The over-use of groundwater resources in some states of India has led to which of the following:
(A) the integrated development of rain-fed areas
(B) decline in groundwater table
(C) increased fluoride concentration
(D) an increase in the concentration of arsenic.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (B), (C) and (D) only
In Punjab and Haryana, most irrigated land is watered by wells and tubewells. Taking out too much groundwater harms both its quantity and its quality.
(A) the integrated development of rain-fed areas — Incorrect. This is an aim of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. It is a plan to use water better, not a result of over-use.
(B) decline in groundwater table — Correct. When water is pumped out faster than rain can refill it, the water table falls.
(C) increased fluoride concentration — Correct. Over withdrawal in states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra has raised the fluoride in groundwater.
(D) an increase in the concentration of arsenic. — Correct. The same practice has raised the arsenic in parts of West Bengal and Bihar.
NCERT (2026-27): “The over-use of groundwater resources has led to decline in groundwater table in these states. In fact, over withdrawals in some states, like Rajasthan and Maharashtra, has increased fluoride concentration in groundwater, and this practice has led to increase in concentration of arsenic in parts of West Bengal and Bihar.” |