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Read the given text and answer the following questions: Punjab, known as the “Granary of India”, has witnessed rapid groundwater depletion over the past three decades. The expansion of tube – well irrigation during the Green Revolution led to a significant increase in the area under paddy cultivation, a water – intensive crop. Continuous withdrawal of groundwater has caused the water table to drop by more than 1 metre annually in several districts. This decline threatens long – term agricultural productivity, increases pumping costs and can lead to deterioration of water quality due to the intrusion of deeper saline water layers. Experts warn that if current extraction rates continue, Punjab could face acute water scarcity, impacting food security and livelihoods. (i) Why is paddy cultivation in Punjab considered unsustainable from a water resource management perspective? (ii) Explain how the overuse of groundwater in Punjab could affect both the economy and the environment of the state. (iii) Suggest one cropping pattern change that could help conserve water in Punjab.
(i) Paddy cultivation in Punjab is unsustainable because it consumes excessive groundwater through tube-well irrigation. Continuous extraction has caused the water table to decline by more than a metre annually, depleting natural reserves. Such overuse threatens future water availability and weakensRead more
(i) Paddy cultivation in Punjab is unsustainable because it consumes excessive groundwater through tube-well irrigation. Continuous extraction has caused the water table to decline by more than a metre annually, depleting natural reserves. Such overuse threatens future water availability and weakens the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
(ii) Overuse of groundwater in Punjab has severe economic and environmental consequences. As water levels drop, farmers must dig deeper wells and spend more on electricity and diesel to pump water, raising agricultural costs and reducing profit margins. Environmentally, excessive extraction leads to soil degradation, declining fertility and intrusion of saline water into aquifers, contaminating freshwater sources. These factors threaten agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods and food security. Overexploitation of groundwater also weakens Punjab’s ecological balance, leading to long-term environmental stress and reduced sustainability of its agrarian economy.
(iii) Punjab can conserve water by shifting from water-intensive paddy to less water-demanding crops like maize, pulses or oilseeds. Maize uses much less water and provides stable returns. Promoting crop diversification, drip irrigation and government incentives for non-paddy crops can reduce groundwater depletion, improve soil health and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability, helping the state overcome its growing water crisis effectively.
See lessSuggest any two measures to promote secularism as mentioned in Indian Constitution.
Freedom of Religion (Article 25): Every citizen has the right to profess, practice and propagate any religion freely. Non-Discrimination (Article 15): The State cannot discriminate against any citizen on religious grounds. No State Religion: The government cannot promote or favor any religion. EqualRead more
- Freedom of Religion (Article 25): Every citizen has the right to profess, practice and propagate any religion freely.
- Non-Discrimination (Article 15): The State cannot discriminate against any citizen on religious grounds.
- No State Religion: The government cannot promote or favor any religion.
- Equal Respect: All religions are given equal importance in law and governance.
See lessMention the problem of casteism in Indian politics. Explain with examples.
Caste-Based Politics: Parties often distribute tickets and seek votes on caste lines. Social Division: Caste favoritism causes divisions and weakens democracy. Example: Many elections see caste-based voting patterns, especially in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Result: Focus shifts from develoRead more
Caste-Based Politics: Parties often distribute tickets and seek votes on caste lines.
Social Division: Caste favoritism causes divisions and weakens democracy.
Example: Many elections see caste-based voting patterns, especially in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Result: Focus shifts from development to caste interests, reducing efficiency and promoting inequality.
See less“Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual”. Justify this statement.
Democracy stands superior to other forms of government because it ensures people’s participation, equality, freedom and accountability. It represents the will of the people and protects their fundamental rights. Freedom of Expression: Citizens can freely express opinions and criticize government actRead more
Democracy stands superior to other forms of government because it ensures people’s participation, equality, freedom and accountability. It represents the will of the people and protects their fundamental rights.
Freedom of Expression: Citizens can freely express opinions and criticize government actions.
Equality and Respect: Every person is treated equally regardless of caste, religion or gender.
Right to Choose: People elect their representatives and can change them through elections.
Protection of Rights: Fundamental rights safeguard individual liberty and dignity, making democracy a superior system.
See less‘Political parties are indispensable for a functioning democracy’. Analyse the statement.
Representation of People: Political parties link citizens to the government. They voice public demands and work to convert people’s needs into government policies and laws. Organization of Elections: Parties nominate candidates, conduct campaigns and help voters choose among different policies and pRead more
Representation of People:
Political parties link citizens to the government. They voice public demands and work to convert people’s needs into government policies and laws.
Organization of Elections:
Parties nominate candidates, conduct campaigns and help voters choose among different policies and programs. This makes elections organized and meaningful.
Formation and Operation of Government:
The party or coalition that wins the majority forms the government, ensuring smooth administration and policy implementation.
Constructive Opposition:
Opposition parties keep a check on the ruling government by questioning its actions and exposing misuse of power, thus maintaining accountability.
Political Education and Awareness:
See lessParties help citizens understand political issues, democratic rights and government functions. This strengthens people’s participation and sustains democracy.