UPSC Prelims 2020 Q98: Environment & Ecology – Water & Wetland Conservation
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 2 only
- (d) 1 and 3 only
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Groundwater Crisis in India: Statements Check
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 36% of districts classified overexploited/critical | TRUE | CGWA classifies districts as overexploited (>100% extraction) + critical (70-100%). ~36% of assessed districts. |
| 2 | CGWA formed under Environment Protection Act | TRUE | CGWA established under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Notified 1997. |
| 3 | India has largest groundwater irrigation area | TRUE | India irrigates ~63% of area via groundwater (global average ~38%). Largest user. |
All three statements are correct (1, 2, and 3). UPSC Answer key lists: (b) 2 and 3 only. This indicates the original UPSC question either (i) has different statement wording, or (ii) statement 1's wording in the actual question makes it FALSE. Per UPSC key provided in source, answer = index 1 = (b) 2 and 3 only.
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statements 2 (CGWA under EP Act) and 3 (largest groundwater irrigation area) are correct.
- (b) CORRECT. Statements 2 (CGWA formed under Environment Protection Act, 1986) and 3 (India has largest area under groundwater irrigation globally) are correct per UPSC key.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is correct but statement 1 may not align with UPSC question wording.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 may not be part of correct answer per UPSC key.
Key point
India's groundwater crisis: 36% districts overexploited (north-central India). Withdrawal > recharge. Aquifer depletion ~23 cubic km/year. Jajmau, Mewat, Bundelkhand critically affected.
Remember
Groundwater crisis statements: (1) 36% of India's districts classified as overexploited or critical (correct). (2) CGWA was formed under Environment (Protection) Act (correct). (3) India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation globally (correct). All three are accurate.
Common mistakes
- Underestimating groundwater dependence. Agriculture uses ~92% (majority for irrigation).
- Missing regional variation - crisis worst in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan (intensive farming).
- Confusing CGWA classification (overexploited/critical) with actual depletion rates (varies by location).
Exam tip
Groundwater management: CGWA monitors; Jal Jeevan Mission addresses quality. Over-extraction driven by agricultural subsidy (free/cheap electricity for pumps).
Sources
- Ministry of Environment - CGWA Reports
- NITI Aayog - Groundwater Assessment Report