1. 1. Water makes the difference between a barren desert and a fertile valley teeming with life and vegetation. 2. Water plays an important role in shaping the history of the earth. 3. Water bodies add to the beauty of the scenery. 4. Water has power to cany silt which is very necessary for agriculture. 5. Water creates this silt by flowing over the rocks of the earth’s crust. 6. Water is the basis of all life, animals, plants or human beings.

Paragraph:

C.V. Raman shows that water is the elixir of life. He gives us the example of the Libyan desert where there is no vegetation and not a single living thing visible. On the other hand, in the immediate neighbourhood the Nile Valley is teeming with vegetation, and people. The water of the Nile Valley has made all the difference. He says that water is a wonderful thing and it has shaped the history and the civilization of our earth. He also adds that the presence of water makes the countryside beautiful and it has enabled agriculture to thrive. Water enriches soil and makes it fertile. If water is used judiciously, it can improve our economy by generating electricity as well and provide us with cheap means of internal transport. He tells us that water is fundamental for human welfare.

2. 1. Heavy rain 

2. Slope of land, removal of vegetation, ruts which enable water to flow faster and absence of my barriers to check flow of water. 

3. preventive action would be terracing of land, consu action ui aunds to check flow, contour cultivation, planting of vegetation. 

Paragraph :

C.V. Raman tells that soil erosion is a major problem in India. Soil erosion happens due to several reasons: Firstly, a sudden downpour of heavy rain can result in excess water carxying top soil into the sea. Secondly, the slope of the land and the removal of the natural protective coat of vegetation, and the existence of ruts along which water can flow rapidly can giv. se to erosion. Thirdly, the lack of bunds to prevent water from flowing forcefully can lead to erosion of soil.

3. 1. Rain-fed tanks common in South India. 

2. Beautiful when full.

3. Shallow but bottom does not show up.

4. Play a vital role in agriculture.

5. Are surprisingly large in size. Paragraph : C. V. Raman tells us that rain-fed tanks are common in South India and they are beautiful when they are full. But they are not well maintained. These tanks are shallow. The water in these tanks is full of silt. These tanks play an important role in South Indian agriculture. Some of them are large and look beautiful when the sun rises or sets over them.