Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question focuses on the spatial distribution, sectoral utilization, and regional characteristics of water resources in India.
It requires an understanding of India's global standing in water availability, the dominance of irrigation in water demand, the intensity of groundwater use in the northwest, and coastal geomorphology.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement 1 Analysis: India has approximately 2.45% of the world's surface area and 17.5% of the world's population, but it only possesses about 4% of the world's renewable water resources.
The total utilizable water resource in the country is estimated at 1,123 cubic km.
This highlights a significant pressure on available water, making the statement correct.
Statement 2 Analysis: In India, the agricultural sector is the largest consumer of both surface and groundwater.
About 89% of surface water and 92% of groundwater are utilized for agricultural purposes.
This high consumption is attributed to the expansion of irrigation to support High Yielding Variety (HYV) crops and the cultivation of water-intensive crops like sugarcane and paddy.
Thus, statement 2 is correct.
Statement 3 Analysis: This statement is factually incorrect.
Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh have the highest levels of groundwater utilization in India.
In these states, the net annual groundwater withdrawal exceeds the annual replenishable groundwater resource, leading to a decline in the water table.
This is primarily due to intensive tube-well irrigation introduced during the Green Revolution.
Statement 4 Analysis: India’s coastline is indented and features several lagoons and backwaters.
The state of Kerala is renowned for its vast network of backwaters (locally called Kayals), such as Vembanad Lake.
Similarly, Odisha is home to the Chilika Lake, which is the largest brackish water lagoon in India.
These water bodies are used for fishing and navigating in certain regions.
Therefore, statement 4 is correct.
Based on this evaluation, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
By evaluating the geographical data, we conclude that statements 1, 2, and 4 are accurate, while statement 3 is incorrect because Punjab and Haryana have very high groundwater utilization.
The correct option is (A).