Which one of the following statements best reflects the most rational, practical and immediate action required to ensure fair and equitable allocation of water to different stakeholders?

1. A. A national, pragmatic, legal and policy framework for water allocation should be made.
2. B. All river systems of the country should be linked and huge aquifers created.
3. C. Water channels between regions of water surplus and regions of water deficit should be created.
4. D. To mitigate water crisis, water demand of sectors such as agriculture and industry should be reduced.

Answer: A

Explanation

The passage highlights the complexity of water allocation, emphasizing inter-state conflicts, water stress, and the need for a basin-based approach with objective criteria. It also notes the Union’s role in regulating inter-state rivers. Option (A) proposes a ‘national, pragmatic, legal and policy framework,’ which directly addresses the need for a structured, objective, and balanced approach, aligning with the passage’s emphasis on objective criteria and the Union’s role. Options (B) and (C) suggest large-scale infrastructure projects not explicitly presented as the ‘most rational, practical and immediate action’ in the text. Option (D) focuses on demand reduction, which is a mitigation strategy but not the primary ‘allocation’ solution for ensuring fairness and equity among stakeholders as discussed. This question assesses the ability to infer the most appropriate policy response from the given context, a key skill for UPSC CSAT.