Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Post-independence industrialisation and urbanisation have severely stressed freshwater resources in the following ways:

1. Industries as heavy water users: The ever-increasing number of industries exerts heavy pressure on existing freshwater resources.

1. Demand for hydroelectric power: Industries require large amounts of energy, much of which comes from hydroelectric power, further stressing water resources.

1. Urban population pressure: Multiplying urban centres with large, dense populations and high-consumption lifestyles have greatly increased water and energy requirements.

1. Groundwater depletion: Most urban housing societies use their own groundwater pumping devices, leading to over-exploitation and depletion of fragile groundwater resources in cities.

Thus, industrialisation and urbanisation have together aggravated water scarcity through overuse and depletion.

Source: Water Resources, Chapter 3 — Water Scarcity and the Need for Water Conservation and Management

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• The examiner expects four clear impact points for 3 marks — one point per mark, with a brief concluding line.
• Use textbook language closely: phrases like "exerting pressure on existing freshwater resources" and "fragile water resources are being overexploited" show you have read the chapter.
• Do not write about agriculture or rainfall variation here — the question is specifically about industrialisation and urbanisation.
• Keep each point crisp; no need for lengthy elaboration.