Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Two possible reasons for water shortage despite abundant rainfall:

1. Over-exploitation of groundwater: Farmers excessively use tube-wells and borewells for irrigation, causing groundwater levels to fall, reducing water availability over time.

1. Water pollution: Abundant water may be rendered unusable due to contamination by pesticides, fertilisers, and industrial/domestic wastes, making it hazardous for agricultural or domestic use.

Source: Water Resources, Chapter 3 — Water Scarcity and the Need for Water Conservation and Management

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The question tests the concept that water scarcity is not always about low rainfall. Examiners expect students to go beyond the obvious and cite causes like over-exploitation and pollution, both explicitly mentioned in the chapter. Write one clear point per reason — no need to elaborate beyond one sentence each for a 2-mark answer.