Question

Where are tanks most widely used in India? Why?

Answer 1

Hint: The tanks are widely used in the states located in the Peninsular Plateau, where the structure of rock is hard. In these areas, it is difficult to dig canals and wells.

Complete answer: A tank or an irrigation tank is a man-made reservoir or storage of any size. Irrigation tanks are mostly found in India. The use of tank irrigation can be seen especially in parts of South India. Mud banks are constructed across the minor streams to make small storage which collects the surplus water during the monsoon season.
In the peninsular plateau, where the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are located, the practice of Tank irrigation is popular. 727 thousand hectares of land are irrigated by tanks in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The state has over 28 percent of areas irrigated by tanks.
In Tamil Nadu, numerous tanks are situated on the drainage areas of the Godavari and its tributaries. The main districts of tank irrigation are Nellore and Warangal. The high intensity of tank irrigation is done in the areas of North Arcot, South Arcot and Chingleput.
The tanks are widely used in the peninsular plateau due to numerous reasons:-
1. The movement of water was not easy due to the hard structure of rock. Hence, the groundwater present is not enough.
2. The construction of reservoirs and bunds helps to collect the excess water during floods.
3. During the summer season, most of the rivers dry up and therefore they cannot fulfil the need of water.
4. The agricultural fields and excessive population can be benefitted by tank irrigation.

Note: In ancient times, tanks were a part of harvesting and conserving the local rainfall. Water was also stored from rivers and streams. The people used tanks to save water for future purposes, mainly for agriculture and drinking water, rituals, etc.