UPSC Mains 2024 GS3 Q15 — Water resource technology
The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What areBriefly discuss
- Scope keywords
- acute shortageclean and safe freshwateralternative technologieskey merits and demerits
- Implicit sub-parts
- Brief contextualization of why traditional sources (groundwater/rivers) are failing to meet demand.
- A comprehensive listing/taxonomy of available alternative water technologies beyond the three discussed in detail.
- Assessment of the scalability and economic feasibility of the chosen technologies in the Indian context.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on traditional conservation (rainwater harvesting) rather than 'alternative technologies' like desalination or atmospheric water generation.
- Neglecting the 'demerits' section, especially the high energy intensity and environmental footprint of some technologies.
- Writing a generic essay on water pollution instead of focusing on technological solutions for water 'scarcity'.
- Failing to mention the high cost-to-benefit ratio which often limits the adoption of these technologies in developing nations.
- Dimensions required
- Technological/EngineeringEnvironmental/EcologicalEconomic/FinancialGeographical/Scalability
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 3 marks for a crisp introduction on the global water crisis. Use 4 marks to list a variety of alternative technologies. Dedicate 6 marks (2 marks each) to the detailed discussion of three specific technologies, ensuring a clear merits-vs-demerits structure. Use the final 2 marks for a forward-looking conclusion on policy integration and sustainability.
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