With reference to the sustainability of land, why is the depletion of the water table a concern? 1. Groundwater is a resource that can be replenished instantly with a single rainfall. 2. Because once destroyed, it is very difficult to restore. 3. Overuse of groundwater can threaten the future sustainability of agriculture. Which of the following statements are correct ?

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation In economics, land and water resources are classified under Factors of Production. Groundwater is a critical natural capital essential for agricultural production. While it is a renewable resource, its renewal cycle is slow, making it susceptible to depletion if extraction rates exceed recharge rates, thereby impacting sustainable development. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Groundwater recharge is a slow hydrological process that occurs through the percolation of rainwater through soil and rock layers. It cannot be replenished "instantly" with a single rainfall; significant recharge often requires sustained precipitation over time and proper soil conditions. - Statement 2 is Correct: The depletion of the water table can lead to long-term environmental damage, such as the drying up of aquifers, land subsidence, and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas. Once an aquifer is severely depleted or physically compromised (e.g., through compaction), it is extremely difficult, expensive, and time-consuming to restore it to its original state. - Statement 3 is Correct: Agriculture is the largest consumer of groundwater in many economies. Over-exploitation leads to a falling water table, increasing the cost of extraction and eventually making water unavailable. This directly threatens the long-term viability and sustainability of agricultural production and food security. Key Takeaway Groundwater is a critical factor of production that, while renewable, requires careful management. Its over-exploitation leads to irreversible depletion, threatening the sustainability of agriculture and long-term economic stability.

NCERT Class 9 Economics — Chapter 1: The Story of Village Palampur

mcqhard

With reference to the sustainability of land, why is the depletion of the water table a concern?

Groundwater is a resource that can be replenished instantly with a single rainfall.
Because once destroyed, it is very difficult to restore.
Overuse of groundwater can threaten the future sustainability of agriculture.

Which of the following statements are correct ?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

In economics, land and water resources are classified under Factors of Production. Groundwater is a critical natural capital essential for agricultural production. While it is a renewable resource, its renewal cycle is slow, making it susceptible to depletion if extraction rates exceed recharge rates, thereby impacting sustainable development.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Groundwater recharge is a slow hydrological process that occurs through the percolation of rainwater through soil and rock layers. It cannot be replenished "instantly" with a single rainfall; significant recharge often requires sustained precipitation over time and proper soil conditions.
Statement 2 is Correct: The depletion of the water table can lead to long-term environmental damage, such as the drying up of aquifers, land subsidence, and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas. Once an aquifer is severely depleted or physically compromised (e.g., through compaction), it is extremely difficult, expensive, and time-consuming to restore it to its original state.
Statement 3 is Correct: Agriculture is the largest consumer of groundwater in many economies. Over-exploitation leads to a falling water table, increasing the cost of extraction and eventually making water unavailable. This directly threatens the long-term viability and sustainability of agricultural production and food security.

Key Takeaway

Groundwater is a critical factor of production that, while renewable, requires careful management. Its over-exploitation leads to irreversible depletion, threatening the sustainability of agriculture and long-term economic stability.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The Story of Village Palampur

Consider the following statements regarding Physical Capital: 1. It is the variety of inputs required at every stage during production. 2. Physical capital consists only of fixed assets like machines and excludes raw materials. 3. Money in hand is considered working capital as it is used for day-to-day payments. Which of the following statements are correct ?

medium

Every production is organised by combining which of the following factors? 1. Land 2. Labour 3. Physical Capital 4. Human Capital

hard

Consider the following statements regarding traditional farming methods used till the mid-1960s: 1. The seeds used were traditional ones with relatively low yields. 2. Farmers relied exclusively on chemical fertilizers for traditional farming. 3. Traditional seeds required less irrigation compared to High Yielding Variety seeds. Which of the following statements are correct ?

medium

Which of the following is a characteristic of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds?

hard

Consider the following statements regarding the factors of production: 1. Tools, machines, and buildings are considered fixed capital. 2. Raw materials and money in hand are classified as fixed capital. 3. Human capital refers to the knowledge and enterprise required to put together land, labour, and physical capital. Which of the following statements are correct ?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: The Story of Village Palampur

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 9 Economics chapters

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Groundwater recharge is a slow hydrological process that occurs through the percolation of rainwater through soil and rock layers. It cannot be replenished "instantly" with a single rainfall; significant recharge often requires sustained precipitation over time and proper soil conditions.
Statement 2 is Correct: The depletion of the water table can lead to long-term environmental damage, such as the drying up of aquifers, land subsidence, and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas. Once an aquifer is severely depleted or physically compromised (e.g., through compaction), it is extremely difficult, expensive, and time-consuming to restore it to its original state.
Statement 3 is Correct: Agriculture is the largest consumer of groundwater in many economies. Over-exploitation leads to a falling water table, increasing the cost of extraction and eventually making water unavailable. This directly threatens the long-term viability and sustainability of agricultural production and food security.