If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country? Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste-water. 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. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India. 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:

Environment & Ecology : Acts And Policies

Q 9 / 13

UPSC CSE Prelims 2012

If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?

Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste-water.
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.
All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
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:

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The National Water Mission (NWM) is one of the eight national missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Its primary objective is the conservation of water, minimizing wastage, and ensuring equitable distribution through integrated water resources development and management. A key target of the mission is to increase water use efficiency by 20%.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The mission explicitly advocates for meeting the water needs of urban areas through the recycling of wastewater. It promotes the reuse of treated sewage for non-potable purposes like gardening and industrial cooling to reduce the stress on fresh water sources.
Statement 2 is Correct: The mission document outlines strategies for coastal cities with inadequate alternative water sources. It supports the adoption of appropriate technologies, such as desalination (Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination), to utilize ocean water for meeting urban requirements.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The linking of all Himalayan rivers to Peninsular rivers is part of the separate Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) project proposed by the National Water Development Agency. It is not a direct mandate of the National Water Mission under the NAPCC. Furthermore, the statement implies linking "all" rivers, which is an extreme generalization not supported by the mission's focus on basin-level management and conservation.
Statement 4 is Incorrect: The National Water Mission focuses on increasing water use efficiency and regulating groundwater exploitation. Providing full reimbursement for digging bore-wells and installing pumps would incentivize excessive groundwater extraction, leading to depletion. This contradicts the mission's goal of sustainable water management and conservation.

Key Takeaway: The National Water Mission focuses on conservation, recycling, and efficiency (20% target) rather than massive infrastructure projects like river interlinking or subsidies that encourage groundwater depletion.

SOURCEIndia Year Book 2012