Pricing natural resources like groundwater is necessary, but insufficient for sustainability”. Do you agree? Evaluate the challenges and benefits of using economic instruments for groundwater management.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Q2. Pricing natural resources like groundwater is necessary, but insufficient for sustainability”. Do you agree? Evaluate the challenges and benefits of using economic instruments for groundwater management. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TOI
Why the question: Recent groundwater pricing policies in states like Karnataka have reignited debate on the effectiveness of economic instruments in ensuring water sustainability. Key Demand of the question: The question asks you to assess the adequacy of groundwater pricing as a policy tool and evaluate both its advantages and limitations in promoting sustainable groundwater use. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Briefly highlight India’s overdependence on groundwater and the emergence of pricing as a regulatory approach. Body Argue why pricing alone cannot ensure groundwater sustainability and mention other required measures. Mention the benefits of using economic tools like pricing and how they can encourage efficiency and conservation. Highlight practical and institutional challenges in implementing economic instruments in India. Conclusion Suggest the need for a multi-pronged strategy combining economic, institutional, and ecological measures for long-term groundwater governance.
Why the question: Recent groundwater pricing policies in states like Karnataka have reignited debate on the effectiveness of economic instruments in ensuring water sustainability.
Key Demand of the question: The question asks you to assess the adequacy of groundwater pricing as a policy tool and evaluate both its advantages and limitations in promoting sustainable groundwater use.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Briefly highlight India’s overdependence on groundwater and the emergence of pricing as a regulatory approach.
• Argue why pricing alone cannot ensure groundwater sustainability and mention other required measures.
• Mention the benefits of using economic tools like pricing and how they can encourage efficiency and conservation.
• Highlight practical and institutional challenges in implementing economic instruments in India.
Conclusion Suggest the need for a multi-pronged strategy combining economic, institutional, and ecological measures for long-term groundwater governance.