In India, which region is NOT suitable for tube-well irrigation due to non-alluvial tracts?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 09 Jun, 2025 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Plateau regions.

Key Points

Plateau regions in India, such as the Deccan Plateau, are characterized by hard rock formations and non-alluvial soil, making them unsuitable for tube-well irrigation.
Tube-well irrigation requires soft, porous, and permeable alluvial soil to facilitate water extraction, which is not present in plateau regions.
These regions often lack sufficient groundwater recharge due to rocky terrain and limited aquifer systems.
In contrast, regions like Punjab, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Coastal Plains have fertile alluvial soil and abundant groundwater, making them ideal for tube-well irrigation.
Farmers in plateau regions primarily depend on rainfall or surface water sources such as tanks, reservoirs, and rivers for irrigation.

Additional Information

Alluvial Soil and Irrigation:
- Alluvial soil is formed by river deposits and is rich in nutrients, making it fertile and ideal for agriculture.
- Its porous structure allows easy water percolation, which facilitates the use of tube-well irrigation.
Groundwater and Aquifers:
- Groundwater is stored in aquifers, which are layers of permeable rock or sediment that can hold and transmit water.
- Plateau regions typically have fractured or impermeable rocks that hinder groundwater storage and extraction.
Deccan Plateau Characteristics:
- It is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks, which are hard and non-porous.
- These features limit the region’s ability to support groundwater-based irrigation systems like tube-wells.
Alternative Irrigation in Plateau Regions:
- Farmers rely on surface irrigation methods such as canals, tanks, and rainwater harvesting to meet their agricultural water needs.
- Government initiatives promote micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems to optimize water use in these areas.
Indian Irrigation Practices:
- Approximately 48% of India’s net sown area relies on irrigation, with tube-wells being a major source in alluvial regions.
- Regions unsuitable for tube-well irrigation often implement watershed development projects to improve water availability.