Even though groundwater is classified as a renewable resource, its overuse is a serious concern in India. Explain why overuse of a renewable resource can still threaten development.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:23 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Groundwater is a renewable resource, but it can be overused if extraction exceeds natural replenishment by rainfall. Nearly one-third of India is already overusing groundwater reserves, with water levels declining over 4 metres in about 300 districts in 20 years.
Overuse threatens development because:
- Once depleted beyond a critical level, the resource cannot recover quickly enough to meet future needs.
- Agriculture in prosperous regions like Punjab and Western U.P. depends heavily on groundwater; its depletion endangers food security.
- Future generations will inherit a resource-scarce environment, violating the principle: "We have not inherited the world from our forefathers — we have borrowed it from our children."
Thus, unsustainable use of even renewable resources makes development short-term and non-inclusive.
Source: Chapter 1 — Development, section on Sustainability of Development
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Explanation
Examiners expect you to:
- Define/clarify why groundwater is renewable yet exhaustible (extraction > replenishment).
- Use data from the passage — 300 districts, one-third overusing, 4-metre decline — this shows you've read the source carefully.
- Link to sustainability — connect overuse to the idea that future generations are harmed, using the quote if possible.
- Avoid writing a long essay; 3 marks = ~3 clear points. Keep it concise and factual.