UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 54
Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D
Explanation: Thermal power generation consumes and withdraws very large volumes of water for steam cycles and especially cooling.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Wrong: engineering industries use industrial water but less than the thermal-power sector overall.
B: Incorrect - Wrong: paper and pulp manufacture is water-intensive per tonne, but not the largest total user listed.
C: Incorrect - Wrong: textile processing uses substantial water, but less at sector-wide scale than power generation.
D: Correct - Correct: thermal power plants are the largest water consumer among these choices.