Read the passage and answer the question that follows. Given the precarious…
2023
Read the passage and answer the question that follows. Given the precarious condition of its ground and surface water resources (rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands and reservoirs), India could be a water-scarce country in the next 40 years. With 1,486 cubic metres (~1.5 million litres) of water available per person per annum, India falls in the water-stressed category. A dip below 1,000 cubic metres per person per annum will push it into the water-scarce category. The manner of water consumption also compounds the problem. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) statistics show that the indiscriminate use of groundwater turned 4% of the total 7,089 assessed units in the country critical in 2022, while 14% were assessed as over-exploited. The situation was worse in 2017, when 17% of the units were over-exploited. Various recharge and conservation efforts have borne fruit, but the number of such units remains high in states such as Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In India, 87% of groundwater is extracted for irrigation, and experts say excess withdrawal throughout the year may be the biggest reason for depletion, as recharge primarily happens during the monsoon. On the other hand, encroachment on water bodies and the discharge of untreated wastewater into rivers and streams have reduced surface-water resources. In 2022, approximately how many units assessed by the CGWB were found to be over-exploited?
Answer: B. ~ 992 — ConceptFor a passage-based percentage question, first identify the total quantity and the stated percentage for the requested category. Convert the percentage…
- A.
~ 283
- B.
~ 992
- C.
~ 1276
- D.
~ 1006
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
For a passage-based percentage question, first identify the total quantity and the stated percentage for the requested category. Convert the percentage to a fraction over 100, multiply it by the total, and interpret the result according to the approximation used in the options.
Application
The passage states that 7,089 units were assessed and 14% of them were over-exploited.
The number of over-exploited units is 7,089 × 14/100 = 992.46.
Because the options are approximate whole numbers, 992.46 corresponds to approximately 992 units.
Cross-check and contrast
As a check, 10% of 7,089 is 708.9 and 4% is 283.56; their sum is 992.46.
Approximately 283 represents about 4% of 7,089, the percentage linked in the passage to critical units.
Approximately 992 represents about 14% of 7,089, the percentage stated for over-exploited units.
Approximately 1,276 represents about 18% of 7,089, which results from adding the separate 4% and 14% categories.
Approximately 1,006 represents about 14.19% of 7,089 rather than the stated 14%.
Therefore, approximately 992 assessed units were over-exploited in 2022.