Question

Name three problems created by over watering in India. Give specific examples of regions where these problems have been observed.

Answer 1

1. Waterlogging: Excessive irrigation causes the water table to rise, saturating the root zone and reducing soil aeration.
   • Example: Regions of Punjab and Haryana have experienced extensive waterlogging due to overuse of canal and tube-well irrigation.
2. Soil Salinity and Alkalinity: Overwatering without proper drainage leads to the accumulation of salts on the soil surface, degrading its fertility.
   • Example: Parts of western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have reported increased soil salinity, adversely affecting agricultural productivity.
3. Wastage of Water Resources: Unchecked irrigation leads to water wastage, reducing groundwater reserves and stressing surface water bodies.
   • Example: In parts of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, excessive use of water for paddy and sugarcane cultivation has caused a decline in groundwater levels.