If one plots the tank irrigation in India and superimposes it with map

If one plots the tank irrigation in India and superimposes it with map of well irrigation, one may find that the two are negatively related. Which of the following statements explain the phenomenon?

1. Tank irrigation predates well irrigation.
2. Tank irrigation is in the areas with impervious surface layers.
3. Well irrigation requires sufficient groundwater reserves.
4. Other forms of irrigation are not available.

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1, 2 and 3

2 and 3 only

3 and 4

1 and 4

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2019

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Tank irrigation and well irrigation often show a negative spatial relationship in India. This is primarily due to the differing hydrogeological conditions required for each. Tank irrigation is historically prominent in the peninsular plateau region, characterized by hard crystalline rocks (impervious base layers) and undulating topography. These conditions favor surface storage (tanks) but limit groundwater recharge, making well irrigation difficult due to low water tables and poor aquifer connectivity (Point 2 – interpreted as underlying impervious layers). Conversely, well irrigation is dominant in the alluvial plains of North India and deltaic regions, where porous and permeable soils facilitate groundwater recharge and the presence of large aquifers allows for extensive well use (Point 3 – sufficient groundwater reserves). The areas with abundant groundwater for wells often lack suitable topography or have permeable soils less suited for tank construction and water retention. Thus, the conditions favoring one method are generally unfavourable for the other, leading to a negative spatial correlation.

– Tank irrigation is common in hard rock areas with low groundwater potential.
– Well irrigation requires significant and accessible groundwater reserves, typically found in alluvial or soft rock areas.
– The geological and hydrological conditions favouring one type of irrigation are often opposite to those favouring the other.

Statement 1 is true but does not explain the spatial relationship. Statement 4 is false; other irrigation methods like canals are widely used. The negative relationship is a consequence of adapting the irrigation method to the available water resources (surface vs. groundwater) dictated by geology and topography.

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