Chapter 2


1. What is described as the "elixir of life" in the first passage?

Answer: The "elixir of life" is the commonest water, which is the true life-giving force.

2. How does the Nile River contribute to the fertility of the surrounding land?

Answer: The Nile River carries silt from distant regions, which is deposited in the valley, making the soil fertile and sustaining agriculture.

3. What makes water the "most potent and wonderful thing" according to the text?

Answer: Water is described as the most potent and wonderful thing because of its critical role in shaping the Earth's history and supporting life on the planet.

4. How does water add to the beauty of the countryside?

Answer: Water, such as a small stream or pond, enhances the beauty of the countryside by reflecting the changing mood of the environment, like being bright in sunshine or dark in overcast weather.

5. What role do rain-fed tanks play in South Indian agriculture?

Answer: Rain-fed tanks are essential for storing water for irrigation and agricultural activities in South India, especially during dry periods.

6. How do water bodies reflect the mood of the environment, as described in the fifth passage?

Answer: Water in the landscape reflects the mood of the hour—bright and cheerful when the sun shines, and dark and gloomy when the sky is overcast.

7. What is the characteristic color of water in rain-fed tanks, and why does it have this color?

Answer: The water in rain-fed tanks has a silt-laden, muddy color. This is because the silt carried by the water reflects light and prevents the bottom from being visible.

8. How does water carry silt and soil in suspension?

Answer: Water has the ability to carry finely-divided soil and silt in suspension, allowing particles to remain floating despite their greater density.

9. What are some of the consequences of unchecked soil erosion?

Answer: Unchecked soil erosion can lead to the formation of deep gullies and ravines, which make agriculture impossible and cause significant loss of fertile soil.

10. What factors contribute to the process of soil erosion?

Answer: The factors include heavy rainfall, land slopes, removal of vegetation, water flow in ruts, and lack of checks to the water flow.

11. How can water flow cause soil erosion to become worse?

Answer: Water flow can gather momentum along ruts or slopes, washing away large quantities of soil if there are no barriers to slow or stop the flow.

12. What is the primary threat that soil erosion presents to agriculture?

Answer: Soil erosion threatens agriculture by washing away the fertile topsoil, which is essential for crop growth.

13. What measures can be taken to prevent soil erosion?

Answer: Measures include terracing the land, constructing bunds (dams) to control water flow, practicing contour cultivation, and planting appropriate vegetation.

14. How does water play a role in the survival of plants and animals?

Answer: Water is essential for all physiological activities in animals and plants, providing moisture for plant growth and hydration for animals.

15. Why is the preservation and utilization of water essential for human welfare?

Answer: Water is crucial for agriculture, drinking, sanitation, and all other basic human needs, thus preserving and utilizing it is vital for sustaining human life.

16. What is the connection between soil erosion and rainfall?

Answer: Irregular or inadequate rainfall contributes to soil erosion, as it may lead to excessive runoff, causing soil to wash away.

17. How can techniques to prevent soil erosion help conserve water?

Answer: Techniques like terracing and planting vegetation can slow water flow, preventing runoff and helping to keep water in the soil where it is needed.

18. What happens to rainwater in regions with seasonal rainfall?

Answer: In regions with seasonal rainfall, much of the rainwater runs off the land, often flowing into rivers and eventually reaching the sea, leading to the loss of valuable water.

19. How can the collection and utilization of rainwater be important for the country?

Answer: Collecting and utilizing rainwater can prevent its loss, help manage water resources more effectively, and support agriculture and daily human activities.

20. What is the significance of harnessing rivers for water management in India?

Answer: Harnessing rivers can prevent water from being wasted, and it can provide water for irrigation, drinking, and energy production.

21. How can vast areas of scrub jungle be turned into fertile land?

Answer: By undertaking courageous and well-planned actions such as water conservation, afforestation, and soil management, scrub jungles can be transformed into productive agricultural land.

22. What is the role of afforestation in water conservation?

Answer: Afforestation helps prevent soil erosion, conserves water, and enhances the land's fertility by increasing moisture retention in the soil.

23. How would systematic planting of trees help in conserving water?

Answer: Planting trees helps in reducing runoff, improves water absorption into the soil, and prevents soil erosion, which ultimately conserves water.

24. How can water conservation measures help with internal transport and energy production?

Answer: Water conservation can lead to the development of waterways for transport, and hydroelectric power can be generated from harnessing water, thus supporting rural economies and providing energy.

25. Why is the study of the properties of water scientifically important?

Answer: The study of water’s properties is essential for understanding its role in life, its impact on the environment, and how it can be better managed for human benefit.