SSC CGL 2025 PYQ — Question 43

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Unconsolidated Formation.

In India, the most significant groundwater reservoirs suitable for large-scale and extensive development are found in unconsolidated formations, especially the vast alluvial deposits of the Indo-Gangetic plains. These formations consist of sand, silt, gravel, and clay, which have high porosity and permeability. This allows them to store and transmit large quantities of groundwater efficiently. Compared to fissured or consolidated rocks, where water occurs in fractures and is limited, unconsolidated aquifers provide continuous and reliable water supply. Their thickness and widespread distribution make them ideal for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial use. Hence, they form the backbone of groundwater exploitation in India.