question_answer

  Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.                                                                     (12) A study conducted by the experts of the Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) here has predictedacute water shortage in the coming summer months, unless immediate remedial steps are initiated. The report, which is yet to be made public, claims that the water table in most parts of the metropolis is falling rapidly and in many places in South Delhi is almost bone-dry. The crumbling ofthe over half-a-century old supply infrastructure and the burgeoning population have compounded the problem. According to the report, Delhi "attracts more than 4 lakh people each year. Even as it accepts, with in its fold, all these new citizens, the city's infrastructure is on the verge of a breakdown". The study suggests that the ground water level is receding steadily, and at places, rather rapidly. Due tounbridled urbanization, the scarce rain water runs off without being tapped, which is a complete waste of resources. Delhi receives its water supply from surface flow and ground water. The availability from surface sources, that is, Yamuna, Ganga, and Bhakra is approximately 1150 MCM (million cubic metres) and of this 60% is available from Yamuna. Delhi gets an average rainfall of 600 mm per year, of which 80% is received in three months (July-September). More than half the rainwater runs off into the Yamuna. It is ironical that while the Yamuna is frequently in spate, during monsoon it reports 'zero flow' and that too in peak summer.The pressure on ground water is already beyond capacity and recent reports suggest that people are increasingly tapping this water resource. Even the DJB depends on groundwater. Though the courts have put curbs on new tubewells, those already installed are gnawing at the dwindling reserves. The latter operate without any restrictions, some even for 24 hours. Accordingto the study, the ground water table in the Delhi region, at varying depths 20 to 50 metres below ground level, is saline. In some areas nears the Yamuna, these saline aquifers occur at a depth ofabout 65 m. This effectively makes the water unfit for consumption within that level. Electrical conductivity is also reported to be high, making the groundwater further unfit for consumption. The status is similar with respect to fluoride levels in certain areas. Already, the average level of water table for blocks away from Yamuna is between 15 to 20 m. The water table has receded by 10 m in many areas. (a) Answer the following questions.                                                                                                                            (2 x 4 = 8) (i) What does the TERI survey report say? (ii) What is the reason of water crisis in Delhi? (iii) What are the sources of water supply in Delhi? (iv) What is the condition of groundwater according to the study? (b) Answer the following questions,                                                                                                                           (1 x 4 = 4) (i) What is the meaning of the word "unbridled" in the passage? (ii) Give the synonym of "crumbling". (iii) Give the opposite of "recent" in the passage. (iv) Pick a word from the passage that means 'border'.

Answer:

  (a) (i) The Tata Energy Research Institute has predicated acute water shortage in the summer. (ii) The water table in urban areas is decreasing with poor infrastructure and increased population leading to serious water crisis in Delhi. (iii) Delhi receives water supply from surface flow and groundwater. The surface sources include water supply from rivers especially Yamuna. (iv) According to the study, the groundwater below twenty to fifty metres from the ground is saline and unfitfor consumption. (b) (i) The word means uncontrollable. (ii) The synonym is breaking. (iii) The opposite is ancient. (iv) The word is "verge".