We all observe old wells which have dried up. Our elders say that about 25-30 years ago there was sufficient water in the wells, but now these have completely dried up. Select from the following the possible correct reasons for drying up of water in the wells. A. The lakes (ponds) in which rainwater used to collect are no longer there. B. The soil around the trees, well and nearby area is now covered with coal tar/cement. C. No one uses wells as there are taps in every house. D. A number of electric motor driven pumps have come up to draw underground water.

We all observe old wells which have dried up. Our elders say that about 25-30 years ago there was sufficient water in the wells, but now these have completely dried up. Select from the following the possible correct reasons for drying up of water in the wells. A. The lakes (ponds) in which rainwater used to collect are no longer there. B. The soil around the trees, well and nearby area is now covered with coal tar/cement. C. No one uses wells as there are taps in every house. D. A number of electric motor driven pumps have come up to draw underground water. Correct Answer A, B and D

Concept:

  • The supply of groundwater is not unlimited, nor it is always available in good quality.
  • Groundwater is accessed by wells.

Explanation:

The reasons for the drying up of water in wells are:

  • A lot of boring pumps in the nearby area.
  • Increase in usage.
  • The soil around the trees, well and nearby area is now covered with cement.
  • The increase in population also needs more use of water.
  • Wells are dumped with waste as they do not contain any more water.
  • The lakes in which rainwater used to collect are no longer there. 
  • Fewer trees in the nearby areas, means less rainfall, meaning less surface infiltration.

Key PointsA. The lakes (ponds) in which rainwater is used to collect are no longer there. - Correct

B. The soil around the trees, well and nearby area is now covered with coal tar/cement. - Correct

C. No one uses wells as there are taps in every house. - Incorrect

D. A number of electric motor driven pumps have come up to draw underground water. - Correct

Additional Information

Bawri: 

  • Bawri's are deep step wells built into the ground.
  • It was the traditional way of rainwater harvesting.
  • When it rains, the water accumulates in the tank.
  • They are built deep into the ground so that the water does not evaporate easily and can be used during water shortages.

Related Questions

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.
Riparian vegetation [the green band of vegetation along a watercourse] can help stabilize stream banks; filter sediment from surface runoff; and provide wildlife habitat, livestock forage,and scenic value. Well-developed vegetation also allows bank soils to absorb extra water during spring runoff, releasing it later during drier months, thus improving late-summer stream flows. In many parts of the arid West, trees and shrubs are found only in riparian areas. Woody plants are very important as winter cover for many wildlife species, including upland game birds such as pheasants and turkeys. Often this winter cover is the greatest single factor limiting game bird populations. Woody vegetation also provides hiding cover and browse for many other species of birds and mammals, both game and nongame. Dead trees ("snags") are an integral part of streamside habitats and should be left standing whenever possible. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, brown creepers, and other birds eat the insects that decompose the wood. These insects usually pose no threat to nearby living trees. Occasionally a disease organism or misuse of pesticides will weaken or kill a stand of trees. If several trees in a small area begin to die, contact your local extension agent immediately . How dependent are plants and animals on each other?
Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.
Riparian vegetation [the green band of vegetation along a watercourse] can help stabilize stream banks; filter sediment from surface runoff; and provide wildlife habitat, livestock forage,and scenic value. Well-developed vegetation also allows bank soils to absorb extra water during spring runoff, releasing it later during drier months, thus improving late-summer stream flows. In many parts of the arid West, trees and shrubs are found only in riparian areas. Woody plants are very important as winter cover for many wildlife species, including upland game birds such as pheasants and turkeys. Often this winter cover is the greatest single factor limiting game bird populations. Woody vegetation also provides hiding cover and browse for many other species of birds and mammals, both game and nongame. Dead trees ("snags") are an integral part of streamside habitats and should be left standing whenever possible. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, brown creepers, and other birds eat the insects that decompose the wood. These insects usually pose no threat to nearby living trees. Occasionally a disease organism or misuse of pesticides will weaken or kill a stand of trees. If several trees in a small area begin to die, contact your local extension agent immediately . What is the effect of the word choice 'riparian'?
Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.
Riparian vegetation [the green band of vegetation along a watercourse] can help stabilize stream banks; filter sediment from surface runoff; and provide wildlife habitat, livestock forage,and scenic value. Well-developed vegetation also allows bank soils to absorb extra water during spring runoff, releasing it later during drier months, thus improving late-summer stream flows. In many parts of the arid West, trees and shrubs are found only in riparian areas. Woody plants are very important as winter cover for many wildlife species, including upland game birds such as pheasants and turkeys. Often this winter cover is the greatest single factor limiting game bird populations. Woody vegetation also provides hiding cover and browse for many other species of birds and mammals, both game and nongame. Dead trees ("snags") are an integral part of streamside habitats and should be left standing whenever possible. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, brown creepers, and other birds eat the insects that decompose the wood. These insects usually pose no threat to nearby living trees. Occasionally a disease organism or misuse of pesticides will weaken or kill a stand of trees. If several trees in a small area begin to die, contact your local extension agent immediately . What is the overall sense conveyed by the author when the specific birds that live in riparian areas are listed in the passage?
Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.
Riparian vegetation [the green band of vegetation along a watercourse] can help stabilize stream banks; filter sediment from surface runoff; and provide wildlife habitat, livestock forage,and scenic value. Well-developed vegetation also allows bank soils to absorb extra water during spring runoff, releasing it later during drier months, thus improving late-summer stream flows. In many parts of the arid West, trees and shrubs are found only in riparian areas. Woody plants are very important as winter cover for many wildlife species, including upland game birds such as pheasants and turkeys. Often this winter cover is the greatest single factor limiting game bird populations. Woody vegetation also provides hiding cover and browse for many other species of birds and mammals, both game and nongame. Dead trees ("snags") are an integral part of streamside habitats and should be left standing whenever possible. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, brown creepers, and other birds eat the insects that decompose the wood. These insects usually pose no threat to nearby living trees. Occasionally a disease organism or misuse of pesticides will weaken or kill a stand of trees. If several trees in a small area begin to die, contact your local extension agent immediately . What is discussed in the second paragraph of this passage?