If the National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?
- 1.Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste-water.
- 2.The water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water.
- 3.All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
- 4.The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore-wells and for installing motors and pump-sets to draw ground-water will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
The answer is (b): only statements 1 and 2 are correct. The National Water Mission, one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, aims to meet part of urban water needs through wastewater recycling. It also aims to meet the needs of coastal cities through technologies, such as desalination, that allow the use of ocean water. The Mission makes no commitment to link all Himalayan rivers with peninsular rivers, or to fully reimburse farmers' borewell and pump costs.
- ✓ 1. The Mission aims to make sure that a considerable portion of urban water requirements is supplied by recycling waste water.
- ✓ 2. The Mission seeks to meet the water requirements of coastal cities that lack alternative sources. It plans to do this through new and appropriate technologies, such as low-temperature desalination, that allow the use of ocean water.
- ✗ 3. The Mission's inter-basin integration strategy is aimed particularly at augmenting water by converting surplus flood water into usable water. It does not promise to link all Himalayan rivers with peninsular rivers.
- ✗ 4. The Mission focuses on conserving water, minimising wastage, raising water-use efficiency by 20% and paying attention to over-exploited areas. It contains no promise of complete government reimbursement of farmers' borewell, motor and pump-set costs.
Remember · National Water Mission (NAPCC) goals include a 20% rise in water-use efficiency, wastewater recycling for cities and desalination for coastal cities. They do not include linking all rivers or free borewells.
Sources
- National Water Mission – Comprehensive Mission Document, Vol. 1 (Dept. of Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti) ↗ “ensuring that the water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water are met through adoption of new and appropriate technologies such as low temperature desalination technologies that allow for the use of ocean water … Inter-basin integration particularly for augmenting water by converting surplus flood water into utilizable water”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2012, General Studies Paper I. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·
