NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 4 Water Resources

1. Choose the right answers:

(a) Which type describes water as a resource?

• (a) Abiotic resource
• (b) Non-renewable resource
• (c) Biotic Resource
• (d) Non-cyclic Resource

Answer: (a) Abiotic resource.

(b) Which South Indian state has the highest groundwater utilisation (in %) of its total ground water potential?

• (a) Tamil Nadu
• (b) Karnataka
• (c) Andhra Pradesh
• (d) Kerala

Answer: (a) Tamil Nadu.

(c) The highest proportion of the total water used in the country is in which sector?

• (a) Irrigation
• (b) Industries
• (c) Domestic use
• (d) None of the above

Answer: (a) Irrigation.

2. Answer in about 30 words:

(a) Discuss the factors responsible for depletion of water resources in India.

Answer: Factors include increasing population, expansion of irrigation, rapid urbanization, industrialization, overuse and pollution of water sources, inefficient management practices, and lack of conservation measures. These have led to falling groundwater levels and scarcity of usable water.

(b) What factors are responsible for the highest groundwater development in Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu?

Answer: The main factors are intensive agriculture requiring assured irrigation, cultivation of water-intensive crops, high population density, and lack of sufficient surface water. These states rely heavily on groundwater for irrigation.

(c) Why is the share of agricultural sector in total water used expected to decline?

Answer: The share is expected to decline as the industrial and domestic sectors grow with economic development, leading to a relative increase in their water demand compared to agriculture.

(d) What can be possible impacts of consumption of contaminated/unclean water?

Answer: Consumption of contaminated water can cause waterborne diseases, health hazards, spread of epidemics, and long-term toxicity. It affects community health, productivity, and leads to increased medical expenses.

3. Answer in about 150 words:

(a) Discuss the availability of water resources in India and factors that determine its spatial distribution.

Answer: India receives about 4,000 cubic km of precipitation annually; however, only around 1,122 cubic km is actually utilisable due to topographical and other constraints.

Surface water comes mostly from rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks, while groundwater serves as an important supplement. The spatial distribution of water resources is highly uneven owing to variations in rainfall, geographical and geological factors, and catchment area characteristics.

Himalayan rivers such as the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus have large catchment areas and account for a major share of the total surface water, whereas the peninsular rivers are heavily rainfed and seasonal. Groundwater usage also varies, with northwestern and southern states using more due to higher irrigation needs and lack of surface water. Thus, while some regions like the east and Himalayan foothills are water abundant, others, such as Rajasthan and peninsular India, experience chronic scarcity.

(b) The depleting water resources may lead to social conflicts and disputes. Elaborate with suitable examples.

Answer: Scarcity and uneven distribution of water resources often cause disputes between states, regions, and even countries.

For instance, the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu revolves around the sharing of river water for agriculture and drinking needs. Similarly, disputes over the Krishna and Godavari rivers involve several Indian states. Internationally, the sharing of the Brahmaputra waters between India and Bangladesh leads to diplomatic tensions. Intra-state conflicts also arise when upstream users exploit or pollute water, affecting downstream communities.

Such disputes disrupt economic activities, threaten livelihoods, and may escalate into larger social conflicts if not resolved through policies, negotiations, and equitable management.

(c) What is watershed management? Do you think it can play an important role in sustainable development?

Answer: Watershed management is the efficient conservation, development, and utilization of surface and groundwater within a watershed—a geographical area draining into a common water body. It involves preventing runoff, promoting storage, increasing groundwater recharge, and restoring natural vegetation.

Community participation, local initiatives like percolation tanks and check dams, and government schemes are integral to its success. Watershed management not only improves water availability and quality but also supports soil conservation, afforestation, and sustainable agriculture.

It reduces dependence on external water sources, prevents land degradation, controls floods, and boosts rural livelihoods. Therefore, it is vital for achieving sustainable development goals by balancing ecological, social, and economic interests.

Key Concepts in Class 12 Geography Chapter 4 Water Resources

Understanding water resources in India is crucial for both exams and practical life. This NCERT chapter guides students through the sustainable management and wise utilisation of limited freshwater, building a strong foundation in geography solutions.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 4 focuses on water scarcity, conservation techniques, and the impact of overutilisation. Regular practice of these solutions helps students boost conceptual clarity and prepares them for the 2025-26 NCERT exams.

To excel, revise the definitions, case studies, and rainwater harvesting methods. Reviewing NCERT exercise-based solutions ensures you're equipped to answer diverse questions and sharpen your exam strategy for higher scores.