Comprehension : Comprehension

Q 169 / 466

UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

Many opportunities to harness the highly skewed, seasonal and spatial distribution of monsoon flows, which occur in a four-month period from June to September annually, have been lost. Since these few months account for most of the rainfall and consequent freshwater availability, the need for holding rainwater in reservoirs, for subsequently releasing it for use over the year, is a necessity nobody can afford to overlook. Climate change will continue to affect weather conditions and create water shortages and excesses. While millions suffer from droughts and floods, waters in the country's many rivers flow unutilized, and are discharged into the sea every year.

With reference to the above passage, which of the following could be the most rational and practical implications for India?

  1. Inter-linking of rivers should be undertaken.
  2. A network of dams and canals should be built across the country for proper distribution of water.
  3. Farmers should be provided easy loans for digging borewells.
  4. Usage of water for agriculture should be regulated by law.
  5. Distribution of river water among regions should be regulated by the Union Government.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (A)

The passage highlights the challenges posed by the highly skewed, seasonal, and spatial distribution of monsoon flows, leading to both unutilized water discharged into the sea and subsequent shortages. It emphasizes the necessity of holding rainwater in reservoirs for year-round use and managing water excesses and shortages exacerbated by climate change.

  • Statement 1: Inter-linking of rivers addresses the spatial imbalance by transferring water from surplus basins to deficit regions, thereby optimizing the utilization of monsoon flows that otherwise go unutilized. This aligns with the passage's concern about unutilized river waters and the need for proper distribution.
  • Statement 2: A network of dams and canals is crucial for storing the seasonal monsoon rainfall and subsequently distributing it throughout the year. This directly addresses the passage's call for holding rainwater in reservoirs for sustained use and managing the seasonal availability of freshwater.

Incorrect Options:

  • Statement 3: The passage focuses on harnessing surface water flows and storing rainwater. Promoting borewells primarily relates to groundwater extraction, which is not discussed as a solution in the passage and can lead to unsustainable depletion of water tables, contrary to the spirit of comprehensive water management.
  • Statement 4: While regulation of water usage is important, the passage primarily emphasizes infrastructural solutions for storage and distribution to manage the availability of water. It does not suggest legal regulation of agricultural water use as the primary or most rational implication for addressing the issues raised.
  • Statement 5: The passage identifies the problem of unutilized river water and the need for better distribution. However, it does not specifically advocate for the Union Government to regulate river water distribution among regions. Water management in India involves complex inter-state dynamics and shared responsibilities, and the passage does not pinpoint a specific governmental authority for regulation as the most rational and practical implication.