Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the states (labelled 1, 2, 3, and 4) of India shown on the map in descending order in terms of available ground water resources for irrigation?

Correct Option

The correct sequence of states in descending order of available groundwater resources for irrigation is 4, 3, 2, 1. This corresponds to the following states and their approximate groundwater irrigation coverage (in million hectares) at the time of the question:

• Uttar Pradesh (State 4): Approximately 9.38 million hectares
• Maharashtra (State 3): Approximately 1.91 million hectares
• West Bengal (State 2): Approximately 1.39 million hectares
• Assam (State 1): Possesses the least groundwater irrigation coverage among these states.

Therefore, the descending order of groundwater resources for irrigation is Uttar Pradesh > Maharashtra > West Bengal > Assam.

Incorrect Options

Options 1, 2, and 3 present incorrect sequences. These options incorrectly rank the states by misplacing Maharashtra, West Bengal, or Assam in the descending order of groundwater resources for irrigation. For example, some options incorrectly place West Bengal or Assam above Maharashtra, which is inconsistent with the actual distribution of groundwater irrigation coverage data.