NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 5: Public Facilities

mcqeasy

Which of the following measures is commonly adopted in Indian cities to recharge depleted groundwater levels?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ARainwater harvesting
BInter-basin transfer of river water
CDesalination of seawater
DProhibition of all private borewells

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Rainwater harvesting

Explanation

Urban water management is a critical function of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), often addressed under the 12th Schedule of the Constitution (74th Amendment Act). Due to rapid urbanization and the concretization of surfaces, natural infiltration of water has decreased, leading to groundwater depletion. Cities adopt specific technical and regulatory measures to counteract this.

Analysis of Options:

Prohibition of all private borewells is Incorrect: While the regulation of groundwater extraction (e.g., requiring permits for new borewells) is common, a blanket prohibition of all private borewells is not a commonly adopted measure. Municipal water supply systems often cannot meet the entire demand, making private extraction necessary in many areas.
Inter-basin transfer of river water is Incorrect: Inter-basin transfer of river water is a macro-level hydraulic engineering project managed by State or Central governments to augment water supply. It is not a localized city-level measure specifically designed for recharging groundwater aquifers.
Rainwater harvesting is Correct: Rainwater harvesting is the most commonly adopted and often widely mandated measure in Indian cities to recharge groundwater. It involves collecting runoff from rooftops, paved areas, and open grounds and directing it into the aquifer through recharge pits, trenches, or existing wells. It is frequently integrated into Model Building Bye-laws and promoted under urban schemes like AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation).
Desalination of seawater is Incorrect: Desalination of seawater is a technology used to generate potable water from the ocean. It is capital-intensive, energy-intensive, and restricted to coastal cities (e.g., Chennai). It is a method of supply augmentation, not groundwater recharge.

Key Takeaway:
Rainwater harvesting is the primary, decentralized, and sustainable method promoted by Urban Local Bodies and development schemes to mitigate groundwater depletion and manage urban runoff.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Public Facilities

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the 'Right to Water' and the Constitution of India?

medium

With reference to the judicial interpretation of the Right to Life in the context of water, consider the following 1. The right entitles every person to sufficient water for domestic use. 2. The water provided must be physically accessible and affordable. 3. The state is not obligated to prevent the contamination of water sources by private industries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following assertions regarding 'Public Facilities': 1. Once a public facility is provided, its benefits can be shared by many people simultaneously. 2. The construction of a school or the supply of electricity are examples of facilities where the benefit is restricted to a single user. 3. Public facilities are essential services provided solely by the private sector in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the role of the government in the economy: 1. The government plays a central role in regulating economic activities through laws. 2. The government has no role in the enforcement of laws concerning working conditions in private factories. 3. The government is responsible for ensuring that public facilities are made available to everyone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following best defines the concept of 'Universal Access' in the context of public facilities?

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Keep practising Chapter 5: Public Facilities

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The correct option is

Rainwater harvesting

Explanation

Analysis of Options:

Prohibition of all private borewells is Incorrect: While the regulation of groundwater extraction (e.g., requiring permits for new borewells) is common, a blanket prohibition of all private borewells is not a commonly adopted measure. Municipal water supply systems often cannot meet the entire demand, making private extraction necessary in many areas.
Inter-basin transfer of river water is Incorrect: Inter-basin transfer of river water is a macro-level hydraulic engineering project managed by State or Central governments to augment water supply. It is not a localized city-level measure specifically designed for recharging groundwater aquifers.
Rainwater harvesting is Correct: Rainwater harvesting is the most commonly adopted and often widely mandated measure in Indian cities to recharge groundwater. It involves collecting runoff from rooftops, paved areas, and open grounds and directing it into the aquifer through recharge pits, trenches, or existing wells. It is frequently integrated into Model Building Bye-laws and promoted under urban schemes like AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation).
Desalination of seawater is Incorrect: Desalination of seawater is a technology used to generate potable water from the ocean. It is capital-intensive, energy-intensive, and restricted to coastal cities (e.g., Chennai). It is a method of supply augmentation, not groundwater recharge.