Read the following passage and answer the question.
Given the precarious condition of its ground and surface water resources (rivers, stream, lakes, wetlands and reservoirs). India could be a water-scarce country in the next 40 years. With 1,486 cubic meters (∼1.5 million litres) of water available per person, per annum. India falls in the water stressed category. A dip below 1000 cubic meters per person, per annum will push it into the waterscarce category.
The manner of water consumption also compounds the problem. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) statistics show the indiscriminate use of ground water turned 4% of the total 7,809 assessed units in the country critical in 2022 while 14% were assessed as over-exploited. The situation was worse in 2017 when 17% of the units overexploited. Various recharge and conservation efforts have borne fruit but the number of such units remain high in state like Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
In India, 87% of groundwater is extracted for irrigation and experts say excess withdrawal round the year may be the biggest reason for depletion, as the recharge primarily happens in the monsoon. On the other hand encroachment of water bodies and the discharge of untreated waster water into rivers and streams have reduced the surface water resources.
Identify the factors responsible for depletion of water resources.
(A) High consumption of water in agricultural sector
(B) High consumption of water in Commercial sector
(C) Encroachment of water bodies
(D) Excessive water use in domestic sector
(E) Discharge of untreated waste water in rivers and streams.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Correct Answer :
A, C & E only
Solution :
The correct option is A, C & E only.
Let us analyze the passage step-by-step to identify the factors responsible for the depletion of water resources in India:
1. Analysis of Factor (A) - High consumption of water in agricultural sector:
The passage explicitly states that "In India, 87% of groundwater is extracted for irrigation and experts say excess withdrawal round the year may be the biggest reason for depletion." Since irrigation is a key part of agriculture, high consumption in agriculture is a major factor. Therefore, statement (A) is correct.
2. Analysis of Factor (C) - Encroachment of water bodies:
The passage states that "...encroachment of water bodies and the discharge of untreated waster water into rivers and streams have reduced the surface water resources." This directly identifies the encroachment of water bodies as a factor reducing water resources. Therefore, statement (C) is correct.
3. Analysis of Factor (E) - Discharge of untreated waste water in rivers and streams:
As noted in the same sentence, the "discharge of untreated waster water into rivers and streams" directly reduces surface water resources. Therefore, statement (E) is correct.
4. Analysis of Factors (B) and (D):
The passage does not mention commercial water consumption (B) or domestic sector water usage (D) as key drivers of the depletion of water resources. Thus, statements (B) and (D) are not supported by the text as main factors.
Combining the valid statements, the factors responsible for the depletion of water resources according to the passage are A, C, and E only.
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