UPSC Mains 2025 GS3 Q8 — Disaster management, Aquifers
Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard? (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What are
- Scope keywords
- Seawater intrusioncoastal aquifersmajor concern in Indiacausesremedial measurescombat this hazard
- Implicit sub-parts
- Mechanism of Ghyben-Herzberg relation (the fresh-saline water interface) in the Indian context.
- Categorization of causes into anthropogenic (over-pumping) vs. natural (sea-level rise).
- Specific geographical hotspots in India (e.g., Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal).
- Technological vs. Management-based remedial interventions.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on general coastal erosion instead of sub-surface aquifer salinity.
- Failing to mention the 'Indian' context specifically (e.g., the role of monsoon variability).
- Neglecting the impact of shrimp farming and aquaculture on groundwater salinity.
- Omitting modern solutions like Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) or subsurface barriers.
- Writing a general essay on water pollution without addressing the 'hazard' aspect.
- Dimensions required
- HydrogeologicalAnthropogenic/DevelopmentalClimatic/EnvironmentalPolicy/Governance
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 20 words for a concise definition and Indian context. Spend 50 words on causes, clearly distinguishing between over-extraction and climate change. Dedicate 60 words to remedial measures (30 for engineering solutions and 30 for policy/regulation). Use the final 20 words for a forward-looking conclusion mentioning the Jal Shakti Abhiyan or SDG 6.
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