UPSC CSE Prelims
Energy Resources Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

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

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3

Shale gas is natural gas trapped within shale rock formations, and India has identified several sedimentary basins with shale gas potential. The Cambay Basin in western India (Gujarat) is one of India's oldest petroliferous basins with proven shale gas reserves. The Cauvery Basin in southern India (Tamil Nadu-Karnataka) contains organic-rich shale formations suitable for unconventional gas extraction. The Krishna-Godavari Basin on the eastern coast is another major basin where shale gas exploration has been undertaken. All three basins mentioned are part of India's identified shale gas resource regions, making Option 4 the correct answer.