Question

Give two reasons where tank irrigation is commonly practised in India.

Answer 1

The tank irrigation is practised mainly in the peninsular India due to the following reasons.

1. The undulating relief and hard rocks make it difficult to dig canals and wells.
2. Because of the hard rock structure and the limited amount of groundwater available, there is little percolation of rainwater.
3. The majority of the rivers in this area are seasonal, drying up during the summer. They are therefore unable to provide canals with water all year round.
4. The rainy season causes some streams to become torrential. Impounding this water by erecting tanks and bunds is the sole practical use for it. If not, this water ends up in the ocean.
5. The scattered nature of population and agricultural fields also favours tank irrigation.