If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country? (1). Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste water. (2). The water requirement of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for use of ocean water. (3). All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India. (4). The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore wells and for installing motors and pump sets to draw groundwater will be completely reimbursed by the Government. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

The correct answer is B, statements 1 and 2. The National Water Mission, one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, aims at conserving water, minimising wastage and ensuring more equitable distribution. Recycling and reuse of urban waste water is a central part of that agenda, so statement 1 holds. Statement 2 also fits the Mission's push for appropriate technologies, including desalination, to meet the needs of coastal cities that lack alternative sources.

Statement 3 is wrong because interlinking of Himalayan and peninsular rivers belongs to the National River Linking Project, a separate initiative under the National Water Development Agency, not the Water Mission. Statement 4 is wrong because the Mission does not reimburse farmers' bore well and pump set costs. It works through efficiency measures such as micro-irrigation and groundwater management, not a blanket subsidy for drilling.

The core concept is the difference between the NAPCC missions and their specific objectives. For Mains, this links to GS-III on water security and the pressure of groundwater overuse in agriculture.

Trap: candidates pick statement 3 because river linking is the most publicised water project. Treat it as a separate scheme.