Identify the correct statements with reference to water pollution.
A. Only ground water is polluted in India.
B. About one fourth of the communicable diseases in India are caused by water pollution.
C. Diarrhoea, intestinal worms and hepatitis are caused due to contaminated water.
D. Agricultural activities do not cause any water pollution.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → B and C only
A. Only ground water is polluted in India. — Incorrect. In India, almost all surface water sources are contaminated. Farm chemicals also seep into the soil and reach the ground water. So both kinds of water are polluted.
B. About one fourth of the communicable diseases in India are caused by water pollution. — Correct. About one-fourth of the communicable diseases in India are water-borne, that is, they spread through polluted water.
C. Diarrhoea, intestinal worms and hepatitis are caused due to contaminated water. — Correct. These are the diseases commonly caused by contaminated water.
D. Agricultural activities do not cause any water pollution. — Incorrect. Fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides used in modern agriculture are washed down to rivers, lakes and tanks, so farming does pollute water.
NCERT (2026-27): “Various types of chemicals used in modern agriculture such as inorganic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides are also pollution generating components. These chemicals are washed down to rivers, lakes and tanks. These chemicals also infiltrate the soil to reach the ground water. Fertiliser induces an increase in the nitrate content of surface waters. Cultural activities such as pilgrimage, religious fairs, tourism, etc. also cause water pollution. In India, almost all surface water sources are contaminated and unfit for human consumption.” “Water pollution is a source of various water-borne diseases. The diseases commonly caused due to contaminated water are diarrhoea, intestinal worms, hepatitis, etc. The World Health Organization shows that about one-fourth of the communicable diseases in India are water-borne.” |