Question

Explain the role of rivers and lakes in the economy?

Answer 1

The rivers contain natural fresh (sweet) water which is required for the survival of most of the animals including man.

* They provide water for irrigation and cultivation.

* They make soil rich and arable which can be easily brought under cultivation without much labour.

* Used for navigation and transport thus, important for commercial activities.

* Estuaries near the sea-shores, where the sweet water mixes freely with the salty water of the oceans, have proved one of the most biologically productive areas of the world.

* The rivers are being harnessed for generating hydro-electric power.

* Some lakes are also important tourist spots e.g. Dal Lake, Nainital etc.

"hope it helps"