Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2022 · CSAT / Reading Comprehension · Question 73

Which one of the following best reflects the practical, rational and lasting solutions?

  1. Constructing huge concrete storage tanks and canals across the country
  2. Changing the cropping patterns and farming practices
  3. Interlinking of rivers across the country
  4. Buffer stocking of water through dams and recharging aquifers

Answer

Buffer stocking of water through dams and recharging aquifers

Re-examination: In UPSC context, this question is about water-resource management and asks for the option that best reflects a practical, rational and lasting solution at a broad national level.

(a) Huge concrete storage tanks and canals are costly, region-specific, and involve major losses and ecological issues. Verdict: Not the best.

(b) Changing cropping patterns and farming practices is important for reducing water stress, but it is a sectoral demand-side measure, not a complete water-storage/security solution by itself. Verdict: Useful, but not the best fit.

(c) Interlinking rivers is highly expensive, ecologically contentious, and not widely accepted as a practical lasting solution. Verdict: Not the best.

(d) Buffer stocking of water through dams and recharging aquifers combines surface storage + groundwater recharge, which is generally seen as a more practical and durable water-management approach than mega-transfer schemes. Verdict: Best option.

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