UPSC Prelims 2012 Q5: Environment & Ecology – Climate Change & Greenhouse Gases
If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the
country?
1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste - water.
2. The water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be
met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water.
3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
4. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore - wells and for installing motors and
pump - sets to draw ground - water will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
National Water Mission
One of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (2008).
Its main goal is to raise water-use efficiency by 20 percent.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste-water | Correct | A stated strategy |
| 2. Water needs of coastal cities will be met by technologies that allow use of ocean water | Correct | Desalination is promoted |
| 3. All rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India | Incorrect | 'All' is too sweeping; river linking is a separate project |
| 4. Expenses of farmers on bore-wells and pump-sets will be completely reimbursed | Incorrect | No such provision |
Five goals of the mission:
| Goal | Detail |
|---|---|
| Data | Water data in the public domain |
| Action | Citizen and State action for conservation |
| Focus | Over-exploited areas |
| Efficiency | Up by 20 percent |
| Management | Basin-level integrated management |
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true: ocean water is to be used in coastal cities.
- (b) CORRECT. Recycling of waste-water and use of ocean water are part of the mission.
- (c) Incorrect. Statements 3 and 4 are false.
- (d) Incorrect. Linking all rivers and complete reimbursement are not in the mission.
Key point
National Water Mission (NAPCC): 20 percent higher water-use efficiency; waste-water recycling; desalination for coastal cities; basin-level management.
Remember
Water Mission: recycle, desalinate, 20 percent efficiency.
Common mistakes
- Accepting 'all the rivers' and 'completely reimbursed'.
- Confusing the mission with the river interlinking project.
- Forgetting the 20 percent efficiency target.
Exam tip
Sweeping promises ('all', 'completely') are never part of a mission document.
Sources
- Ministry of Jal Shakti — National Water Mission: Mission Document
- Prime Minister's Council on Climate Change — National Action Plan on Climate Change (2008)