BEVAE-181 Solved Assignment 2025
Environment Studies
PART-A
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"To achieve the desired goal of Sustainable Development, societies have to make certain transitions which are very much essential." Justify the statement in about 250 words
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Differentiate between the following terms by giving suitable examples in about 125 words each:
(a) Primary and secondary succession
(b) Direct and indirect use value of biodiversity -
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each.
(a) What is biodiversity hotspot? Why is India considered as a mega biodiversity hotspot?
(b) Describe the life forms of aquatic ecosystem found in different zones with suitable examples and diagrams.
(c) Differentiate between the surface and ground water. Describe the factors responsible for degradation of water.
(d) Write a short note on carbon cycle with the help of a diagram. -
How does Forest Right Act, 2006 helps tribal and forest dwellers in India? Explain with suitable examples in about 200 words.
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Critically evaluate the status of non-conventional energy resources in India. Elucidate your answer with suitable examples in about 200 words.
PART-B
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Explain the following terms in about 60 words each:
(a) Ecofeminism
(b) Geographical and Social Inequity
(c) Ozone Layer Depletion
(d) Acid Rain -
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each.
(a) Explain any four impacts of improper waste disposal with suitable examples.
(b) How does Landfilling act as an important method of waste disposal? Explain.
(c) Describe the role of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as an institution for monitoring the pollution levels of environment.
(d) How do collective actions help in addressing environmental issues and concerns? Explain. -
"Habitat destruction is recognized as most significant threat to global biodiversity." Elucidate the statement with respect to present day context in about 200 words.
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‘Polluted water is a threat to our health and survival of life forms" Explain it with respect to different agents of water pollutants in about 200 words.
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"The ratio of those killed to those affected by natural disasters depend on the type of calamity, degree of preparedness and the density of population" Justify the statement with Explain your answer with suitable arguments and examples in about 250 words.
Answer:
PART-A
Question:-1
To achieve the desired goal of Sustainable Development, societies have to make certain transitions which are very much essential. Justify the statement in about 250 words.
Answer:
Sustainable Development (SD) aims to meet present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs, balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. Achieving this goal requires societies to undergo essential transitions in multiple domains, as static systems rooted in unsustainable practices cannot deliver long-term global stability. These transitions are justified by the urgent need to address pressing challenges like climate change, resource depletion, inequality, and biodiversity loss.
First, transitioning to renewable energy systems is critical. Fossil fuels, the backbone of industrial economies, drive climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting to solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy reduces carbon footprints and ensures energy security. For instance, countries like Denmark have achieved significant progress by investing in wind energy, demonstrating that such transitions are feasible and economically viable. This shift also mitigates air pollution, improving public health and reducing healthcare costs.
Second, sustainable agricultural practices are vital to combat food insecurity and environmental degradation. Conventional farming relies heavily on chemical fertilizers and monocultures, depleting soil fertility and harming ecosystems. Transitioning to organic farming, agroforestry, and precision agriculture enhances soil health, conserves water, and boosts biodiversity. The adoption of such practices in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa has increased crop yields while preserving local ecosystems, proving their efficacy.
Third, urban transitions toward green infrastructure are necessary to accommodate growing populations sustainably. Cities consume vast resources and generate significant waste. By integrating smart urban planning—such as efficient public transport, green buildings, and waste recycling systems—cities can reduce environmental impacts. Singapore’s eco-city initiatives, with extensive green spaces and energy-efficient designs, exemplify how urban transitions foster sustainability.
Finally, social transitions toward inclusive governance and education are essential. Empowering communities through participatory decision-making ensures equitable resource distribution and addresses social inequalities. Education fosters awareness and innovation, equipping individuals to drive sustainable practices.
These transitions are not optional but imperative, as continuing unsustainable practices risks irreversible environmental and social damage. By embracing systemic change, societies can achieve the holistic goals of Sustainable Development, ensuring a resilient and equitable future.
Question:-2(a)
Differentiate between Primary and secondary succession by giving suitable examples in about 125 words.
Answer:
Primary and secondary succession are ecological processes describing how ecosystems recover and develop over time, but they differ in their starting conditions. Primary succession occurs on barren, lifeless surfaces where no soil exists, such as after volcanic eruptions or glacial retreats. For example, on a newly formed volcanic island, lichens and mosses colonize bare rock, gradually forming soil, followed by grasses, shrubs, and eventually trees over centuries. Secondary succession, conversely, occurs in areas where an existing ecosystem has been disturbed but soil and some organisms remain, such as after a forest fire or abandoned farmland. For instance, in a burned forest, grasses and shrubs quickly regrow, followed by young trees, restoring the forest within decades. Primary succession starts from scratch, taking longer, while secondary succession leverages existing soil and seed banks, progressing faster due to residual ecological components.
Question:-2(b)
Differentiate between Direct and indirect use value of biodiversity by giving suitable examples in about 125 words.
Answer:
Direct and indirect use values of biodiversity reflect different ways ecosystems provide benefits to humans. Direct use value refers to tangible benefits obtained through the direct consumption or use of biological resources. Examples include harvesting timber for construction, fishing for food, or using medicinal plants like neem for traditional remedies. These resources are directly extracted and utilized for economic or subsistence purposes. Indirect use value, conversely, pertains to benefits derived from ecosystem services that support life and human activities without direct consumption. For instance, wetlands purify water by filtering pollutants, benefiting communities downstream, or bees pollinate crops, enhancing agricultural yields without being consumed. Coral reefs protect coastal areas from erosion, indirectly supporting tourism and fisheries. Direct use involves active exploitation of resources, while indirect use relies on ecosystem functions that maintain environmental stability and human well-being passively.
Question:-3(a)
What is biodiversity hotspot? Why is India considered as a mega biodiversity hotspot? Answer in about 150 words.
Answer:
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with exceptional levels of species richness, particularly endemic species, that faces significant threats from human activities. To qualify, a hotspot must have at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species and have lost 70% or more of its original habitat. These areas are critical for global conservation due to their unique biodiversity and vulnerability.
India is considered a mega biodiversity hotspot due to its remarkable species diversity and high endemism across multiple ecosystems. It hosts four biodiversity hotspots: the Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland (including the Nicobar Islands). The Western Ghats alone have over 7,000 plant species, with about 5,000 being endemic, alongside unique fauna like the Nilgiri tahr. The Eastern Himalayas are home to diverse species, including the red panda and numerous orchids. India’s varied climates, from tropical forests to alpine meadows, support over 91,000 animal species and 45,500 plant species, with many found nowhere else. However, rapid urbanization, deforestation, and agriculture threaten these ecosystems, with significant habitat loss in hotspots. India’s rich biodiversity, coupled with ongoing conservation challenges, underscores its status as a global mega biodiversity hotspot, necessitating urgent protection efforts.
Question:-3(b)
Describe the life forms of aquatic ecosystem found in different zones with suitable examples and diagrams. Answer in about 150 words.
Answer:
Aquatic ecosystems host diverse life forms across distinct zones, shaped by light, depth, and nutrient availability. These zones include the littoral, limnetic, profundal, and benthic zones in freshwater systems, with analogous divisions in marine environments.
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Littoral Zone: Near the shore, this shallow, sunlit zone supports rooted plants like cattails and floating plants like water lilies. Animals include frogs, turtles, and fish like sunfish. Microscopic plankton thrive here.
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Limnetic Zone: The open, sunlit surface waters of lakes host phytoplankton (e.g., diatoms) as primary producers. Zooplankton (e.g., copepods) and fish like trout inhabit this zone, relying on light for photosynthesis and feeding.
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Profundal Zone: Deeper, darker waters below the limnetic zone have low light and oxygen. Life forms include decomposers like bacteria and detritivores like certain worms, feeding on organic matter sinking from above.
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Benthic Zone: The bottom layer, comprising sediment, supports organisms like mussels, snails, and burrowing insects (e.g., chironomid larvae). In marine ecosystems, like coral reefs, benthic zones host corals and sea anemones.
Diagram:
Examples: Freshwater (Lake Baikal – plankton, fish); Marine (Great Barrier Reef – corals, fish).
Question:-3(c)
Differentiate between the surface and ground water. Describe the factors responsible for degradation of water. Answer in about 150 words.
Answer:
Surface Water vs. Groundwater: Surface water exists in rivers, lakes, and wetlands, exposed to the atmosphere and directly accessible. It is replenished by precipitation and runoff, supporting aquatic ecosystems (e.g., fish in rivers). Groundwater resides in underground aquifers, accessed via wells, and moves slowly through porous rock. It is replenished by infiltration, often cleaner but harder to access (e.g., used for irrigation).
Factors Responsible for Water Degradation:
- Pollution: Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers), and untreated sewage introduce toxins, heavy metals, and pathogens, degrading water quality (e.g., Ganges River pollution).
- Eutrophication: Excess nutrients from fertilizers cause algal blooms, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life (e.g., Lake Erie).
- Overextraction: Excessive withdrawal of groundwater for agriculture or urban use lowers water tables, causing depletion (e.g., India’s Punjab region).
- Deforestation: Removal of vegetation increases runoff, reducing groundwater recharge and causing sedimentation in surface water.
- Climate Change: Altered precipitation patterns and rising temperatures reduce water availability and increase salinity in coastal aquifers.
- Urbanization: Impervious surfaces like concrete prevent groundwater recharge, while urban waste pollutes surface water.
These factors threaten water quality and availability, necessitating sustainable management to protect both surface and groundwater resources.
Question:-3(d)
Write a short note on carbon cycle with the help of a diagram. Answer in about 150 words.
Answer:
The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon moves between the atmosphere, land, oceans, and living organisms. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter. Animals consume plants, incorporating carbon into their bodies. Respiration by plants, animals, and microbes releases CO₂ back into the atmosphere. Decomposition of dead organisms also returns carbon to the soil or air. Oceans absorb CO₂, where it is used by marine plants or stored in water and sediments. Human activities, like burning fossil fuels, release stored carbon as CO₂, intensifying the greenhouse effect. Volcanic eruptions and weathering of rocks contribute to long-term carbon exchange. The cycle maintains Earth’s carbon balance but is disrupted by excessive emissions.
Diagram: A circular diagram showing arrows connecting atmosphere (CO₂), plants (photosynthesis), animals (consumption), soil (decomposition), oceans (absorption), and human activities (fossil fuel burning), illustrating carbon flow.
Question:-4
How does Forest Right Act, 2006 helps tribal and forest dwellers in India? Explain with suitable examples in about 200 words.
Answer:
The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, officially known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, aims to address historical injustices faced by tribal and forest-dwelling communities in India by recognizing their rights to forest land and resources. It grants individual rights to cultivate land (up to 4 hectares) and community rights to manage and use forest resources, ensuring livelihood security and sustainable forest conservation. The Act empowers Gram Sabhas to initiate and verify claims, promoting local governance. It also provides relief and development rights, such as rehabilitation after illegal evictions, and forest management rights to protect community forest resources (CFR).
Examples:
- Mendha Lekha, Maharashtra: This village successfully claimed CFR rights, enabling the community to manage bamboo harvesting and sell minor forest produce (MFP) like tendu leaves. The Gram Sabha established a Van Suraksha Samiti (Forest Protection Committee), boosting local income and forest conservation through sustainable practices.
- Ranpur Block, Odisha: The NGO Vasundhara supported tribal women in securing MFP rights, leading to economic empowerment through the collection and sale of honey and lac. This improved livelihoods and strengthened community-led forest governance.
- Niyamgiri, Odisha: The Dongria Kondh tribe used FRA to veto a bauxite mining project, protecting their sacred lands and asserting their consent rights, as upheld by the Supreme Court.
Despite these successes, implementation challenges like bureaucratic hurdles, lack of awareness, and wrongful claim rejections persist, requiring stronger state support and awareness campaigns.
Question:-5
Critically evaluate the status of non-conventional energy resources in India. Elucidate your answer with suitable examples in about 200 words.
Answer:
India has made significant strides in developing non-conventional energy resources, driven by the need for energy security, environmental sustainability, and global climate commitments. As of November 2024, non-fossil fuel capacity, including solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear, constitutes 47-48% of India’s total installed energy capacity (205.52 GW out of 452.69 GW), with solar at 94.16 GW and wind at 47.95 GW. The country ranks third globally in renewable energy production, with a 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030. Government initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, National Solar Mission, and PM-KUSUM have boosted solar adoption, particularly in rural areas. For instance, the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, one of the world’s largest, exemplifies India’s solar potential.
Wind energy, concentrated in states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, benefits from policies like the National Wind Energy Mission, though it faces challenges like land acquisition and intermittency. Biogas programs, such as the National Biogas and Manure Management Programme, promote rural energy access using cattle dung, enhancing sustainability. Geothermal and tidal energy, however, remain underexploited due to high costs and technological barriers, with pilot projects in Ladakh and Gujarat showing limited progress.
Despite progress, challenges include grid integration, energy storage limitations, and bureaucratic delays in project approvals. Overreliance on fossil fuels (53% of energy mix) and inconsistent state-level policies hinder scalability. Strengthening R&D, improving storage technologies, and streamlining regulations are critical for India to meet its ambitious renewable energy goals and ensure equitable energy access.
PART-B
Question:-6(a)
Explain Ecofeminism in about 60 words.
Answer:
Ecofeminism is a philosophical and activist movement that links environmental degradation with the oppression of women, highlighting their shared exploitation under patriarchal and capitalist systems. It argues that the domination of nature and women stems from hierarchical structures that prioritize profit and power. Ecofeminists advocate for sustainable, equitable practices, emphasizing women’s roles as environmental stewards, often rooted in their traditional knowledge of ecosystems. For example, the Chipko Movement in India, led by women like Gaura Devi, showcased resistance to deforestation, blending feminist and ecological concerns. Ecofeminism critiques industrialized exploitation, promoting harmony between humans and nature while addressing gender and social inequalities.
Question:-6(b)
Explain Geographical and Social Inequity in about 60 words.
Answer:
Geographical and social inequity refers to unequal access to resources, opportunities, and rights based on location and social factors like caste, gender, or economic status. Geographical inequity manifests in disparities between urban and rural areas or regions, such as limited healthcare in remote Indian villages compared to cities. Social inequity arises from systemic discrimination, like lower wages for women or exclusion of marginalized castes from education. For example, in India, tribal communities in Jharkhand face both geographical isolation, lacking infrastructure, and social marginalization, restricting land rights. These inequities perpetuate poverty and hinder development, requiring targeted policies for equitable resource distribution and social inclusion.
Question:-6(c)
Explain Ozone Layer Depletion in about 60 words.
Answer:
Ozone layer depletion refers to the thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer, which shields Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Primarily caused by human-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), used in refrigerants and aerosols, these substances release chlorine and bromine, destroying ozone molecules. Depletion increases UV exposure, leading to higher risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and ecosystem damage, such as disrupted marine food chains. The Montreal Protocol (1987) successfully phased out CFCs, aiding ozone recovery, with the Antarctic ozone hole showing improvement. However, ongoing challenges include illegal CFC emissions and climate change impacts, necessitating global vigilance to protect the ozone layer.
Question:-6(d)
Explain Acid Rain in about 60 words.
Answer:
Acid rain is precipitation with elevated acidity (pH below 5.6) caused by pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), emitted from industrial activities, power plants, and vehicles. These gases react with water vapor in the atmosphere, forming sulfuric and nitric acids. Acid rain harms ecosystems by acidifying soils and water bodies, damaging forests, and killing aquatic life, as seen in polluted lakes in Scandinavia. It also corrodes buildings and affects human health, causing respiratory issues. Mitigation includes reducing emissions through cleaner technologies and regulations, like India’s National Clean Air Programme, though challenges persist due to industrial growth and coal reliance.
Question:-7(a)
Explain any four impacts of improper waste disposal with suitable examples. Answer in about 150 words.
Answer:
Improper waste disposal significantly impacts the environment, health, and society. Here are four key impacts with examples:
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Soil Contamination: Hazardous waste, like untreated industrial effluents or plastic, seeps into the soil, reducing fertility and contaminating groundwater. For instance, in Delhi’s Ghazipur landfill, leachate from unprocessed waste pollutes nearby agricultural land, affecting crop quality and farmer livelihoods.
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Water Pollution: Dumping waste into rivers or lakes introduces toxins, harming aquatic ecosystems and human health. The Yamuna River in India, laden with untreated sewage and industrial waste, has high levels of heavy metals, rendering it unsafe for drinking or irrigation and decimating fish populations.
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Air Pollution: Open burning of waste releases toxic fumes, including dioxins and particulate matter, worsening air quality. In Mumbai’s Deonar dumping ground, frequent fires emit harmful pollutants, causing respiratory issues among nearby residents and contributing to the city’s smog.
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Public Health Risks: Improper disposal attracts pests and spreads diseases. In Kolkata’s Dhapa landfill, unsegregrated waste breeds mosquitoes and rodents, increasing cases of dengue and leptospirosis in surrounding slums.
These impacts highlight the need for effective waste management, such as segregation, recycling, and regulated landfills, to mitigate environmental degradation and protect communities, as seen in successful models like Pune’s waste-to-energy initiatives.
Question:-7(b)
How does Landfilling act as an important method of waste disposal? Explain. Answer in about 150 words.
Answer:
Landfilling is a critical method of waste disposal, providing a systematic way to manage non-recyclable and non-compostable waste while minimizing environmental harm when done correctly. It involves disposing of waste in designated, engineered sites designed to isolate waste from the environment. Modern landfills, equipped with liners, leachate collection systems, and gas capture mechanisms, reduce soil and water contamination. For instance, Delhi’s Okhla landfill, when upgraded with proper lining, minimized groundwater pollution compared to open dumping.
Landfilling is cost-effective and scalable, making it suitable for urban areas with high waste generation. It accommodates diverse waste types, including municipal solid waste and certain hazardous materials, when pre-treated. Methane capture systems, as seen in Pune’s Uruli Devachi landfill, convert landfill gas into energy, contributing to renewable energy goals. Landfills also prevent open burning, reducing air pollution and health risks like respiratory diseases prevalent near unregulated dumpsites.
However, landfilling has challenges, such as land scarcity and potential methane emissions if poorly managed. Regular monitoring and post-closure care, as practiced in Mumbai’s Deonar landfill upgrades, are essential to prevent environmental degradation. When integrated with recycling and composting, landfilling remains a vital component of sustainable waste management, ensuring safe disposal while supporting urban cleanliness and public health.
Question:-7(c)
Describe the role of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as an institution for monitoring the pollution levels of environment. Answer in about 150 words.
Answer:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, is India’s apex statutory body for monitoring and controlling environmental pollution. It plays a pivotal role in safeguarding air, water, and soil quality by setting standards, conducting research, and coordinating with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
The CPCB monitors pollution levels through initiatives like the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), which operates over 1,000 stations across 400+ cities to track air pollutants like PM2.5, SO₂, and NOₓ. For instance, real-time data from Delhi’s monitoring stations informs air quality indices (AQI) and prompts actions like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Similarly, the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme assesses rivers, lakes, and groundwater, identifying polluted stretches like the Yamuna River for targeted interventions.
The CPCB sets emission and effluent standards for industries, enforcing compliance through inspections and penalties. It also promotes waste management under rules like the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, guiding urban local bodies. Through programs like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), it aims to reduce particulate matter by 20-30% in 131 non-attainment cities. Despite challenges like limited resources and coordination issues with SPCBs, the CPCB’s data-driven approach and policy frameworks are crucial for environmental protection.
Question:-7(d)
How do collective actions help in addressing environmental issues and concerns? Explain. Answer in about 150 words.
Answer:
Collective actions are vital in addressing environmental issues by uniting communities, governments, and organizations to tackle challenges like pollution, deforestation, and climate change through shared responsibility and amplified impact. By pooling resources, knowledge, and efforts, collective actions drive sustainable solutions that individual efforts often cannot achieve.
For example, the Chipko Movement in India during the 1970s saw rural communities, particularly women, collectively protest deforestation by hugging trees, leading to a ban on commercial logging in Uttarakhand and inspiring global environmental activism. Similarly, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign, mobilized millions to clean public spaces, reducing littering and promoting waste management, with cities like Indore achieving top cleanliness rankings through community participation.
Globally, collective actions like the Paris Agreement (2015) unite nations to combat climate change, setting emission reduction targets. Local initiatives, such as Bengaluru’s lake restoration projects, involve citizens, NGOs, and governments to rejuvenate water bodies like Bellandur Lake, improving biodiversity and water quality. Environmental NGOs, like Greenpeace India, rally public support for policies against air pollution.
Collective actions foster awareness, influence policy, and ensure accountability. However, success depends on inclusive participation, sustained commitment, and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. By aligning diverse stakeholders, collective efforts create resilient, long-term solutions to environmental crises.
Question:-8
"Habitat destruction is recognized as most significant threat to global biodiversity." Elucidate the statement with respect to present day context in about 200 words.
Answer:
Habitat destruction is widely recognized as the most significant threat to global biodiversity, as it directly undermines the ecosystems that support millions of species. Driven by human activities, it fragments and degrades natural habitats, leading to species extinction and ecological imbalance. In the present-day context, rapid urbanization, deforestation, agriculture expansion, and industrial activities are primary culprits.
For instance, the Amazon rainforest, often called the "lungs of the Earth," lost 11,088 km² in 2022 due to logging and agriculture, threatening species like the jaguar and countless indigenous plants. Similarly, in India, the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, face habitat loss from mining and infrastructure projects, endangering species like the Nilgiri tahr. Urban sprawl, such as in Bengaluru, has reduced wetlands and forests, impacting migratory birds and local ecosystems.
Habitat destruction disrupts food chains, reduces genetic diversity, and weakens ecosystem services like pollination and water purification, critical for human survival. Climate change exacerbates this, altering habitats faster than species can adapt. For example, coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef due to warming oceans has decimated marine biodiversity.
Conservation efforts, like India’s Project Tiger, which protects habitats in 53 reserves, show success, with tiger populations rising to 3,167 in 2022. However, challenges persist due to weak enforcement, land-use conflicts, and economic priorities. Protecting biodiversity requires global cooperation, stricter regulations, and sustainable development to preserve habitats and ensure ecological resilience.
Question:-9
"Polluted water is a threat to our health and survival of life forms." Explain it with respect to different agents of water pollutants in about 200 words.
Answer:
Polluted water poses a severe threat to human health and the survival of life forms, as it disrupts ecosystems and introduces harmful substances. Various agents of water pollution—chemical, biological, and physical—exacerbate this crisis, impacting both aquatic and terrestrial life.
Chemical pollutants, such as industrial effluents, pesticides, and heavy metals, contaminate water bodies. For instance, the Ganga River carries arsenic and mercury from industrial discharges, causing cancers and neurological disorders in humans and killing fish populations. Agricultural runoff, laden with nitrates and phosphates, triggers eutrophication, as seen in Lake Chilika, where algal blooms deplete oxygen, suffocating aquatic life.
Biological pollutants, including pathogens like bacteria and viruses from untreated sewage, spread diseases. In India, contaminated drinking water in rural areas causes over 1.5 million cases of diarrhea annually, particularly affecting children. Sewage dumping in the Yamuna River has rendered it a "dead river" in stretches, unable to support aquatic ecosystems.
Physical pollutants, such as plastic waste and sediments, degrade water quality. Microplastics in the Arabian Sea harm marine species like turtles, which ingest them, leading to starvation. Excessive sedimentation from deforestation clogs rivers, disrupting habitats for species like the Ganges river dolphin.
These pollutants collectively reduce biodiversity, contaminate food chains, and threaten human health through unsafe drinking water and fish consumption. Mitigation requires stringent regulations, like India’s National Water Policy, wastewater treatment, and public awareness to curb pollution and protect vital water resources.
Question:-10
"The ratio of those killed to those affected by natural disasters depend on the type of calamity, degree of preparedness and the density of population." Justify the statement with suitable arguments and examples in about 250 words.
Answer:
The ratio of those killed to those affected by natural disasters varies significantly, influenced by the type of calamity, degree of preparedness, and population density. These factors determine the scale of devastation and the effectiveness of response mechanisms.
Type of Calamity: Different disasters have varying lethality. Earthquakes, like the 2001 Bhuj earthquake in India, killed over 20,000 people due to sudden structural collapses, with 166,800 injured—a high fatality-to-affected ratio. In contrast, floods, such as the 2018 Kerala floods, affected 5.4 million people but killed around 500, as flooding allows more time for evacuation, lowering the fatality ratio. Cyclones, like Cyclone Amphan (2020), caused fewer deaths (128) relative to millions affected, thanks to early warnings, but tsunamis, like the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, killed over 12,000 in India alone due to their rapid onset.
Degree of Preparedness: Effective preparedness significantly reduces fatalities. Japan’s stringent building codes and early warning systems minimized deaths (around 100) during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, despite millions affected. Conversely, poor preparedness in Haiti’s 2010 earthquake led to 200,000 deaths among 3 million affected, as weak infrastructure and limited response capacity exacerbated losses. In India, the Odisha Cyclone Preparedness Programme reduced fatalities in Cyclone Phailin (2013) to 45, compared to 10,000 in the 1999 Super Cyclone, showcasing improved forecasting and evacuation.
Population Density: High-density areas amplify fatalities when disasters strike. The 2015 Nepal earthquake killed 9,000 in densely populated Kathmandu, with 22,000 injured, due to crowded urban settlements. In contrast, sparsely populated regions, like India’s Ladakh during 2010 flash floods, saw fewer deaths (255) relative to those affected, as fewer people were exposed. Urban slums, like in Mumbai’s 2005 floods, saw high mortality (1,094 deaths) due to dense, poorly planned settlements.
Thus, the interplay of disaster type, preparedness, and population density shapes the killed-to-affected ratio. Rapid-onset disasters, inadequate infrastructure, and crowded regions increase fatalities, while proactive measures and sparse populations mitigate them. Strengthening early warning systems, urban planning, and disaster-resilient infrastructure is critical to reducing this ratio globally.
