The requirement of water is highest in which one among the following industries?

The pulp and paper industry (paper from wood) is identified as one of the most water-intensive manufacturing sectors globally and in India. According to industrial data, the forest products sector, which includes pulp and paper, is the largest industrial process water user [2]. In India, among major water-intensive industries, thermal power plants are the highest consumers, followed immediately by the pulp and paper industry, which ranks higher in water consumption than the textile and iron and steel industries. While the iron and steel industry requires significant water—approximately 293 cubic meters per ton of steel —the cumulative process requirements for chemical pulping and paper manufacturing are traditionally higher per unit of output. The paper industry relies heavily on water for various stages, including pulping, bleaching, and washing [1]. Consequently, among the provided options, paper from wood has the highest water requirement.

Sources

1. [2] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 28: Manufacturing Industry and The Iron and Steel Industry > Factors affecting the location of the iron and steel industry > p. 286
2. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > PAPER INDUSTRY > p. 56