1. Understanding Water Scarcity
MCQs
1. What is the primary cause of water scarcity in many parts of the world?
a) Lack of rivers and lakes
b) Over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access
c) Increase in global temperature
d) Permanent depletion of groundwater
Answer: b) Over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access
Explanation: Water scarcity is often caused by human activities such as overuse, mismanagement, and unequal distribution.
2. Which of the following regions in India is commonly associated with water scarcity?
a) Western Ghats
b) Rajasthan and Gujarat
c) Indo-Gangetic Plains
d) Assam and Meghalaya
Answer: b) Rajasthan and Gujarat
Explanation: These states receive low rainfall and frequently face water shortages due to arid conditions.
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2. Causes and Effects of Water Scarcity
MCQs
3. What is one major effect of water scarcity on agriculture?
a) Increased crop yields
b) Expansion of agricultural land
c) Decreased food production and soil degradation
d) Increased groundwater levels
Answer: c) Decreased food production and soil degradation
Explanation: Water scarcity leads to a lack of irrigation, reducing crop productivity and causing soil degradation.
4. Which sector is the largest consumer of water in India?
a) Domestic use
b) Agriculture
c) Industrial use
d) Hydropower generation
Answer: b) Agriculture
Explanation: Irrigated agriculture consumes the most water, contributing to groundwater depletion and water shortages.
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3. Water Conservation Techniques
MCQs
5. Which traditional method is widely used in Rajasthan for rainwater harvesting?
a) Borewells
b) Tankas (underground water storage tanks)
c) Tube wells
d) Hydroponic irrigation
Answer: b) Tankas (underground water storage tanks)
Explanation: Tankas are traditional underground tanks used to store rainwater for later use.
6. Which Indian state was the first to make rooftop rainwater harvesting mandatory?
a) Kerala
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Maharashtra
d) West Bengal
Answer: b) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Tamil Nadu has legally enforced rainwater harvesting to tackle water scarcity.
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4. Government Initiatives for Water Management
MCQs
7. What is the primary objective of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)?
a) To construct large dams for water storage
b) To provide piped water supply to rural households
c) To divert rivers for industrial use
d) To desalinate seawater
Answer: b) To provide piped water supply to rural households
Explanation: The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to ensure every rural household gets an assured supply of potable water.
8. Which of the following is NOT a water conservation measure?
a) Contour ploughing
b) Over-extraction of groundwater
c) Rainwater harvesting
d) Drip irrigation
Answer: b) Over-extraction of groundwater
Explanation: Over-extraction leads to depletion of water resources, while other methods help in water conservation.
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5. Future Challenges and Solutions
MCQs
9. Which of the following is a key challenge in managing water resources?
a) Availability of abundant freshwater
b) Unequal distribution and pollution of water sources
c) Decline in water demand
d) Lack of river systems in India
Answer: b) Unequal distribution and pollution of water sources
Explanation: Some regions have abundant water while others suffer from scarcity; pollution further worsens the crisis.
10. How can individuals contribute to water conservation?
a) By using excessive water for daily needs
b) By practicing rainwater harvesting and reusing water
c) By keeping water taps open when not in use
d) By avoiding the use of water-efficient appliances
Answer: b) By practicing rainwater harvesting and reusing water
Explanation: Individual efforts such as rainwater harvesting and using water-efficient appliances help in conservation.
