Question

Identify the correct statements with reference to water resources of India.
India accounts for 4 percent of the world’s water resource.
Annual precipitation in India is about 4000 cubic km.
Total utilisable water resource in the country is only 1869 cubic km.
Agriculture accounts for most of the surface and groundwater utilisation.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (B), (C) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (A), (B) and (D) only
• D. (A), (C) and (D) only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To identify the correct statements concerning the water resources of India, we need to evaluate each given statement.
(A) India accounts for 4 percent of the world’s water resource: This statement is accurate. India possesses about 4% of the global freshwater resources.
(B) Annual precipitation in India is about 4000 cubic km: This is correct. India's annual rainfall averages around 4000 cubic km due to the monsoon season.
(C) Total utilisable water resource in the country is only 1869 cubic km: This statement is incorrect. India's total utilisable water resources are greater than 1869 cubic km.
(D) Agriculture accounts for most of the surface and groundwater utilisation: This statement is accurate. In India, agriculture is the primary consumer of both surface and groundwater, using around 80% of the total water resources.
Based on these evaluations, the correct statements are (A), (B), and (D).

Therefore, the correct answer is: (A), (B) and (D) only

Answer 2

India, despite being home to a vast network of rivers, lakes, and groundwater reserves, accounts for only about 4 percent of the world’s total freshwater resources. This proportion is significantly lower considering India’s large population, which makes water management a critical issue in the country.

• Annual Precipitation: India receives an annual precipitation of approximately 4000 cubic kilometers, with rainfall varying widely across the country. Some regions, such as the northeastern states, receive heavy rainfall, while others, like parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, experience arid conditions. The variation in rainfall creates regional disparities in water availability, contributing to challenges in water distribution and management.
• Water Usage in Agriculture: Agriculture in India is the largest consumer of water resources. About 80-90% of India’s total water usage is directed toward irrigation to support the cultivation of crops. This heavy reliance on water for farming places significant pressure on the country’s water resources, especially in the context of over-extraction of groundwater and the unpredictable monsoon seasons. Additionally, crop patterns and water-intensive crops, such as rice and sugarcane, exacerbate the demand for water.

Managing water resources effectively in India is critical to ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity and meeting the needs of the growing population. Challenges such as climate change, over-extraction of groundwater, and inefficient irrigation practices are key factors that require urgent attention to maintain water security in the country.