Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Inundation canals are being converted to perennial canals.

(ii) Tank irrigation is preferred over other means of irrigation in Peninsular India.

(iii) Groundwater reserves are depleting at a fast rate.

(i) Inundation canals are being converted to perennial canals because inundation canals get supply of water only when the rivers are in flood while perennial canals can draw water throughout the year and irrigate large areas.

(ii) Tank irrigation is preferred over other means of irrigation in Peninsular India because-

1. The rivers of Deccan are mainly dependent on the rainwater.
2. Many streams become torrential during the rainy season but dry up when the rain ceases.
3. The hard rocks in the area do not absorb waters, wells cannot be made there.
4. The terrain is uneven with many natural depressions where tanks can be easily built.

(iii) Groundwater reserves are depleting at a fast rate due to increase in population, irrigation and industrialisation, the demand for water has risen. This has led to a decline in groundwater level in various parts of the country.