Why has water become an economic good in India?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Past development has polluted and dried up rivers and other aquifers
An economic good is scarce and has a cost. Past development has polluted and dried up rivers and other aquifers, so clean water is no longer freely available.
Option (1) Water is a non-renewable resource that gets exhausted with use — Incorrect. Water is a renewable resource; it is renewed through natural processes if used wisely.
Option (2) The government has started charging for all water supplies — Incorrect. Water became scarce because of pollution and drying up, not because of a charge.
Option (3) Most of the water is now used by industries — Incorrect. Industries do use water, but water became scarce because past development polluted and dried up rivers and aquifers.
Option (4) Past development has polluted and dried up rivers and other aquifers — Correct. This is why water has become an economic good.
NCERT (2026-27): “7.2 Environment — Definition and Functions … Many resources have become extinct and the wastes generated are beyond the absorptive capacity of the environment. Absorptive capacity means the ability of the environment to absorb degradation. The result — we are today at the threshold of environmental crisis. The past development has polluted and dried up rivers and other aquifers making water an economic good. …” Glossary: “Renewable Resources – Resources that can be renewed through natural processes if they are used wisely. Forests, animals and fishes, if not over-exploited, get easily renewed. Water is also in that category.” |