Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only

This question tests knowledge about groundwater management in India and the role of the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). Statement 1 provides incorrect figures about overexploited/critical districts, while Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate regarding CGWA's formation and India's groundwater irrigation status.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: According to the National Compilation on Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India, 2017, only 17% of assessment units are overexploited and 5% are critical, totaling 22% (not 36% of districts).

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was indeed established in 1997 under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control groundwater development and management.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: India has the world's largest area under groundwater irrigation, accounting for approximately 60% of its irrigated agriculture, due to extensive bore-well and tube-well usage.

📝 Short Notes: Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

• Establishment: Constituted in 1997 under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Water Resources)
• Primary Function: Regulation and control of groundwater development and management across India
• Classification Categories: Assessment units are classified as Safe, Semi-Critical (70-90% extraction), Critical (90-100% extraction), and Over-Exploited (>100% extraction)
• Groundwater Status (2017 Report): Out of 6,881 assessment units - 17% Over-Exploited, 5% Critical, 14% Semi-Critical, and 64% Safe
• India's Irrigation: India has the largest groundwater irrigation area globally, with groundwater contributing to about 60% of irrigated agriculture
• Powers: CGWA can issue directives for regulation of groundwater extraction in notified areas and impose restrictions on groundwater development