Many opportunities to harness the highly skewed, seasonal and spatial distribution of monsoon floes

Many opportunities to harness the highly skewed, seasonal and spatial distribution of monsoon floes, 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.

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 2, 4 and 5
  3. 1, 3 and 4
  4. 2, 3 and 5

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct since this is an attempt to optimise and efficiently utilise the skewed distribution of water in the country's rivers.

Statement 2 is correct because it implies the need to ensure proper distribution of water, the need for which is brought out in the last sentence of the passage, that says millions suffer from droughts and floods.

Statement 3 is contrary to logic since digging borewells would have an adverse impact on the distribution of water. Furthermore, the passage does not mention the inability of farmers to secure credit to dig borewells. Hence, it cannot be the correct implication from the same.

Statement 4 is incorrect because the passage does not make any reference to the lack of regulations around usage of water for agriculture.

Statement 5 is incorrect since the passage does not bring out inability of states or federal relations as reasons for the skewed distribution of water.

By elimination, Option A is the correct answer.

  • Exam Year: 2020