Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Rooftop rainwater harvesting collects rainwater from sloping rooftops through pipes into underground storage tanks (tankas), making it available during dry summers when other sources fail. It is a low-cost, decentralised solution that reduces dependence on erratic rainfall and distant water sources.

Example — Gendathur village, Mysuru, Karnataka: Nearly 200 households installed rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. With an annual precipitation of 1,000 mm and 80% collection efficiency, each house collects about 50,000 litres annually, and collectively the village harvests 1,00,000 litres per year, earning the distinction of being "rich in rainwater."

Source: Water Resources, Chapter 3, Rainwater Harvesting section

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• The question is 3 marks, so aim for ~60–80 words with a clearly named Indian example.
• Examiners expect: (1) how the system works, (2) its benefit for water availability, and (3) a specific named example with data (Gendathur figures are given in the textbook and impress examiners).
• Rajasthan's tanka system is equally valid as an example; Gendathur is preferred here as it directly shows rural transformation.
• Do not confuse Gendathur (Karnataka) with Shillong (Meghalaya) — both are in the chapter but serve different points.