Leading Theory on Indus Valley City Abandonment: Water Depletion

Researchers propose that depletion of water resources forced abandonment of cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. Contributing factors:

• Shift in Indus River course and tributaries
• Declining rainfall
• Deforestation and environmental degradation reducing soil water retention
• Climate change disrupting water supply

Water scarcity led to drought, famine, and unsustainable settlements. Other factors may have also played roles.