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Read the source… (Class 10 Social Science SQP 2023-24, Q35)

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Social ScienceCBSE Class 10 · Sample paper, session 2023-24 · 4 marks · Case-based

CBSE Class 10 Social Science sample paper 2023-24: question 35

From the official CBSE sample question paper for 2023-24, section E, question 35, for 4 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q35 · 4 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedWater Resources

Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

Maharashtra is a state located in western India, with a population of over 110 million people. The state is home to several large cities, including Mumbai, and has a significant agricultural sector. However, the state is facing a severe water crisis, with its water resources coming under increasing pressure due to climate change, industrialization, and urbanization. The main challenges faced by water resource management in Maharashtra are:

i. Overexploitation of groundwater: Maharashtra is one of the most groundwater-stressed states in India, with the demand for water exceeding the supply. Overexploitation of groundwater for agriculture and urban use has led to a decline in water levels, which has severe implications for the sustainability of water resources.
ii. Pollution of surface water: Industrialization and urbanization have led to the pollution of surface water bodies such as rivers and lakes. The pollution has led to water quality degradation, which poses risks to human health and the environment.
iii. Inefficient irrigation practices: The agricultural sector is the largest user of water in Maharashtra, accounting for around 80% of total water use. However, traditional irrigation practices such as flood irrigation are inefficient and lead to the wastage of water.

  1. (1)

    Mention any one reasons for the water crisis faced by the state of Maharashtra.

    1 mark
  2. (2)

    Propose any one solution to mitigate the water crisis faced by Maharashtra state.

    1 mark
  3. (3)

    Despite being the second highest rainfall-receiving state of the country, Maharashtra still faces water crisis. Substantiate this statement in 40 words.

    2 marks

Source: official sample paper from cbseacademic.nic.in (PDF). See it in the full Sample paper 2023-24.

Hints

Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.

Hint 1

Look at the three challenges listed in the passage.

Hint 2

Think of methods that deliver water to plant roots with little wastage.

Hint 3

Rainfall alone does not guarantee supply; think about how the water is used and managed.

Step-by-step solution

Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.

  1. (1) One reason is overexploitation of groundwater for agriculture and urban use, which has lowered water levels. (Pollution of surface water by industrialisation and urbanisation is another.)

    1 mark

  2. (2) One solution is to adopt efficient irrigation such as drip or sprinkler systems that use less water. Rainwater harvesting can also recharge groundwater.

    1 mark

  3. (3) Maharashtra gets heavy rainfall, but agriculture uses about 80% of its water through inefficient flood irrigation. Much water is lost as runoff and wastage.

    1 mark

  4. Groundwater is overdrawn, and the surface water that is available is polluted. Demand therefore exceeds usable supply despite high rainfall.

    1 mark

Answer: (1) Overexploitation of groundwater. (2) Drip or sprinkler irrigation, or rainwater harvesting. (3) Despite high rainfall, wasteful flood irrigation, groundwater overuse and pollution cause scarcity.

Where the marks are

  • States one reason from the passage (1 mark)
  • Proposes one relevant solution (1 mark)
  • Inefficient flood irrigation and water wastage (1 mark)
  • Groundwater overuse and pollution despite rainfall (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: Water Resources (notes, formulas, where marks are lost and every past question)
Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from Water Resources, one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paperSample paper 2023-24: every question, by section.

The question is transcribed from the official paper; figures are described in words. The solution, hints and chapter tag are ours. Spotted an error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.