Question map
Which one among the following is not a reason for practising tank irrigation in the Peninsular India ?
Explanation
Tank irrigation is the most popular method in Peninsular India due to several geographical factors. The region's undulating relief and hard rock structure make it difficult to dig canals and wells [t1, t2]. Furthermore, the impervious rock structure prevents the percolation of rainwater, leading to limited groundwater availability [c2, t5]. The streams in this region are often seasonal and become torrential during the rainy season, necessitating storage in tanks for later use [c3, t7]. However, the statement that most Peninsular rivers are perennial is incorrect; unlike the Himalayan rivers, Peninsular rivers are primarily seasonal and dependent on rainfall, often drying up or having significantly reduced flow during the summer [c5, t5]. Therefore, the perennial nature of rivers is not a reason for practicing tank irrigation; rather, it is the seasonal nature of these rivers that makes water storage in tanks essential.
Sources
- [1] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > Sources of Irrigation > p. 332
- [2] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 11: Irrigation in India > 3. Tank Irrigation > p. 360
- [3] CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > DRAINAGE SYSTEMS IN INDIA > p. 18