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 ______.

reducing the need for groundwater extraction

The correct answer is Option (2) → reducing the need for groundwater extraction

Explanation:
The passage clearly states that rainwater harvesting is a method to conserve water by collecting and storing rainwater, which helps in recharging groundwater and reducing dependence on municipal water supplies, especially during droughts. This directly implies that it helps in reducing the need to extract groundwater, which is one of the causes of the current water crisis.

Other options are incorrect:

• Increasing urban water runoff — the opposite of what rainwater harvesting aims to do.

• Sensitizing people about water wastage — a possible benefit, but not the main purpose discussed.

• Delaying urban development projects — not mentioned or implied in the passage.