Read the given passage and answer the four questions that follow: -
Rainwater harvesting is an innovative method to conserve water by collecting and storing rainwater for future use. This practice has been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. It is a simple, eco-friendly technique to address the growing water crisis caused by over extraction of groundwater, climate change, and increasing demand for freshwater resources.
The process involves collecting rainwater from rooftops, roads or open spaces and directing it to storage tanks or underground reservoirs. This water can be used for domestic purposes like drinking, cooking and gardening as well as for recharging groundwater. Several states have made rainwater harvesting mandatory for buildings, significantly improving water availability and management.
One major advantage of rainwater harvesting is that it reduces dependence on municipal water supplies, particularly during droughts. It also helps prevent flooding and soil erosion by capturing rainwater before it runs off into rivers or drains. Moreover, it is cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and relatively easy to implement even on a small scale.
However, challenges such as lack of awareness, poor maintenance and improper design of harvesting systems hinder its widespread adoption. With proper education, public participation and government support, rainwater harvesting can play a crucial role in water management.
As the world faces increasing scarcity of water resources, rainwater harvesting offers a sustainable solution. By integrating this ancient practice into modern urban planning, we can secure water for future generations while preserving our environment and ecosystems.
Rainwater harvesting helps in ______.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → reducing the need for groundwater extraction
The passage says the water crisis is caused partly by over extraction of groundwater, and that harvested rainwater can be used for drinking, cooking and gardening as well as for recharging groundwater. Water that comes from the roof does not have to be pumped from under the ground, so the need to extract groundwater goes down.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: increasing urban water runoff in reservoirs — Incorrect. Contradicted: runoff is rainwater that flows away over the ground. Rainwater harvesting captures the rain before it runs off, so it reduces runoff.
Option 3: sensitizing people about water wastage — Incorrect. Wrong link: the passage says lack of awareness is a challenge and that education is needed to spread rainwater harvesting; it does not say harvesting itself makes people aware.
Option 4: delaying urban development projects — Incorrect. Not mentioned: nothing in the passage links rainwater harvesting with delays; it is presented as part of modern urban planning.