Read the passage given below and answer the following question: (Q 4)
Since there is a declining availability of freshwater and increasing demand, the need has arisen to conserve and effectively manage this precious life giving resource for sustainable development. Given that water availability from sea/ocean, due to high cost of desalinisation, is considered negligible, India has to take quick steps and make effective policies and laws, and adopt effective measures for its conservation. Besides developing water-saving technologies and methods, attempts are also to be made to prevent the pollution. There is need to encourage watershed development, rainwater harvesting, water recycling and reuse, and conjunctive use of water for sustaining water supply in long run.

Which of the following is NOT a measure to effectively manage our freshwater resources for sustainable development?

Use of Insecticides and Pesticides for increasing production.

The correct answer is Option 4: Use of Insecticides and Pesticides for increasing production.

Option 1: Use of Kundas or Tanks — Correct measure. Traditional rainwater harvesting structures such as kundas and tanks help in conserving and managing freshwater resources sustainably.

Option 2: Recharge Wells — Correct measure. Recharge wells help replenish groundwater levels and support sustainable water management.

Option 3: Sprinkler Irrigation — Correct measure. Sprinkler irrigation reduces wastage of water and promotes efficient use of freshwater resources.

Option 4: Use of Insecticides and Pesticides for increasing production — Not a correct measure. Excessive use of insecticides and pesticides can pollute water bodies and groundwater, harming freshwater resources rather than conserving them.