In India, which of the following is a groundwater-based irrigation source?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is:(d) Open-well

Explanation:
An open-well is a groundwater-based irrigation source. It involves digging a well to access water stored underground, which is then pumped or drawn manually for irrigation purposes. Open wells are commonly used in areas where groundwater is abundant. This method of irrigation is widespread in rural areas across India, particularly in regions where surface water sources are scarce or unavailable.

Information Booster:

• Open-wells tap into groundwater and are especially useful in areas with a shallow water table.
• This method is one of the traditional forms of irrigation, along with other groundwater sources such as tube wells and borewells.
• Open-well irrigation is common in areas like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Unlike surface water-based systems, such as rivers or canals, open-well irrigation relies on the replenishment of underground water through natural recharge or artificial recharge systems.
• Excessive use of open wells without proper recharge can lead to groundwater depletion.

Additional Information:

• (a) Pond: Ponds are surface water storage systems, not groundwater-based, as they collect rainwater or runoff rather than underground water.
• (b) Tank: Tanks, like ponds, are also surface water bodies used for irrigation and are common in South India, especially for storing rainwater.
• (c) River canal: River canals are surface water-based irrigation sources and rely on the flow of water from rivers to distribute water for agriculture.