Prelims 2023 · Environment · Question 96
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: According to the United Nation's '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?
Answer
Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I: Correct. The UN World Water Development Report 2022 notes that India accounts for over a quarter of global groundwater withdrawals, making it the largest groundwater user.
Statement-II: Incorrect. India’s very high groundwater extraction is driven largely by irrigation/agriculture, not mainly by drinking water and sanitation needs, even though it has about 18% of the world’s population.
Option check: Since Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect, the correct answer is (c).