Part of: Maharashtra Gk set 16

In some of Mumbai's slums, water only runs from the pumps for how long?

Category: Maharashtra Gk

Hint: Consider the practical constraints of water supply in urban slums.

Correct Answer: D) 30 minutes.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

In Mumbai, one of the largest and most populous cities in India, the water supply infrastructure faces significant challenges, particularly in the slum areas. Slums are characterized by high population density, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources. The water supply in these areas is often intermittent and restricted due to the strain on the city's water distribution system.

The water supply in Mumbai's slums is typically limited to a short period each day, which is often around 30 minutes. This duration is a compromise between the needs of the residents and the capacity of the water supply system. While 30 minutes is insufficient to meet the full daily water needs of a household, it is a practical duration given the constraints of the infrastructure.

The water supply in slums is often managed through communal taps or pumps, which serve multiple households. The limited duration of water supply can lead to long queues and significant inconvenience for residents. This situation highlights the broader issues of urban planning, resource management, and social inequality in large cities like Mumbai.

Understanding the water supply conditions in Mumbai's slums is important for comprehending the challenges faced by urban populations in developing countries. It also underscores the need for improved infrastructure and equitable resource distribution to address the basic needs of all residents.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because 2 minutes is too short a time to meet the basic water needs of a household, even in a slum setting. It is unlikely that the water supply would be so limited.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect because 500 minutes (or 8.3 hours) is an excessively long time for water supply in a slum area, where water supply is typically restricted due to infrastructure limitations.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect because 1 minute is insufficient to meet the basic water needs of a household. It is too short a duration for practical water supply in a slum setting.
  • Option D: This option is correct because 30 minutes is a reasonable duration for water supply in Mumbai's slums, reflecting the practical constraints of the water supply infrastructure in these areas.

Mnemonic: Remember: "30 minutes" is a reasonable time for a practical water supply.

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