NCERT Class 5 The World Around Us / EVS • Classic CBSE Track

Chapter 18: No Place for Us?

Dam Construction Displacement, Jatrya Bhai's Story, Village Harmony vs Urban Slum Struggles | CBSE Session 2026–27

Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
  • Jatrya Bhai lived happily in Khedi village surrounded by lush green forests and the river, where community members shared farm work, songs, and food.
  • A large river dam was constructed, submerging Khedi village and forcing residents to leave their ancestral land.
  • Relocation struggles in Sinduri village: infertile rocky land, costly medical care, lack of schooling, and mockery from local residents.
  • Life in Mumbai slums: cramped, expensive tin-roof rooms, dirty gutters, daily wage exploitation, and loneliness.

All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (22 Questions)

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Q1 Textbook Exercise
Describe the harmonious community life of Khedi village before the dam was built. How did villagers support one another?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
In Khedi village, people lived in peaceful harmony with nature:
  • Children learned together to dance, sing, play flute, make clay pots, and recognize birds and medicinal forest herbs.
  • Villagers worked together as one big family: during harvests or weddings, everyone pitched in, and elders resolved disputes lovingly without police or courts.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Learning from nature and forest knowledge 1.5 Marks
Community solidarity and mutual assistance in farming and festivals 1.5 Marks
Q2 Textbook Exercise
What are the advantages and disadvantages of constructing large river dams for development?
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Advantages of Dams:
  1. Generates clean, renewable hydroelectric power.
  2. Provides irrigation canals to supply water to drought-prone farms.
  3. Helps control seasonal river flooding and supplies drinking water to distant cities.
Disadvantages & Human Costs:
  1. Massive submergence of fertile agricultural lands and ancient forest ecosystems.
  2. Forced displacement of indigenous villagers who lose their homes, livelihood, and community identity without fair compensation.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Listing 2-3 key benefits (hydroelectricity, irrigation, flood control) 2 Marks
Listing 2 severe drawbacks (displacement, environmental destruction) 2 Marks
Q3 Textbook Exercise
Describe the traumatic emotional and physical impact of forced displacement on tribal communities when dams or factories are built.
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Forced displacement shatters the entire social, economic, and cultural fabric of tribal families:
  • Loss of Ancestral Heritage: Villagers leave behind sacred riverbanks, cremation grounds of ancestors, and ancient forests where their families lived for generations.
  • Economic Ruin: Independent farmers become landless casual day-labourers in cities, struggling to pay for water, electricity, food, and rent.
  • Cultural Alienation: Folk songs, herbal medicinal knowledge, and community solidarity disappear in crowded urban slums where neighbours do not know or trust each other.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Severance from ancestral land and sacred natural sites 1.5 Marks
Economic descent into landless wage exploitation in slums 1.5 Marks
Loss of indigenous culture, songs, and communal trust 1 Mark
Q4 Textbook Exercise
What fundamental facilities should the government ensure are fully established before relocating displaced families?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Before any relocation takes place, the government must provide:
  1. Fertile, irrigable agricultural land equal in productivity to what was submerged.
  2. Permanent pucca houses equipped with free potable water taps, electricity connections, and sanitation drainage.
  3. Proper government schools, primary health clinics, and accessible all-weather roads.
  4. Guaranteed rehabilitation employment or livelihood training for youth.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Fertile agricultural land and permanent pucca housing 1.5 Marks
Schools, healthcare, sanitation, and livelihood rehabilitation 1.5 Marks
Q5 Textbook Exercise
Compare the environmental sounds and air quality of Khedi village with the urban slums of Mumbai.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
  • Khedi Village: Clean, fresh mountain air smelling of wet earth and pine trees. Sounds of rushing river water, leaves rustling in the breeze, birds singing melodiously, and children laughing.
  • Mumbai Slums: Air polluted with vehicular exhaust smoke, foul stench from open drains, burning plastic, and deafening traffic horns, train whistles, and factory sirens.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Sensory description of Khedi's pure air and natural sounds 1.5 Marks
Sensory description of urban slum pollution, stench, and noise 1.5 Marks
Q6 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 1] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q7 Find Out and Write • Observational Field Study • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 2] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q8 Scientific Investigation • Ecosystem Relationships • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 3] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q9 Traditional Wisdom & Community Stewardship • Conservation • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 4] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q10 Survey & Data Collection • Experiential Inquiry • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 5] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q11 Health, Diet & Human Biology • Nutritional Science • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 6] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q12 Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience • Geography • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 7] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q13 Biodiversity & Habitat Adaptations • Wildlife Protection • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 8] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q14 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 9] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q15 Find Out and Write • Observational Field Study • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 10] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q16 Scientific Investigation • Ecosystem Relationships • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 11] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q17 Traditional Wisdom & Community Stewardship • Conservation • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 12] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q18 Survey & Data Collection • Experiential Inquiry • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 13] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q19 Health, Diet & Human Biology • Nutritional Science • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 14] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q20 Disaster Preparedness & Climate Resilience • Geography • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 15] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q21 Biodiversity & Habitat Adaptations • Wildlife Protection • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 16] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
Q22 Think and Discuss • Environmental Science & Ecology • No Place for Us?
[Textbook Activity & Question 17] In 'No Place for Us?', describe how students can conduct an empirical investigation or discussion on this topic and explain the scientific principles involved.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Scientific Model Answer & Environmental Analysis:
1. Field Inquiry / Observation: In No Place for Us?, students examine real-world ecological relationships, habitat dependencies, and sustainable environmental practices.
2. Scientific Core Principles: Applying primary scientific methods—such as formulating a hypothesis, measuring field parameters, and recording observations in a nature journal—reveals direct linkages between human communities and natural cycles.
3. Stewardship Conclusion: Understanding these concepts cultivates empathy for living organisms and empowers students to implement eco-friendly conservation measures in daily life.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Observation methodology & identification of ecological concepts 1.0 M
Scientific explanation of natural cause-and-effect processes 1.0 M
Actionable conservation recommendations stated clearly 1.0 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study

Tehri Dam Construction & The Displacement of Khedi Village

Jatrya Bhai's peaceful riverbank village of Khedi was submerged under a massive reservoir created by a hydroelectric dam. Although promised agricultural land and modern schools in Sinduri, the displaced villagers received barren stony plots, expensive electricity bills, and hostility in Mumbai.

Analytical Task: Analyze the ethical, social, and economic consequences of large development projects like dams on indigenous rural populations.
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Consequences of Forced Displacement: 1. Loss of Culture and Identity: Villages like Khedi lived in harmony with rivers and forests for centuries. Uprooting them destroys traditional songs, folk knowledge, and community solidarity. 2. Flawed Rehabilitation Promises: Displaced families are often allotted unfertile rocky land without functioning schools, hospitals, or irrigation, sinking them into immediate poverty. 3. Urban Alienation and Poverty: When forced to migrate to mega-cities like Mumbai, skilled rural farmers become landless labourers living in cramped, unhygienic slums, struggling to afford basic drinking water and electricity. Policy Imperative: Development projects must obtain informed consent, provide genuine fertile land compensation, and ensure displaced communities receive direct shares in generated electricity and profits.
Rubric: 2 Marks for loss of community culture + 2 Marks for rehabilitation failures + 1 Mark for equitable policy recommendation = 5 Marks