities to 18.45 lakh hectare of land, covering 3112 villages in 15 districts of Gujarat. It will also irrigate 2,46,000 hectare of land in the strategic desert districts of Barmer and Jalore in Rajasthan and 37,500 hectare in the tribal hilly tract of Maharashtra through lift. About 75% of the command area in Gujarat is drought prone while entire command in Rajasthan is drought prone. Assured water supply will soon make this area drought proof. 18.1 Why is Sardar Sarovar Project considered important for Gujarat ? (1) 18.2 Why is Sardar Sarovar Project designed to cover four states ? (1) 18.3 In what ways does this project promote sustainability ? (2)

    Answer and marking

    1. 18.1 Give the source's figures for Gujarat. It provides irrigation to 18.45 lakh hectares covering 3112 villages in 15 districts of Gujarat, where 75% of the command area is drought-prone. 1 mark
    2. 18.2 Say why one project reaches beyond one state. It is designed to meet the water needs of drought-prone and desert areas of all four states. 1 mark
    3. 18.3 Give a first way it helps people for a long time. It supplies drinking water to drought-prone areas. 1 mark
    4. Give a second way that uses a clean source. It produces hydro-electricity, a renewable and clean source of energy. 1 mark

    Answer: 18.1 Irrigates 18.45 lakh ha, 3112 villages ; 18.2 water for drought areas of four states ; 18.3 drinking water ; clean hydro-electricity

    Marks: 18.1 1 · 18.2 1 · 18.3 Any two ways 1 each

    For full marks: Use the source's numbers in 18.1, such as 18.45 lakh hectares. In 18.3 give two different ways.

    Where students lose marks: In 18.2 just listing the four states' names without saying why the project covers them.

    CBSE marking scheme

    18.1 (1): it provides irrigation to 18.45 lakh hectares covering 3112 villages in 15 districts of Gujarat (75% of its command area is drought prone). 18.2 (any one, 1): to meet the water requirement of drought-prone and desert areas of all four states; to provide irrigation in parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. 18.3 (any two, 2x1): drinking water to drought-prone areas; irrigation of large farm areas ensuring food security; hydro-electricity, a renewable clean source; recharge of groundwater supporting sustainable water management; any other relevant point.

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Free 10-question test: Water Resources

MCQ and Assertion–Reason questions from CBSE papers. About 10 minutes. Your score shows straight away.

Common mistakes in Water Resources

How to write for full marks

• Map work (3 marks in Geography): the question says locate and label, so draw a clear mark and write the dam's full name next to it.
• In a case study, write each answer under its sub-part number. For the 2-mark part, give two different points, not one point said twice. Keep the whole answer within about 100 words.
• For 'why are dams called multipurpose projects', list different uses, one use for each mark asked.
• For a 3-mark 'describe', write three separate points, each a full sentence, within about 60 words.

Questions students ask