RBSE Solutions Class 12 Geography Chapter 23 Irrigation and Drinking Water

RBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter 23 Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. The district in which irrigation means are mostly wells and tube - wells:
(a) Jaipur
(b) Bharatpur
(c) Alwar
(d) Dholpur
Answer: (a) Jaipur
In simple words: Jaipur is the district where most farming gets water from wells and tube-wells. These methods are commonly used by farmers there.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to identify the primary irrigation sources for different regions, as this is a common geographical question.

Question 2. In which area of Rajasthan, more than 26 per cent of irrigation is done through wells?
(a) Northern and North - Eastern
(b) Western
(c) Southern
(d) Eastern
Answer: (Answer not provided in source within specified page range)
In simple words: (Explanation not provided in source within specified page range)

🎯 Exam Tip: Always note the specific percentage and irrigation method mentioned to pinpoint the correct region.

Question 3. Which of the two lakes in Rajasthan, are more useful for irrigation purpose?
(a) Jaisamand - Rajsamand
(b) Fateh sagar - Udaisagar
(c) Ummedsagar - Bhopal sagar
(d) Hemawas - Sardar Samand
Answer: (c) Ummedsagar - Bhopal sagar
In simple words: The lakes Ummedsagar and Bhopal sagar are used more for providing water to farms than other lakes in Rajasthan. They play an important role in helping grow crops.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about pairs of geographical features, ensure both parts of the option fit the criteria of the question.

Question 4. What per cent of water resources does Rajasthan have of the total water resources of India?
(a) 5 per cent
(b) 8 per cent
(c) 1 per cent
(d) Not countable
Answer: (c) 1 per cent
In simple words: Rajasthan has a very small share, only about 1 percent, of all the water resources in India. This shows how scarce water is in the state.

🎯 Exam Tip: Factual questions about percentages require precise memory of statistics. Focus on the main numbers for each state or region.

Question 5. Ganga nagar is linked to Indira Gandhi canal:
(a) Near Sadhuwali
(b) Near Pong dam
(c) Near Lohagarh
(d) Near Gajner
Answer: (a) Near Sadhuwali
In simple words: The area of Ganga Nagar connects to the Indira Gandhi canal close to Sadhuwali. This is a key point for water supply to the region.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to specific locations and their connections to major irrigation projects. Map knowledge is often tested with such questions.

Question 6. What is called 'The Pitcher of Thar'?
(a) Chandan tube well
(b) Mandal tube well
(c) Saline tube well
(d) All of the options
Answer: (Answer not provided in source within specified page range)
In simple words: (Explanation not provided in source within specified page range)

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify unique nicknames given to water sources in arid regions, as they often highlight their importance to the local community.

Question 7. Indira Gandhi canal enters Rajasthan at:
(a) The Simawali Head
(b) The Sitawali Head
(c) The Kharsan Head
(d) The Biwaner Head
Answer: (b) The Sitawali Head
In simple words: The Indira Gandhi canal starts flowing into Rajasthan from a point known as the Sitawali Head. This is its entry gate into the state.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the entry and exit points of major canals and rivers is crucial for questions on water projects.

Question 8. Jawahar Sagar dam Is situated at:
(a) Morwan river
(b) Mahi river
(c) Chambal river
(d) Banas river
Answer: (c) Chambal river
In simple words: The Jawahar Sagar Dam is built on the Chambal river. It is an important part of the Chambal Valley Project.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always associate dams with the rivers they are built on, as this is a fundamental geographical fact.

RBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter 23 Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 9. Which is the largest state of the country from geographical point of view?
Answer: Rajasthan is the largest state in India by geographical area. Its vast size includes different landforms like deserts and plains. It holds a significant position on the map of India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember basic facts about the states of India, especially their size and key geographical features.

Question 10. Write the names of major lakes of Udaipur.
Answer: The important lakes in Udaipur are Jaisamand, Pichola, Fatehsagar, and Udaisagar. These lakes are well-known for their beauty and historical significance in the city of Udaipur. Many of them are popular tourist spots.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be able to list prominent geographical features like lakes or rivers for important cities or regions.

Question 11. Where is the Nakki Lake situated?
Answer: Nakki Lake is located in Mount Abu, which is a hill station in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan. It is a famous natural lake and a popular tourist attraction. The lake is surrounded by hills and green areas.

🎯 Exam Tip: For specific landmarks, remember both the location (city/town) and the broader region (district/state).

Question 13. Name the campaign operated by the daily newspaper Rajasthan Patrika.
Answer: The campaign run by the daily newspaper Rajasthan Patrika is called "Amritam Jalam". This initiative aims to raise awareness about water conservation and its importance. The campaign encourages people to save water.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering about specific campaigns, ensure you state the full and correct name as mentioned in the source.

Question 14. How much area is irrigated by distributory canals under Indira Gandhi canal project.
Answer: Under the Indira Gandhi canal project, more than 70 percent of the area is irrigated by its distributary canals. These smaller canals take water from the main canal to agricultural fields, helping a large area get water. This widespread irrigation supports farming in many regions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always remember the percentage of area irrigated by major projects, as it highlights their impact on agriculture.

Question 15. Write the names of the dams which come under Chambal project.
Answer: The dams constructed as part of the Chambal project are Gandhi Sagar Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, and Kota Barrage. These structures collectively help in irrigation, power generation, and flood control along the Chambal River. Each dam plays a vital role in the project's overall function.

🎯 Exam Tip: List all components of multi-purpose projects accurately to score full marks. Practice recalling names of important dams.

Question 16. Which states share the Mahi Bajaj Sagar project and in what ratio?
Answer: The states of Rajasthan and Gujarat share the Mahi Bajaj Sagar project. Their sharing ratio is 45:55, with Rajasthan getting 45 percent and Gujarat getting 55 percent. This project is a joint effort to manage water resources for both states. The water from the project helps irrigate fields and generate electricity.

🎯 Exam Tip: For joint projects, always specify the participating states and their respective sharing ratios. This demonstrates a complete understanding of the project's management.

Question 17. What are the two chief problems of underground water in Rajasthan?
Answer: The two main problems regarding underground water in Rajasthan are: 1. Continuously decreasing water level: The amount of water underground is going down steadily. 2. Content of salt: The water that is available often has too much salt, making it unsuitable for drinking or farming. These issues make it hard to find and use clean groundwater. Over-extraction and dry conditions contribute to these problems.
In simple words: The two big problems with underground water in Rajasthan are that its level is constantly dropping, and it often contains too much salt.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing problems, provide clear and concise points. For water-related issues in arid regions, decreasing levels and salinity are key points.

Question 18. Janta Jal Yojana is a scheme of which department?
Answer: The "Janata Jal Yojana" in Rajasthan is managed by the Department of Public Health Engineering. This department is responsible for ensuring that public health services, including water supply, are properly managed. The scheme focuses on providing drinking water facilities to people. It helps in planning and executing water projects across the state.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific government department responsible for implementing various schemes or projects. This shows knowledge of public administration.

RBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter 23 Short Answer Type Questions

Question 20. Aapni Yojana is being run with the cooperation of which country?
Answer: The "Aapni Yojana" is being carried out with the help and cooperation of Germany. Germany is working together with the local authorities to operate this project. This international collaboration aims to improve water management and supply in the region. The partnership brings in expertise and resources for the project.

🎯 Exam Tip: For projects involving international collaboration, always name the collaborating country accurately. This detail is often specifically assessed.

Question 21. Write the names of the major rivers in Rajasthan.
Answer: The important rivers in Rajasthan include Chambal, Banas, Luni, Mahi, Banganga, Berach, Parvati, Gambhiri, Sukri, Kali Sindh, Parwan, and Kothari. These rivers flow through various parts of the state, supporting agriculture and providing water for different uses. Some are seasonal, while others flow year-round. They are crucial for the state's ecosystem.
In simple words: Big rivers in Rajasthan are Chambal, Banas, Luni, Mahi, and many others like Banganga and Parvati.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be able to list key rivers of a region. It's helpful to also know if they are perennial (year-round) or seasonal.

Question 22. Write the names of traditional methods of collection and storage of water in our state.
Answer: Traditional ways to collect and store water in Rajasthan include Khadin, Kundi, Kui, Nadi, Johad, Pond, and Tanka. These methods have been used for a long time by local communities to manage water in the arid region. They are very important for saving rainwater and groundwater. These local systems are often simple but effective.
In simple words: Old ways to collect and keep water in Rajasthan are Khadin, Kundi, Kui, Nadi, Johad, Pond, and Tanka.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing traditional water harvesting methods shows an understanding of local adaptations to environmental challenges. List the names accurately.

Question 23. Write the names of the main branches of Indira Gandhi canal.
Answer: The main branches of the Indira Gandhi canal are: 1. Rawatsar branch (Hanumangarh) 2. Suratgarh branch (Sriganganagar) 3. Anupgarh branch (Sriganganagar) 4. Pugal branch (Bikaner) 5. Charanwala branch (Bikaner) 6. Dantor branch (Bikaner) 7. Barsalpur branch (Bikaner) 8. Shaheed Birbal branch (Bikaner) 9. Sagarmal Gopa branch (Bikaner) These branches extend the reach of the main canal, distributing water to various districts. They are crucial for agricultural development in these areas.
In simple words: The Indira Gandhi canal has main branches like Rawatsar, Suratgarh, Anupgarh, Pugal, Charanwala, Dantor, Barsalpur, Shaheed Birbal, and Sagarmal Gopa, which take water to different towns.

🎯 Exam Tip: For large canal systems, knowing the names of major branches and their respective districts is important for geographical accuracy.

Question 25. Write the names of the projects which have been recently started.
Answer: Some recently launched projects include: 1. Barmer lift Yojana. 2. Isarda Dam Project. 3. Jaipur - Bisalpur Phase II. 4. Chambal-Bisalpur link plan. 5. Drinking water supply plan from Chambal to Alwar. 6. Gramin Jal Praday Yojana Bhainsrodgarh (Chittorgarh). These projects aim to address various water-related needs, such as irrigation and drinking water supply, across different regions of Rajasthan. They are part of ongoing efforts to improve water management.
In simple words: New projects started recently are Barmer lift, Isarda Dam, Jaipur-Bisalpur, Chambal-Bisalpur link, drinking water from Chambal to Alwar, and Gramin Jal Praday Yojana.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep up-to-date with new governmental initiatives and projects, as they often appear in current affairs sections of exams.

Question 26. Throw light on Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan.
Answer: The Rajasthan state government started the Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan. The main aim of this program is to help villages become self-sufficient in drinking water. It was made a public campaign with many people involved. Nine government departments, social groups, religious groups, and common citizens all took part in the campaign. The program helps improve local water sources.
In simple words: Rajasthan started the Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan to make villages self-reliant for drinking water, with many groups working together.

🎯 Exam Tip: For government schemes, explain the main objective, key features, and the nature of participation to provide a comprehensive answer.

RBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter 23 Essay Type Questions

Question 27. Describe the Indira Gandhi canal project.
Answer: The Indira Gandhi Canal Project is the world's largest irrigation project. It brings water to the dry and semi-dry areas of Rajasthan, greatly improving the economy and development. People also call it the 'Lifeline of Rajasthan' or 'Maruganga'. This canal started being planned in 1948 by engineer Kanwar Sen of Bikaner, and construction began that same year. The canal starts from the Harike barrage, located where the Sutlej and Beas rivers meet in Ferozepur district, Punjab. It supplies water to districts like Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Churu, and Nagaur. The total length of the canal is 649 km, it is 40 meters wide at the bottom, and 6.4 meters deep. The project was built in two main phases:
Phase First: In this phase, a feeder canal was built. This feeder canal is 204 km long, stretching from Harike barrage to the head of Masitawali. Many distributary canals, adding up to 345 km, were also built during this phase.
Phase Second: This phase focused on building the main canal. It begins at the historic town of Pugal in Bikaner and extends to Mohangarh in Jaisalmer, which is close to Gadra road in Barmer. The constructed main canal length was 445 km, along with 5112 km of distributary canals. About 30 percent of the area is watered by lift canals, while the remaining 70 percent is watered by distributaries. Since the Thar desert spreads towards the west, lift canals are also made to supply water to the eastern parts of Rajasthan.
Some of the lift canals include: 1. Gajner lift canal 2. Bagdasar lift canal 3. Kolayat lift canal 4. Phalodi lift canal 5. Pokaran lift canal 6. Jodhpur lift canal
Benefits of Indira Gandhi Canal Project: 1. It directly provides water for irrigation. 2. It has increased the production of commercial crops. 3. It has improved animal husbandry and fish farming. 4. It has led to the creation of new towns and commercial markets. 5. It helps control the spread of the desert. 6. It benefits sheep rearing as an occupation. 7. It has led to the development of forest areas and pasturelands. 8. It has made it possible to use barren land for farming and pastures. The Indira Gandhi Canal is indeed the lifeline of Western Rajasthan. It helps solve many problems in this region.
In simple words: The Indira Gandhi Canal is a huge project that brings water to Rajasthan's dry areas, helping farming and the economy. It was planned by Kanwar Sen and starts from Harike barrage. It has two phases for building feeder and main canals, supplying water to many districts. It also has lift canals. This project has brought many good things like more crops, new towns, and stopped the desert from spreading.

🎯 Exam Tip: For essay questions on major projects, structure your answer by including its purpose, history, components (phases, branches), and socio-economic benefits. Use clear headings for readability.

Question 28. Describe the Chambal irrigation project in detail.
Answer: The Chambal irrigation project is a joint effort between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, with each state sharing 50 percent of the costs and benefits. It began between 1952 and 1954. This project involves building four dams, three in Rajasthan and one in Madhya Pradesh.
Dams: 1. **Gandhi Sagar Dam:** This is the first of the four dams on the Chambal river, located at Bhanupura on the Rajasthan-Madhya Pradesh border. It's a 64-meter-high dam made of stone and concrete, able to hold 6920 million cubic meters of water. Its catchment area is 22584 km², with 1,537 km² in Rajasthan. The dam was finished in 1960, and two canals start from it.
- **Left Canal:** This canal flows into the Mahi river near Bundi.
- **Right Canal:** A hydropower station is built on it, producing 23 MW of electricity. It crosses the Parvati river and flows into Madhya Pradesh. 2. **Rana Pratap Sagar Dam:** This dam is 52 km downstream from the Gandhi Sagar Dam, across the Chambal river near Rawatbhata in Chittorgarh district. It was completed in 1970 and has four power units, each producing 43 MW. 3. **Jawahar Sagar Dam:** This is the third dam in the Chambal valley project series. It is 29 km upstream from Kota city and 26 km downstream from the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam. It has three power units, each producing 33 MW. 4. **Kota Barrage:** This is the fourth structure in the Chambal valley project, located about 0.8 km upstream from Kota city. It is used only for irrigation and does not generate power. Two canals are released from it.
- **Right Canal:** It crosses the Parvati and Parvan rivers and continues into Madhya Pradesh.
- **Left Canal:** It supplies irrigation water to the Kota and Bundi districts.
**Advantage of Chambal Valley Project:** Because of this project, Kota city has become a major industrial hub in Rajasthan. The project has also helped control floods in the Chambal river. It provides irrigation water for 5.6 lakh hectares of land. Additionally, hydropower generation, along with tourism facilities, has also developed in this area.
In simple words: The Chambal irrigation project is a shared project between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, started in the 1950s. It includes four dams: Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar, Jawahar Sagar, and Kota Barrage. These dams help irrigate farms and produce electricity. The project has also helped Kota grow as an industrial city and stopped floods.

🎯 Exam Tip: For multi-state projects, always mention the partner states and the specific components (dams, canals) involved. Clearly outline the benefits to show a complete understanding.

Question 29. Highlight the efforts made towards the drinking water development in Rajasthan.
Answer: Rajasthan is India's driest state, so developing and saving drinking water is very important for these reasons: * Dry and semi-dry weather. * Deserted areas. * Frequent droughts and famines. * Very little rainfall. * Low underground water levels and high salt content. * Fluoride dissolved in underground water. * Ignoring old ways of saving water. * Wrong farming and irrigation methods.
Overall, here are the efforts made to improve drinking water in Rajasthan:
1. **Bringing back traditional water-saving methods:** Saving and collecting water is an old custom in Rajasthan. The government is working to revive old water structures like Khadin, Kundi, Kui, Nadi, Johad, and Pond. People are also becoming more aware. Water conservation plants are being set up in all government buildings, and groups like the Science and Environment Center and Thar Social Development Society are working on this.
2. **Raising groundwater levels:** To increase the amount of water underground, check dams, anicuts (small dams), and ponds are being built. Plants that help recharge groundwater are also being built.
3. **Government efforts and plans:** The most important government plans and efforts for drinking water conservation and development include:
(i) **Janta – Jal – Yojana:** This is a plan by the state health engineering department, active in all 31 districts of Rajasthan except Bikaner and Jaisalmer.
(ii) **Jal Gram Yojana:** This plan makes people aware of water issues and ensures water is available.
(iii) **National Rural drinking water program:** Under this program, the Indian government provides money to help with drinking water. Germany also helps run the "Aapni Yojana" for drinking water. This program is active in Hanumangarh, Churu, and Jhunjhunu.
(iv) **Other projects run by Public - Health - Engineering:** These include putting up hand pumps, building Panghat (places for bathing) and water tanks, small water supply schemes, and building Diggies (small reservoirs).
Other ongoing efforts include projects like the Barmer Water Lift Plan, Isarda Dam, Jaipur – Bisalpur Phase II, Chambal – Bisalpur link plan, and Chambal – Alwar link plans. Additionally, the Rajasthan Water Regulatory Authority (2013), a World Bank-supported water area reconstruction project, the Jalmani programme, Swajal – Dhara Yojana, and the Rajasthan fluorosis control program are also being run.
In simple words: Rajasthan needs much effort to get drinking water because it's a dry state with low rainfall, salty groundwater, and old water methods ignored. The government is fixing old water structures, building new ones, and running schemes like Janta Jal Yojana and National Rural Drinking Water program with help from Germany. Many other projects are also in progress to make sure everyone gets water.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing efforts for water development, categorize them (e.g., traditional, modern, government schemes) and list specific examples or projects within each category. Also, mention the reasons why these efforts are needed.

Map Based Questions

Question 30. Show major irrigation projects on the outline map of Rajasthan.
Answer: Refer to a map of Rajasthan for the visual representation of these projects.
In simple words: Look at a map of Rajasthan to see where these major irrigation projects are located.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always practice drawing and labeling these features on a blank map to score well in map-based questions.

Question 31. Show main branches of Indira Gandhi canal on the outline map of Rajasthan.
Answer: Refer to a map of Rajasthan for the visual representation of these branches.
In simple words: Look at a map of Rajasthan to see where the main branches of the Indira Gandhi Canal are.

🎯 Exam Tip: For map-based questions, understanding the geographical spread of major canals and their branches is essential for accurate labeling.