The Indian deltas are shrinking for past several years What could be the possible reasons behind thi...........

Geography World - Water Bodies

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The Indian deltas are shrinking for past several years. What could be the possible reasons behind this?

1. The construction of dams is causing shrinking of deltas.

2. The groundwater mining is also responsible for shrinking or sinking of deltas.

3. Sea level rise is causing shrinking/sinking of deltas in India.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

All of the above

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Explanation:

The construction of dams across rivers leads to trapping of sediments thereby denying the lower reaches of rivers and deltas their due natural sediments. This decline in sediments leads to decline in fertility of flood plains downstream of the dam. Also, the deltas are to be constantly fed sediments by river to counter the erosive action of oceanic waves and currents. If the sediment supply is reduced, the ocean will gradually erode the delta.
Excessive mining of underground water in the deltaic region also leads to sinking of delta. Groundwater mining leads to compaction and subsidence of land and the mean level of delta with respect to the sea falls.
The sea level rise at a rate of almost 3mm/year is also eating away deltas of India.