Consider the following statements: 1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 2 only
4. D. 1 and 3 only

Answer: B

Explanation

To effectively regulate the groundwater extraction, the Centre, following the NGT’s directions, has divided areas with declining water tables in three categories: Overexploited, Critical, Semi-critical. Areas with an extraction rate of 70-100% of groundwater recharge. Two hundred and fifty six of our approximately 700 districts have groundwater levels which are “critical” or “over-exploited” as per the latest data from the Central Ground Water Board (2017). (Approx 36%) Statement 2 is correct: Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was constituted under sub-section (3) of Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for the purposes of regulation and control of ground water development and management in the country. Statement 3 is correct: At 39 million hectares (67% of its total irrigation), India has the world’s largest groundwater well equipped irrigation system (China with 19 mha is second, USA with 17 mha is third). India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are, respectively, the first, fourth and sixth largest users of groundwater globally. India pumps more than the US and China combined – the second and third- largest users, respectively.