"The question of sustainability of development becoming more complex day by day." Examine the statement in context of use of underground water in India.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:55 · grounding rag
Model Answer
The statement is correct — sustainability of development is becoming more complex, as seen clearly in the case of groundwater use in India.
Overuse of Groundwater:
- About 300 districts have reported a water level decline of over 4 metres in the past 20 years.
- Nearly one-third of the country is already overusing groundwater reserves.
- If the present trend continues, 60% of the country will be overusing groundwater within 25 years.
- Overuse is especially severe in Punjab, Western U.P., hard rock plateau areas, coastal regions, and rapidly growing urban settlements.
Why it threatens sustainability:
Groundwater is a renewable resource, replenished by rain. However, when extraction exceeds replenishment, it behaves like a non-renewable resource — it depletes. This deprives future generations of a vital resource.
Can development continue without overuse?
Yes, but it requires adopting sustainable practices — rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, and regulated extraction — so that development needs are met without exhausting resources for the future.
Source: Understanding Economic Development, Chapter 1 — Sustainability of Development
---
Explanation
- Examiners expect data from the passage (300 districts, one-third, 60%) — always quote these figures.
- Link overuse to the definition of sustainability: using resources such that future generations are not deprived.
- The phrase "borrowed it from our children" captures the core idea — you may quote it.
- End with a solution point to show you understand the "way forward," which earns full marks in 5-mark answers.