NCERT MCQ Solutions for Class 5 EVS Looking Around Chapter 6 Every Drop Counts

The word “sar” is a traditional term for a lake or large water body in parts of India, reflecting the historical and cultural importance of such water sources.

Historically, rulers often commissioned large-scale public works like lakes with community participation. This ensured water security and showed the king’s commitment to his people.

Unplanned urbanization often destroys traditional water systems. New construction blocks the natural flow and catchment areas of lakes, leading to their decline and increasing water scarcity.

Historical accounts from travelers like Al-Biruni are invaluable sources. They provide insights into the sophisticated engineering and water management techniques of ancient and medieval societies.

Stepwells, or “baudis,” are a unique form of Indian architecture. Their descending steps allowed communities to access fluctuating groundwater levels throughout the year for their daily needs.

Traditional customs, like worshipping water sources, reinforce the cultural value placed on water. These practices promote a sense of collective responsibility and respect for this vital resource.

During severe droughts, communities often turn to traditional water sources. Reviving old stepwells is a sustainable solution to combat acute water shortages when modern systems fail.

A “johad” is a traditional community-managed rainwater harvesting structure, typically an earthen check dam. It helps capture rainwater and recharge groundwater in arid regions.

Unequal water distribution forces people to use unauthorized pumps on public pipelines. This illegal practice disrupts the supply for others, highlighting social conflicts arising from resource scarcity.

In many rural areas, groundwater depletion causes wells to run dry, especially in summer. This disproportionately affects women, who often bear the burden of fetching water.

Community-led water conservation efforts, often supported by NGOs, can be highly effective. Building local water bodies helps solve water scarcity and improves agricultural livelihoods.

Ancient engineers used advanced techniques for their time. Using iron rods to join large stone slabs demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of structural engineering for building durable structures.

The overuse of electric pumps for agriculture and domestic needs leads to rapid groundwater depletion. This unsustainable practice causes traditional wells and water sources to dry up.

Geography plays a key role in water issues. Alwar district in Rajasthan is an arid region where community-based rainwater harvesting has been successfully revived to combat desertification.

A “piau” is a traditional public water dispenser, often a charitable act. It reflects a cultural value of providing free drinking water to travelers and the public.

Public utilities like water boards are typically government-managed entities. The name “Dilli Sarkar” (Delhi Government) on a bill signifies that it is a state-run service.

Paving natural ground with concrete creates impermeable surfaces. This prevents rainwater from seeping into the soil, which stops groundwater recharge and increases surface runoff.

Traditional water systems often featured intelligent designs. Interconnected lakes allowed for efficient rainwater management, ensuring no water was wasted and storage was maximized during monsoons.

Deep borewells extract water from aquifers faster than it can be replenished. This unsustainable practice leads to the rapid depletion of groundwater, affecting the entire ecosystem.

The principle of water as a shared resource is central to conservation. It emphasizes that everyone has a right to water and a collective responsibility to use it wisely.