We often hear about conflicts among different States in India over river waters. Of the 20 major river systems, 14 are already water stressed; 75% of the population lives in water-stressed regions, a third of whom live in water-scarce areas. Climate change, the demands of rising population and the need for agriculture to keep pace, and increases-rate of urbanization and industrialization will exacerbate water stress. According to the Constitution of India, water is a State subject and not that of the Union, except for regulation of inter-State rivers. Key to ensuring balance between competing demands of various stakeholders is a basin-based approach to allocate water amongst constituent regions and States. Allocating fair share of water to them requires assessments based on objective criteria, such as specificities of the river basin, size of dependent population, existing water use and demand efficiency of use, projected future use etc. while ensuring the environmental needs of the river and aquifers.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most national, practical and immediate action required to ensure fair and equitable allocation of water to different stakeholders?

Correct Option (A)

A national, pragmatic, legal, and policy framework for water allocation is the most appropriate action. The passage emphasizes that water is a State subject, yet conflicts arise over inter-State rivers. A national framework is essential to transcend individual State jurisdictions, providing a uniform, objective basis for water allocation among competing States and stakeholders. Such a framework would facilitate systematic planning, incorporate basin-based assessments, and ensure equitable distribution, thereby addressing the core issue of inter-State disputes and the need for a balanced approach.

Incorrect Options:

Option (B) All river systems of the country should be linked and huge aquifers created:

This option proposes a large-scale engineering solution that is generally considered impractical due to its immense cost, significant environmental risks, and complex political implications. It does not represent an immediate or easily implementable action for fair water allocation.

Option (C) Water channels between regions of water surplus and regions of water deficit should be created:

Similar to river interlinking, creating extensive water channels is a massive infrastructural undertaking with feasibility challenges at a national scale. Furthermore, this approach primarily focuses on physical transfer rather than addressing the fundamental issue of equitable allocation criteria and resolving inter-State conflicts, which is central to the passage's concern.

Option (D) To mitigate water crisis, water demand of sectors such as agriculture and industry should be reduced:

While reducing water demand in key sectors like agriculture and industry is crucial for water conservation and overall water security, it does not directly address the problem of equitable allocation among different stakeholders and States. The question specifically asks for an action to ensure fair and equitable allocation, which requires a framework for distribution rather than solely focusing on demand reduction.