Statement: Groundwater in the locality contains high levels of arsenic, making it dangerous to drink. Courses of Action: I. Immediately shift people living in the area to a different locality to avoid a catastrophic situation. II. Arrange for safe drinking water supply (e.g., treated piped water, tankers, community RO units).
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AOnly I follows
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BOnly II follows
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CEither I or II follows
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DNeither I nor II follows
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EBoth I and II follow
Answer
Correct Answer: Only II follows
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Arsenic-contaminated groundwater is a serious public-health hazard. Effective courses of action must prioritize immediate risk mitigation and sustainable safe-water access while considering feasibility and proportionality.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Drinking groundwater locally is unsafe due to arsenic levels.
- Contamination is at the source; household boiling does not remove arsenic.
Concept / Approach:Providing safe water (II) directly addresses the hazard via alternative sources and treatment (piped surface water, tanker supply, community RO/activated alumina filters, blending within safe limits). Mass relocation (I) is drastic, logistically complex, and rarely the first-line response; it disrupts livelihoods and social networks and is only justified if remediation and safe supply are impossible in reasonable time.
Step-by-Step Solution:1) Implement II: establish immediate safe-water points and medium-term piped solutions; communicate do-not-drink advisories for contaminated tubewells.2) Keep relocation as a last resort for pockets where safe supply cannot be ensured despite best efforts.
Verification / Alternative check:Public-health interventions worldwide prioritize risk communication and provision of safe alternatives over relocation except in extreme, unmanageable contamination scenarios.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Only I overreacts; Either/Both inappropriately elevate relocation to parity with the practical solution.
Common Pitfalls:Assuming relocation is the default remedy; overlooking that arsenic is removable only with specific treatment, not by boiling.
Final Answer:Only II follows.