Question

Select the most suitable practice to prevent the floods from the following:

• A. Afforestation
• B. Cutting the forests
• C. Tilling the land
• D. Removing the top soil

Hint:

Forests act as giant natural sponges: they slow down rainfall, absorb water into deep underground aquifers, and prevent rapid, destructive surface runoff.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Flooding is often caused by excessive surface runoff during heavy rainfall. Forest vegetation plays a crucial physical role in regulating the hydrological cycle and stabilizing watersheds.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Afforestation (planting trees in an area where there was no previous forest cover) is highly effective at preventing and mitigating floods.
- Tree roots bind soil particles together, improving soil structure and increasing the rate of water infiltration into the ground.
- The forest canopy intercepts falling rain, reducing its physical impact on the soil and slowing down the speed at which rainwater reaches the forest floor.
- This significantly reduces surface water runoff and delays peak flow into river systems during storms.
- Cutting forests, tilling land, and removing topsoil strip away this natural defense, leading to increased runoff, soil erosion, and severe flooding.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Afforestation is the most effective biological practice listed to prevent and mitigate floods.