UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Physical water scarcity occurs where natural hydrological conditions cannot meet the demands placed on them, even with efficient use. It reflects absolute limits in supply relative to population and economic activities. Economic water scarcity arises where water resources exist but infrastructure, finance and governance are inadequate for people to obtain safe and reliable supplies. This distinction between natural limits and access constraints is correctly expressed in Option B.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it reverses the definitions. Poor management can aggravate both types of scarcity, but abundant resources with poor management fit better under economic and governance issues than pure physical scarcity.

Option B:
Option B is correct since it clearly separates situations of low natural availability from those where institutions and investments are lacking. Understanding this difference is important for designing appropriate water policies.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as it confuses water quality problems with scarcity types. Pollution can contribute to scarcity but does not define the physical versus economic distinction.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because water scarcity can affect both urban and rural areas, and the physical versus economic classification is not based solely on settlement type.