NCERT Question 2 (ii)

What is water scarcity and what are its main causes?

Answer:

Water scarcity means a shortage of freshwater compared to demand. It happens when the availability of usable water is insufficient for drinking, irrigation, and industrial needs.

🔹 Main Causes of Water Scarcity:

1. Overuse and wastage – Excessive water consumption for agriculture, industries, and households.
2. Population growth – More people mean higher water demand.
3. Water pollution – Contaminated water sources become unusable.
4. Unequal distribution – Some regions get plenty of water, while others suffer shortages.
5. Deforestation & climate change – Alter rainfall patterns, reducing water availability.
6. Over-extraction of groundwater – Depletes underground water reserves.