Correct Option
The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Freshwater scarcity refers to the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage within a region. It is driven by a combination of quantitative depletion (over-extraction) and qualitative degradation (pollution).
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Population growth is a primary driver of water scarcity. A larger population increases the direct consumption of water for domestic purposes and indirectly increases demand through the need for more food (agriculture) and energy, placing immense stress on limited freshwater sources.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Industrial development has a significant impact on freshwater scarcity. Industries are major consumers of water. Furthermore, industrial activities often lead to the discharge of untreated effluents into water bodies, polluting freshwater reserves and rendering them unfit for use (qualitative scarcity).
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Mismanagement of water resources-such as inefficient irrigation methods, leakage in distribution systems, and lack of rainwater harvesting-leads to wastage and depletion. This decreases the overall availability of freshwater rather than increasing it.
Key Takeaway: Water scarcity is exacerbated by anthropogenic factors including rapid population growth, intensive industrialization, urbanization, and the inefficient management of existing water resources.