The Ganges provides water to about what percentage of India's population?

• A. About 25%
• B. About 60%
• C. About 70%
• D. About 40%

Answer: (D)

The Ganges basin is one of the most densely populated river regions, so a large part of India relies on its water for farming, drinking, and daily use. Because many people live in states along the river—like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal—the number who depend on the Ganges is huge. When you look at the population within the drainage basin and their reliance on its water, it comes to about two-fifths of India—roughly forty percent. This shows how a single major river can be central to water access for a large portion of a country’s people, even though many Indians live outside the basin or use other sources.