Consider the following statements:
Statement-1: According to the United Nations’ World Water Development Report, 2022′, India extracts more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year.
Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: C
The answer is (c). Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
Statement-I is correct because according to the United Nations’ World Water Development Report, 2022′, India extracts more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year. This is because India has a large population and a high demand for water. Groundwater is a major source of water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use in India.
Statement-II is incorrect because India does not need to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory. India has other sources of water, such as surface water, that can be used to meet the drinking water and sanitation needs of its population.
In fact, over-extraction of groundwater is a major problem in India. It is causing water tables to fall, which is leading to water scarcity and waterlogging. Over-extraction of groundwater is also causing land subsidence, which is leading to damage to infrastructure and property.
India needs to find ways to reduce its reliance on groundwater. This can be done by improving water conservation measures, increasing the use of surface water, and developing new sources of water, such as desalination.
