Question

Which of the following is responsible for groundwater shortage?
A. Heavy rainfall
B. Afforestation
C. Increasing population
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint:- Groundwater is the water found underground in the pore spaces in soil and fractures of rock. A groundwater shortage leads to less water flow in water bodies like lakes, rivers, and seas. Therefore less water will enter as the surface water undergoes continuous evaporation. Over time the water becomes less deep which in turn affects everything in that particular region, including aquatic life and wildlife.

Complete answer:-
Afforestation is the establishment of new forests and trees in an area that has not been previously forested. Afforestation can be done naturally or artificially. Similarly, reforestation can also be considered as a form of afforestation. Heavy rainfall is directly proportional to the groundwater levels as it contributes to more water seepage and increases the groundwater levels.
Water is a key element of life for everyone on the earth planet.As the world's population grows the demand for water increases and pressure on limited water resources intensifies more, population growth which is also closely tied to. Climate change also leads to greater demand for the availability of water resources. The Increasing population creates demand for the construction of houses, offices, roads, etc. therefore, the increasing population ends up consuming more and more groundwater and thus allowing lesser water to seep into the ground which results in depletion of the water table.
Thus, the right option is C.

Note:- the effects of groundwater depletion include increased deterioration of water quality, reduction of water levels in lakes. Less groundwater recharge also leads to a drop in the groundwater table which harms vegetation.