Question

What are the various factors contributing to the depletion of the water table?

Answer 1

The major factors contributing to the depletion of the water table are:

1. Increasing population: With a growing demand for houses, shops, roads etc, the numbers of the constructions works also have gone up. This results in the depletion of water table as usage of underground water is more when compared to the seepage.
2. Increasing Industries: Industries also use water at almost all levels of production putting a heavy load on fresh water ecosystems.
3. Agricultural activities: As India is an agricultural country, a huge portion of water is used in this sector for irrigation purposes. Plenty of ground water is used due to unpredictable monsoons. This cause depletion of the water table.
4. Deforestation: Deforestation also causes the water table to get depleted as ground water does not get recharged when the trees which have the potential to retain water are decreased in number.