Class 10 Geography Chapter 3- Water Resources Notes

 

Class 10 Geography

Chapter 3- Water Resources

Notes

 

1. The Importance of Water

The Earth's surface is predominantly covered by water, with approximately three-fourths of its surface submerged in water. However, only a small fraction of this vast water resource is freshwater, suitable for various human activities and consumption. Water, being renewable, plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth.

2. Understanding Water Scarcity and the Imperative for Conservation

Water availability fluctuates both spatially and temporally, leading to the pressing issue of water scarcity. This scarcity is primarily attributed to over-exploitation, excessive usage, and unequal distribution among different social groups. Additionally, water resources face the risk of depletion due to the expansion of irrigated areas for dry-season agriculture. In some regions, water scarcity is exacerbated by poor water quality, further limiting its usability.

3. Urgency of Water Resource Conservation and Management

Conservation and effective management of water resources are essential for several reasons. Firstly, it is crucial for safeguarding public health by ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water. Secondly, conservation efforts are necessary to maintain food security, support livelihoods, and facilitate productive activities reliant on water resources. Lastly, conservation aids in preventing the degradation of natural ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring ecological balance.

4. Multi-Purpose River Projects and the Role of Integrated Water Resources Management

Throughout history, humans have implemented various hydraulic structures to conserve water resources. These structures, including dams constructed using stone rubble, reservoirs, embankments, and irrigation canals, have contributed to the conservation of water. Modern dam construction continues this tradition, serving multiple purposes such as irrigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and recreational activities. However, their construction and operation have associated side effects that necessitate careful management through integrated water resources management.

5. Impacts and Side Effects of Dam Construction

Dams play a pivotal role in water conservation but are not without their drawbacks. Their construction and operation can disrupt natural river flows, leading to poor sediment flow and excessive sedimentation in reservoirs. This alteration of river ecosystems adversely affects aquatic life and habitats. Furthermore, dams fragment rivers, hindering the migration of aquatic fauna, especially spawning fish. The creation of reservoirs also submerges existing vegetation and soil, contributing to environmental degradation. Additionally, large-scale dam projects often face opposition from local communities due to displacement, loss of livelihoods, and restricted access to resources.

6. Case Study: Narmada Bachao Andolan

The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is a grassroots movement that emerged in response to the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River in Gujarat. Initially focused on environmental concerns, particularly the submergence of trees and ecological damage, the movement has evolved to advocate for the rights of displaced communities. The NBA highlights the failures of large dam projects to achieve their intended goals and promotes alternative solutions like water harvesting systems rooted in ancient Indian traditions.

7. Rainwater Harvesting and Innovative Techniques

Rainwater harvesting is an environmentally friendly practice that involves the collection, storage, and utilization of rainwater for various purposes, mitigating the reliance on conventional water sources. This method offers a sustainable solution to water scarcity and plays a crucial role in water resource management worldwide.

A. Importance of Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is vital for addressing water scarcity issues, especially in regions where access to clean water is limited or unreliable. By harnessing rainwater, communities can reduce their dependency on groundwater and surface water sources, thus ensuring water security for domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs.

B. Techniques of Rainwater Harvesting

Various techniques are employed to harvest rainwater, tailored to the specific geographical and climatic conditions of different regions:

1. Diversion Channels in Hilly Areas: In mountainous regions prone to heavy rainfall, diversion channels such as 'guls' or 'kuls' are constructed to redirect rainwater runoff for agricultural irrigation. These channels help channelize rainwater away from slopes, preventing soil erosion and facilitating irrigation in terraced fields.
2. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting in Dry States: In arid and semi-arid regions like Rajasthan, where water scarcity is a pressing issue, rooftop rainwater harvesting systems are widely adopted. Rainwater is collected from rooftops using gutters and stored in tanks or reservoirs for later use in household activities, livestock watering, and groundwater recharge.
3. Inundation Channels in Floodplains: In flood-prone areas like the plains of West Bengal, inundation channels are constructed to capture excess rainwater during monsoon floods. These channels help divert floodwater to agricultural fields, replenishing soil moisture and supporting crop growth during the dry season.
4. Rain-Fed Storage Structures in Arid Regions: In extremely arid regions, traditional rain-fed storage structures like Khadins and Johads are utilized to capture and store rainwater for agricultural purposes. These structures are designed to trap rainwater runoff, allowing it to percolate into the soil and recharge groundwater aquifers, thus sustaining agricultural production during dry spells.

C. Innovative Techniques: Bamboo Drip Irrigation

In addition to traditional rainwater harvesting methods, innovative techniques like bamboo drip irrigation are emerging as sustainable solutions for modern agricultural practices. Widely practiced in regions like Meghalaya, bamboo drip irrigation systems utilize bamboo pipes to transport rainwater from springs and streams to agricultural fields.

• Operation of Bamboo Drip Irrigation: Bamboo pipes, typically installed over hundreds of meters, transport rainwater collected from springs and streams to agricultural fields. The flow of water through the bamboo pipes is controlled by adjusting the pipe positions, allowing for precise water distribution to crops. At the field level, bamboo channels and diversion units are used to regulate water flow and deliver it directly to the plant roots.
• Benefits of Bamboo Drip Irrigation: Bamboo drip irrigation systems offer several advantages, including efficient water use, reduced soil erosion, and improved crop yields. By delivering water directly to the plant roots at a controlled rate, these systems optimize water distribution, minimize water wastage, and enhance crop productivity, particularly in areas with limited water availability.

Rainwater harvesting, through a variety of traditional and innovative techniques, plays a crucial role in sustainable water management. By harnessing nature's bounty, communities can alleviate water scarcity, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote environmental sustainability. As the world grapples with water scarcity challenges, the adoption of rainwater harvesting practices is essential for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of climate change.

8. Why is there scarcity of water in India?

The scarcity of water in India is primarily due to a combination of natural factors and human activities that contribute to the imbalance between water supply and demand. Some key reasons for water scarcity in India include:

a)    Uneven Distribution of Rainfall: India's monsoon climate results in uneven distribution of rainfall across different regions and seasons. While some areas receive heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, others experience prolonged dry spells, leading to water scarcity.

b)    Over-Exploitation of Groundwater: Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural activities have led to the over-exploitation of groundwater resources in many parts of India. Excessive withdrawal of groundwater for irrigation, domestic, and industrial purposes has resulted in declining water tables and depletion of aquifers.

c)    Pollution of Water Sources: Pollution of rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources due to industrial discharge, untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal has contaminated water bodies, rendering them unsuitable for drinking and other purposes. Water pollution exacerbates water scarcity by reducing the availability of clean water for various uses.

d)    Inefficient Water Management: Inefficient water management practices, including inefficient irrigation techniques, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate water storage facilities, contribute to water wastage and inefficiency in water use. Inefficient water management exacerbates water scarcity by failing to optimize water resources and meet growing water demand.

e)    Climate Change: Climate change exacerbates water scarcity in India by altering rainfall patterns, increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts and floods, and melting glaciers in the Himalayan region. These climate-related impacts disrupt water availability and exacerbate water stress in many parts of the country.

f)     Population Growth and Urbanization: Rapid population growth and urbanization increase the demand for water for domestic, industrial, and municipal purposes. The growing population exerts pressure on existing water resources, leading to increased competition for limited water supplies and exacerbating water scarcity in urban and peri-urban areas.

g)    Inter-State Water Disputes: Inter-state water disputes over shared river basins, such as the disputes over the Cauvery, Krishna, and Godavari rivers, further exacerbate water scarcity by impeding water-sharing agreements and hindering equitable distribution of water resources among neighboring states

9. Some important rain water harvesting techniques in different states of India.

a)    Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (RRWH) in Rajasthan:

                      i.        Rajasthan, being a predominantly arid state, heavily relies on rainwater harvesting techniques like RRWH.

                    ii.        RRWH involves capturing rainwater from rooftops and directing it into storage tanks or recharge pits for later use or groundwater recharge.

                   iii.        This technique helps in supplementing water supply during dry periods and reduces dependency on groundwater sources.

b)   Johads and Khadins in Rajasthan and Gujarat:

                      i.        Johads and Khadins are traditional rainwater harvesting structures widely used in the arid regions of Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat.

                    ii.        Johads are small earthen dams constructed across seasonal streams or nullahs to collect rainwater runoff during the monsoon season.

                   iii.        Khadins are traditional embankments built across slopes to capture rainwater and recharge groundwater aquifers.

                   iv.        These structures help in enhancing groundwater recharge and improving water availability for agriculture and domestic use.

c)    Bamboo Drip Irrigation in Meghalaya:

                      i.        Meghalaya, characterized by high rainfall, utilizes innovative rainwater harvesting techniques like bamboo drip irrigation.

                    ii.        Bamboo drip irrigation involves the use of bamboo pipes to channel rainwater from springs and streams to agricultural fields.

                   iii.        The bamboo pipes control the flow of water, delivering it directly to the roots of plants at a slow and steady rate, thus reducing water wastage and improving crop yields.

d)   Inundation Channels in West Bengal:

                      i.        West Bengal, with its extensive floodplains, utilizes inundation channels for rainwater harvesting and flood management.

                    ii.        Inundation channels are shallow depressions or canals constructed along the floodplains to capture excess rainwater and store it for later use in agriculture.

                   iii.        These channels help in reducing flood damage, recharging groundwater, and providing water for irrigation during the dry season.

e)    Check Dams in Maharashtra and Karnataka:

                      i.        Maharashtra and Karnataka employ check dams as a rainwater harvesting technique to conserve water and recharge groundwater.

                    ii.        Check dams are small dams constructed across seasonal streams or rivers to impound rainwater runoff and allow it to percolate into the ground.

                   iii.        These dams help in recharging groundwater aquifers, preventing soil erosion, and improving water availability for agriculture and drinking purposes.

f)     Tankas in Rajasthan and Gujarat:

                      i.        Tankas, also known as underground water tanks, are traditional rainwater harvesting structures used in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

                    ii.        Tankas are cylindrical underground tanks constructed to capture and store rainwater from rooftops for domestic use.

                   iii.        They help in storing rainwater during the monsoon season and providing a reliable source of water for household needs during dry periods.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 2- Forest and Wildlife Resources Notes

 

Class 10 Geography

Chapter 2- Forest and Wildlife Resources

Notes

1. Understanding Biodiversity

Definition of Biodiversity: Biodiversity encompasses the richness and variety of organisms within a defined geographical area. It includes plants, animals, microorganisms, and the genetic diversity they harbor, as well as the ecosystems they constitute.

Significance of Biodiversity: Biodiversity is crucial for sustaining life on Earth as it directly influences the quality of essential resources such as air, water, and soil. Forests, as primary producers, are integral to ecological systems, supporting diverse flora and fauna that are essential for human survival. Additionally, forests harbor valuable resources like minerals, contributing to the needs of industrial-urban economies.

2. Role of Forests in Ecological Systems

Key Functions of Forests: Forests serve as primary producers, supporting various life forms dependent on them. They provide essential resources such as fruits, flowers, medicinal plants, and timber. Moreover, forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by supporting diverse ecosystems.

3. Conservation Efforts in India

Importance of Conservation: Conservation efforts aim to preserve ecological diversity and essential life support systems, including water, air, and soil. Additionally, conservation initiatives focus on safeguarding genetic diversity to facilitate species growth and breeding, essential for maintaining ecosystem stability.

Conservation Measures: The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 was introduced to safeguard habitats and protect endangered species by imposing bans on hunting, providing legal protection to habitats, and regulating wildlife trade. Furthermore, the establishment of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, along with targeted conservation projects for endangered species like tigers and rhinoceroses, demonstrates India's commitment to wildlife preservation.

4. Project Tiger

Objectives of Project Tiger: Project Tiger, launched in 1973, aims to address threats faced by tiger populations, including poaching, habitat loss, and declining prey species. It focuses on preserving not only the endangered species but also their ecosystems, emphasizing the conservation of significant biotypes.

Tiger Reserves in India: India boasts several tiger reserves, including Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, and others. These reserves play a crucial role in tiger conservation efforts.

5. Forest Classification in India

Types of Forests: India's forests are classified into reserved forests, protected forests, and unclassed forests. Reserved forests, covering over half of the total forest land, are considered the most valuable for conservation purposes. Protected forests, accounting for approximately one-third of the forest area, are shielded from further depletion. Unclassed forests include other forested areas managed by both government and private entities.

6. Distribution of Forests and Wildlife Resources

Geographical Distribution: Different states in India exhibit varying proportions of reserved, protected, and unclassed forests. States like Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala possess substantial reserved forest areas, while others, like Bihar and Rajasthan, have significant portions under protected forests. Northeastern states and parts of Gujarat predominantly consist of unclassed forests managed by local communities.

7. Community Involvement in Conservation

Community Initiatives: Local communities play a significant role in forest and wildlife conservation efforts. Initiatives such as the Chipko movement in the Himalayas demonstrate grassroots resistance to deforestation, emphasizing the importance of community afforestation and indigenous species conservation. Additionally, joint forest management programs engage local communities in the protection and restoration of degraded forests.

8. Joint Forest Management (JFM)

Objective and Implementation: JFM programs aim to involve local communities in managing degraded forest lands. Formed in 1988 in Odisha, these programs establish local institutions responsible for protection activities on forest lands managed by the forest department. In return, community members receive benefits like non-timber forest produce and a share in harvested timber.

9. Sacred Groves

Traditional Conservation Practices: Sacred groves, revered by tribal communities, represent a form of nature worship and conservation. These untouched forest patches are considered sacred and protected from human interference. Certain societies also revere specific trees and natural features, preserving them as part of their cultural and religious practices. Sacred groves contribute to biodiversity conservation and cultural heritage preservation.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 1- Resources and Development (Notes)

 

Class 10 Geography

Chapter 1- Resources and Development

(Notes)

 

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1. Define Resources

 

A 'Resource' is defined as anything in our environment that can be exploited to meet our needs while also being technologically accessible, economically practical, and culturally acceptable.

 

2. Classification of Resources

 

Resources can be classified as:

 

a)    On the basis of origin – biotic and abiotic

b)    On the basis of exhaustibility – renewable and non-renewable

c)    On the basis of ownership – individual, community, national and international

d)    On the basis of the status of development – potential, developed stock, and reserves.

3. Define following terms

a) Biotic Resources:: These are derived from the biosphere and include life forms such as humans, plants, wildlife, fisheries, and so on.

 

b) Abiotic Resources:: An abiotic resource is anything composed of nonliving materials such as rocks and dirt.

 

 

c) Renewable Resources: Renewable (or replenishable) resources are those that can be replenished or reproduced through physical, chemical, or mechanical processes, such as solar and wind energy, water, forests and wildlife, and so on. Renewable resources can be further classified as continuous or flow.

 

d) Nonrenewable Resources: These resources are finite. They take millions of years to develop. For example, minerals and fossil fuels.

 

e) Individual Resources: These are privately owned by individuals. Individual resource ownership encompasses plantations, pasture areas, ponds, agricultural land, wells, and more.

f) Community Resources: These are resources that are shared by all members of the community, such as grazing fields, burial sites, village ponds, public parks, playgrounds, and so on.

 

g) National Resources: The country's resources, which are held by states and controlled by governments. Minerals, rivers, woods, animals, and the marine region up to 12 nautical miles (22.2 km) from the shore, collectively known as territorial water and its resources.

 

h) International Resources:Certain resources are overseen by international organisations. For example, oceans larger than 200 nautical miles. No country may use them without the approval of an international body.

 

i) Potential Resources: These are untapped resources present in a particular region. For instance, the western regions of India, particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat, hold significant potential for the development of wind and solar energy. However, they remain undeveloped as of now.

 

j) Developed Resources: These are resources that have been assessed, and their quality and quantity have been determined for utilization. The utilization of resources is influenced by technological advancements and their sustainability.

 

k) Stock: Stock refers to environmental materials with the potential to fulfill human needs, yet lack the necessary technology for utilization. For example, Hydrogen is a valuable energy source, but advanced technology is required to harness its potential.

 

l) Reserves: Reserves are a subset of the stock that can be used with the appropriate technological expertise but has not been utilized. These reserves can be tapped into to meet future requirements. For instance, water stored in dams, forests, and other water sources represents a reserve that can be utilized in the future.

 

4. Resource Planning

Planning is widely recognised as the most effective method for maximising resource utilisation. There are areas in India that are wealthy in some resources but impoverished in others. Certain regions can be considered self-sufficient in terms of resource availability, whilst others have acute shortages of vital resources. This demands balanced resource planning on the national, state, regional, and local levels.

5. Resource Planning in India

Resource planning is a complex undertaking that encompasses:

1. Identifying and cataloging resources throughout the country. This involves gathering data, creating maps, and providing both quantitative and qualitative estimates and measurements of resources.
2. Formulating a planning framework equipped with the necessary technology, skills, and institutional infrastructure to execute resource development plans effectively.
3. Aligning resource development strategies with long-term national development objectives.

Since the inception of the First Five Year Plan following independence, India has actively pursued coordinated efforts to realize its resource planning objectives. The mere availability of resources may impede progress without parallel advancements in technology and institutions. Resources, when accompanied by appropriate technological advancements and institutional adjustments, significantly contribute to development.

It is crucial to emphasize resource conservation at various levels to overcome irrational consumption and the over-utilization of resources.

 

6. Need of development of Resources

 

Resources play a crucial role in human life; nevertheless, their indiscriminate utilization has given rise to various problems, including:

1. The concentration of resource control in the hands of a few has led to societal divisions between the rich and the poor.
2. The excessive consumption of resources to fulfill the greed of a select few individuals.
3. The widespread environmental issues such as global warming, ozone depletion, pollution, and land degradation that have ensued.

Ensuring a fair and equitable use of resources has become imperative for the long-term well-being and global harmony. However, the unilateral elimination of resources by certain individuals or nations poses a potential threat to the planet. Resource planning is essential for the sustainable coexistence of diverse life forms, and Sustainable Economic Development entails progress that occurs without causing harm to the environment. Development in the present should not compromise the well-being of future generations.

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7. Land Resources

 

The land is a valuable natural resource, but it is a finite property; so, it is critical to use the existing land for a variety of uses while exercising caution. India has a variety of relief features, including mountains, plateaus, plains, and islands.

 

8. Different uses of land resources

 

1.    Forests

2.    Land that is not suitable for farming

a)    Barren and Wasteland

b)     Land put out for non-agricultural uses

3.    Fallow lands

4.    Other uncultivated lands which exclude fallow land

5.    Net Sown area

 

9. Waste land 

 

Waste land refers to land that has been designated for non-agricultural purposes, such as rocky, arid, and desert regions, highways, trains, and so on. Land degradation occurs when a land resource is used continuously over an extended period of time without suitable management and conservation measures in place.

10. Land Degradation and Conservation

(i) Reasons of land degradtion

a)    deforestation,

b)    overgrazing,

c)    mining, and extraction

(ii) Some methods to resolve land degradation issues:

 

1.    Afforestation

2.    adequate grazing maintenance.

3.    Planting of plant shelter zones.

4.    Sand dunes are stabilized by the growth of prickly shrubs.

5.    Wastelands must be managed properly.

6.    Mining activity supervision.

 

11. Soil as a Resource

 

Soil is the loose surface material that covers most land. It consists of inorganic particles and organic matter. 

 

(i) Factors responsible for soil formation

 

a)    Parent rocks

b)    Climate

c)    organisms

d)    topography

e)    Time.

 

12. Classification of Soils

 

India possesses a diverse array of environmental characteristics, encompassing varied landforms, climate zones, and types of flora. These factors have played a role in the formation of distinct soil characteristics, including color, thickness, texture, and age. The soils of India can be categorized as follows:

 

Alluvial Soils:

 

1. Widely distributed and significant, covering the entire northern plains and extending into regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the eastern coastal plains.
2. Deposited by major Himalayan river systems: Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
3. Comprising sand, silt, and clay, alluvial soils are classified based on age into Old Alluvial (Bangar) and New Alluvial (Khadar).
4. Known for fertility and suitable for crops like sugarcane, paddy, wheat, and pulses.

 

Black Soil:

 

1. Also known as regur soils, ideal for cotton cultivation.
2. Formed by specific parent rock material and climatic conditions.
3. Extends southeast along the Godavari and Krishna basins, covering plateaus in Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
4. Composed of fine clayey minerals, renowned for moisture retention.
5. Rich in nutrients like calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash, and lime.
6. Found in the Deccan Trap region, characterized by a sticky nature.

 

Red and Yellow Soils:

 

1. Form on crystalline igneous rocks in low-rainfall sections of the Deccan plateau.
2. Found in regions like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, the southern Ganga plain, and the Piedmont zone of the Western Ghats.
3. Reddish color due to iron diffusion in crystalline and metamorphic rocks; turns yellow when hydrated.

 

Laterite Soils:

 

1. Develop in tropical and subtropical climates with alternating wet and dry seasons.
2. Formed through extensive leaching in areas with heavy rainfall.
3. Mainly deep, acidic (pH 6.0), and low in plant nutrients; found in southern states, the Western Ghats, Odisha, parts of West Bengal, and Northeastern states.
4. Suitable for tea and coffee cultivation but deficient in humus.

 

Arid Soils:

 

1. Sandy and salty in character, with a red to brown color.
2. Evaporation occurs rapidly due to dry environments and high temperatures, resulting in a lack of humus and moisture.
3. Kankar, with rising calcium concentration downwards, occupies the lower layer.

 

Forest Soils:

 

1. Found in hilly and mountainous areas with abundant rainforest.
2. Valley sides are loamy and silty, while top slopes are coarse-grained.
3. Soil texture varies based on the alpine environment.
4. Fertile soils are present in lower valleys, particularly on river terraces and alluvial fans.

 

 

13. Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation

 

Soil erosion is defined as the degradation of the soil cover and subsequent washing away.

 

Reasons of soil erosion

 

(i) Human activities

 

a)    deforestation

b)    overgrazing

c)    building

d)    mining

e)    Defective agricultural techniques

 

(ii) Natural Factors

 

a)    wind,

b)    glaciers

c)    water.

 

14. Define Gullies, Ravine, Sheet erosion, Wind erosion

 

Running water bursts through the clayey soils, creating deep channels known as gullies. The area has become unsuitable for agriculture and is known as bad land.

Such areas are referred to as ravines in the Chambal basin.

Water can sometimes drain away soil from significant areas of the slope. This is known as sheet erosion.

Wind erosion happens when the wind carries loose soil.

15. Different methods for Soil Conservation

 

1. Ploughing along contour lines reduces water flow down hills. This is referred to as contour ploughing.

 

2. Terrace cultivation prevents erosion. This type of farming is employed in the Western and Central Himalayas.

 

3. When a large field is divided into strips, grass can grow in between crops. This then divides the wind's force. Strip cropping is the name given to this method.

 

4. Planting tree lines for cover helps stabilise sand dunes in western Indian desert. Shelter Belts are rows of these trees.