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Virat

Asked: November 10, 2025In: Class 10 Social Science

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.

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 ...