Question

Two statements are given below. They are Assertion and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option:
Assertion : “The agriculturally rich states of Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh are facing the crisis of groundwater depletion.”
Reason (R): “More groundwater is utilized for irrigation than water-table recharge.”

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct reason for (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct reason for (A).
• C. (A) is not correct, but (R) is correct.
• D. (A) is correct, but (R) is not correct.

Hint:

Study the relationship between agriculture and water resources, focusing on the sustainability of water usage and groundwater management.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Excessive irrigation for agriculture in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh has led to groundwater depletion. This is caused by over-extraction for irrigation exceeding the natural recharge rate of the water table.