List a few examples of environmental degradation that you may have observed around you.
Groundwater overuse is a serious example of environmental degradation observed around us. Recent evidence suggests that groundwater is under serious threat in many parts of the country. About 300 districts have reported a water level decline of over 4 metres during the past 20 years. Nearly one-third of the country is overusing their groundwater reserves.
This overuse is particularly found in the agriculturally prosperous regions of Punjab and Western U.P., hard rock plateau areas of central and south India, some coastal areas and rapidly growing urban settlements. If the present way of using this resource continues, in another 25 years, 60 per cent of the country would be doing the same.
Explanation
The question asks students to list examples of environmental degradation observed around them. The textbook provides a detailed example of groundwater depletion in India, which is a relevant and observable phenomenon. The answer draws directly from Example 1 in the context about groundwater overuse, including specific statistics (300 districts, 4 metres decline, 60% projection) and geographic locations where this degradation is prevalent. This demonstrates how development activities can lead to environmental degradation when resources are overused.