Which one of the following is NOT a cause of depletion in groundwater?

Groundwater depletion occurs when extraction exceeds recharge. Excessive pumping for agriculture and domestic needs directly reduces aquifer levels [1]. Land use changes like deforestation (loss of forests) remove vegetation that naturally promotes soil porosity and infiltration, leading to increased surface runoff and reduced recharge [1]. Similarly, urbanization and the construction of large-scale concrete buildings create impermeable surfaces that block rainwater from seeping into the ground, further depleting groundwater stores [1]. In contrast, afforestation—the process of planting trees—is a conservation measure. Forests enhance the soil's ability to absorb and retain water through their root systems, which increases penetration and facilitates the natural recharge of aquifers [1]. Therefore, afforestation is a solution to replenish groundwater rather than a cause of its depletion.

Sources

1. [1] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: Heat Transfer in Nature > Table 7.5: Seepage of water > p. 100