Question 27 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Current Affairs

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. 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.
2. 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 the world's population living in its territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Strategy: Focus on the data in Statement 1—India's share in global groundwater extraction, as reported by the UN. Cross-check Statement 2: it claims that India needs to extract over 25% just for domestic drinking water and sanitation needs, which is factually not the case—most groundwater is actually used for irrigation. So, confirm Statement 1 as correct and Statement 2 as incorrect.

Key Info: United Nation's 'World Water Development Report, 2022' documents that India is responsible for roughly 25–26% of the world's total groundwater extraction, making it the largest single user globally. Most of this water—approximately 89%—is used for agricultural irrigation, primarily due to policies such as subsidized electricity and state procurement, which promote water-intensive cropping even in dry regions. Only a small fraction is used for domestic purposes like drinking water and sanitation. India's population accounts for about 17.8% of the global total, and while water demand is high, the large-scale extraction is not primarily for domestic and sanitation needs. In the Asia-Pacific region, several countries—including Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan—are significant groundwater users. Excess extraction in India has caused serious problems of groundwater depletion, especially in northwestern and peninsular regions. The Report underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management, crop diversification, and demand-side interventions to address India's impending water stress.

Answer

Option A: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

Answer

Option B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

Answer

Option D: Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct