Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: According to the United Nations' World Water Development Report, 2022, India extracts more than a quarter of the world's groundwater withdrawal each year.

Statement-II: 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 world's population living in its territory.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2023: General Studies (SET - A - Held on 28 May)

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
Statement-I is correct but Statement-ll is incorrect
Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-ll is correct

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 3.

Key PointsWorld Water Development Report, 2022:

The share of groundwater in total freshwater withdrawal has gone up from 12% in 1950 to 25% in 2017 while the total global groundwater withdrawal has increased from 158 km³/year in 1950 to 959 km³ in 2017.
Globally, about 69% of the total volume of groundwater withdrawn is used in the agriculture sector, 22% for domestic purposes, and 9% for industrial purposes.
The report also notes that India is the largest groundwater user globally with an estimated withdrawal of 251 km³ per year through an estimated 20 million wells and tube wells. This accounts for almost 26% of the groundwater extracted globally. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
About 89% of this groundwater is used in India for irrigation. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct
Additional Information Problems Due to Over-Exploitation of Groundwater in India and the World
Excessive withdrawal of groundwater lowers the water table, making it harder to access water.
Example: In Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, water tables are dropping by 1–2 meters per year.
Excessive groundwater extraction causes the land to sink due to the collapse of underground aquifers.
Example: Jakarta (Indonesia) is sinking by 25 cm per year, mainly due to groundwater extraction.
As groundwater levels drop, pollutants like arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates seep into the water.
Example: Bihar, West Bengal, and Bangladesh have arsenic-contaminated groundwater, causing severe health issues.