Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GS 1 Sample Iashub
GS 1 Sample Iashub
3. GEOGRAPHY
Q.56. What is heat wave? Examine the factors responsible for the spatiotemporal shift in the currents of heat waves in India.(15M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Define heatwaves and its characteristics
Main Body:
• Discuss the Spatiotemporal shift of heat waves in India
• Highlight the factors responsible for the spatiotemporal shift
Conclusion: Conclude with the updating of Heat Action Plan in India.
NDMA defines heat wave as a period of abnormally high temperatures in summers. It typically occurs between March and June.
Heat wave = temp > 40°C for Plains, > 37°C for coastal stations and > 30°C for Hilly regions.
Way forward:
• Afforestation: Utilise Compensatory Afforestation and involve personnel – for e.g. as done by Territorial Army in Asola Wildlife
Sactuary
• Green infrastructure: Rooftop solar power, white paints, Energy efficient infrastructure (use of plants, less wind resistant
infrastructure)
• Sustainable Public Transport: Green Hydrogen + electric powered public transport systems
• Need of roadmap: for India's Heat Wave Management planning in line with SDGs.
According to the IPCC 6th Assessment Report, heatwaves are set to intensify in South Asia. Updating the Heat Action Plan 2013 across India is
needed to tackle the shift of heatwaves in India.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.57. Elaborate the drainage pattern of India with examples. Briefly discuss how anthropogenic activities lead to change in drainage patterns
and substantiate with examples. (15M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Define Drainage pattern
Main Body:
• Explain types of Drainage patterns
• Explain changes in it due to human activities, using examples.
Conclusion: Conclude with bringing changes to the land use pattern
The flow of water through well-defined channels having unique shape and form is known as ‘drainage pattern’
Impact of the anthropogenic activities on drainage pattern often becomes disastrous (floods, soil erosion, water insecurity). Thus, land use
pattern changes need to be in accordance with the changing drainage pattern.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.58. Various geographical factors played a crucial role in the formation of fishing grounds around the world. Explain (15 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Define the fishing grounds and point major fishing grounds of the world
Main Body:
• Discuss the various geographical factors played a crucial role in formation of fishing grounds
Conclusion: Conclude with relevance to India.
Fishing ground is an area or region in Ocean or sea where fishes congregate and fishing is usually at higher levels.
Various geographical factor that played a crucial role in formation of fishing grounds:
• Physical Geographical factors:
– Abundance of plankton: Due to the intermixing of warm and cold current. Example: Mixing of Gulfstream and labrador current.
– Indented coastlines: allow breeding of fish as they are sheltered from strong winds and ocean currents. Example: The coastal
lines of the Atlantic Ocean has such an indented pattern.
– Cool climate: Temperate climate with temperature less than 20°C is best for fish production. Example: All 5 major fishing regions
all under this climatic condition.
– Topographical factors: Unfavourable topographic for agriculture such as rough and rugged land. Example: 34% of the total Peru is
hilly area
• Human Geography factors:
– Labour: Fishing is highly labour-intensive. Hence, fishing thrives in areas due medium to high population.Example: Europe and
North America
– Technology: Modernisation of fishing sector enable fishermen to conduct fishing deep in oceans. Example: Japan industries and
Newfoundland industries.
– Transportation facilities: Highly in dented coastal line provides site for harbours and ports. This increased the access to market.
Example: Kodiak Port in USA.
With 7500 km of coastline, sustainable development of fishing grounds in India can help in augmenting food supply, generating employment,
raising nutritional level and earning foreign exchange.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.59. Geographical landforms such as Plateau is significant for agriculture and economic value. Examine with examples. (15M)
APPROACH
Plateau is extensive area of flat upland and cover about 18% of the earth’s land surface.
Plateaus are thus an important geomorphological entity creating a link between resources and humans, helping them achieve civilisational
success.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.60. List out the characteristics of Indian coal. Examine the reasons for coal crisis in India, despite being one of the largest coal reserve
country in the world.(15 M)
APPROACH
Coal remains to the King of Fuels in India with 55% of the country’s energy needs fulfilled by it. India is the 2 nd largest coal-producing nation
in the world.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.61. Plate tectonics, mountains, and deep-sea sediments have played a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's goldilocks climate. Discuss.
(10 M)
APPROACH
Geomorphological process plays a crucial role in maintaining that the Earth remain habitable.
They play a crucial role in maintaining the Earth’s Goldilocks Climate in following ways:
• Plate tectonics :
– Diverging plates: This allows magma to rise to the surface and release carbon into the atmosphere
– Converging plates: This will cool down and recycle back the carbon into the deep Earth.
– Fast movement: Very fast moving tectonic plates will drastically increase CO2 emissionsExample: Cretaceous hothouse climate
– Slow movement: Slow-moving tectonic plates will reduce CO2 emissions. Example: Cenozoic ice-house climate
• Mountains :
– Mountain erosion : Dissolved carbon dioxide of rainfall reacts with the mountain material and they become part of carbon rich
marine sediments
– Weathering: It is very efficient in reducing atmospheric CO2. Example: weathering of basalt
• Deep - sea sediments
– Formation of deep-sea sediments : The carbon rich marine sediments are being pushed to feed the volcanoes and increase in
Carbon-dioxide emissions.
While geomorphology helps in keeping a balance, the speed of human-induced warming should be reduced quickly to avoid catastrophic
global warming like Cretaceous period.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.62. Scientists gain knowledge about the Earth's interior from a variety of observations. Describe the various observations and discuss how
this affects what we see or feel at the surface? (15 M)
APPROACH
Scientists often compare Earth to an onion because the planet is made up of many layers of rocks of different densities.
The knowledge about the interior affects our understanding at the Earth
surface in following ways-
• Evolution of the earth’s surface: Major geological features can be predicted by studying about the endogenic forces.
• Disaster management: better understanding of the catastrophic events like earthquake.
• Magnetic field: the earth’s magnetic field which originated from interior helps in protecting the earth’s atmosphere from the
harmful solar wind.
• Internal structure of various solar system objects: The formation of solar system object is similar to that of the earth, it will help us in
understanding about other planetary objects.
• Evolution of life: Volcanic eruptions are responsible for oxygen, ozone and other greenhouse gases to maintain the temperature.
• Mineral exploration: Understanding volcanic activity and the nature of rocks is essential for mineral exploration.
• Alternate energy: geothermal energy utilized around the world- for e.g. in Iceland
We know so little about interior that our understanding is still evolving. Recent researches in Hawaii shows that there is a bridge between the
core and mantle through which magma flows to the crust (surface), putting question over the fact that is the Earth really like an onion??
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.63. Shed light on the significance of the extra-terrestrial planetary missions. How are these missions helpful in determining the evolution
of habitable planets? [15 M]
APPROACH
Scientists through extra-terrestrial missions are trying to understand how planets evolve in general, and specifically how habitable conditions
develop.
Extra-terrestrial missions have helped in determining the evolution of habitable planets in following ways:
• MOM mission : It will gather more detail on the composition of Mars atmosphere to learn how it formed and evolved.
• Probe Davinci+ : It will helps to determine whether Venus once had an ocean.
• Images of Venus tesserae : These are similar to the earth's continents and high resolution images help to understand whether Venus
had plate tectonics similar to earth.
• VERITAS : It helps to confirm whether volcanoes and earthquakes are still happening on Venus.
• Phosphine detection on Venus: a chemical released by microbes, suggested that life was possible in the clouds of Venus.
• Huygens probe: Saturn’s moon - Titan floating lander. Successful soft landing – found traces of methane and underground water
acquifers.
• OSIRIS – Rex - a NASA asteroid-study and sample-return mission, landed on asteroid Bennu, to learn more about the formation and
evolution of the Solar System.
Besides that, extra-terrestrial mission provide significant advantage in areas such as new materials, health and medicine, transportation and
computer technology. Thus, these mission will not only expand our knowledge of universe but also expand our time in it.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.64. Recently, the Northeast region has been experiencing an increase in variability and unpredictability in the pattern of rainfall. Examine
the reasons for such a change. (10 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Highlight the facts about increase in variability and unpredictability of rainfall in the Northeast region.
Main Body:
• The reasons for the change in pattern of rainfall in the Northeast region
Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward in tackling the changes rainfall pattern.
In last 30 years or so all states in the North Eastern region, except Sikkim, show a decreasing trend in monsoon rainfall
The reasons for the increase in variability and unpredictability of rainfall in Northeast region:
• Warming of region: As a result, there is increase in frequency and intensity of dry periods and droughts.
– Example: projected temperatures in the region will raise by 1.8°C by the end of 2030.
• Increase in snowfall in Eurasia: This cost cooling of the Impact of changes in the rainfall pattern affects:
atmosphere of the region which weakens summer monsoon • The flow of rivers.
season.
• Extent of snow cover and health of mountain springs.
• Increase in El nino events: This led to the monsoon deficit
• Deforestation and soil erosion.
with reduction in moisture supply
• Positive phase of Pacific decadal oscillation: which impacts • Impact on livelihoods, especially agriculture and fishing,
moisture supply in the Indian Ocean, thereby increasing forest flora growth, animal and bird habitat (and
variability in rainfall. behaviour) and other ecosystem aspects.
• Geographical factors: localised geographical changes due to
deforestation etc. has led to drying up of mountain springs, which acted as a source of precipitation.
• Alternating Sunspot epoch: This causes differential intensification of seasonal trough of low pressure over India. It has inverse
relationship with rainfall in India, affecting rainfall patterns in Northeast.
• Reduction in evapotranspiration: reduction in rainfall in northeast region, due to increased deforestation.
• Rising black carbon emission: this led to decrease in low intensity rainfall and pushes up severe rainfall in pre-monsoon.
– Example: Black carbon loading around Tezpur, Assam.
Adaptation strategies will mean community involvement; plans for building resilience and adapting to changes. Traditional knowledge (water
harvesting and watershed management) should be combined with modern science and technology.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.65. Examine the role of El-Nino on the rising incidences of cyclones in the Indian Ocean. Discuss how El-Niño affects the coastal ecosystem?
(10M)
APPROACH
Main Body:
• Explain how El-Nino increases cyclones and how cyclones affect the coastal ecosystem.
Conclusion: Conclude with a relevant statement
El Niño, is the warm phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, that involves fluctuating ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific. El Niño
events are associated with weak monsoons and lower than average rainfall in India.
The El-Nino event is being increased due to rise in Global warming, should be addressed effectively to handle the crisis of the coastal
ecosystems.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
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Q.66. There has been a noticeable increase in the extreme rainfall events with monsoon deficits occurring with higher frequency in different
regions in India. Examine the role of climate change in changing the pattern of monsoons. (10 M)
APPROACH
Climate change is altering the nature of the Indian monsoon, turning it into an erratic and destructive force. Climate change has added a
further layer of variability to a weather system that anyway registers a degree of natural and regional variability
As the dark clouds of climate change approach us, it is important tackle the challenges through hyper-local understanding of risks and
evolving the nature of forecasting to bring out multiple plans for changing face Indian monsoons.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.67. Bring out the causes that give rise to the formation of heat island in the urban habitats of the world. (10 M)
APPROACH
An urban heat island is an area that has temperature considerably higher than its surrounding rural areas.
As smart cities have emerged as a possible solution to sustainability problems deriving from rapid urbanization, they need to incorporate
nature in development so as to remain truly sustainable.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.68. What is seafloor spreading? Examine the reasons and significance of slowdown of seafloor spreading. (10 M)
APPROACH
Seafloor Spreading is the usual process at work at divergent plate boundaries, leading to the creation of new ocean floor. E.g Mid-Atlantic
Oceanic Ridge
However, in the last 19 million years, the seafloor spreading slowed down by 35%.
Determining the seafloor spreading rate is always crucial for planning climate change framework by taking into the consideration of carbon
cycle and sea-level rise.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.69. Extensive deltas are formed along the eastern coast but not along the western coast. Analyse the reasons. (10 M)
APPROACH
The depositional feature of almost triangular shape at the mouth of a river debouching either in a lake or a sea is called Delta.
Recent researches have shown that deltas in India are facing existential crisis due to high extraction of groundwater and climate change.
Better management of river sediment is vital to improve the outlook for the deltas.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.70. What are the causes of emergence of marine heat waves in the oceans? Identify the adverse effects caused by it on Marine and coastal
ecosystem. (10 M)
APPROACH
Marine heat waves are prolonged extreme oceanic warm water events that can have a devastating impact on marine ecosystem.
The warming in the upper ocean is projected to be between 0.6°C and 2°C and it is expected to increase the occurrences of marine
heatwaves.
By raising general awareness of these phenomena, and by improving our scientific understanding of their physical properties and ecological
impacts, we can better predict future conditions and protect vulnerable marine habitats and resource
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.71. Point out the geographical impediments to the growth of fisheries sector in India (10 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Introduce with the scope and scale of fisheries sector in India
Main Body:
• Discuss the various geographical impediments to the growth of fisheries sector in India
Conclusion: conclude with ways to increase the production of fishes in India
Fisheries sector has been recognized as a ‘Sunrise Sector’ and has demonstrated an outstanding double-digit average annual growth of 11%
since 2014-15.
India is the second largest fish producing country in the world accounting for 7.5% of global production and contributing about 1 % to the
GVA and over 7 % to the agricultural GVA.
However, their lies some geographical impediments in the growth of fisheries in India:
• Physical factors:
– Tropical Climate: High water temperature is not conductive for the growth of fishes (20°C is best)
– Absence of cold currents: They are
significant for growth of plankton as they
lead to upwelling.
– Cyclonic activity: Arabian Sea and Bay of
Bengal is prone to cyclogenesis which
affects fish production.
– Unpredictable nature of monsoon as a
result of which the inland fisheries suffer
adversely.
– Topographical issues: Lack of broken
coastal lines with numerous indentations
– Continental shelves: India lacks broad
continental shelves in the eastern part.
– Dependent on inland fisheries: which is
seasonal in nature (65% production).
• Human factors:
– Port development: Poor development with lack of connectivity
– Lack of cold storages:This will affecting the storage of fishes for exports.
– Water pollution: turns the water murkier and decreases the fish concentration.
Today, we are the world leaders in shrimp production, thanks to the pink revolution in the Eastern Coast of India. Similar dedication needs to
be achieved in the Blue Revolution 2.0 to make fisheries in India inclusive, equitable, productive and sustainable.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.72. Discuss the factors responsible for India being the manufacturing hub for generic medicines (10 M)
APPROACH
A generic drug has the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) as the original, but it may differ in some characteristics such as the
manufacturing process, formulation, excipients, colour, taste, and packaging.
Pharma can do for India what software sector was able to do in the 1990s and 2000s. This can be the moment that India can be ‘Pharmacy to
the World’.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.73. In India, mini steel plant will be key for the development of the iron and steel industries. Discuss (10 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Highlight the iron and steel production in Indi and Describe what are mini steel plants
Main Body:
• Discuss how mini steel plant plays a crucial role in development of iron and steel
Conclusion: Conclude with suggestions to promote mini steel plants in India
Mini Steel Plant is the plant with a capacity bearing from 10,000 to 5,00,00 tonnes.
Mini steel plants play a crucial role in development of Iron and Steel:
• Geographical factors:
– Unequal distribution of resources: Like iron and coal. mini steel plants will bridge the gap of processing.
– Locational factors: Most of the mini steel plants are located away from the integrated plants. So, they are in a position to meet local
demand.
– Raw material: Steel scrap can be transported easily to country’s interior.
– Labour availability: They require semi-skilled labourers.
– Poor connectivity: Due to poor connectivity, demand for mini steel is increasing over heavy steel industries.
• Economic factors:
– Low cost of establishment:. The operation and maintenance cost of mini plants is low.
– Establish anywhere: mini steel plants require minimal infrastructure to handle the processing.
– Short gestation period: Mini plants are time-efficient and much competitive.
– Increase in demand: due to construction activities taken up by the government. E.g., PM-Gram Sadaf Yojana.
– Circular economy: government focusing towards recycling steel and iron scrap led to growth of mini steel plants.
The government should address logistic cost issues and other is of doing business issues of mini steel Plant to make to achieve self-reliance
India.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.74. Despite of having high wind potential, wind energy has not been developed to the desired level in India. Elaborate (10 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Introduce with the wind energy potential in India; draw a map of potential locations.
Main Body:
• Discuss why the total installed wind power capacity is low
Conclusion: Conclude with a future scope of wind energy.
India's energy demand is set to grow by 3% per year up to 2040, and meeting this demand sustainably will require clean sources of power.
India’s total installed capacity is only 40 GW. This is despite a 7,600 km-long coastline, and an offshore wind energy potential of 140 GW by
2050. Of this, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu make up 71 GW.
By deriving the multiple uses of wind energy plant (desalination, hydrogen recovery), exporting electricity to nearby countries (Sri Lanka) can
help arrest the huge costs of wind energy generation.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.75. Give an account of groundwater exploitation in India. How the recent guidelines relating to groundwater extraction will help address
the issues of exploitation. (15 M)
APPROACH
At just over 260 cubic km per year, our country uses 25% of all groundwater extracted globally, ahead of USA and China. And because 70% of
the water supply in agriculture today is groundwater, it will remain the lifeline of India’s water supplies for years to come.
The recent guidelines relating to groundwater extraction will help address the issues of exploitation in following ways:
• Prohibition of new industries: In over-exploited zones, which will avert over exploitation.
• Checking the use: mandatory requirement of digital flow meters, piezometers and digital water level recorders
• Mandatory audit: by industries abstracting ground water 500 m3/day
• Mandatory “No Objection Certification”: regulating the groundwater use.
• Reuse of water: mandatory roof top rain water harvesting except for specified industries
• Compensation: It prescribes a minimum environmental compensation of ₹1 lakh for extracting groundwater without a NOC.
• Abstraction charges: water supply agencies in urban areas need to pay.
However, certain exemption (in agriculture) still exists. Since the ground water development is mostly demand driven, it can be geared up
through proper agricultural, credits, subsidy and energy support policies along with creation of suitable markets.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.76. The river linking project is envisioned to address India’s growing water resource scarcity, yet it has its own issues. Comment (15 M)
APPROACH
The idea of interlinking of rivers in the Indian subcontinent is atleast 150 years old. During the British Raj in India, Sir Arthur Cotton, a British
general and irrigation engineer, first suggested linking the Ganga and the Cauvery for navigational purposes.
Recently, government has proposed interlinking of rivers as a bold and ambitious engineering
project that will resolve the country’s water woes. E.g. Ken-Betwa project
Advantages of river linking projects:
• Controlling droughts and floods – reduced dependence on rainfall.
• Irrigation, land will also increase by about 15 percent.
• Reduced transportation costs: 15,000 km of river and 10,000 km of navigation will be
developed.
• Large scale afforestation and about 3,000 tourist spots will be built.
• Solve the problems of drinking water.
• Provide jobs for landless farmers in rural areas.
The Government must first explore and exhaust other methods of increasing and augmenting water resources for farm use as well as for
other purposes.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.77. What is carbon farming? Evaluate its significance in maintaining sustainable farming in India and identify the challenges associated
with it. (10 M)
APPROACH
Carbon farming means using farming methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and capture and hold carbon in vegetation and soils.
There is a need to strengthen carbon trading segment to enable Indian farmers to generate a sustainable income from carbon cropping and
to create direct market linkages in India.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.78. Land degradation is a major issue but avoidable. Highlight the various causes leading to land degradation and suggest measures to
control it. (15 M)
APPROACH
Land degradation is temporary or permanent degeneration of productivity of land due to physical, chemical or biological factors. Land
degradation is a major issue because about 29% of total land are considered degraded in India
Ending land degradation cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ approach which could be robust across regions around India. Checking and reversing
land degradation has to be essentially based on self-regulatory practices with regard to a sustainable use of resources and energy.
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.79. The geographical factors make north eastern states vulnerable to landslides. Examine the statement with examples (10M)
APPROACH
The north-eastern states fall under very high and high landslide hazard zone in the country.
Natural:
• Steep hilly ranges: Hill ranges covers 85% and 87% of the total Meghalaya and Nagaland land respectively
• Unconsolidated soil: They are highly prone to weathering
• Precipitation: Heavy precipitation due to the south-west monsoon leads to erosion
• Deforestation: According to the Forest survey, forest area declined in Northeast
• Seismic zone: Entire Northeast falls under zone five of hazard zone
Anthropogenic:
• Agriculture activities: Prevalence of Practice of jhum cultivation in the region
• Infrastructure development: Increase in road construction activities impact soil strength.
• Urbanisation: This led to concretisation of land
• Mining and quarrying: Will disturb slope gradient. Example: Meghalaya
Along with the NDMA guidelines, retaining walls and surface drainage control works should be implemented to mitigate the impact of
landslides
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GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.80. There is a rise in hydro meteorological events across the country. Discuss the reasons and suggest some measures to mitigate the
intensity of these hazards. (10 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Highlight the rising hydro metrological events in India with facts
Main Body:
• Discuss the reasons for raising hydro meteorological events
• Suggest measures to mitigate the intensity of these hazards
Conclusion: Conclude with the relevant statements
Hydro metrological events includes flash floods, cloudburst and landslides which occur due to unprecedented heavy rainfall. At least 26
cloudburst occurred in himalayan region in first 6 months of 2021
There is need for integrated management plan that Addresses all hydro metrological events issues and to implement Sendai disaster risk
reduction framework.
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80
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.81. Explain briefly the mechanism of cloudburst and the factors responsible for their frequency in Himalayas. (10 M)
APPROACH
Cloudburst is an event of extreme rainfall with high intensity in brief duration and over a small geographic area.
Cloudburst Mechanism:
• Heating of the airmass: Creation of low
pressure zone, move from high
pressure region to low pressure region.
• Updraft of hot air: Warm moist air mass
is uplifted in the troposphere.
• Development of Cumulonimbus
clouds: 10°C fall in temperature for
every 1 km rise of water vapour.
• Dominance of updraft over downdraft:
Violent updraft dominates the
downdraft, and it prevents rain from
falling and large amount of water starts
accumulating.
• Final downpour: Clouds then burst with
great strength resulting in torrential
downpour.
Predicting cloudbursts are very difficult, hence measures like installation of Doppler weather radars are crucial for real-time tracking of
potential cloudbursts.
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81
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.82. Examine why soil conservation is crucial for addressing climate change. (10 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Write about soil conservation and fact about soil degradation.
Main Body:
• Mention significance of soil conservation in addressing climate change.
• Discuss the way forward.
Conclusion: Conclude with solution to conserve soil
Soil conservation is defined as the prevention of loss of the topmost layer of the soil. Soil degradation in India is estimated to be occurring on
147 million hectares (Mha) of land. As per IPBES, on average, the benefits of restoration are 10 times higher than the costs
However, Soils have lost over 50% of stored Carbon due to excess agricultural practices, contributing to 25% of total man-made GHG
emissions.
There is a need to market the soil conservation through carbon credits (offered per unit of sequestration) for people to make changes in
agriculture and land use, and adopt sustainable practices of soil conservation to reverse climate change.
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82
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.83. Compared to others, states like Assam are highly vulnerable to landslides and floods. Analyse. (10 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Mention the recent incidents of landslides and flood in North-East India.
Main Body:
• Discuss the reasons for high vulnerability of states like Assam to landslides and floods.
• Mention the steps that can be taken to address the issues.
Conclusion: : Conclude with a way forward.
Recently, 85% of Kaziranga National Park has submerged, and massive landslides disrupted rail communication between Tripura, Manipur,
Mizoram and Assam, with rest of the country.
Steps to be taken:
• Strengthen embankments: Old and weak structures should be renovated and strengthened all along Brahmaputra. Use of GIS/RS for
Roads and Highway construction and planning.
• Dredging Brahmaputra: The river has extremely shallow bed coupled with heavy siltation during monsoon, so dredging may increase
the water-holding capacity.
• Environment Restoration: Rejuvenation of wetlands and afforestation can also mitigate floods. E.g. growing of vetiver grasses
• Set up weather stations: in the upstream catchment of all dams in the North East and sirens on river banks near dams would alert
downstream populations in the event of floods.
The impact of climate change in North-East India needs to studied to understand the reason behind these catastrophes. Accurate forecast of
rain and increasing the preparedness of inhabitants through sustainable infrastructure is the need of the hour.
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83
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.84. What is a Twin Cyclone? Explain the factors responsible for the development of such cyclone. (10 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Define what are twin cyclone and mention the recent event of twin cyclone formation in the north Indian Ocean.
Main Body:
• Discuss the factors responsible for the development of twin cyclones.
Conclusion: : Conclude with suggestions to track the development of Twin Cyclone
Twin Cyclones are synchronous cyclones created by the interaction of winds and monsoon system with the Earth system. They form on both
sides of equator at low latitudes and along the same longitude.
Recently, twin cyclones of Karim and Asani formed over the Indian Ocean, one in the northern and the other in the southern hemisphere.
There needs to establish better computational models for understanding the dynamic nature of cyclogenesis that has increased in its
frequency, strength and variety.
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84
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.85. Discuss the need for an end-to-end tracking system of Western Disturbance in India. (10 M)
APPROACH
Western disturbances are mid-latitude or extra-tropical storms formed due to low pressure system over Mediterranean Sea. These moisture
laden winds reach India, via the sub-tropical westerly jet stream, getting blocked by the Himalayas and giving precipitation over North-west
and parts of North India in Winter.
Advection-based systems like WDs need different tracking mechanisms from convection-based ones. In an age where droughts, crop failure
and melting glaciers are becoming all too common, studying these linkages more closely will allow scientists to get deeper insights into
western disturbances.
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85
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.86. Existence of volcanoes are crucial for human development. Comment. (10 M)
APPROACH
A volcano is an opening in the earth’s crust through which lava, volcanic ash, and gases escape. Despite their destructive power, volcanoes
actually come with their share of benefits
Studying volcanoes not only can be beneficial for the human civilization on this planet, but also is helpful in determining the evolution
elsewhere in the solar system.
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86
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.87. In India, water crisis has more to do with the water management than with climate change. Evaluate. (10 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Highlight the issue India is facing with respect to water crisis
Main Body:
• Discuss how India is going through a water crisis
• Highlight the role of climate change in water crisis.
Conclusion: Conclude with future suggestions
India has relatively wet climate, yet lacks long-term availability of replenishable water resources. According to NITI Aayog, India is undergoing
the worst water crisis in its history and nearly 600 million people are facing high to extreme water stress.
India needs to regulate groundwater use, modernize urban water distribution, promote watershed development (through rainwater
harvesting) and finance wastewater recycling infrastructure.
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87
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.88 What are the causes of frothing in Indian rivers? Discuss its impacts. (10 M)
APPROACH
Yamuna — once the lifeline of Delhi, is one of the “most polluted rivers in the world”. Recently, visuals of toxic froth floating on the surface
of the Yamuna river near Delhi
Government must prioritize proper sewage treatment, tech-upgradation and ban sale of detergents not meeting BIS standard.
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88
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.89. Explain how climate change is contributing to the increase in the incidence of tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean. Discuss how it
affects the coastal areas. (10 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Define what are tropical cyclones and highlight the increasing instances of cyclone
Main Body:
• Discuss the contribution of climate change in increasing cyclone incidences.
• Discuss its impact of coastal areas.
Conclusion: Conclude with suggestions to mitigate the impacts.
Tropical cyclones are intense low-pressure areas confined to the area lying between 30° N and 30° S latitudes, in the atmosphere around
which high velocity winds blow.
According to the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)in the last 50 years, has also recorded a 12-fold surge in the number of
associated cyclonic events.
Disaster resilient infrastructure, flood plain development, inclusive disaster management are some measures that Government should take in
this era of climate change.
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89
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.90. Give an account of locational factors that have influenced the distribution of Hi-tech companies in India. What are the challenges that
these companies face? (15 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Explain what are high-tech companies, their significance and highlight the distribution of hi-tech companies in India
Main Body:
• Discuss the locational factors and reasons
• Discuss the challenges associated with them
Conclusion: Conclude with suggestions to promote growth of high-tech companies.
High-technology businesses are those engaged in securing growth and revenue from industry sectors characterized by new and rapidly
changing technology (electronics, aviation, medical devices)
India is the fastest growing tech industry globally, with hi-tech hubs operating in big cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi and Pune.
Locational Factors that have influenced the distribution of Hi-tech companies in India
• Good Transportation Network Companies like Amazon, can market their products seamlessly.
• Highly Skilled Labour Good educational institutes in South India promotes growth of tech-clusters,
e.g.- Bengaluru.
• High Population This provides cheap labour. E.g.- Mumbai.
• Regional Development Schemes They promote regional concentration of hi-tech companies. E.g.- Software
Technology Park scheme.
• Infrastructure Continuous power supply is crucial for tech sector.
• Leisure Amenities These attract educated and skilled youth.
• Good Standard of Living This will drive demand for the services of companies like- Zomato, Uber, etc.
Bringing out national policies on the development of hi-tech equipment in India will attract the big companies and startups too, which will
help India become the Technology Powerhouse of the World.
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90
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.91. Across the globe, the natural factors of the equatorial region are a reason for its underdeveloped status. Examine the statement.
(10 M)
APPROACH
The equatorial region is located between 0o and 100 latitude on either side of the equator. It stretches in the Amazon lowlands in South
America, Congo basin in Africa and the East Indies, from Sumatra to New Guinea in Asia.
They are characterized with sparse population, diverse flora and fauna, and home to different tribal groups.
Sanitation and disease eradication schemes are imperative for development of equatorial regions. Nonetheless, there is huge potential in
cultivation of rubber, palm oil, cocoa, etc. in these regions.
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91
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.92. What is watershed management? Evaluate its significance in hilly areas. (10 M)
APPROACH
Watershed management is used to describe the process of implementing land use practices and water management practices to protect and
improve the quality of the water and other natural resources.
Bench
terracing
Land Contour
levelling Water bunding
shed
managem
ent in hilly
areas
Diversion Percolation
drains ponds
The recent water crisis in hilly regions like Shimla is alarming. There is a need to involve community, both water and spring-shed
management, geological mapping and utilising the religious aspect of ecology (scared groves) to effectively and sustainably manage the
water resources in these regions
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92
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.93. Discuss the factors affecting the ocean currents. Also highlight the significance of ocean currents. (15M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Define ocean currents and mark the major ones on a map
Main Body:
• Write factors affecting ocean currents and highlight significance of ocean currents.
Conclusion: Conclude with the impact of climate change on ocean currents.
Ocean currents are the continuous, predictable, directional movement of seawater driven by gravity, Coriolis force, and water density.
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93
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.94. Explain the reasons for the presence of high density fertilizer industries in the western part of India. (15M)
APPROACH
India leads 2nd in the production of nitrogenous fertilizers and 3rd in phosphatic fertilizers in the world and is the 2 nd largest consumer of
fertilisers after China.
Green Revolution: High Fertilizer demand for the HYV seeds in North western region.
Eg: Bhatinda Plant in Punjab
Demand Led Market: Africa near to western part plays a great market for exports.
Eg: Panipat plant in Haryana and Badaun plant in Western UP.
Port development led Highly developed ports enables easy imports and exports easily.
transportation: Eg: Phosphate via Mumbai Plant
Fuel efficiency: Petrochemical industries and oil refineries of this region of Vadodara, Kalol, Ahmedabad, Kandla
and Trombay led to growth of fertilizer industry in this region.
Government policy: In regions like Bhatinda, Nangal (Punjab), Panipat (Haryana) and Delhi.
While India import dependency is 25% for urea and as high as 90% for potash, there is need to localise fertiliser production and identify
alternatives (Neem Coating) to economical and efficient usage.
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94
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.95. Illustrate the factors responsible for location of Iron and Steel industries in India. (15M)
APPROACH
India is the world’s second-largest steel producer standing in 2019 proving dynamics of industrial growth is based on the growth of the iron
and steel industry.
The factors responsible for location of Iron and steel Industries in India are:
Power: TISCO and Bokaro steel plant gets hydroelectricity from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).
Market: TISCO in Jamshedpur is nearer to Kolkata, Port led Vizag steel plant provided a large market.
Transportation: Durgapur Plant has Navigable Canal from Durgapur to Hugli and Kolkata Port eases the movement of
finished goods.
Technology: The technological improvement in port locations i.e. Vizag Steel plant.
Government policy: Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh in line with the principle of the Trickle-down theory of Growth.
Lobbying, and strategic VISW (Bhadaravati) was set up to fulfill defense requirements.
requirements:
Labour Cheap and abundant is required for this industry, easily available in West Bengal and Chota Nagpur region
Due to strong linkages with other sectors like construction, oil & gas, automobile, machinery, the demand for steel is increasing continuously
along with the development in these sectors. Easing the logistics (under NIF) and producing Green Steel (using green hydrogen) needs to be
the way forward.
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95
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.96. Give an account of the distribution of oil and gas reserves in India. (10 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Write about India’s oil and gas reserves share globally.
Main Body:
• Tabulate the different basin category along with percentage reserves of oil and natural gas
Conclusion: Conclude with future prospects of India’s hydrocarbon reserves.
India holds 1% of global natural gas and 0.3% of global oil reserves, present in Sedimentary rock formations of Tertiary period. India has 26
such sedimentary basins.
Crude oil and natural gas production in India is mainly confined to Category I i.e., basins with reserves being produced and exploited. In five
Category II basins, significant amount of oil resources has been established but production is yet to commence. The demand for energy is
rising, hence it is imperative to accelerate the exploration and production activities in India.
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96
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.97. Is inland water transport system environment friendly and economical? Comment and suggest measures to address the challenges
faced by the inland water transport in India.
APPROACH
India has over 14500km of navigable inland waterways, including rivers, backwaters, canals, creeks, etc. Currently 13 national waterways are
operational for shipping and navigation.
India holds huge potential for growth through inland water systems, but there are various environmental and social vulnerabilities linked
with it. Therefore, to make inland water transport more efficient and sustainable, proper safeguard must be provided.
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97
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.98. What is coral bleaching? Examine the environmental factors that cause bleaching and mention steps taken by the government to
address the same. (15 M)
APPROACH
Introduction: Write recent data on coral bleaching and define coral bleaching
Main Body:
• Mention threat factors of coral bleaching.
• Mention the government and global initiatives to tackle coral bleaching.
Conclusion: Conclude with a solution to conserve coral reefs.
Coral bleaching is the process when corals become white due to various stressors, such as changes in temperature, light, or nutrients.
Bleaching occurs when coral polyps expel the algae (zooxanthellae) that live inside their tissue, causing the coral to turn white.
The U.N. has reported that 70% of Earth’s coral reefs are threatened, with 20% destroyed with hope of recovery.
Threats Factors:
• Environmental
– Ocean acidification: Change in pH of ocean water starts its bleaching
– Water pollution and surface runoff: Decreases clarity of water which restricts formation of corals
– Rise in temperature: High temperature of water leads to the declination of these corals as they cannot survive in high
temperature.
• Geographical
– Fresh water Dilution: Rapid dilution of reef waters from storm-generated precipitation and runoff had seen demonstrated to
cause coral bleaching
– Infectious diseases: penetration of bacterium like vibrio Shiloi inhibits photosynthesis of zooxanthellae. These bacteria become
more potent with elevated seat temperatures.
• Anthropogenic
– Coastal development: development of coastal infrastructure and tourist resorts on or close by these coral reefs causes significant
damages.
– Sedimentation: Construction along the coasts and islands lead to soil erosion increasing the sediments in the river.
– Pollution: The toxic pollutants which are dumped directly into the ocean can lead to the poisoning of the coral reefs.
– Overfishing: It is another major concern as it is leading to an ecological imbalance of the coral reefs.
– Blast fishing: Use of explosives destroys coral reefs indiscriminately.
– Bottom Trawling: This destroys the corals at the bottom and margins of continents and Islands.
Measures like treatment of harmful industrial waste, preventing dumping of chemicals, avoiding water pollution, etc., may give a chance to
the corals to recover if bleaching has not been severe. Corals are the “rainforests of the seas”, so we need to take all possible actions to
prevent its degradation.
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98
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.99. Western Ghats play a crucial role as a physical barrier, climate and drainage divide. Elucidate (10 M)
APPROACH
Western Ghats are mountain ranges which are running parallel to the western coast of India across six states. They are known for their high
biodiversity and endemism.
Physical Barrier:
• Act as bulwark: They act as a barrier to the cyclones forming in the Arabian sea and moving to towards Indian main land.
• Obstructing monsoonal streams: Arabian sea monsoonal stream is obstructed by the Western ghats as these winds climbs the slopes of
the Western Ghats.
• Marine heat waves: It will either deflect the marine heat waves or force to climb slopes and leads to adiabatic cooling.
Climate Divide:
• Rainfall: Windward slopes of the western ghats register high rainfall but leeward side of western ghats receives less rainfall.
• Example: Mumbai receives 190 cm but Pune just 60 cm.
• Temperature: In the northern part of western ghats, the temperature is 24°C whereas in the Southern part the temperature is 20°C.
• Wind speeds: High wind speeds are registered in the southern part whereas in northern part low wind speed registered.
Drainage Divide:
• Water divide: The western ghats act as a water divide for west flowing rivers and east flowing rivers.
• Divided basins: west flowing rivers are Mandovi River, Vaitarna River, etc. East flowing rivers are Godavari, Krishna, etc.
This peculiar physiography of India is facing/endangered by the anthropogenic activities such as mining, quarrying, deforestation, etc. This led
to change in climatic conditions and nature as a physical barrier.
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99
GS PAPER 1: 100 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS | Mains 2022
Under the Guidance of M K YADAV SIR
Q.100. Comment on role played by the mangroves in stabilising geographical systems. Also, list out threats faced by them. (15M)
APPROACH
Mangroves are a salt tolerant plant community is found in tropical and subtropical inter-tidal region of the world.
Mangroves role in stabilising geographical systems:
• Physical geography:
– Prevent soil erosion: They reduce high tides and waves and help prevent soil erosion
– Act as shock absorbers: protect shorelines from erosion and also minimise disasters due to cyclones and tsunami. Example: The
mangroves on the eastern coast helped mitigate the impact of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.
• Environmental geography:
– Rich in biodiversity: Mangrove forests are home to a large variety of fish, crab, shrimp, and mollusc species.
– Provide unique environment for niche development: Mangroves are structurally complex with diversified habitat.
– Nutrient cycle: Mangroves enhance the natural recycling of nutrients.
– Carbon sequestration: Absorb upto 5 times more carbon than the other forests
• Economic geography:
– Food supply: These fisheries form an essential source of food for thousands of coastal communities around the world.
– Timber: Mangrove wood is resistant to rot and insects, making it extremely valuable for construction material and fuel.
– Livelihood: They provide numerous employment opportunities to local communities and augment their livelihoods.
– Metal extraction: Mangrove filter out heavy metals from the mud and deposit them as rich sediments.
– Sustainable development: Intact and healthy mangrove forests have a potential for sustainable revenue-generating initiatives
including ecotourism, sport fishing, and other recreational activities.
– Medicinal benefits: Coastal communities collect medicinal plants and use mangrove leaves as animal fodder.
Threats faced by Mangroves:
• Anthropogenic
– River flow changes: Dams and irrigation reduce the amount of water reaching mangrove forests, changing the salinity level of
water in the forest.
– Agriculture: 40% of mangroves on the west coast has been converted into farmlands and other settlements in just 3 decades.
– Overfishing: The ecological balance of food chains and mangrove fish communities can also be altered. Example: Due to shrimp
farming, about 35,000 ha of mangroves have been lost in India.
– Salt farming: Saltpans and aquaculture also pose major threat to the mangroves.
– Clearing: Clearing for tourist developments, shrimp aquaculture, and salt farms has taken place.
– Overharvesting: Mangrove trees are used for firewood, construction wood, wood chip and pulp production, charcoal production,
and animal fodder, in some part it is sustainable.
– Human expansion: 40 %of mangrove forests in west coast have been converted into farmlands and housing colonies.
• Natural
– Sea level rise and coastal erosion: Due to global warming, the sea levels are continuously rising. The rising sea levels have
flooded large areas of mangrove forests. This has resulted in their depletion.
– Invasion by alien species: Introduction of non-native and alien species of plants and animals are causing threat to the endemic
species of the region. This has led to imbalance in ecological structure, resulting in their depletion.
– Extreme events: Cyclones, typhoons and strong wave actions uprooted mangroves
– Overgrazing: Trampling and over grazing by wildlife and livestock close to mangrove regions.
Way forward:
• Locals participation: The participation of the local community should be made compulsory for conservation and management.
• Nursery Development: Mangrove nursery banks should be developed for propagation purposes.
• Floristic survey: Floristic survey of mangroves along the coast is to be taken up to prepare biodiversity atlas for mangroves.
• Persuasion and Monitoring: Coastal industries and private owners need to actively participate in protection and development.
• Capacity building: The forest department officials should be trained on taxonomy, biology and ecology of mangrove species.
Environmental monitoring in the existing mangrove areas should be taken up systematically and periodically. Aquaculture remains a primary
threat as perceived by experts. Therefore, sustainable approach can be followed.
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100