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Answers the following: -
Q#1 What are reserved forests?
Ans. These are one of the three types of forests which are permanently earmarked either for production of
timber or other forest products. Grazing of cattle in these forests is generally prohibited but may be
allowed on certain conditions.They comprise 54.4% of total forest cover.
Q#2 What percentage of India is covered with forests?
Ans. About 23 percent.
Q#3 Distinguish between a national park and a wildlife sanctuary.
Ans. A national park is relatively a large area where one or several ecosystems exist and many
geomorphological sites and animal habitats, which are of great educative and recreative interest, are found
here. A wildlife sanctuary is similar to a national park, but is mainly dedicated to protect wildlife and
conserve species. In a sanctuary, hunting without permission is prohibited. But in a national park, grazing
and hunting are totally prohibited.
Q#4 Why is irrigation necessary in India?
Ans. Necessity of Irrigation
By irrigation we mean the artificial supply of water to land. It is practised in the areas where we receive
scanty rainfall. Irrigation holds a significant position in an agricultural country like India. Indian
agriculture mainly depends upon monsoonal rainfall which is highly variable, seasonal and uncertain. The
deficiency of rainfall is met with supplying water by irrigation in dry areas. The following factors compel
us to provide irrigation for agriculture.
1. Seasonal Rainfall. Rainfall in India is highly seasonal. Most of the rain falls during four months from
June to September, the remaining part of the year remains dry.
2. Uncertain Rainfall. Monsoonal rainfall is uncertain in time and space. Due to early or late arrival of
the monsoons, crops fail. Because of the uncertainty of the monsoons, famines occur in some areas.
Hence irrigation is necessary for agriculture in areas of variable rainfall.
3. Unequal Distribution of Rainfall:- Rains brought by the monsoons are unevenly distributed all over
the country. There are the areas, which receive more than 100 cm of rainfall annually while as most
areas of the country receive less than 75% of the rains during a year.
4. Winter Crops. Some cash crops like cotton, jute and sugarcane need irrigation to have a regular and
adequate supply of water.
5. Lastly timely and adequate irrigation ensures the productivity and quality of crops.
6. The irrigated area in India has increased by four times since independence.
Q#5 What is a multipurpose river valley project?
Name the multipurpose river valley project built on river Mahanadi.
Ans. The projects which are constructed on the river valleys for various purposes are called multipurpose River
Valley Projects. These projects are meant to tackle various problems associated with river valleys in an
integrated manner. They control floods, check soil erosion, provide water for irrigation and drinking
purposes, generate electricity for industries, villages and cities, provide inland navigation, and several other
facilities like recreation, preservation of wildlife and development of fisheries.
The multipurpose river valley project built on the river Mahanadi is Hirakud Dam in Orissa.
Q#6 Name four states which have over 40 per cent of net sown area under irrigation.
Ans. Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Q#7 What is called Watershed Development?
Ans. An area drained by a river and its tributaries is called a basin. In other words it is the area through which
rain water flows and drains into a tributary or a stream. Water shed, thus is the natural gifted area which
can be used for the development of small natural unit areas. The water shed development is an
encouraging step which includes soil and moisture conservation, water harvesting, afforestation,
horticulture and pasture development and up-gradation of land resources. We should take into
consideration the capacity of the land and local needs of the people before such plans are carried out. It is
thus necessary that we get local people involved in such programmes in order to achieve better and
successful results.



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Q#8 What is rainwater harvesting?
Ans. It is a technique of capturing and storing rain water into dug wells, check dams and percolation pits in
order to increase the recharge of ground water as well as the surface water. Rain water is stored in ground
water reservoirs by adopting artificial recharge techniques in order to meet the household needs through
storage in tanks. Two techniques involved are (i) Roof top harvesting and (ii) Check dam and percolating
pits.
i. Roof top harvesting: - This involves collecting rainwater from roof tops of the houses and other
buildings and storing the water in tanks, trenches, percolation pits or underground reservoirs. This
water is then used for growing vegetation, cultivation of crops, gardening etc. This scheme is beneficial
in large cities like Delhi and many towns in Punjab and Haryana.
ii. Check dams and percolating pits: Water is stored in natural depression on the surface of the earth.
Inexpensive barriers are constructed to prevent run off. The water stored in the check dams is used for
irrigation during dry season. It also helps agriculture while at the same time replenishes the ground
water. This scheme has been undertaken with successful results in many parts of Western U.P., Punjab
and Haryana.
Q#9 What are the objectives of rain water harvesting?
Ans. The objectives of rain water harvesting are:
(a) To meet the increasing demand for water.
(b) To reduce the wastage of of rain water which drains of the ground into the rivers, oceans and seas.
(c) To avoid flooding of roads and fields.
(d) To raise the level of water table.
(e) To reduce ground water pollution.
(f) To improve the quality of ground water.and
(g) To meet the water requirements during summer and long dry spells.
Q#10 How are forests are useful to man?
Or
Write a note of the Importance of forests.
Ans. Forests are important natural resource which contribute a lot in the economic development of a state or a
nation. Modern man greatly depends upon the forests for his multipurpose needs. Forests provide him
with a number of products and his activities are largely influenced by forests.
Following are the direct and indirect advantages of forests:
1. They play a great role in enhancing the quality of environment.
2. They modify the climate of a place.
3. They control the soil erosion.
4. They regulate the water flow of streams.
5. They support a variety of industries.
6. They provide livelihood to many communities and offer opportunities for recreation.
7. They reduce wind force and influence the temperature of a place.
8. They add leaves, twigs and branches to the forest floor, which after decomposition form soil (humus).
9. They provide timber, fuel wood, industrial wood, fodder and similar other products which are of great
economic value.
10. They also provide natural habitat for wildlife.
11. Forests help in rainfall by capturing moisture in the air.
12. Forests increase the fertility of soil, help agriculture and maintain ecological balance.
13. They maintain ecological balance(co
2-
o
2
balance)
Q#11 Describe the method of forest conservation.
The conservation of forests is a national problem which is needed to be tackled with perfect coordination
between the forest department and other departments. The participation of the common people in the
conservation of forests is equally important. Afforestation programmes must be encouraged in the areas
which are unsuitable for crop cultivation. It is also important that people are educated about the importance
of the trees. All national day celebration programmes must follow a programme of tree plantation. Van
Mahotsava must be celebrated with zeal and vigour throughout the country.


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Q#12 What objectives does the National Forest Policy hold regarding the protection, conservation and
development of forests in the country?
Ans. The National Forest Policy holds the following objectives regarding the protection, conservation and
development of forests in the country:
i. Maintenance of environmental stability through preservation and restoration of ecological balance.
ii. Conservation of natural heritage.
iii. Check on soil erosion and denudation in the catchment areas of rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
iv. Check on extension of sand dunes in desert areas of Rajasthan and along coastal tracts.
v. Substantial increase in the forest tree cover through massive afforestation and social forestry
programmes.
vi. Steps to meet the local requirements of fuel, wood, fodder, timber and minor forest products, etc by
the rural and tribal people.
vii. Increase in the productivity of forests to meet needs at national level.
viii. Encouragement of proper utilization of forests and optimum substitution of wood.
ix. Steps to create massive peoples movement with involvement of Women to achieve the objectives
and minimize pressure on existing forests.
Q#13 Describe the importance of water in life?
Water is an inexhaustible gift of nature, without which life on earth is not possible. But its uneven
distribution in the space and time has often threatened our economic development, livelihood and human
welfare. The shortage of water is increasing by every day because of the rapid growth in population, rising
demand for food and cash crops, increasing urbanisation and rising standard of living.
These will further increase the acuteness of the problem of water scarcity in future. The regular supply of
the drinking water is the basic need of the life. Despite of the efforts made by the government in
increasing the drinking water facilities, there is still wide gap found between the demand for water and
supply of water.
In spite of the fact that there has been a tremendous improvement in the irrigational facilities since
independence, yet there is two-thirds of the cropped area entirely dependent on the rains. The increasing
number of the wells and tube wells has lowered the water table level and has caused depletion of under
ground water.
Keeping in view the above facts, the importance of water is quite clear. Government has now taken some
steps in this regard. Water conservation technique, watershed development and water harvesting are some
of the steps taken by the government in this direction.
Q#14 Why are Himalayan rivers perennial while the peninsular rivers are seasonal?
Most of the rivers coming from the Himalayas have got their sources in the glaciers or in the snowfields.
They keep flowing throughout the year and are thus perennial in nature.e.g Ganga, Indus etc.
On the other hand, the rivers rising from peninsular India depend entirely on monsoon rainfall. They
receive water only during monsoon period from June to September. Therefore these rivers are seasonal in
nature.e.g Krishna, Kaweri, etc.
Q#15 Describe replenishable ground water resources of India.
Ans. The water that percolates into ground as subsurface water is called ground water. Its sources are the same
as that of surface water. Water can percolate underground only under certain conditions like vegetation
cover on land and presence of permeable rock in the soil. The water that percolates into the ground
replenishes the ground water resources which is then used through wells, tube wells, springs or even
streams.
The replenishable ground water resources of India is about 434 billion cubic metres. The bulk of this
replenishable water is found in the plains of India. Only about 37 per cent of the available ground water
resources have been utilized so far.
Q#16 Examine the importance of river valley projects in development of hydel power and irrigation
facilities in India.
Or
How do multipurpose river valley projects help in achieving self reliance and improving the
standard of living of the people.
Or
Discuss the importance of multipurpose projects in India. Enumerate the objectives of the
multipurpose projects.
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Or
Or
Why are the multi-purpose projects called the new temples of Modern India?
Ans. The projects which serve a number of purposes simultaneously are called multi-purpose projects. These are
actually river valley projects. They are also sometimes called dams. In India there are over 4296 dams. Out
of these, 3975 dams are for irrigation purposes only. Only 20 dams are big multipurpose projects. Ninety
per cent of the dams are concentrated in the western sector. A river basin is treated as a single unit for these
purposes. These projects have been started for the proper management of water resources of these river
basins. Dams have been constructed across these rivers to store water and generate water power by letting
the water fall from a height.
The projects which are constructed on the river valleys for multi purposes functions are called river
valley projects. These projects are meant to tackle various problems associated with river valleys in an
integrated manner. The various functions of the river valley projects are as follows:
(a) . They control floods.
(b). They check soil erosion.
(c). They provide us water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
(d). They help us in generating electricity for our industries, villages, cities and towns.
(e). They provide us inland navigational facilities.
(f). They help us in the preservation of wild life and development of fisheries.
(g). They provide us recreational facilities.
Importance of the River Valley Projects:
The projects which are constructed on the river valleys for various purposes are called River Valley
Projects. These projects are meant to tackle various problems associated with river valleys in an integrated
manner. They control floods, check soil erosion, provide water for irrigation and drinking purposes,
generate electricity for industries, villages and cities, provide inland navigation, and several other facilities
like recreation, preservation of wildlife and development of fisheries.

OTHEPE IMHOPTANT AAAITIONAA OYEETIONE
Very Short Answer types Questions

Q#1 What type of resources are forests?
Ans. Renewable Resources:

Q#2 How much area of India is covered with forests?
Ans. 76. 5 million hectares.

Q#3 Forests play an important role in enhancing the quality of environment. Give two points.
Ans. i. Forests maintain the life support system. All form of life-humans, animals and plants depend on these.
ii. Forests maintain stability and maintenance of ecological balance.

Q# 4 Name the major types of forests.
Ans. (i) Tropical Rainforests (ii) Tropical Deciduous Forests (iii) Tropical Thorn and Scrub Forests (iv)
Temperate forests (v) Alpine and Tundra forests (vi) Tidal forests.

Q#5 Classify forests on the basis of purpose of administration. How much percentage each covers?
Ans. Forests are classified into three types.
(i) Reserved forests - 54.4 per cent
(ii) Protected forests - 29.2 per cent
(iii) Unclassified forests - 16.4 per cent
.

Q#8 Classify forests on the basis of density? How much each type covers?
Ans. (i) Dense Forests (59 per cent) (ii) Open Forests (40 per cent) (iii) Mangrove Forests (1 per cent).

Q#9 What is the difference between forest area and forest cover? What is the percentage of actually
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covered area with forests?
Ans. Forest cover includes the actual area under forests and all other types of natural vegetation area. The total
forest cover in India is 76.5 million hectares which is about 23.3 per cent of total land area. But the areas
actually covered with forests are 63.7 million hectares which is about 19.4 per cent of the total land area.

Q#10 When was the National Forest Policy introduced? What is its main aim?
Ans. National Forest Policy was introduced in 1988. Its main aim is to develop the role of forests and to
maintain life support system.

Q#11 What should be minimum desired area under forests according to National Forests Policy?
Ans. About 33 per cent.

Q#12 Large areas have less percentage of forest cover. Give two, examples.
Ans. Large areas are used for cultivation. Northern plains and Thar Desert have less than 10 per cent area under
forests. .
Q#13 Name the birds found in wetlands.
Ans. Sun bills, hornbills, ducks, cranes.

Q#14 What are the potential water resources in India?
Ans. 1869 billion cubic metres.

Q#15 How much water resources are available for use?
Ans. 690 billion cubic metres (36.92%).

Q#16 What is the average annual rainfall in India?
Ans. About 117cms in a year.

Q#17 How much replenishable ground water is found in India? How much of it is utilized?
Ans. 434 billion cubic meters. About 37.24 per cent is utilized.

Q#18 How much water is available per person in India?
Ans. 1800 cubic metres.

Q#19 Why is there water shortage in India? Give one reason.
Ans. Due to poor management of water.

Q#19 What is the potential irrigation area in India?
Ans. It has Increased from 22.6 million hectares in 1950-51 to 847 million hectares in 1999-2000.

Q#20 How much Net Sown Area is under irrigation?
Ans. 38 per cent.

Q#21 How many major and minor dams are there in India?
Ans. 4296 dams in India. 3995 dams are for irrigation; 20 dams are multipurpose dams.

Q#22 How many species of animals and birds are found in India?
Ans. 89000 species of animals and 1200 species of birds.

Q#23 Name three states where elephant is mostly found.
Ans. Assam, Kerala and Karnataka.

Q#24 What is the effective storage capacity of water in India.
Ans. 147 billion cubic meters(8.5% of the total flow)
Q#25 How much surface water flows into the seas.?
Ans. More than 91.5%
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Q#26 Name the main sources of water in J&K.?
Ans. The Chenalb, The Helium and the Indus.
Q#27 When was the Eastern Yamuna canal of UP commissioned.?
Ans. 1882.
Q#28 Where are camels and wild asses found in India.?
Ans. Camels and wild Asses are found in hot and arid deserts of Thar and the Rann of Kachcdh.
Q#29 In which state one horn Rhinoceroses in found?
Ans. In Assam and West Bengal (swampy and marshy areas)

Q#30 Which is habitat of Lions and Tigers?
Ans. Lions-Gir forests, Tigers-Sunderbans.

Q#31 Why are deciduous monsoon forests found on the eastern part of southern India?
Ans. These forests are found in the internal parts of Deccan plateau because these are dry areas lying in the rain
shadow of Western Ghats. These areas get about 100cm annual rainfall.

Q#32 Name the National Bird of India.
Ans. Peacock.

Q#33 How many mangroves and wet lands are in India?
Ans. 15 mangrove areas and 20 wetlands.

Q#34 Classify Indian rivers into two main groups.
Ans. (i) The Himalayan rivers
(ii) Peninsular rivers.

Q#35 Name an ancient irrigation dam built on Kaveri River.
Ans. Grand Anicut Dam.(2
nd
century AD)

Q#36 Name the main sources of irrigation.
Ans. (i) Canal (ii) Wells and tube wells (iii) Tanks.

Q#37 Why has the water table been lowered in recent years?
Ans. Due to increased use of tube wells.
Q#38 How many villages in India dont have yet protected drinking water.?
Ans. Half of the villages.
Q#39 What percent of towns in India dont have potable waters.?
Ans. 8%


Q#40 Write three causes for the scarcity of water.
Ans. (i) Increasing demand of water for agriculture.
(ii) Increasing urbanisation
(iii) Rising standard of living.
(iv) Rapid growth of population.
(v) Rising demand for food and cash crops.
(vi) Poor management of water.


Q#41 What is watershed?
Ans. It is the basin of a river and its tributaries.
Multiple Choice Questions

Q#42 Select the correct answer from the given four alternatives and write in your answer book:
1. On which river is NagarjunaSagar Dam built ?
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(a) Tungbhadra (b) Krishna (c). Cauvery (d) Mahanadi.
2. In which state, well irrigation is not practised? .
(a) Punjab (b) Tamilnadu (c) Haryana (d) Rajasthan.
3. Which type of land is required for tanks?
(a) Rocky (b) Sandy (c) Plain (d) Black.
4. Which is the main source of irrigation in India?
(a) Canals (b) Tanks (c) Wells (d) Tubewells
5. Which is the longest dam in the world?
(a) Damodar Valley Project (b) Hira Kud (c) Kosi (d) Nagarjuna Sagar.
6. Which state has the highest number of Tubewells?
(a) Maharashtra (b) Gujarat (c.) U.P. (d) Rajasthan.
7. Which area is most suitable for Tank irrigation?
(a) Ganga-Sutlej Plain(b) Thar Desert (c) Coastal plain (d) Deccan plateau.
8. In Which area is canal irrigation used?
(a)Punjab (b) U.P. (c) Cauvery Delta (d) Western Rajasthan.
9. Where does tubewell rank as regards irrigation?
(a) Second (b) Third (c) Fourth (d) Fifth.



































5. The total forest area in India is
(a) 23.3% (b) 17.3% (c) 33.3% (d) 3.3% .

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6. The total number of bio-reserves in India as
(a) 7 (b) 10 (c) 13 (d) 20
7. The national animal of India
(a) Elephant (b) Tiger (c) Lion (d) deer.

8. The percentage of protected forest is-
(a) 19%' (b) 29% (c) 39% (d) 49%

Q#29 Fill in the Blanks:
1. --------- percent of total area of India is cultivated.
2. --------- help to increase rainfall.
3. Deforestation and overgrazing increase ---------land.
4. The main use of water resources in India is for---------land.
5. About ---------percent of net sown area is irrigated.
6. ---------Valley Project is the best example of scientific management of water resources.
7. ---------dam is the highest gravity dam in the world.
8. Indira Canal is the longest canal in the---------
9. ---------dam is the longest dam in the world.
10. ---------Project has the largest man-made lake in India.
11. Forest are---------resources.
12. National forest policy was started in ---------19
13. 54.4% of forests are covered by---------forests.
14. The state, ---------has the largest forest area.
Ans. 1. 51 2. Forests 3. barren 4. irrigation
5. 28. 6. Damodar 7. Bhakra 8. World
9. Hirakud 10. Rihand. 11. Renewable 12. 88
13. Reserved 14. Madhya Pradesh.

Short Answer Type Questions
Q#1 Describe the distribution of forests in India.
Ans. Forests are very unevenly distributed in India.
i. Andaman and Nicobar Islands have 86.9 percent of area under forests.
ii. Haryana has only 3.8 per cent area under forests.
iii. Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura have more than 60 percent area under forests.
iv. Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat. Rajasthan, Delhi. Jammu and Kashmir have less than 10 per cent area
under forests.
Q#2 What are indirect uses of forests?
Ans 1. Forests prevent soil erosion and floods.
2. Forests increase the fertility of soil, help agriculture and maintain biological balance.
3. Forests provide shelter to wild animals and offer opportunities for recreation.
Q#3 Describe the methods of forest conservation. How are these methods useful? Explain any two.
'Or'
Write a short note on conservation of forests
Ans. Methods of conservation of forests.
i. Social forestry: - It includes a massive afforestation programme of planting trees in wastelands,
marshes, bad lands, road sides and along banks of canals and rivers.
ii. National Environment Campaign celebrated every year creates awareness and disseminates
information.
iii. Biosphere Reserves, National Parks etc. are also important methods of conservation.
iv. Van Mahotsave is also celebrated to create awareness among the people and encourages them to
plant more and more trees.
v. Legislation Laws have been framed both at national and international levels which prohibit felling
of trees. They help in controlling pollution of water and air which cause great damage to
ecosystem.
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vi. Farm forestry:- It includes a massive afforestation programs in rural areas where poor farmers can
get various benefits and also helps to conserve forests.
Q#4 Explain four special features of tropical rainforests.
Ans. The four main features of the tropical rain forests of India are:
i. They are found in the areas receiving more than 200cm of annual rainfall.
ii. The trees of these forests grow vigorously upto 60 metres of height or above.
iii. There is luxurious growth of ground vegetation on account of heavy rainfall and high temperature.

Q#5 What is deforestation? What are its disadvantages?
Or
How does the depletion of forests affect the ecosystem? Explain points.
Ans. The process of clearing of forests by cutting or burning of trees is known as deforestation. This
indiscriminate deforestation has disturbed the ecological balance. It has resulted in soil erosion. It has
affected the climate of the different areas. It has also caused floods in many areas. Cutting of along
Shiwaliks has resulted in soil erosion.
Q#6 Distinguish between refforestation and afforestation.
Ans. Distinction between refforestation and afforestation:

Refforestation Afforestation
1. It is practised in the area where
forests have been destroyed.
2. Two saplings are planted to
replace every felled tree.
3. It is practiced to avoid the evils of
Jhumming.
I. The new forests are planted in new areas.

2. One sapling is planted to get one tree.

3. It is practised to bring more area under
forest.
Q#7 Describe the main aims of National Forest Policy.
Ans. National Forest Policy was introduced in 1998 for conservation and development of forests in India. Its
main aims are:
i. Maintain Ecological Balance.
ii. Preservation of environment.
iii. Conservation of natural heritage.
iv. Check soil erosion.
v. Check advance of deserts
vi. Afforestation and socia forestry.
vii. Awareness among people.
Q#8 Write advantages of these bio-reserves.
Ans. Advantages of Bio- reserves are: -
i. Nilgiri Bio-reserve at the tri-junction of Kamataka, Kerala. Tamil Nadu.
ii. Nanda Devi Bio-reserves in Uttaranchal
Advantages of Bio-reserves: -
a. These bio-reserves conserve wildlife, fauna and flora in this area.
b. They help us to preserve the rare species of animals.
c. These areas preserve the natural beauty.
Q#9 Why does India possess a great variety of flora?
Or
A great variety of flora is found In India. Explain factors for it. .
Ans. Vegetation has a close relation with environment. India has varied relief, land forms, terrain, soil and
climatic conditions (temperature and rainfall). The result is that a great variety of flora is found in India.
India possesses about 5000 different species of plants out of a total of 49,000 species found in the world. In
the Himalayan region, the vegetation varies according to attitude ranging from tropical forests to Alpine
grasslands. The country is rich in flowering plants according to duration of growing season. India is rich in
non-flowering plants like ferns, algae and fungi. Natural vegetation varies according to the amount of
summer rainfall ranging from tropical rain forest, monsoon forests and dry forests. The natural vegetation
varies as forests, grasslands and scrubs as the rainfall decreases. Thus, India has a diverse flora.

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Q#10 Why is thorny type of vegetation found in Rajasthan? Give two reasons.
Or
Why are thorny forests found in south-western part of India? Give reasons.
Ans. Rajasthan is a desert because it receives less than 75cm annual rainfall. Dry forest like kikar, babul and
khair are found here. These are the typical trees of a desert. Generally khair, bushes and scrubs are found.
i. Rajasthan is an arid area getting less than 75 cm of annaul rainfall. This rainfall does not support
dense forests.
ii. It is a hot .region. So the loss of moisture is great due to evapo transpiration. Trees have needle
shaped thorns which prevent loss of moisture.
Q#11 What do you meant by water resources? What is their importance?
Or
Write a note on water as the severe of life.
Ans. Water is an in exhaustible resource, and everlasting resource. It is an important resource like land. It is
used for generation of hydroelectric power. It is the cyclic resource which can be used and reused. It is
used for irrigation. It helps to expand the cultivated area and increase the productivity of land. It also used
for industrial and domestic purpose.
Q#12 How are forests important for humans?
Ans. i. Forests play a major role in enhancing the quality of environment.
ii. Forests modify local climate, control soil erosion, regulate stream flow, support a variety of
industries, provide livelihood for many communities, and offer opportunities for reaction.
iii. Forests reduce wind force and influence air temperature.
iv. Forests add to forests floor large quantities of leaves, twigs and branches, which after
decomposition form humus.
v. Forests provide industrial wood, timber, fuel, wood, fodder.
vi. Forests provide natural environment for wildlife.

Q#13 What are the different types of forests from administrative point of view?
Ans. For the purpose of administration forests are classified in the following types:
1. Reserved forests: - The forests which are permanently kept reserved either to the production of timber
or other forest products and in which right of grazing and cultivation is seldom allowed are called reserved
forests.
2. Protected forests: - The forests in which right of grazing and cultivation is allowed subject to certain
minor restrictions are called protected forests.
3. Unclassed forests: - The forests which are either inaccessible or consist of largely unoccupied wastes
are called unclassed forests.
Q#14 Name five major divisions of natural vegetation found in India.
Ans. The five major divisions of natural vegetation are:
i. Tropical Evergreen Forests.
ii. Tropical Deciduous Forests.
iii. Thorny Forests.
iv. Tidal Forests.
v. Mountain or Alpine Forests
Q#15 What is a National Park?
Ans. National parks are the reserved forests where natural vegetation, natural beauty and wild life are preserved
in the natural environment.
A national park is relatively large area where one or several ecosystems exist and where animal and plant
species and natural habitats of animals are preserved for education and recreational purposes.
Q#16 What is soil? What are the different kinds of soils?
Ans. The word 'soil' is derived from a Latin word "solum" which means floor or ground. Generally speaking
soil is the loose surface of the earth consisting of clay, sand, stones, minerals, humus etc. This is that layer
of the earth where all kinds of vegetation grow.
It is due to weathering and other erosional agents that even big rocks are broken into pieces' and soil is
formed.
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Q#17 What is a river valley project? What are uses of a river valley project?
Ans. The projects which are constructed on the river valleys for multi purposes functions are called river valley
projects. These projects are meant to tackle various problems associated with river valleys. The various
functions of the river valley projects are as following:
a. They control floods.
b. They check soil erosion.
c. They provide us water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
d. They help us in generating electricity for our industries, villages, cities and towns.
e. They provide us inland navigational facilities.
f. They help us in the preservation of wild life and development of fisheries.
g. They provide us recreational facilities.
Q#18 How much of the total India land is under irrigation?
Ans. The total India land under irrigation is about 85 million hectares.
Q#19 What percentage of net sown area is under irrigation?
Ans. It is about 38% of the net sown area which is under irrigation.
Q#20 Name the states which have got more than 40% of the net sown area under irrigation.
Ans. Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu and Manipur have more than 40%
of their net sown area under irrigation.
Q#21 Name the areas of the country which are intensely irrigated by the different sources of irrigation.
Ans. The deltas of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri, the coastal area of Andhra Predesh, Orrisa and
Tamil Nadu, and the states of Punjab, Haryana and Western Bihar are intensely irrigated areas of the
country.
Q#22 What are the three major sources of irrigation in India?
Ans. The three major sources of irrigation in India are wells and tube wells, canals and tanks.
i. Wells and tube wells: - Wells and tube wells are the main source of irrigation in India. These wells are
quite common in the states of Punjab, Haryana, U.P., Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharastra. It is because of
the soft soil and plenty of rain found in these areas.(57%)
ii. Canals: - Canals are the second important method of irrigation in India. Canals are quite common in the
states of Punjab, Haryana, U.P., Andra Predesh and Tamil Nadu.(35%)
iii. Tanks: - Tanks are commonly used in the eastern and southern states of India. Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the three main states where tank irrigation is very common because of
scarcity of water.(8%)
Q#23 What are the different techniques we can use to increase the recharge of groundwater?
Ans. The techniques available to us to increase the recharge of groundwater include: -
a. The construction of dug wells, percolation pits and trenches around our fields.
b. The construction of check dams on river streams.
c. Roof water can be also collected and stored in tanks and trenches dug below the ground.
Q#24 What points should we keep in mind for efficient management of water?
Ans. We should keep the following points in mind for efficient management of water resources:
a. Creating awareness among the common people and involve them in all such activities which are
concerned with water conservation and proper management of water resources.
b. Educating the people that they never use the treated water for watering their gardens, washing vehicles
and toilets and wash basins.
c. Preventing of pollution of water bodies.
d. Registering of all water extraction points like wells, tube wells and bore wells.
e. Checking of wells, tube wells and bore wells in order to stop the drying up of underground aquifers.
f. Immediate repairing of the water supply pipelines wherever needed in order to prevent the wastage and
pollution of water.
Q#25 What is a bio-reserve?
Ans. A bio-reserve is a multipurpose protected area to preserve the genetic diversity in the representative
ecosystem. It is one of the main steps towards conservation and protection of our great biological
diversity.


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Q#26 What is a wild life sanctuary?
Ans. A wild life sanctuary is a reserved area which is dedicated to protect wildlife and conserve species. The
wildlife sanctuaries in our state area at Overa (Phalgam), Ramnagar (Jammu), Nandi (Jammu) and Surin
Sar (Jammu).
Q#27 Write short note on conservation of wild life:
Ans. Wild animals are an important link in our food chain and help in maintaining the ecological balance
Disappearance of wildlife is symptomatic of the global ecological destabilisation and large scale resource
depletion.
The national wildlife action plan adopted in 1983, provides the strategy as well as programme for the
conservation of wildlife. There are about 89 national parks, 490 sanctuaries and 13 biosphere reserves in
the country.
Q#28 What is deference between forest area and forest cover?
Ans. Forest area includes large area without forest cover. The total forest area in lndia is 76. 5 million hactarcs
that is about 23.3 percent of the total geographical area.
Forest cover includes areas actually covered with forests. The total forest. cover in India is 63.7 million
hactares accounting to 19. 4 percent of the total geographical area.
The term forest area is used to denote the total area labelled for forest. This includes areas without
forest cover.On the other hand, the term forest cover denotes the area which at present have forests.
Q#29 Give a brief account of distribution of rainfall in India?
Ans. The average annual rainfall in India as a whole is estimated at 117 cm in a year. It is less than 20 cm in the
part of the Thar desert more than 200cm in eastern India and western coastal tracts of the peninsular
plateau and between 50 and 200 cm in the rest of India.
Q#30 Give the difference between surface water and ground water resource?
Ans. The amount of water available on the land that is in rivers, ponds, lakes, streams, tanks and reservoirs,
constitute the surface water resource. The river is the main source of surface water. The mean annual flow
of the Indian rivers is estimated to be about 1869 billion cubic metres, out of which 600 billion cubic
meters or 36.92 percent can be utilised. The variation in availability is due to variation in precipitation.
Ground water resource: - Rainwater which seeps through the permeable rocks and soil and is stored in
the layers of the rocks is called ground water resource. It can be used only when taken out through wells
and tube wells or when reappears on the ground as springs or geysers.
Replenishable ground water potential in India is about 434 billion cubic meters but so far, we have been
able to utilise only 37% of the available ground water resource. The variation in the ability depends upon
the type of soil and vegetation.
Q#31 Where do we find wild sheep, mountain goat lesser panda and snow leopard in India?
Ans. We find them in Himalaya ranges.
Q#32 How many wet lands are in India?
Ans. There are 20 wet lands in India.
Q#33 What is a coral reef?
Ans. Coral reefs are those areas which have been identified for intensive conservation and management purpose.
Coral reefs are characterised by the high biomass production and rich floral and faunal diversity. Four coral
reefs have been already identified for the conservation and management purposes of rich floral and faunal
diversity.
Q#34 What is meant by Hydrology?
Ans. Hydrology is the scientific study of the distribution and properties of water within the atmosphere and at
the earth's surface, including precipitation, evaporation, evapotranspiration, runoff, soil moisture and
groundwater and the mass balance of glaciers and snow peaks.
Q#35 What are the objectives of rainwater harvesting.
Ans. 1. To meet the increasing demand for water.
2. To reduce runoff
3. To prevent flooding of roads.
4. To reduce groundwater pollution.
5. To improve the quality of ground water.
6. To supplement domestic water requirement during summer and long dry spells.
7. To save energy.
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Q#36 Name National parks of the state of J&K
Ans. The National parks of the state of J & K are:
1. Dachigam National Park (Srinagar).
2. Hemis High Altitude Park (Lch).
3. High Altitude National Park (Kishtawar)
Q#37 Where in our state are wildlife sanctuaries located?
Ans. The wildlife sanctuaries in our state are located at Overa (Phalgam), Ramnagar (Jammu), Nandni (Jammu)
Surin Sai, Mansar (Jammu).
Q#38 What arc the major sources of irrigation in India? Name the regions where they are used?
Ans. Canals, tanks, wells and tube-wells are the major sources of irrigation practised in India.
a. Canal irrigation is practised in northern India and the deltas on the eastern coastal plains.
b. Tanks are common mainly in South India, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Orissa.
c. Wells and tube-wells are used in U.P, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana.
Q#39 Name important Multi-purpose projects of India and the rivers on which they are located. Also
name the states which are benefited by the projects.
Ans. The important river valley projects and the rivers on which they are located along with the states which are
benefited by these projects are as under:
1. Damodar valley project on the river Damodar. The major beneficiaries of this project are Jharkhand
and West Bangal.
2. Bhakra Nangal Project on the river Satluj benefits Punjab. Haryana, Rajasthan and Orissa
3. Hirakud on the river Mahanadi benefits Orissa.
4. Indira Gandhi canal (Rajasthan canal) the longest Canal of the world on the river Beas and the Satluj
benefits Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Q#40 What measures have been taken to conserve and protect wild life.
Ans Following measures have been taken to conserve and protect wild life:
(1) Afforestation programmes have been started to protect and conserve habitat of wild animals.
(2) Hunting of wild animals and birds has been banned.
(3) Poachers and hunters are penalized.
(4) The number of forest guards is being increased.
(5) Sale and production of products made from wild animals has been banned.
(6) Numerous campaigns like Project Tiger Project Rhinoceros have been launched to conserve
endangered animals.
(7) Numerous national parks (89), wildlife sanctuaries (490) and Bioreserves (13) have been set up for the
conservation of wild life.
(8) In 1972 the wild life protection act was implemented for the purpose of protecting natural habitats of
the wild animals.