Shivdas

‘ ane Vente
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Ability Enhancement
Compulsory Course (AECC-1):
| ENVIRONMENTAL
ae
EE RSET
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SYLLABUS —°-
Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC-1)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE :
(One-semester compulsory core module for undergraduate programmes)
Unrr 1: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE.

» Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies;
* Scope and importance; need for public awareness. (2 Lectures)
Unir 2: EcosysTEMS
* What is an ecosystem? Structure and function of ecosystem; Energy flow
in an ecosystem: food chains, food webs and ecological succession. Case
studies of the following ecosystems: .
(a) Forest ecosystem
(b) Grassland ecosystem
{c) Desert ecosystem . 2 3
(d) Aquatic ecosystem (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries)
ca (6 Lectures)
Unrr 3: NATURAL Resources: RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES

~ Land resources and landuse change; Land degradation, soil erosion and
desertification, . oe . wee,
* Deforestation; Causes and impacts due to mining, dam building on
environment, forests, biodiversity and tribal populations.
* Water: Use and over-exploitation of surface and ground water, floods,
droughts, conflicts over water (international & inter-state). © =‘
* Energy resources: Renewable and non-renewable energy sources, yise of
alternate energy sources, growing energy needs, case studies. *- :
(8 Lecrures)
Untr 4: Biopiversiry AND CONSERVATION
* Levels of biological diversity: Genetic, species and ecosystem: divers
ity;
Biogeographic zones of India; Biodiversity .patterns and global
biodiversity hot spots. ‘ ‘ .
. a as a mega-biodiversity nation; Endangered and endemic species’
ia. of
* Threats to biodiversity: Habitat loss, poaching of wildl
ife, man-wildlife
conflicts, biological invasions; Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and
Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.
* Ecosystem and biodiversity|] ser
vices: + E Ecological, economic, social
aesthetic and Informational value, i , ethical,
_— " (8 Lectures)
(i)
Unit 5: ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
¢ Environmental pollution: types, causes, effects and controls; Air, water, soil _
‘
and noise pollution.
‘e Nuclear hazards and human health risks,
« Solid waste management: Control measures of urban and industrial waste.
* Pollution case studies, (8 Lecrures)
Unit 6; ENVIRONMENTAL Poticies & PRACTICES

Sustainability and sustainable development.
¢ Climate change, global warming, ozone layer depletion, acid rain and
impacts on human communities and agriculture.
¢ Environment laws: Environment Protection Act; Air (Prevention & Control
of Pollution) Act; Water (Prevention and control of pollution) Act;
Wildlife Protection Act; Forest Conservation Act.
« Nature reserves, tribal populations and rights and human wildlife
conflicts in India context. (7 Lectures)
Unrr 7: HuMAN COMMUNITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

* Human population growth: Impacts on environment, human health and
welfare.
Resettlement and rehabilitation of project affected persons; case studies.
Disaster management: Floods, earthquake, cyclones and landslides.
Environmental movements: Chipko, Silent valley, Bishnois of Rajasthan.
ee
Environment ethics: Role of Indian and other religions and cultures in

environmental conservation.
a eet
Environmental communication and public awareness, case studies (¢.g,,

CNG vehicles in Delhi). (6 Lectures)
Unrr 8: FIELD WORK

° Visit to an area to document environmental assets: river/forest/flora/fauna,
etc. :
* Visit to a local polluted site-Urban/ Rural/Industrial/ Agricultural.
and basic principles of
STE Pe
* Study of common plants, insects, birds

« identification.
¢ Study of simple ecosystems-pond, river, Delhi Ridge, etc.
AES
(Equat To 5 Lectures)
A
(it

'
Unir1 INTRODUCTION TO
ENVIRONMENTAL SGIENCE us 1
Unit2 Ecosystums tee 7
Unrr3 = Narunrat Resources: RENEWABLE

AND NON+RENEWABLE RESOURCES 1. 23
Unir 4 __ BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION ... 39
Unit 5 ~~ ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION wo 51
Unit 6 ~— ENVIRONMENTAL Pouicies

AND PRACTICES ais 68
Unit 7 Huan CoMMUNITIBS AND .

Trt BNVIRONMENT ‘is 83
E Practice Question Papers with Answers ws 97

#7: University Question Papers with Answers ... 109°
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Q.
Ans.1. Env
Define thentterm
ironme is theenvironment. Give its scope and importance.
sum total of wat er, air and land, their
among themselves and with human i i
beings, other living beings and pre
word ‘environment’ is derived eet
from the French word “Environ”
encircle or surround. It includ
es all those things on which
which mex to
indirectly dependent for our surviv w ire ctl y
al, © are directly or
Scope of Environmental Study.
new to humankind. Since
Ages, clvilizatio ns
around the water bodies,
Our natural I Pees
forests, deserts or n comb
ination of thes
sustenance ,
. ‘i
water to drink and for oth Srasslands for our * f,

food and needs of [i
global network of food web to day needs, fe. We use
the services are vital and pri Every thing arou nd us f € air and We are ;a part of
celers, °rms our environment and
4

2 SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SERIES
Our dependence on the environment ig so great that we cannot continue to live

without protecting the earth’s environmental resources. With time which is
evident from advent of industrial revolution and population explosion, The
greed of man has increased ever since. This has led to rapid unplanned economic
growth. The ill-effects of this type of development has led to environmental
degradation. i
Development has paved the way for the use of non-renewable resources
such
as minerals and oils extensively, thus resulting in their exhaustion in the near
future. Non-renewable resources are not easy to replenish and take millions of
years to.form.
A switch to the renewable resources, e,g,, timber and water which can be
replenished easily by natural processes such as regrowth or rainfall, can
be
appreciated. But it is important to use even these resources wisely so that we
conserve the resources we need in the long-term. This is called sustainab
le
utilisation or development, Thus environmental studies envisage the
awareness
of our resources along with the problems caused due to their
exploitation and
degradation, It is also important that each individual realises the importance of
environment and changes the ways in which we use energy resources,
Unsustainable utilization can result from overuse of resources,
population explosion and because many of us are using more because of
actually need,
resources than we
.
Environment is multidisciplinary in nature.
It is not a singular subject. It
covers the diversification ofnature, culture and society. Thus, its scope is
extremely wide and covers some aspects of nearly
every major discipline. *
oe a" . -_
Various fields of Environmenta
l Studtes ,
ieImportte
ancefaceof E vi
ronmental Studies,
‘ ,
:
elements one can]
affected by the sy
sy,*

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 3
Importance of environmental factors
The interrelation of these five factors affects human life and these factors work
ey
in conjunction and not in isolation. Thus, the study of environment is important

for sustenance of life, ;
ST
The importance of enviroument can be further explained under the following

divisions: , :
(i) Productive value of nature. With the advancement of new fields such as
biotechnology and development of new medicines and industrial
products, it is clear that the world’s species contain an incredible and
JON
uncountable number of complex compounds. These form the raw

material and thus, open up the scope for further advancement in product
development, useful for humankind.
(if) Aesthetic Recreational value of nature. The beauty of nature and the
values associated with it are priceless, One can appreciate the
magnificence of a mountain, the power of the sea, but recreating the
same is not possible. The National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in
relatively undisturbed areas create a true experience of wildemess. It
- brings about an understanding of the oneness of nature and the fact that
we are entirely dependent on the intricate functioning of ecosystems.
(iii) The option values of nature. The increasing dependence on the
ecosystem for not only our needs but also for our greed has made us
available to the option values of nature. We can greedily use the
resources and deplete them leaving nothing for the generations to come.
‘
Alternatively, we can sustainably use the Nature's bounties, its goods
and services and save them for future.
Q. 2. Why Is the ‘study of the environment’ the need of the hour?
Or
‘What are the objectives and guiding principles of environmental study?
tremendous benefits
Ans. Human beings have neglected to acknowledge the

A SINVA DELI UNIVERSITY RENIES
Nature provides, It is impossible to truly estimate the real value of what
has given to us. For example, foresta prevent soil erosion, landslides and Nature
flooding;
maintain the purity of air and water; affect Jocal and global rainfal
l; regulate
climate fluctuations; and promote watersheds and biodiversity.
Environmental studies give a great Importance to the impact on environmen
caused due to human activities. In this, the major environmental
t
{ssues are
assessed and the gravity of these problems is measured and their solutions are
found.
Pollution ° .
(0) Alr
(b) Water ,
(c) Soil
ft2 Blodivereity doplotion

ine Production Major eet
(a) Solid waste <ent Envi ental saea> seriification
(b) Hazardous wosto ‘ tes . (c) Habltat destruction
. (d) Extination
Climate change
(a) Global warming :
(b) Abnormal weather conditions
The objectives of environmental studies include:

(i) Awareness. Acquire an awareness of and sensitivity to the total
environment and its allied problems.
(if) Knowledge. Gain no variety of experiences and acquire a basic
understanding of the environment and its associated problems.
(iif) Attitude, Acquire a set of values and feelings of concern for the
environment and the motivation for active participation iin
environmental improvement and protection.
(iv) Skill. Acquire skills for identifying and solving environmental problems.
(v) Evaluation ability. Evaluate environmental measures and education
programmes in terms of ecological, economic, social, aesthetic and
educational factors.
(vi) Participation. Provides an opportunity to be actively involved at
all
levels in working towards the resolution of environmental problems.
The guiding principles associated with environmental studies are:
* To consider the environment in its totality (natural, artificlal, soclal,
economic, moral, cultural, etc,).
* To consider a continuous life process,
.
.
tee
* To be interdisciplinary in approach.
* To emphasize on active participation in Prevention and solution to
environmental problems, :
* To examine major environmental issues from local, national, regional
and
International points of view.
ee
* To focun on eutrent; potential environmental situations,

e
Bus
ie

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 5
* To consider environmental aspects in plans for growth and development.

* To stress upon the complexity of environmental problems and the need
to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
-—
* To promote the value and necessity of Jocal, national and international

——-
cooperation in the prevention and solution of environmental problems.

* To utilise diverse learning about the environment and different
‘ _ appronches to teaching and learning about environment.
* * To help learners to discover the symptoms and the real causes of
environmental problems.
* To relate environmental sensitivity, knowledge, problem-solving and
value-clarification at energy grade level.
* To enable learners to have a role In planning their learning experiences
‘and provide an opportunity for making decisions and accepting their
consequences,
Q. 3. Elaborate on the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies.
Ans. Although the realm of ‘envirorimental study’ implies a single subject, but
its essence is multidisciplinary in nature. It is thus considered multidisciplinary
as it tenches us to protect and sustain our natural resources of land, water, ait
and vegetation, Sustninability is the ultimate goal.
Since the environment is complex comprising everything around us, sc
environmental studies is the inter-disciplinary examination of how biology
geology, politics, policy studies, law, religion, engineering, chemistry anc
economics combine to inform about the consideration of humanity's effects o:
the natural world.
Physics. To uriderstand the change of material and energy interaction and ti
make mathematical models of environment.
Chemistry. ‘lo understand the molecular interactions in the system.
Biology. To describe the effects within the plant and animal kingdom an
their diversity. . 7
Atmospheric Science. To examing the phenomenon of the gaseous outer layer
of the Earth. It comprises meteorological studies, greenhouse effect, airborn
contaminants, sound propagation, phenomena related to noise pollution an
even light pollution. _
Ecology. Branch of science that deals with the study of relationship betwee
organisms and their surroundings. These studies could be on—endangere
species, predator species and their interactions, effect upon populations t
environmental contaminants etc,
Environmental Chemistry. To study the chemical alterations in tl
environment. Principal areas of study include soil contamination and wat
pollution.
Geo Science. It includes environmental geology, environmental soil scien
volcanic phenomena and evolution of the earth’s crust.
Mathematics and Computer Science. Used in environmental modelling a
analysis of environment related deta.
Economics. It deals with economical aspects of various components of t
environment.

i SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SERIES
Law. It helps in framing environment related laws, acts, rules and their
n
msocial Sefenéd It helps in dealing with population and health related issues,
Q. 4. Discuss the need for public awareness about the environment,
Ans. Since the advent of industrialisation, the natural resources
are rapidly
being used and thus, the degradation of environment by human activities
has
increased, The population explosion worsened the condition—with more people
come more needs and hence more greeds. Thus, there came an urgent
need to
protect our environment so that we do not destroy it further, but also try
to
replenish what is Jost for the generations to come.
.
It is not only the duty of the government, but also the responsibility
of every
individual to actively participate in protecting the environment.
saying every As there is a
drop counts, similarly every single step towards sustainable
environment is necessary and beneficial. To prevent
ill-effects on the
environment by our actions is economically more viable
than cleaning up the
environment once it is damaged, °
— Individually we can reduce wasting natural'resources
and we can act as
watchdogs that inform the Government about sources that
pollution and degradation of our environment. : “ lead to
— The role of mass media such as newspapers, radio, 3
television, etc. is also
very important to make people aware regarding
environment. These can
strongly influence public opinion and even
reach the high officials
stating the dire need of green policies.
— There are various institutions, which
are playing a positive rola in
environmental awareness such as BS] (Botanical Survey of India),
(Zoological Survey of India), WII (Wildlife ZSI
Instityte of India),
environmental degradation as a
Education about the serious issue of concern,
environm
Thus, the education of the subjectenint focuses on environmental improvement.
volves values, activity, attitudes an
To solve our environmental pr d ethics.
ee
oblems it is importa
take into account the ethi
cs associated with it. Th
le
a step further in this regard, -

mids oc ee ee
aeee fey a

ae ec iteds
SEEPS SOON tae
Q. 1. Define Ecosystem. Give an account of the structure and function of an

ecosystem, 5a
Ans. The term ecosystem was proposed by A.G,Tansley in 1935, who defined it
as the system resulting from integration of all the living (plants, animals and
microorganisms) and non-living (air, water and soil) factors of the environment.
‘ 7

a SHIVA DEUIL UNIVERSITY SEnies
However, the term ecosystem is most preferred,
where “eco’ implies the
environment and ‘system’ implies an interacting, inte
r-dependent complex,
Ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology wher
ein it varies greatly
in size, location, climate and the components that make them.
af oe
| conti of
5 } —-—> Producers
Abiotic Biotic Somprieda Ol. consumo

components - compononts
& { dopendent
s; ——> Docomposers
. » Cycling of matter Flow of energy

pe is involved Ina
Blogeochemical Food chaln ———» Food web
eyéles Intarlocked .
wilh each
olher
Structure of an Ecosystem. The structure of an ecosystem is composed of two
major components namely biotic and abiotic, which interact with each other.
Abiotic components. Abiotic components of an ecosystem include non-living —
substances and physical-chemical [actors.
These inclute:
(i) Climatic factors like light, humidity, atmospheric temperature, wind etc.
(ii) Edaphic factors like soil and its types, organic matter ete,
(iii) Inorganic substances like water, carbon, sulphur, nitrogen etc,
(iv) Organic substances like proteins, carbohydrates, Lipids etc,
Biotic components. Biotic components of an ecosystem include living.
organisms (plants, animals and microorganisms),
These are further classified as: ,
1, Producers (Autotrophs). These include photosynthetic plants, bacteria and
algae which convert solar energy into chemical energy with the help of
chlorophyll present in them. As the green plants prepare their own food they are
known as autotrophs, The process by which green plants prepare their own food
in the presence of sunlight, water and chlorophyll is called photosynthesis,
2. Consumers (Heterotrophs). These are animals which cannot prepare thelr
own food and hence are termed as heterotrophs, They are rather dependent on
producers for their survival directly or indirectly. Consumers are further
categorised according to their availability in trophic levels:
* Primary Consumers or Herbivores. These include animals which are
directly dependent on producers for their food, They eat green plants as
their food. E.g., cows, rabbits, grasshoppers etc.
* Secondary Consumers or Primary Carnivores. These include animals which _
feed on Primary consumers. £.¢, frogs, fishes, cats, snakes, clogs, etc,
ae eo

9
ECOSYSTEMS
a
. These include large
econdary Carnivores E.g., wolves, peacocks,
* Tertiary Consu mers OF . | ers.
ndary consum
ich feed on seco
animals wh
feed on
inc lu de th e la rg es t carnivor ¢ animals which
. Thes
oress, TH c al. E.g.,
» y rnivre
Top e Cavo
er s an d ca nn ot be eaten up by any other anim
tertinry consum
lions, tigera, vultures, etc. i mals whic
hich break
re: down the dead
(Reducers), These are ale ae sumers into smaller simpler
3, Decomposers an
lex materials of producers
of organisms, they can be termed as
mretiles, Aw they degrade the bodies tes.
Reducers, They can also be termed as Saprophy ecosystem is related to the
Funetloning of an Ecosystem. The functioning of
flow of energy and cycling of materials through the components of ecosystem.
——e Ehergy movement june”
—— Minoral nuvien| f
movement
OC Nodes containing
trophic apecies
4
b
[
E - PSUN |—> Mineral nutrient

i . poo
f:
e _ Generalised model of Ecosystem with structure and functioning ;
f
F The producers, ie,any the gre n plants wiw
(C, H, O, N, P, Ca, M & etc.)
Se) from
Be soil ith the help of solar energy and minerals
complex organic matter (carbohydra ee bes tsatmosph
ele) ere ( (nutrient pool) build
i up
We can observe energy
flows unidirec
consumers and finally to deco Ho
mposers, B nally from the Sun to producers to
moving in a cyclic manner. eyelin a in on the other hand keep on
E various biogeochemical cycles which & of the minerals is accomplished by
Productivity of Beg system It
,
sccurmulated in any unit time. It is of ee in the ecosystem. ‘
ers the amount of organic matter
basically the pred ze the rate at which auto
pas
photosynthetic bacteria, “eluding the green woPhs store energy. These are
a8 tota | photo us esup in co

wt synth tion otal
durin
:
g
Tate of
Pome rasiod.
‘ +
Milation,

“nary Productivity (NPP). It is the rate of storage of organic matter in
Los a ewes in excess of the respiratory utilisation by plants during the
P easurement period. roan neve rate ot increase in biomass and hence called
to esis or net assimilation.
as apparent photosyn NPP = GPP - R,
[where R is energy used in respiration.
Secondary Productivity. It is the rate of storage of energy at consumer's level.
matter to
It simply passes from one trophic level to the other converting food
aei rrodacttotly
t tissues. .
It is the rate of storage of organic matter not used by
consumers, i¢., NPP - Consumption, during unit period. It is thus the rate of
increase of biomass of primary producers left by consumers.
Q. 2. Explain the following terms:
(a) Estuaries
(b) Streams and River ecosystems
(c) Freshwater ecosystem
(d) Oceans . .
(e) Trophic level 7
Ans. (a) Estuaries. Estuaries are a transitional zone formed between river
environments and maritime environments. An estuary.is a partially englosed
water body along the coast from where freshwater from rivers apd -atreams
meets and mixes with salt water of the ocean, Estuaries are among the world’s
most productive ecosystems.
Estuaries provide water filtration and habitat protection. Marshes and
mangrove forests act as filters,. filtering pollutants such as heavy metals,
pesticides, sediments and nutrients. Thus, estuaries are not only highly fertile
regions with nutrient-enriched matter but also the most polluted ecosystems. *
Estuaries also act as sponges, soaking up the excess water thus protecting
streams, river channels and coastal shores from calamities such as floods,
erosion etc.
(b) Streams and River ecosystems (Lotic ecosystem), Moving waters represent
streams and river ecosystems in which all the living forms are adapted to
different rates of flow of water. The larger surface area of river accounts to
greater photosynthesis rate which leads to higher amount of inorganic
nutrients
such as nitrogen and phosphorous flowing down the stream.
;
cama ace organisms present in streams or rivers are dependent on the
'y, How and oxygen content, temperature, pressure, pH, salinity
d nutrient availabilit
. and size y in the stream. Th ns '
location of the stream and river, ese condi —_ i
vary according to the
ZThe =bi d of the stream or river . also .influences the species of plants 4 “and
(c) Freshwater ecosystem. Freshwater ecosystems occtipy 0.80% of the Earth’s

Surface, occupying 41 1
of fresh Water ecreystene a world’s known fish species. There are three types
(i) Lentic; or standin & water ecosyste
m. These
moving water, e.g., lakes, ponds and pools have tagnant or slow
. - . ‘ .

ECOSYSTEMS 1
(ii) Lotic or moving water ecosystem. These have faster moving water e.g.
springs, streams and rivers. ‘
(iif) Wetlands. Wetland is a place where land is covered with water either
permanently or seasonally. Marshes and ponds, the edge of a lake or
ocean, the delta at the mouth of a river, low-lying areas that frequently
. flood, all of these are wetlands.
(d) Oceans or Marine Ecosystem. Oceans cover approximately 71% of the
Earth’s surface and contain 97% of the planet’s water. Thus, they form the
largest ecosystem of the earth. Oceans have high salt content and form a major
part in global circulation of nutrients. They usually have a large biodiversity
ranging from phytoplanktons and zooplanktons to larger fishes.
The ecosystem of oceans is characteristic of factors such as. geology,
temperature, tides, light availability and geography. Oceans have charac teristic
producers, consumers and decomposers.
¢ The microscopic algae traps the sun energy and forms food — Producers.
* Consumers are of three types:
1. Primary consumers. Zooplanktons such as protozoa float on the surface of
the sea.
2. Secondary consumers. Nektons such as fish, whales, etc. feed on the
primary consumers.
3. Tertiary consumers. Benthos such as corals, cod, mussels, etc. feed-on the
secondary consumers.
4. Decomposers. Fungi and Bacteria in the muddy floor of the sea.
(e) Trophic level.
§" trophic lavel (Top carnivore)
4™ (rophic leval (Secondary carnivore)
.— 3° trophic level (Primary carnivore)
2” trophic level (Herbivore)
4“ trophic lavel (Producer)
nisms with repeated

The transfer of energy from producers to different orga in a food
eating and being eaten is termed as food chain. Each successive step
The trophic levels are
chain representing organisms is termed as Trophic level.
The pyramidal shape is a
generally represented in a pyramidal shape. move from base towards the
resentative of magnitude of trophic levels as we
successive level from the base to the
. top. The food chain reduces in size at each
diagram, the food chain depicts that grass 's eaten by
- apex. As we can see in the
a grasshopper representing theh 2"4 trophic level which is further eaten by a frog
in the next trophic level whic is further eaten by a snake then by the hawk .
a particular food chainas energy
There are generally, 4 to 5 trophic levels in
gets reduced with every successive level.
12 SIIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SENIES
Q. 3. Briefly explain the following:
(a) Ecological Pyramids (b) Food web '
Ans. (a) Ecological Pyramids. At each successive step in a food chain a
considerable amount of energy is lost as heat. As a reault, organisms in each
trophic level pass on lesser energy to the next trophic level than they actually
receive. Thus, this limits the number of trophic levels to 4 or 5. Because of this
tapering off of available energy in the food chain a pyramid is formed known as
ecological pyramid. These are of three types:
1. Pyramid of Number. This type of pyramid shows the number of individual
organisins at each trophic level in an ecosystem. The pyramid of number varies
from ecosystem to ecosystem. There are thus, three types of number pyramids—
(0) Upright pyramid of number, In this pyramid a large number of producers
are being eaten by less number of herbivores which are further eaten by
lesser number of carnivores. Thus, making, the base wide and top peak
narrower. This type of pyramid is observed in grassland and aquatic
ecosystem.
fa) Upright Pyramid of Nomber “ Spindle shaped fe) werNe warm
(b) Spindle-shaped pyramid of number. Wheri a large tree supports larger

number of birds who are eaten by smaller number of eagles, it forms a
spindle-shaped pyramid of number. It generally is observed in a forest
ecosystem.
(c) Inverted pyramid of number. In this case an oak tree Supports
various
birds which are further supported by various ectoparasites. And
ectoparasites are supported by larger number of hyperparasites.
Thus,
forming a narrower base. It js an example of parasitic food chain.
2. Pyramid of Biomass. It represents Secondary carnivore

the total mass of living organisms
present in na trophic level in on
ecosystem at any time. The biomass tte
decreases gradually as we move from (> = Rabbit? =*\100 kg
one trophic level to the other. Thus, ———
always forming. an upright pyramid
with broad base,
Pyruintil of blomass in terrestrial ecosystem
iis Scanned with CamScanner

. ECOSYSTEMS - 13
other there is a
3, Pyramid of Energy. As we move from one trophic level to the
dual decrease of energy. Only 10% of energy passes on from one trophic level
& another and rest is lost as heat. Thus, pyramid of energy is always upright.
Trophic Level 1 Grass (10,000 k cal)

Pyramid of Enegry
(b) Food web. The intérlocking pattern formed due to interaction of various
food chains is termed as food web. Many food chains exist in an ecosystem and
It is not practically possible that a food chain operates in isolation. There are
many overlapping trophic levels which are connected to different food chains in
an association. Thus, each living thing in an ecosystem is part of multiple food
chains. Consider for an example in a food chain,
. Grass > Rats — Snakes — Owls
Sometimes rats are not eaten by snakes but directly by owls or by hawks.
Thus, it maintains the interlinking of individuals, Food web, thus maintains
the stability of the ecosystem. The greater the number of alternate pathways,
more stable will the community of living things be. For example, decrease in the
population of rats ‘would naturally cause an increase in the population of
alternative herbivores. Thus, maintaining the ecosystem.
BRE | ra
b
Mountain
lions
5 a
4 \ Deer
Ss
c
Beth Flowor seeds
pp nee a2 . ‘
‘ae Trees
_Graceea Mushrooms Bacteria
Bert Sp Eee rime) aved etter] worenererer ride,
Foo Web

14 SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SERIES
Q. 4. What do you understand by the term food chain? Givi ng
illustrative
examples explain detritus and grazing food chains of an ecosystem,
Or
What is food chain? Differentiate between Grazing and Detri
tus food chain,
Ans. The transfer of food energy from the producers, through a seri
es of
organisms (producers —» consumers — decom posers) With repeated eating
being
and
eaten, is know as food chain. Each organism in a food chal n ls dep
endent
on the next organism as a source of food. Every organism requires energy
to
live. Food chains in an ecosystem help to maintain the bio diversity of nature,
flow of energy and transfer of nutrients.
For example, consider a simple food chain
Grass — Grasshopper — Frog —» Snake ~ Eagle
At each successive step only 10% of the energy is transferred and the rest 90%
is lost in the form.of heat.
Differentiation between Graz ing and Detritus Food Chain
TE Grazii
Food Chain
g : ataLaF eer, DetrFood
itChai
us t’ © s72
(i) It begins with green plants and It begins with dead organic matter
algae, and from there the energy called ‘detritus’, which mainly
passes through various levels of include fallen leaves, plant parts or
consumers, dead animal bodies which «are
consumed by insects, worms -and
bacteria, °
(it) This type of food chain is directly
dependent on the
This type of food chain is dependent }
energy on the amount of organic matter i
captured by producers from the i
produced in another system. |
Sun and thus, the passage of this
energy through various trophic
levels.
(iif) This food chain involves transfer This food chain is involved in
of 10% of energy from one decomposing .the complex organic
trophic level to another. matter and nutrient recycling in the
environment for reuse.
(iv) Example: Example: OO
Grass — Rat - Snake Dead leaves +Woodlouse > Blackbirii
Here, grass is eaten by the rat Here, the dead ‘leaves are
and the rat by the Snake. Grass
decomposed by woodlouse which _
obtains energy capturing
Sunlight and passes 10% of this
are being eaten by blackbird. '
energy to the successive trophic
levels,
Q.5, “Ene rgy flow is always unidirectional”. Explain giving description of a
model,
Or -:
Explainthe
Lindemann la Process of energy flow operating in an ecosystem explaining
w of energy transfer.

t . ECOSYSTEMS 15
- Ans, Energy flows through ecosystems by means of food chains and food
webs. Solar energy is absorbed by plants and converted into chemical ener
through the process of photosynthesis. This energy is utilized by other living
organisms by the transfer of energy according to Lindemann’s law. Lindemann
in 1942 stated that the flow of energy occurs from one trophic level to the other
at the rate of 10%, the rest 90% is lost in the form of heat. This energy thus,
_ follows a unidirectional path i.e, the energy from the sun is never returned back
* to the Sun. °
Nol ulilised
7.0
45
Energy flow diagram for a lake (fresh water ecosystem) in gcaVcin?/yr
(modified from Lindemann 1942)
It is clear from the diagram that the energy flow is unidirectional, i.e., one way
flow. The energy that is captured by autotrophs does not reach back to the Sun;
and that which passes to the herbivores does not reach back to the autotrophs,
As it moves to the successive level it is no longer available to the previous level.
- Thus, due to one way flow of energy, the system will collapse in case the
primary source, i.¢., the Sun, were to be cut off. Thus, the three trophic leveled
energy flow model, makes evident that the energy flow is greatly reduced at
. .each successive trophic level from producers to herbivores and then to
carnivores. The losses are characterized as heat losses, decomposition losses or
respiratory losses etc. Thus, of the total gross productivity 111.0 geal/cm?/yr
"only 3.0 geal/cm?/yr is reached till the 3 trophic level. Secondary productivity
tends to be about 10 per cent at successive’ consumer trophic levels, i.e.,
‘herbivares and carnivores.
Q. 6. Write notes on:
(a) Nutrient cycles
(b) Ecological succession
_ Ans. (a2) Nutrient cycles or Biogeochemical cycles. The movement and
, ‘xchange of organic and inorganic matter (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen,
phosphorous, water, calcium, iron, etc.) through an ecosystem is known as
; biogeochemical cycle or nutrient cycle. For any system to work there should
always be a movement of minerals. The nutrient cycle describes how nutrients
onment into living organisms and are subsequently

Some important cycles are:
1. Water cycle,
The cycle that involves change of water into water vapour and back to
water
involving various processes is termed as water cycle. This cycle is responsible
for the continuous movement of water between the earth and the atmosphere.
Water cycle starts with the process of evaporation or transpiration. Sun
up the water
heats
in oceans and seas forming water vapours. This process of
changing water into water vapour is termed as evaporation,
Transpiration is the process of movement of water and temoval from
the
acrial parts of plants such as leaves, stems and flowers. In the atmosp
here, water
vapour cools and forms millions of water droplets
which further forms clouds
via the process of condensation. On further cooling,
clouds lose their water as
rain or snow, which is called precipitation. The water is transp
orted across the
globe and even percolates into the groiund.
This water is known as ground
water. Some ground water finds openings
in the land surface and comes out as
freshwater springs. Over time, the water
returns to the ocean, to continue the
water cycle,
2. Carbon Cycle.
The carbon cycle is the process by: which the
carbon moves fr
atmosphere into the earth and its organisms, and om th
then back again in
atmosphere. to the
In the atmosphere, carbon exists in the form of carb
on dioxide (CO,).
photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and form carbo During
organic substances, Carbon dioxide
is released back into oe
converted from organic henere =
result of respiration. Carbon dioxide is being as q
microorganisms in the food chain. Some of the detritus is converted cate by
and natural gas after being buried for millions of years in the earth The , Oil
fuels produce CO, on burning in the process known a8 combustion as fossjl
also stored In oceans as carbonates and blcarbonates, These Geean: rbon is
CO, with the atmosphere. exchange

ECOSYSTEMS 17
CO, In atmosphere
Combustio n of fossa
Photosynthes! Burning of foresis for vahicles,
fuel
eloc s ity
iric and heat
fuelwood and
(lerrestrial [oodchoins) orpanio debris
Pein hb
Rw Rina Seen
eRea ES
i O + .
C ‘er
JU aes
he * aE oh
ao a Se Se
=
it Ps
aMent
el
—on — mel —
——
ees asks te ; dete
Carbon Cycle
FARO AY Meee AeRE n

s Bee OnygenSane ATMOSPH
sgt cys “gt
“de NG eee
Creulation of oxygen in various forms through sature is called the oxyger

“ve e. a and animals use oxygen to respire and return it to the air and
carbon wate
dioxide (CO,). CO, is then taken up by algae and green
converted into carbohydrates during the process plants anc
of photosynthesis, wher
oxygen is released
as a by-prod :
ee
_
Senerators of the biosphe aera eee atts
- Their alga replace of abo
the world are the main oxyge
ut 90 per cerit of all oxyge
eS

4, Nitrogen Cycle.
Animal Protein —_ .
¥ Industrial r I. ng
ee eo]
monia : t
Am shostanere
tz —
ams
Protein
Cape;
bacteria
5) |
—™ Nitrales NOs
Nitrogen is present in the form of N, in atmosphere. N, gas is converted to
nitrate compounds by nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil or root nodules, Lightning
also converts nitrogen gas to nitrate compounds. The Haber process converts
nitrogen gas into ammonia used in fertilizers. Nitrifying bacteria converts
ammonia to nitrates. Plants absorb nitrates from*soil and use these to make
proteins. The plant is eaten by the animal and its biomass is used to produce
animal protein. Urea and complex compounds are detayed by decompgsers.
This returns nitrogen to ammonia. In some conditions, denitrifying bacteria in
the soil break down nitrates and return nitrogen to the air. ‘
(b) Ecological succession. It is the process through which ecosystem
tends to
change over a period of time. Seasonal environmental
changes lead to
succes sion, thus creating changes in community of plants
and animals living in
the ecosystern, Succession also includes longer period
of time starting from a
barren land or changing an entire ecosystem due
to change in environmental
factors.
Consider for an example, a forest is cleared.
It will initially be colonised by
plants and animals and gradually turn into
a grassland, then a shrubland and
finally woodland and then a forest. Succession
always leads to a stable state or
the climax stage. In between, various proce
sses lead to the development of
pioneer ‘stage and a series of changes know
n as seral stage,
Example of succession changes are obser
ved from the pond ecosystem.
Dry terrestrial habitat Early colonisation by small aquatic species
after the
monsoon *
Mature aquatic ecosystem
There are two main types of ' Lo
succession:
1, Primary Succession.
* It occurs when succes
sion starts on entirely new
. qa uithed soil—basical land without any
ly on sand dunes, rocks,
theorganisms which first colonise a
region die and decompose, they
. On one Net oF sl for future organisms and ecosystems to utilise.
rock, lichen and se
Provide a layer of soil for moss may initially colonise the area and
seeds to germinate,

ECOSYSTEMS
18
2. Secondary Succession.
* It occurs when succession starts on exis
ting soil basically on a burnt-
forest.
. Natural or artificial upheaval of the primary succession.
* During secondary succession, dominance is usually
achieved by the
fastest growing plants,
Q. 7. Give comparative ‘account of the following:
(a) Forest ecosystem and Grassland ecosystem
(5) Desert ecosystem and Aquatic ecosystem
(c) Pond ecosystem and Lake ecosystem
Ans. (a) Forest ecosystem and Grassland ecosystem:
spent a forest ecosystenr
-—
<0." ot sy Grassland ecosystem: >...
(i) It isa terrestrial unit that is made Grasslands are sea of grass, formed
up of plants, animals and in the places where the rainfall is
microorganisms that are better than the desert and lower than
interacting among themselves the forest area.
and with the environment in
which they live. . eS
(i) Occupy about 38% of Earth’s| Occupy about 19% of Earth’s land
= surface, __ _|_area. _.
(iii) They are more productive and | These lands are very fertile.
have greater biodiversity.
(2) The world’s biggest and largest These are located in North America
tropical forest area is located in (called Prairies), South America
South America’s Amazon basin. (called Pampas) and in West Asia
(called Steppes). _ __
' (v) Deforestation, due to the greed of Grazing of land by cattle, sheep and .
the humans is the biggest threat goats threatens the grasslands.
to forest ecosystem.
(6) Desert ecosystem and Aquatic ecosystem:
wos. 2S) Desert ecosystent.: 3.25 24.. ce the act Aquatic'ecosystem.. Many fe
() An ecosystem that receives It is an ecosystem in a body of water.
annual rainfall less than 25 cm.
turns into a desert, thus, there is
low availability of water. _. Le eee ee ee
(it) 33% of total geographical area Around 71% of Earth's surface

comprises of deserts. accounts for oceans and seas and
0.80% for freshwater ecosystems.
' (if) Generally seen in between the These include lentic (lakes, ponds),
Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of lotic (streams, rivers), wetlands and
Capricorn. marine ecosystems everywhere on the
Example, Sahara, Gobi, Asian earth.
a ee ee ee ee ee

20 SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY BENIEs
(iv) Highly specialised and sensitive

These are ecosystems with high }
ecosystems with nll plnnts and biodiversity with plants and animals
animnls having adaptation having special adaptations of living @
quality for conservation of water in water with swimming alds,
and high temperature,
Example of animals seen; Camel,
Example of animals scen: Fish, :
Kangaroo.
Whales, Cod, Haddock,
Example of plants seen: Cactus
and Euphorbia, Example of plants seen: Hydra,
microscopic algae. _.
(v) Climate change ond loss of
biodiversity are considered the Climate change, waste discharge, oll 4
spills, etc, are considered os major “%
major threats to such kind of
ecos threats to aquatic ecosystems,
ystems.
(c) Pond ecosystem and Lake ecosy ste ni;
: Pond ecosystem arnt tae ) pr pan oS Liakevecos star's ais:
(i) A pond is a temporary water
_(Ginitprnnnentpon
Lake is an aquatic ecosystem having
body and has water only in the water throughout the year,
monseesoons.Se ee ee
ee
~ (ii) The temperature changes with “Temperature layering or stratification

air temperature and is relativelytakes place in summer and winter
uniform. and these layers turn over in spring
—
and fall. :
(it) When a pond begins to fill Energy cycles through -the lake
during the rains, its life forms ecosystem from: sunlight
such as algae and that
microscopic penetrates the water surface to the
animals come out of the floor of plants. Energy is then transferred to
the pond where they have herbivores and carnivores. Animal
remained dormant in the excreta from the botom of the lake
phase and gradually form more broken down and used -as nutrientis
complex animals, Thus, starting material by aquatic plants for the
the food chain. growth. During this oxygen is
ir
Teleased which ts used by a6
animals wh
aqu atic AaMe
ich filter water through
thelr respiratory system,
.
forming the food web.
Q. 8. Write the case studies of the following ecos
ystems:
(a) Forest Ecosystem
(b) Grassporid Ecosystem
(c) Desert Ecosystem
(d) Aquatic Ecosystem (Ramsar site)
Ans. (a) Forest Ecosystem.
Case Study— Chipko Movement
Chipko is a movement mainly begun and su
Pported by local women in he
hills of Uttarakhand and Garhwal, where the wo men have had to bear
(fie

ECOSYSTEMS e'
‘ ” “to stick” or “to hug”, thus
the
‘impact of deforestation. The word chipko gee : : stick them ue
rsignifying villagers hugging’ the trees, in orde ds of the peor
people.
' contractor’s axes. This movement started in response to the nee 8
The rate of heavy depletion of forests was resulting is destruction, making the
: Himalayan mountain range barren leading to serious floods. Thus, the main
objective of the movement was to ensure an ecological balance and the survival
- of the tribal people whose economic activities revolved around these forests. The
movement was a great success proving to the world that the forests of the hills
_ are the life-support systems of local communities and are of immense value not
_ only in terms of local manufactures but also ecological services such as soil
. conservation and maintenance of the natural water regime.
. (b) Grassland Ecosystem.
Case Study —Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, China
Raising livestock is the main land use and livelihood in large areas of arid and
semi-arid temperature zones of Asia’s grasslands. One of the major constraints
to improve livestock production and family incomes is the lack of feed during
} winter and early spring which reduces the number of animals that can be
carried through the winter and also means that pregnant breeding stock may be
at their most susceptible in the period of lowest feed availability Altay
Prefecture is located in the northern part of Xinjiang, Uyghur Autonomous
Region in China near the border with Kazakhstan and Mongolia. This is an
area
with a markedly continental climate, hot summers, very cold winters,
snow and
low rainfall. Here, many areas of high pastures are open for less
than 3 months
each year with good summer. In spring and autumn, grazing
occurs on the
heavily grazed transition routes and winter grazing occurs on
the desert plains.
The transhumance route is long, 180 to 200 km from the desert
plains to the high
summer pastures, A number of rivers and areas of
ene
comparatively flat land

provided the base for an irrigation based solution to the winter er feedfe d
~
(¢) Desert Ecosystem, problem.

Case Study —Impact of Human Activities on Southern Californi
7 Human a Deserts
interference has extremely affected the insensitive
fragile but
j, Cosystem of Southern Californian deserts, The
large parts of the Mojave and
sted olorado deserts have been negatively
affected by huinans and their activities
jcourse of this century, Development, in
off-highway vehicle use, livestock
brazing, construction of roads and utili
ties, military training exercises, air
a0 and spre ad of non-native plant species are
some of the causes of
tcosystem. Because of the desert’s high
temperatures,eS, intense Su n, Strong
‘sho ent and minimal rainfall, natural restoration of the
ake'many years, y stow. Even with intense restoration work, recovery can
re; is Aauatic Ecosystem,
tte):
A 1st tud y = Threatening the Biodiversity
3
in Rudrasagar Lake (Ramsar
easedteen ]
eth in the lakesh;ore and
M activity Is threatening wider catchment coupled
the sustainability of the

a eh
ee SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY GENIES
Rudrasagar lake as a rich resource base. Fishing pressure, sedimentation and
A
pollution are threatening the lake's biodiversity to a great extent in Rudrasagar
lake. The water of the Rudrasagar lake is reasonably cloudy in most parts and is
a bit clear near the agricultural land but that part is full- of algae and water
hyacinth. Eutrophication caused due to excessive growth of algae and water
hyacinth is considered to be the major parameter for poor water quality
management in Rudrasagar lake.
A restoration program with an ecosystem perspective through best
management practices can help in correcting point and non-point sources of
pollution. This along with regulations and planning for wildlife habitat and
fishes will help in arresting the declining water quality and the rate of loss of
wetlands, These goals require intensive planning, leadership funding with
active involvement from all levels of organizations.
4.
The Aral Sea Tragedy. The sea started receding in the 1960s after Soviet Union
diverted its water sources to irrigate cotton and boost cotton product
ion in the
‘arid region. Cotton production soared, making the region the world’s
fourth
largest producer. The salinity level increased, destroying the sea’s flora
and
fauna. The change in water chemistry wiped out enormous populations
of fish.
This has increased the salt in the water up to 4 times, contributed
to large dust
storms in the region and has even caused increase in diseases,
Z-
What was the fourth biggest inland sea is now mostly desert.
coun
Currently, after
tless studies and written reports, experts say that
-restoration is unfeasible
and efforts should now focus on avoiding a humanita rian disaster. -

Natural Resources: Renewable &
Non-Renewable Resources
Blotie: constitute resources: Fron seg eg Be peal ee

s: fron forests, Anbiwals ‘aid: thelr Products). :
wink
‘Natural _Resource. Resources: wie are. derived from nae are:vtermed ‘ag:
eS they take |vallllons of years: bo rlenish, a

i and. Degradation: The detertoration tn the productive. reac cua 7
“vegetatton, ‘soll and water resources assoclated with Laind.. .
“Soil.
zi Erdsion. “ThE réimoval of top Layer of solt due to water, ‘whray eke,
Desens tleavion The degradation of a Foran Prodwative land ts termed as.
estat .
Q. 1. Differentiate between:
.(a) Renewable and Non-Renewable resources
(b) Desertification and Deforestation
23

ba SHIVA DELHI UNIVENSITY SENIES
(c) Geothermal energy and Energy of fossil fuels. ;

Ans. (a) Difference between Renewable and Non-Renewable resources: ‘
Renewable resources...) Nomerenewable resources |
(i) These are resources which can be | These are resources which are 4
replenished naturally in a short | naturally occuring but take a very, 3
__.... period of time.— long time for replenishment. _ 4
(ii) Rate of replenishment of these re- | Rate of replenishment is Jess than that ;‘
sources is usually faster than the | of the rate of consumption of these 3
rate of consumption of these | resources, 4
terre cas 2 eee ons ni se a
(iii) These resources are continuously These resoutces can be used directly 4
available like sunlight, air, water, such as oil, coal, etc,
__._.Wind, ete. _.
(iv) These resources although These resources need to be preserved J
available but their quantity is because they are being consumed on a-
getting noticeably disturbed duc large scale, thus making them
to human activities. For example, available for not more than 50 years &
__. =
a
water, land are being degraded. from now,
These resources cannot be recyled
(v) These resources can be recycled
like water, land, ete. once consumed,
(b) Difference between Desertification and Deforestation:
7, a Deenifiedtion= [a Deorestition sae
of forests in order
&
() Degradation of formerly | Permanent removal
land is known as to make land available for other uses a
productive oe
is called deforesfation.
Mesertification.
(i) Tt occurs in dry and fragile It occurs in forest areas.
ecosystems. .
(iif) It affects terrestrial areas (top soil, If affects the carbon level in the
earth, groundwater reserves and atmosphere, it causes loss of specics
surface run-off), animal and plant due to loss of their habitat. It disturbs
populations as well as human the water cycle and also causes soil
erosion. ‘
meamenit
and their
settle s _
nties.
(iv) Causes of Desertification: Causes of Deforestation:
* Increased population und live- * Forests are cleared for the purpose
stock pressure on marginal lands of mining and building, etc.
accelerates desertification.
* To use land for agricultural purpose.
* Drought and poor practices in * To illegaly use the cut trees as fuel: |
farming. * To make more Jand available for |
housing and urbanisation
* Deforestation.
* To nt timber to’ create
commercial items such a
furniture and homes, » Papers 3
* To create Ingredients that are ‘pee
highly prized consumer items, Bie
* To create room for cattle ranching,

S PS
NATURAL RESOURCES: NENEWANLE & NON-RENEWAQLE NESOURCE
(c) Difference between Geothermal energy and Energy of fossil fuels:

Fo) Geotliermal onergy ec BR) is Energy
v
of fossil fuels
’
@ It is thermal energy generated] It is formed. from fossilized-plants
and stored in the Earth, It] (coa 1), animals (oil) and = from
originates from the original} methane and some other gases
formation of the planet (20%) | trap ped between seams of rocks
and from radioactive decay of] under the earth’s surface (natural gas).
minerals (80%), Ses ve — wee Se ee ee oem 2 seme ges
“i These have gnses trapped deep | These are burnt to utilise the energy;
within the earth; these emissions | the emissions are high in energy per
are low in per energy unit, unit. ee me ee ge ee
(tii) It is a lifetime energy source and | It is a readymade fuel and thus a
thus a renewable resource, We| non-renewable resource. We can not
can use it and reuse it over and reuse it.
over again,
(iv) These are clean sources of energy | The burning of fossil fuels in
because they do not burn and do| producing electricity releases carbon
not cause pollution. dioxide and other green house gases
(v) Geothermal energy cannot be} Fossil fuels can be made available to
obtained at all places, we need to! fuel stations from where they can be
find a good spot where there is | easily accessed.
substantial and continuous
amount of heat.
(vi) Applicable for generation of| It is used to generate electricity,
electricity and heat,'in industrial| power vehicles, heat homes and
processes such. as digesting} provide power to even
paper, wood pulp and drying| large
machineries in industries.
timber, geothermal prawn
farming and horticulture, etc.
Q. 2 Explain the importance of land as a resource. Also
list the causes and
* impact of converting terrestrial land into other use:
Ans, Land as a resource becomes the most importan
t for us as we dwell on the
same. Land resources generally comprise all the
resources available from land
like agricultural land, underground water, various
heal
minerals like, coal, bauxite,

a
gold and other raw materials. It also includes the

a
land which is available for

degradation, for buildings and townships. 20
are
per cent of the earth’s surface is

covered under land resources. It
covers around 13000 million hectares
area, of the
ee
Unfortunately, land has been overus

conversioof
ed an d abused over the centuries, The
n terrestrial land into anothe
r t ype for specific reasons is
use change. Changes in land use called land
results of human actions on lan and lan d co ver are due
a
to dire ct and indirect

d resources,

eG SHIVA DELHI UNIVENSITY SERIES
Laml Use—Worldwiite
Causes of land use change, Land use Is changing with the changing lifestyle
and population explosion. The following are the causes of land use change:
(i) Industrialisation, An increase in Industrialisation hos led to
urbanisation with a large number of people from rural areas moving
and migrating to urban areas. cam 3
(ii) Changing practices of agriculture. Agriculture was tha main
occupation of the people but the need for more lind due to Incgpased
population led to the Intensification of agricultural land only to the moat
productive areas thus leaving the left uhproductive land to get
converted for other uses,
Impacts of land tise change. Land use change poses the greatest environmental
a
concerns to hunian population. Some of them are lated below
:
* Climate change
* Blodiversity loss
"
a
* Pollution of air, water and soll
* As it has been associated with birth of agriculture, it leads
Tl i
deforestation and desertification, to
Increase in concentration of carbon dioxide due
* It leads to extinction of many specles of flora to loss of forest coyer, aa
reduction in thelr
und fauna, caused by the
habitat where they
Q, 3. Explain the effect of uae and over-e Inhabitate, ‘
xploltation of water resources,
Explain the effect of use and Or
reference to: ov ai-exploltation ;
of water resources with
(a) Floods
‘
(b) Droughts
Ans. Water resource
s
Water demands have beencon stitute all the sources of water wh
irrigat ever Increasing due to ur .
water edrosour
land,
cne T ; banisa
his hav léd to over-exploltation of both tion andd expan
ex sion
pans ionof
surface and ground-
The problems hind
erin
Depletion due to§ extraction
the use of surface ana
of rect
gro
ntton

NATURAL MESOURCES: RENEWABLE & NON
-RENEWABLE RESOURCES
27
* Water-logging and salinization.
* Pollution due to agricultural, industrial
and other human activities.
Use and over-exploitation of water can lead to:
(a) FLOODS. Floods are defined as abnormal rise in the water level of streams
or rivers which may result in overflowing.
There are three types of floods: ‘
Floods
|
4 4 - y
Flash floods Coastal floods River floods
Sudden, large wall of Due to offshore low Due to overflawing
water thal carrles rocks, pressure syslem. of water in river.
mud, etc, and sweeps
away anything in its path,
Causes of Floods:
* Deforestation in the upper catchment area.
* Prolonged high intensity rainfall generally causes river floods.
* Anthropogenic activities. Construction of bridges, reservoirs and land use
changes.
Impacts related to floods:
* Loss of lives ,
* Widespread crop destruction
* Associated economic disasters.
(b) DROUGHTS. Drought is a prolonged period of deficient precipitation
iy. ~Which causes extensive damage to crops resulting in loss of yield.
Causes of droughts:
* Inadequate rainfall in some areas leading to water scarcity.
* Deforestation leading to low rainfall.
* Shift in agricultural practices again leading to lower precipitation.
* High water loss due to inadequate water availability,
Impacts related to droughts:
* Economic Impacts. Droughts lead to an adverse economic impact in
- agriculture and related sectors which are entirely dependent on
_Precipitation.
+’ Environmental Impacts. These are the losses that result from damage to
plant and animal species, wildlife habitat, air and water quality, loss of
biodiversity and soil erosion.
* Social Impacts. Droughts can result in migration of people thus creating
stress on urban areas due to sudden increase in population leading to
. increased poverty and social unrest.
Q. 4. Write a brief history on national and international conflicts of water.
s Ans. Water conflicts may be described as conflicts between countries, states or
= §Toups over access to water resources,
ti = Causes of water conflicts include:
be | (i) Demand of water resources

“ (ee 28 SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SERIES
(ti) Control over access and allocation of water may be disputed.
(iit) Inadequate supply of water resources that contributes to unequal access
to water resources.
Water Conflict Cases. Water conflicts can occur at the international and inter:
state levels:
— International conflicts occur between two or more neighbouring
countries that share a trans-boundary water source, such as a river,
sea |
or groundwater basin.
For example, the Middle East has only 1% of the world’s freshwater ;
shared among 5% of the world’s total population.
— Inter-state conflicts take place benveen two or more parties in the same ,
country. Middle East, Africa, Central Asia generally encounter interstate
water conflicts.
— An example of interstate water dispute occurring in India includes the
Narmada water dispute.
States affected: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtr
Inter State a,
water disputes in Indla:
* Interstate water disputes in India often prolong over long periods and
tend to recur.
* These long delays are partly due to elaborate Judicial proceedings
and
deliberations, But more importantly, the adjudication procee
dings are
often circumvented and impeded by variety of political
The following are other examples of inter-state wate interests,
(i) Ravi-Beas water tribu
r disputes and tribunals:
nal
(ii) Vamsadhara River water dispute
(iit) Cauvery water dispute
Q. 5. Discuss In detail Impacts of mining and dam bullding on the
environment,
Ans. The combination of mines and bulldin g§ of da
ms has devastating impa
on the environment, forests, biodiversity an d on the cts
pe op le of the su rrounding
area. These impacts not only cause
serious environmental destructio *
suffering for the affected communit ies, but also violate the col nhtsand
lective rigght
the indigenous people. s of
Major impacts of mining and dam building incl
ude:
() Deforestation. For both mining and
dam buildin
carbon and water‘cycles,

(i) Land destruction, subsidence and water
loss, Land whi¢
is considered os waste land, Mining h is cleared off
and-dam buildin |
subsidence of land, making land & Senerally create,
unproduct
(ti) Pollution of water and soil. In the case of ive and
acid miningyu], a lor °s
polluted and also the soil becomes Polluted as the water takes Water is
lot of debris from the mine area con
taining acidic resi ues S with ita
(iv) Siltation. The steadily risi ng level of silt In ¢
later on destroys more and more flelds, :
* mda “sservoirs which
Eo
eeSe _
29
NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES
NATURAL RESOUSICES: RENEWABLE &
of forest
c of forests. When a dam is to be built, a large area
°) ah OT to be submerged leading to great level of deforestation
and loss of an entire forest including its biodiversity. r, soil
(vi) Health problems, Serious health problems can occur due to wate
and air pollution. Contamination of water, soil and air contributes to
increased toxic levels in people's bodies. Asthma and other respiratory
problems ofteh affect local communities as well as mine workers. When
» the health of people deteriorates, their ability to work and earn money is
tC reduced even further,
S):' . (vii) Loss of flora, fauna, biodiversity and food insecurity. Especially due to
RE dam building, fishkills occur every rainy season, attributed to the
release of water from the tailings dams. The loss in aquatic life is a major
change in the life support system of the communities who rely on the
- river for daily food. Not only are livelihood sources affected, but also,
the general biodiversity is damaged causing breakdowns in the food
web. ;
(viii) Dislocation of indigenous people. Large-scale corporate mining and
dams dislocate the indigenous people from their ancestral lands and
traditional livelihoods. These activities thus, have devastating effects on
the tribals of the area and their survival is highly affected. For example,
Narmada Bachao Andolan for the first time, systematically revealed how
building dams can result in total dislocation of tribal societies. Official
figures state that almost 42,000 families were displaced for this project.
Q. 6, What are the major sources of energy on Earth? Explain giving
examples of renewable and non-renewable sources of energy.
fa: Ans. Sources which can provide energy in different forms like heat energy,
ex light, power, electricity etc. are called energy resources.
‘ There are two types of sources of energy:
(a) Renewable sources of energy, (b) Nort-Renewable sources of energy
Energy Resources
4° 4
Renewable . Non-renewable
Q Solar energy O Coal (fossil fuel)
O Wind energy Q Oil (fossil fuel)
QO Hydropower energy © Natural gas (fossil (uel)
Q Tidal energy QO Nuclear
Q Geothermal energy © wood
Q Blomass energy
(2) RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY.
= These can be used over and over again. . Th [hey );
aeRS :
gathering and production. These include the following. ——e
generate i
1. Solar Energy. It is the ener By obt eoo7~
panels, solar thermal collectors
ained from the sun. It is trapped i
and materials with favourable
therreal oiae

tel
SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SERIES
deme
30
a Ee
Advantages:
(i) The power source of the Sun is absolutely free.
ea
: » technology is cost effective and pollution free.
is Generally Eecives low maintenance input with a lifespan of 30 to 40
aa
years,
a
Disadvantages:
a
(i) Can only be harnessed during day time and on sunny days.
(it) Solar cells, panels and solar collectors are expensive.
a
(iii) Large areas of land are needed to capture the Sun’s energy. i
Applications: 1
(i) In agriculture and horiculture, solar pumps are being used effectively all
a. —
over the world, Greenhouses convert solar light to heat, enabling year-
Shon ett
round production and growth. ‘ *
(ii) In transportation solar energy is used by development of solar power or |
mate 4
working on the stored battery of solar energy. ,
(iit) Solar cooker, solar heating, solar thermal, water treatment,
(iv) Electricity production etc. are other applications,
2. Wind Energy. It is, the energy obtained frdm moving wind. The wind
nce
turbines convert the wind energy into electrical form in the wind farms.
Advantages: , 7 “4
Bnet
(i) It is a free of cost source and is a cleaner source of producing energy.
(if) The wind farm can be used for other purposes as Well. The turbings are .
very tall and thus the land below can be made useful for agricultural |
purposes. : “
Disadvantages:
(i) It is an unreliable source as some areas have poor wind strength.
(if) Commercial wind turbines are associated with noise pollution
(ff) Wind turbines produces a lot less electricity than
the average fossil
fuele d power station.
Applications:
cr
(i) Electricity generation— Wind turbines convert
kineti c energy of wind to
_. mechanical energy which is further conver
ted to electrical energy,
(i) Wind Powered — pumps—Wind helps to pump water outpf
groun
ed. aIt
mis very helpf
the
ul and sometimes acts as a much needed
| tool
to l i in
a Hyde! Energy/Hydropower Energy,
It is the power derived from the
a 8 — ang gunning water. energy |
It is the most widely used form of ren
Advantages ewable
nm
g ‘or
Per cent of global electricity generation.
. .
‘ '
ae a dam 'Si constructed, electriciciity

(!) Once
can be produced at a cons
. tant :
(ii)dvan
Disa No tage
genes,ration 0 of green hous
e gases ; during electricity generati* on.
i
() Dam s
standardare, extrem el Y expensive to build and must be built to a very high |:;
‘
(

NATURAL RESOURCES: RENEWABLE & NON-RENEWAGLE RESQURCES 31
(ij) Dam building may lead to flooding, earthquakes, disturbing the natural
water table level.
(iii) The building of large dams can cause serious geological damage.
(iif) Dams also lead to the dislocation of people living in the villages and
towns of the valley to be flooded for dam building.
Applications:
" (i) Generation of electricity.
(ii) Facilitates irrigation.
(iif) Flood risk management—It gives a control of exactly when to empty the
basins in preparation for winter weather and when to refill them in the
spring to store water.
: 4. Tidal Energy. A form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into
§. useful forms of power, mainly electricity.
‘ 5, Geothermal Energy. It is the thermal energy generated and stored in the
_ earth, The geothermal energy of the earth's crust originates from the original
formation of the planet (20%) and from radioactive decay of minerals (80%).
’ 6, Biomass. It is biological material derived from living or recently living
© organisms. It most often refers to plants or plant-derived materials. These can
I either be used directly via combustion to produce heat, or indirectly after
converting it to various forms of biofuel.
(b) NON-RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY.
Re It is a resource that does not renew itself at a sufficient rate for sustainable
Re economic extraction. The different non-renewable sources of energy are:
Rm 1. Fossil Fuels:
ty ‘(f) Coal (fossil fuel), Formed from fossilized plants and consisting of carbon
ve with various organic and some inorganic compounds.
(ii) Oil (fossil fuel). A carbon-based liquid formed from fossilized animals.
(iii) Natural Gas (fossil fuel). Methane and some other gases trapped between
€ seams of rocks under the earth’s surface.
#~ Advantages:
ir (i) They are readymade fuels.
Ty (ii) They provide a large amount of concentrated energy for a relatively low
cost.
- (iii) They can be easily available and transported wherever needed through
aye fuel stations and pipelines.
ite «6©=- Disadvantages:
(i) These when burnt release greenhouse gases in the environment.
(ii) Only a limited supply is available.
Applications:
he (i) Generally used to power cars, heat homes, and give people electricity.
55% of the energy used in the industrial processes is from the non-
_ fenewable types of energy.
; 2 Nuclear energy. Electricity is generated from the energy that is released
a when the atoms of radioactive minerals are split in nuclear reactors.

ae BIIVA DELI UNIVERSITY sERtES
Advantages:
(i) A small amount of radioactive material produces
(if) No atmospheric pollutants are rele a lot of energy.
ased.
Disadvantages:
‘
(i) Nuclear power plants are expensive to run,
(ii) Nuclear waste Is highly toxic, and needs to be safely
stored for-
hundreds or thousands of years,
aa at ab
Applications:
(i) Nuclear Power plants are definitely one of the finest usages of nuclear
-
energy. These plants run on nuclear reactors,
haa
(it) Radiation therapy. Used in treatment of cancer by q
destroying cancerous
cells in the patient’s body.
3. Wood energy, Obtained from felling trees, burned to generate heat and
light.
Q. 7, Why is nuclear power an economical form of energy? Discuss its risks
and applications in the society. ‘
Or ;
What is Nuclear energy? Elaborate its advantages, disadvantages and +
applications in society.
Ans, Nuclear energy is produced when an atom’s nucleus is split into
smaller
nuclei by the process called fission. The fission of large atoms, such
as Uranium
‘235 and Plutonium 239, produces a great deal of energy. When
a Uranium atom|
absorbs a neutron and undergoes fission, in addition to producing
elements, it releases three neutrons. These neutrons furthe
two lighter i
r react with other -
Uranium atoms, releasing more neutrons, If uncontrolled, this syste
m could -
blow itself up in a very short time by creating too much
heat. Thus, a reactor is
made to prevent this situation from occurring.The energy produced by the
fission of Uranium or Plutonium can be harnessed
propel space crafts and to power to produce electricity, to
weapons like the Atomic Bomb.
@ >
Las
Ss Sp +
Ba L Nuys Ba
-~ Fission U
7"
—5n _Fisslon >»
t 7
U —5n
This one neutron ‘Ny 235 ‘\
starts thachain . J n J n
reaction Kr %, Kr
yy ve :
Be
we 9
Process of Nuclear Fission of Usys
> aati Bie

a3
NATURAL MESOURCES: NENEWABLE & NON-NENEWABLE RESOUNCES
Advantages:
() A small amount of radioactive material produces a lot of energy. Thus,
nuclear power is an economical source of energy, Coal , oil and gas,
although much more plentiful in the world, do not contain as much
potential energy as Uranium, when equal amounts are compared.
(i) Though Uranium may cost more to mine because it is rarer, the money
saved through its use makes it more economical than coal, oil or gas.
Similarly, though the initial cost of a nuclear power plant {s much higher
.than that of other energy plants, the money saved by using nuclear
‘energy would cover the cost of its construction within its first six
months of operation. After the initial six months of use, the nuclear
* plant will save money and make it much more economical than other
. types of energy plants for the duration of its life, usually about forty
years,
(if) Another economic advantage of nuclear power is that it costs less to
transport its constituents to the site of the plant.
Disadvantages: .
() Nuclear waste is‘ highly toxic, and needs to be safely stored for
hundreds or thousands of years.
(if) Leakage of nuclear materials can have o devastating impact on people
and the environment. The worst nuclear reactor accident was at
Chernobyl Nuclear Plant, Ukraine In 1986.
(iif) Another problem is' with the inception of the breeder reactor. The
breeder reactor uses liquid sodium as opposed to water for its heat
transfer. Sodium is extremely explosive when combined with oxygen.
Therefore , any sodium that leaks into the air or water would produce a
devastating expldsion.
Applications: ;
(f)} Nuclear Power Plants. These are power plants that run on nuclear
reactors, Nuclear fission produces heat which is used in the creation of
| electricity in a nuclear power plant.
(if) Radiation Therapy. This therapy is used in the treatment of cancer by
i destroying cancerous cells {n the patient's body. Also known as
; radiotherapy.
} (iii) Food Processing. If nuclear energy Is exposed to food in smal] amounts,
J then it is possible to kill harmful germs, micro-organisms and bacteria
present in It which cause decaying and diseases.
(iv) Nuclear Submarines. These are powered by a nuclear reactor which
makes use of high enriched fuel for getting the desired amount of
power.
(v) Industrial Applications of Radiation, Radio isotopes help in detecting faults
\ in goods produced. The radio isotopes, which are used as tracer’s ald in
monitoring the corrosion of useful industrial equipment. Radioactive
: materials are used in the place of oll and natural gas in the petroleum
and mining sector whereas in the automobi l sector, it is used to check
obile
etee) quality,
TY SERIES
SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSI
34
owing:
Q. 8, Write notes on the, foll ergy
of en
(a) Use of alternate sources
(b) Soil erosion .
(c) Land degradation
(d) Biomass energy
Tidal energy
g of and
hee (a) Use of alternate;sources of energy. The increasin use ion
ed in the deplet of
dependence on fossil fuels Is fofor energy demands has result are only
fossil fuels. The non-renewable fossil fuels according to a Census
available for 50 years from now. This means that there is a need for switching
our energy requirements to alternate sources, f.¢,, S0UrceSs which are renewable
such as—solar, wind, biofuels, hydel energy etc. These resources are abundantly
available on earth and can be used efficiently according to their availability and
thus will prove to be better sources of energy. Renewable energy sources do not
release pollutants, thus are even ecofriendly. India ranks 4'* largest with regard
to installed power generation capacity in the’ field of renewable energy sources.
India has high sunshine days and abundance of*sites, many rivers, coasts,
biomass fuels—all these sources make India ideal to harness the much-needed
energy from these resources. wos ig
(b) Soil erosion. The loss of top soil due to natural physical processeg like
water and wind is termed as soil erosion. Top soi) is high in organic matter and
directly associated with the fertility of soil. So, soil erosion reduces cropland
productivity.
Causes of soil erosion:
(i) Rainfall Intensity and Run-off. The flow of water due to rainfall or surface
run-off can be considered a cause of water erosibn. The impact of rain
drops leads to breaking down of soil. The dispersed material is easily
taken away with water.
(#1) Soil erodibility. It depends on the texture of soil.
Soil with higher levels of
Organic matter tend s to be less erodible.
(il!) Slope Gradient and Length, The steeper the sl .
amount of soil loss from erosion boy shin ope of a field, greatey’ the
(iv) Vegetation. If the soil has very low
or no vegetative cover of plants or
crops then it is highly susceptible ©
(c) Land Degradation. It is deteriora to soil erosion,
tion in the productive capacity,
vegetation, soil and water resourc quality of
anthropogenic actions. Land degrada associated with land. It is caused by
ral ecological dat ion affects the associgted
natural i processes and ecosystems of the affected region.bioAcross
diversity, |
the
: Itivat
suffering from degradation,” “0% Of forests and 10% of grasslands are
Causes of la nd degradat
(i) Clearance of ve ion:
(i) Soil er getative cover
osion by wind or
(iit) Natural conditi water
ae
.a Ho
for ns, for exa
“anmpl e,e, so soil ty
lh aD
- 0nditions, ipl pe, topography; w.

(iv) Invasive seerctumle, high intensity rainfall, nature ha
l zardeete, ne
St
et
tl

i
NATURAL RESOURCES: RENEWABLE & NON-4ENEWABLE RESOURCES 35
eB
(v) Pollution
(vi) Drought, i.e. precipitation is significantly lower than average record
seats
level for a prolonged period.
ey
(vii) Unsuitable agricultural practices,

rem
(viii) Habitat alteration, for example, urban expansion.
pe ey
ey ems
(d) Biomass energy. Biomass is biological material derived from living or

recently living organisms: It most often refers to plants or plant-derived
we
* materials, As a renewable energy source, biomass can either be used directly via
Ee rt
combustion to produce heat, or indirectly after converting it to various forms of
T,
biofuel.
PM N PT
Advantages:
TYT
shi
(i) It can be used to make a variety of fuels to generate electricity.
(ii) Biomass waste can help in reducing disposal costs.
aa aries eee
(iii) Biomass waste can extend the life of landfills.
POL
{iv) Biomass uses waste products and therefore has negative fuel costs.
(v) Biomass has several uses as it can provide electricity, heat, biogas and
s
biofuels,
pares St eee er
Disadvantages:
"> (i) Biofuels have lower energy output than traditional fuels.
(if) As demand for food crops such as corn grows for biofuel production, it
may also raise prices of necessary staple food crops.
(ii) Using valuable cropland to grow fuel crops could have an impact on the
cost of food and could lead to food shortages,
ey
(iv) Pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO,) are released into the
WPA
atmosphere on the production of biofuels.
Applications:
(i) Used for basic life functions. All the food we eat contains biomass,
Re TOU rey tes ey 4,

whether vegetables, animals or products derived from them.
(ii) Direct combustion of biomass — Most biomass is in solid form and can be
be burned and used in various places.
ms ~ (iii) Charcoal production from biomass and combustion.
(iv) Production of liquid fuel, ethanol production, biodiesel production and re ot ETRE
production of gaseous fuels.

(e) Tidal energy, It is a form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides
into useful forms of power, mainly electricity, The movement of tides drives
turbines. «
Ooo es Fe
Advantages:
(i) Tidal and wave energy is free, renewable and is a clean source of
emt
energy.
(ii) Energy capturing and conversion mechanism may help protect the
, shoreline.
Disadvantages:
(i) It leads to the displacement of wildlife habitats.
(if) It only produces electricity during tidal surges.
(ii) The barrage systems disrupt fish migration and kill fish passing through
the turbines, Therefore there is also a risk of destruction of the aquatic
ecosystem that relies on the coming and going of tides.

a6 . SIMIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SEnIts
Applications:
(!) Tidal electricity
— Tidal energy is used in the generation of electricity.
(ii) Provides protection to coasts in high storms. Tidal barrages can prevent
damage to the coasts during high storms and also provides an easy Sais
transport method between the arms of a bay or an estuary on which it is © ay
built. aie
Q. 9. Explain: “The world’s energy needs would be more than 50% higher in 36
2030 than today, at an average annual growth rate of 1.6%”. i
Briefly discuss the energy demand of the world, .
Billion tonne
18+
16+
. 144
424
10+
USlUlUUhOOlmUlCUD
+ + t
nyu
+
1971 2002 2010 2020 2020

Global Energy Demand
Source: 2005
Ans. Energy {s derived from non-renewable and renewable resources and the
former are in the process of depletion, Furthermore, it is proposed that global
energy needs will grow steadily.
If governments stick with current policies, then—
“the world’s energy needs would be more than 50% higher in 2030 than today,
at an average growth rate of 1.6%. Global demand for energy has risen
inexorably in the last 150 years in step with industrial development and
population growth. Fossil fuels till date continue to dominate energy supplies
and are expected to remain the same for the coming years. Fossil fuels (coal,
petroleum, natural gas ete.) are responsible for more than 80% of the Projected
increase {n primary energy demand.
Reasons for increase in worldwide energy demands:
* Industrialization, especially in emerging markets, Business and
factories in particular, require significant amounts of ener in th
of both electricity and petroleum-based fuels in order © operain an
economies industrialize, energy demand increnses, ‘

SOURCES 97
CE S: AC NE WA BL E & NON-RENEWABLE RE
NATURAL MESOUR
ially China and India.
Increas Ith in emerging markets, especia leads to
* needs also grow. This
a ut atari rom, their energy
ncreas demand and consumption.
of the largest consumers of energy
. Crobaifention.rransportation is one 50% of liquid fuel consumption
in the world, accounting for more than
nsportation has thus increased
in countries. The energy utilised for tra
increased globalization.
nmental impact. Burning of fossil
Condon hen weteily Shifted towards enviro Pressure to
1 fuels has contributed to increase in green house gas emissions.
renewable sources, for example,
i replace fossil fuels has focused more attention on
they offer an attractive
Se solar and wind energy—non-polluting and enduring,
f = alternative.
sion, India has
Growing energy needs in India, Due to rapid economic expan
the
one of the world’s fastest growing energy markets. India is expected to be
second-largest contributor to the increase in global energy demand by 2035,
4 accounting for 18% of the rise in global energy consumption. Given India’s
growing energy demands and limited domestic fossil fuel reserves, the country
mg plans to expand its renewable and nuclear power industries,
iat”reneray Hydroelectricily
Olher renewable
_ sources
Q. 10. Giving instances elaborate on the success of alternate energy

sources—a step towards sustainability.
Or.
Briefly
Sitienh discuss th € successful positive steps taken to combat energy
Ans. Keeping in view the current energy situationdn the
world, there is a dire
need to shift to alternative sources of energy.
Many countries have proved
successfully that with research and develo
ment
establish a mature technology ofrenewable veo: can achieve our goals to
CASE STUDY 1:
The local government of a
renewable energy industries, y can actively support the establishment of local
cit
supported the establishm For example, Dezhou, China whi
ch has actively
ent of renewable energy ind
ustries now boasts over
~

SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SERIES
38
erate an annual turnover of USD 3.46
120 = prot’ caret ality ave local government of Dezhou in China
HI D velopment Plan for the Dezhou Economic Development Zone to
crs technology research and development, manufacturing,
of a mature
Seaalion ‘ind capacity building. It has led to establishment
technology innovation system.
2: .
Belo rbot Brazil, has reduced green house gas (GHG) emission
substantially and since 2007, by turning a closed landfill site into a wee
energy facility, has taken a huge step towards this, A landfill site in ‘Belo
Horizonte, operational for 32 years, was once the largest single source of GHG
emissions in the city, the conversion of methane to CO, has substantially
reduced the GHG emissions and since its closure, the Municipal Waste
Treatment Centre has made it into a waste-to-energy facility. &a
CASE STUDY 3: , =
Sydney in Australia and Nagpur in India are cities where energy efficlency
and renewable energy have reduced emissions from the, public street lights.
These are examples of local governments choosing suitable options for pyblic
lightening. In Sydney, light emitting diodes are being chosen which are experted
to save around USD 830,000 a year in electricity bills, yeducing electzjcity
consumption by 51% and CO, emissions by 2,185 tonnes a year. In Nagpur, PV-
powered street lighting systems have been installed. a
India has also stepped into the world of renewable energy. The various steps
in this way are: . ,
(i) A box type folding two-step asymmetric reflector solar cooker has been
developed which is commercially available, e
(ii) A solar dryer has been developed a replacement to aluminiurn
trays
reducing not only the duration but increasing efficiency.
(iit) A low cost Kaccha-Pacca drum type biogas plant ‘
has been desigiied for
_ fermentation of cattle dung to create clean kitchen
(i>) Low cost fuel and manure.
Janta biogas plants have been developed.
. (v) Kalyan Gasifier and
ve
Jai Kisan Gasifier have
been developed * for
conversion of wooden pieces to produce
gas and application of gas.as
supplementary fuel,
ee
te
mEet ea

ae 6: a tesa vier and: ave.a tamed Fisk: cof ale
extlnctton:~ “
Vulnerable species syeie whosespinon is fing continuous decline
Endemic eee splcies ‘that are found ‘oalgrin articular regtous. _

: ‘Poaching.: ‘It ts:‘the tlegal hunting, Ruling’ or capturing of wild antvaals. -
" ‘Conservation: of. biadiversity. it ts" the protection, preservation, manage-
i ae or. restoration. OF. wala. ang watural resources such. Aas. forests ana
a Fens ee _
= linesiioa, Séngeniatlons ohservation of habitats, specles aud ene yeteius tw|
thelr: watural habttat.
Gx-situ’ Conservation:” ‘Conservation ofaelements of warty out eof. the
coinkext of thelr, natural, habttats, . pee
Q. 1. Define Biodiversity. Also explain genetic diversity, species diversity
and ecosystem diversity.
Or
Briefly explain the different levels of biodiversity.
39

toes
A0 SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SERIES
Ans. Biodiversity refers to the varicty and the number of living organisms
(both animals and plants) present in the ecosystem. The term was coined by
Raymond F. Dasmann in 1968. Biological diversity deals with the degree of
nature's variety In the biosphere. The variety can be observed at three levels of
biodiversity as:
(i) Genetic Diversity, Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic
characteristics in the genetic make-up of a species. There are a large
number of combinations possible in the genes that give every individual
specific characteristics. These are the characteristics that we inherit from
our parents. They include our physical structure, our biochemistry and to
some extent our behaviour, This is evident from the fact that each human -
being is very different from all others. This genetic variability is
important for a healthy breeding population of a species. The diversity in
wild species forms the ‘gene pool’. If a population of a species has a
diverse gene pool then it is likely to have variation in the qualities, thus
providing the best fit individual among the species to survive,
(ii) Species Diversity. Species diversity refers to the number of different
species that are represented in a given community. The degree of species
“diversity in any area can be determined by counting the number of
species present in that area. Species diversity is important as It prevents
inbreeding. Some areas are more rich in species than others. Natural
undisturbed tropics have nwch more species richriess than plantations,
The measured species diversity over the earth is approximately
13.92
million and the expected number is about 25-30 million, Tropical and
subtropical regions contribute to about 70% of the global diversity. Areas
that are rich in species diversity are called “hotspots” of diversity,
(iif) Ecosystem Diversity. Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety
of
ecosystems in a given place. Ecosystems include grasslands,
forests, mountains, etc, as well as the aquatic ecosystems including Ine
seas, rivers, oceans, etc. An ecosystem can be both natural or undisturbed
and modified or disturbed. Natural ecosystems provide more diversities
as compared to the modified ecosystems.
Q. 2. Write short notes on:
(a) Biodiversity hotspots
(b) Endangered Species of India
(c) Endemic Species of India
Ans, (a) Biodiversity hotspots. Biodiversity hotspots are regions with rich
biodiversity which are under threat from, humans. The concept of bi
hotspots was given by Norman Myers. For a region to be included
biodiversity hotspot fwo criterin should be follower; a
4

\
4
| | BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(i) It must contain at least 0.5% of vascular plants as a Species.
(ii) It should have lost at least 70% of its primary Mapes { clobal vlant
It is estimated that 50,000 endemic plants which comprise 20 0 ne nt
life, probably occur in only 18 ‘hotspots’ in the world. Countries w ie vea
relatively high proportion of these hotspots are referred to as ‘megadiversity
¥
“Hotspots are regarded as tools to set conservation priorities but increase in the
. numbar of human interferences is leading to an increase in the rate of extinction
; of species, Thus, there is a dire need to protect these hotspots as protecting them
* cotild save many of the world’s most threatened species.
* Major Hotspots seen IN THE WORLD INCLUDE
fe eae at ee
poag eh, mS = fp IS tev ee wT |g mgis nae! es
‘2 EUROFE:AND CENTRAL-ASiA:
ae
ay: a — hoe :
=ape Floristic R
surge ante eae “,
Bee!
~ « “. = tay
ise Cap “na Gueasuis Serer s

eh =
#2 Goastal Fore: -
sp eiGuinean Forests
©
vl Otn of? gh
California Flotist
+ Caribbean Islandics Provi nce.
< <.° "+>
KG Madrean Pin Mescanierica
number those whose

mber. Unless such a Species
is protected and
anger of extinction. Such
many species from the ear are the sole reaso ns for
th, Several plant and ani the disappearance of
facing threat and are consid mal species of India are now
ered end
These include:
ie, Endangered animals. oe
+ &. , Be ng al Ti
5j. RhKasinhmi
oceros and Blue Whal
e, Indndiaian
n Wil
Wildd Ass
As,snAn oo
the Asian Ele h th
,
r Stag, the Golden Tan
Endangered bird Species,
» Anda man Se
Shrew, Himalayan Wolf one
ebe n Marbled Cat and the Pygmy Hop.
j the Florican, the Hin oom Crane, jlomnbil, the Great Indian ” Bustard,
Valtures which were common «. lac have ed Duck and several
-
birds
¥ t. a :
pe euddenly disappeared and of prey.

ero ae:
| BY threatened,
Fae ear
7
ovr eree
.
i,
“
‘
are now
ree
Ve. Tee
.
ik psn

|
Endangered reptiles and amphibians. Gharial, Bush frog and flying frog, ete.
Endangered plant species. Apart form major plant trees, shrubs and climbers
thousands
that are extremely habitat specific and thus are endangered. There are
||
of small herbs which are greatly threatened by habitat loss, Several orchids and
many plants are threatened due to overharvesting as ingredients in medicinal
products.
(c) Endemic Species of India. Species that are found only in particular regions
are known as endemic species. Almost 60% of the endemic species in India are
found in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats. Endemic species of Indla are
concentrated in:
— North-East India
— North-West Himalayas
,.
:
“, |
— Western Ghats
— Andaman and Nicobar Islands. oo,
Endemic flora species. Ovaria Lurida, Sapria Himalayana, Nepenthis Kkagiana
etc, 5 Les
Endemic fauna species. Nilgiri, Langur, Lion Tailed Macaque and Brown. :
Palm Civet. * _
Factors affecting endemic species are: o
(i) Habitat loss due to human activities and ‘pollution also play an %
important role, e.g,, Frogs are a sensitive species. Frog eggs, tadpoles 4
and adult frogs are extremely sensitive to pollutants especially
pesticides. ' . Nt
(ii) Disease producing organisms also play an important adversary in
reducing populations of endemic species.
Q. 3. (a) Illustrate the different biogeographic zones of India.
(b) Why is India known as ‘megadiversity nation’?
Or
“India is termed as a region of biogeographic zones which impart great
diversity to it.” Explain how. , . .
Ans, India occupies 10"" place among plant rich countries of the world. Countries
which have regions of rich biodiversity are termed as Megadiversity nations.
India not only is a region of biogeographic zones which impart different
climatic conditions and thus various ranges of diversity but also has 8% of the
world’s biodiversity on 2% of landmass, ;
India is divided into 10 biogeographic zones and 26 biotic areas representing
all the main ecosystems of the world. 3
(2) Biogeographic Zones of India, From North (Himalayas) to South
(Kanyakumari) and from East (West Bengal) to West (Gujarat), India is divided
into 10 Biogeographic zones namely:
(i) Trans Himalayas. These are an extension to the Tibetan plateau. This
region harbours the high-altitude cold desert in Ladakh and Himachal
Pradesh. It accounts for 5.5% of the country’s landmass.
(ii) Himalayas. These form the northern boundaries of India. The entire
chain is running form Kashmir in the North-West to Assam in the
North-East. Himalayas prevent the frigid dry winds from blowing south

BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
43
«S09 Trans-Himalaya
» EX Himalaya
. BI Gangotic plain
“« . ISemi-Arid
RNS Desert
into the subcontinent which keeps India much warmer as compared to

other temperate regions, The Himalayas comprise of a diverse range of
biotic provinces and biomes. This accounts to 6.4% of the landmass.
(it) Deserts, Deserts occupy around 6.6% of the country’s landmass. The
different types of deserts found in India are:
* The Desert of Western Rajasthan
* The Desert of Gujarat .
* Cold Desert of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh,
(iv) Semi-Arid. The Serni-Arid zone is located between the deserts and the
Deccan plateau. It includes the Aravalli hill range. It covers
_ approximately 16.6% of the country’s landmass,
(v) Western Ghats, [t covers about 4.0% of the country’s landmass, These
include the mountain ranges that run around the Western Coast of
India.
(vi) Deccan Plateau. It is a triangular large plateau south of the Narmada
- Valley. It generally includes deciduous trees and covers approximately
42% of the landmass,
(vii) Gangetic Plain. The Gangetic Plains are formed by the deposits of the
river Ganges and are highly fertile regions, Sunderban forests are
located in this region and cover 10-8% of the country’s total landmass.
eae
‘ (viii) North-East India. These are the plains and non-Himalayan ranges of
North-Eastern India which have a wide variety of vegetation. It covers
around 5.2% of the country’s landmass.
te
(ix) Islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Island in the Bay of Bengal has
approximately 300 islands out of which only 5 islands are inhabited. It
covers 0.3% of the landmass.
ee

es
2 en
44° SHIVA DELHI) UNIVERSITY SERIES ‘
A
2
(x) Coasts, Coasts are distributed along the cast and west boundaries of a 4
country, The Lakshadweep islands are a part of the coasts. The coa :
account to 2.5% of the landmass. . dia have i
(b) India as a ‘Megadiversity nation’. The biogeographic zones of In oe :
provided conditions for high levels of biological diversity. India rm wart;
ed a
biomass namely—tropical humid forests, tropical dry forests and the "
deserts.
aN
in Speci
India’s Diversity in Species ST]
SS | nia’ Ran
ititheg
world: T= Nin
op spec
iesain
nna
Mammals
Sivds gth
ath . 350.
1200
Reptiles gth ‘
453
Amphibia 15th 182 |
Angiosperms 15th.2oth 14,500 i
India has 350 different mammals (rated eighth highest in the world), 1200 4
species of birds (cighth in the world), 453 species of reptiles (fifth iri the world)
_ and 45,000 plant species, most of which are angiosperms (fifteenth in the world).
aw.
5
These include especially high species diversity of ferns (1022 species) and 4
orchids (1082 species). India has 50,000 known species of insects, including
13,000 butterflies and moths. It is estimated that the number of unknown
species 4
could be several times higher. 18% of Indian plants are endemic
and found !
nowhere else in the world, Among lizards, of the 153 species recorded,
50% are
endemic. The mighty Himalayas with their snow-picked and
extremely rich
ths
forests exert n tremendous influence on the flora and fauna
of the region, More
than half of India’s species, around 60%, are found in the
Western Ghats, which
a
is one of the chief sources of diversity in India,
India is also broadly classified into different climatic zones:
D bce
(i) Tropical Zone, It is quite hot throughout the year.
(if) Subtropical Zone, It also remains hot througho
ut the year but has co ol
winters.
(iff) Temperate Zone. It hns a warm summ er and na
a prominent winter,
(fv) Alpine or Arctic Zone. It has a short summ
tan chia
er and a long and relentles

winter. s
The different zones ensure diversity in India,
thus, making it a mega
nation, diversity
PIAA iii Se
‘
Q. 4. What do you understand by the
term conservation of bl
Differentiate between In-situ and Ex-Situ odiversj
ways of conservation,
y?
Or
Write a note on “Methods of Conservation ”.
Ans. Conservation is the protection,
: =i a a preservation,
resources such as forests and water.
of human interference in the Due
habitats of ani
habitats and poaching for personal
Thus, it is important to conserve notbenefit, the thes
only t he spec foe iversi
wersicy ceotruction of
ty has incre
valuable natural resource ies b ls o th eir habitats
s which we get from them and
, me
|) oat sateen, Scanned with CamScanner

BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 45
Conservation can be achteved in two ways:
L IN-SITU CONSERVATION. The conservation of species in their natural
Hf habitat and ecosystem is termed as in-situ conservation.
These include:
§
“3 1. Biosphere Reserves; 2. National Parks and 3. Wildlife Sanctuaries.
sh: . 1, Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal
+ : ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity
Miss With jts sustainable use. There are over ‘500 biosphere reserves in over 100
: 42 7, countries. The Indian Government has established 18 biosphere reserves in India
#isc which protect larger areas of natural habitat (than a national park) and often
f . Include one or more natlonal parks and/or reserves, along buffer zones.
; Btosphere reserves are divided into three zones;
* Core Aren. It includes protected area with no human interference. It
‘comprises of legally protected ecosystems.
* Buffer Zone. Surrounds the core area and usually involves experimental
research, education, training, tourism and recreational facilities. Thus,
limited human activity is allowed.
* Transition Area. This is the outermost area where people inhabitate and
work, using natural resources in a sustainable manner.
&: 2. National Parks. National Patks are formed by Central and State legislation.
2: No human interference is allowed in the main‘area. No trade such as timber
‘Seles. Cultivation, cultivation and collection of forest products are permitted. National
#4e: parks preserve the natural habitat and gene pool of a species. For example, Jim
@\%, Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand and Kaziranga Nationai Park in Assam.
we 3. Wildlife Sanctuaries. Sanctuaries are formed by -the order of State or.
Central Government, Private ownerships are allowed in sanctuaries. Harvesting
of timber, cultivation and collection of forest products are allowed with permission.
: ar example, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary,
ae outide Gow CONSERVATION. The conservation of elements of biodiversity
Gat ' praluabie he of researhabitat
natural is termed as ex-situ conservation. It is used as a
ch and conservation throu gh different processes such as
2003, breeding, aquarium, botanical gardens and gene banks.
‘A Nese are Areas Where animals are confined within enclosures or

semi-natural areas or open areas, wherein they can also breed either
naturally or artificially. Thus, zoos help in increasing the number of
endangered species.
(ii) Captive Breeding. It is an intensive management practice wherein the
number of threatened species are increased by anthropogenically 4 u
introducing breeding for species,
(iit) Botanical Gardens. These consist of living plants, grown out of dogrs or
under glass in greenhouses and conservatories. Plants are wn
scientifically for educational purposes. They include herbarium,
Jaboratories, museums, etc. -
(iv) Gene Banks. These include seed banks (for seeds), field seed banks (for
live plants), DNA banks for animals, etc. in a view to save the genome. 4 i
Even if it is lost it can be stored and reproduced so that a species is
never extinct. Cryopreservation is used to preserve genes. aS
Difference between In-situ conservation and Ex-situ Conservation
“GE eS IneSitic Conservatioite ee
ye
vat i
eee
fi ak
aoa AeSitGonsepudnion sins ae
_{i) On-site conservation (i) Off-site conservation. :
4a
"
2a
(if) Done in natural habitats of the (i) Done outside their
_biodiversity components. habitats. <“
_ (tif) Mote dynamic (iii) More static, Tt
(iv) It involves designation, manage- (iv) It involves sampling, transfer and
ment and monitoring of target storage ‘of taxa fronf natural
_ taxa in their natural habitats. habitats. _
(v) It is time consuming but more (v) These conservation methodg are
sustainable. aimed at conserving genetic com-
ponents in immediate situatigns.
Q. 5. What are the major threats to biodiversity? Explain with refereyce to ©
’ the following:
(a) Habitat loss
(b) Poaching of Wildlife
(c) Man-Wildlife Conflicts
(d) Biological Invasions
(e) Excessive Pollution
Ans. Biodiversity is under serious threat as a result of human activities.
Population explosion and resource consumption, climate change and global
warning are continuously hampering the biodiversity.
Some of the serious threats to biodiversity include:
(a) abitat loss, It is the primary threat to the loss of biodiversity. The activities
of deforestation, clearance of natural vegetation for agricultural, settlement or
industrial purposes, draining wetlands and reservoir flooding has resulted in the
loss of natural habitats and forests. This further accounts for imbalance in the’
and fragmentation of habita ts. Fragmented habitats make it harder for:
‘find food and harder to find a mate because individuals and’
eased survival q
LU me isolated from one another. This leads to decr
m of species, thereby leading to biodiversity loss.
e

BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
47
Ed
(b) Poaching of wildlife. Poaching is defined as the illegal hunting, killing or

mt
capturing of wild animals. Poaching is done for meat, hides, medicines, teeth,
ees
prey aa
n>
ivory etc. and some people may even do it only for thrill.
’ Effects of Poaching:
a _ Rit ain Spee ee = ahags'gs
ae ak lle age po
en
* Reduction of animal species in forests, Predators, herbivores and fruit

7
eating vertebrates cannot recover as fast as they are removed from a

a renee eee
forest. Thus, disturbing the food web.

ore
; * Emergence of diseases, caused by transmission of highly variable virus

er
chains. Example, Outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Congo Basin and in
eae
EBT)
t Gaben in the 1990s have been associated with the butchering of apes
Tee,
Coen ee
er
cart net om
‘ : and consumption of their meat.

a
(c) Man-Wildlife conflicts. Conflict between people and animals becomes the
:
ep teeeeTS
i
main threat to wildlife and also to local human populations. Such a conflict is
aoe
a a
oe SEA
Sik te
f very common in many parts of. the world, Animals due to fragmentation and
oh fi,
habitat loss attack nearby locals in search of food and shelter in the conquest to
a
get their habitat. Man-animal conflict is fast becoming a critical threat to the
a
survival of many endangered species, like wild buffalo, elephants, tiger, lion,
,
leopard, etc.
_ The key reasons for human-animal conflict are encroachment by human
beings in wildlife habitats for development purpose and survival purpose as
fe »- well as allowing livestock for grazing purpose in the forest area, forest fire. This
Bie conflict leads to loss to both humans and animals. The result of this conflict is
Gi severe which results in the loss of crops to farmers and decline in wildlife
Sus conservation as well. .
~ Significance of man-animal conflict in India:
() In India man-animal conflict is seen in a variety of forms, including
monkey menace in the urban‘areas, crop raiding by ungulates and wild
pigs, depredation by elephants, and cattle and human killing by tigers
and leopards,
-, (if) Man-animal conflict occurs due to the shrinking habitats, depletion of
° natural prey base, changing crop patterns, man-made (artificial) habitats
for wild animals, presence of stray dogs and cattle on forest fringes, etc. -
(iff) Vehicular collisions are also leading to mortalities of animals in huge
numbers.
(iv) Man-animal conflicts are common in various parts of the country. [In
India, wild elephants probably kill far more people than tigers, leopards
or lions,
e i t - (4) Biological Invasions. The process of introduction of or breachin
g of a new
Be @;. Species with no historical record earlier in one biogeographic region, thus
nme Ww
aiay:. extending the range of species is known as biological invasion. The term
ee,
: biological invasion is applied to species that breach the natural barriers. Due to
increased disturbance of anthropogenic actions, there is a rise in biologica
l
Po
a; invasions, These biologically invasive species are highly competitive in growth

iy 05 they are subject to less pathogenic disturbance. Thus, other endemic and local
mies SPECles come under threat from the competitive
invasive species.
;. (¢) Excessive Pollution, Excess of pollution is currently poisoning all forms of
ee
,
et

48 SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY senies
life, and contributingto climate change. Tran
extraction and power generation etc, all contribusport, Industry, construction
water, Thus, leading to deprivation
te pollutants to air, land anc
and degradation of air, land and wate
which may ultimately affect and kill individu l
als, species and habitats.
Q. 6, Describe the vari ous services provided by ecosystem and
diversity. .
Or
Write a short note on ecological, soci
al, economical, ethical, aesthetlc
informational value serv ices aided by ecosystem and
Ans. Ecosystem and biodiversity impart the and biodiversity, .
following value aided services,
These services can either be included as dire
ct values or indirect values. These
values are studied further as:
1. Ecological Values, All the species in ecosys
tems participate in the numerous
ecological processes that occur within and
between the ecosystems, Thus, the
ecological role can be studied as:
‘
* Cycling of water and nutrients, All the
components of ecosystem take
part whether biotic or abiotic, They help in regulation of wate
Phosphorous, carbon etc. r, nitrogen,
* Food production. Plants are directly ;
or, indirectly
related with food.
production. They are the soul source
of food. -
* Climatic stability, A forest is one
of the main sources of rain which in
turn controls climate.
* Reduction in pollution. Some micro-
organisms as well as some plants
and animals have the capacity to breakdown pollution,
pollution reduction. thus helping in
* Soil generation and reduction
in soil erosion. Diverse living org
both plants and animals help in the formation of soil in the anisms
* Production of energy or long run.
producers. Green Plants conv
to chemical energy and pass ert solar ene
on this energy to different trop
* Reduction in natural calamities, Natural calamities hic levels.
floods, earthquakes etc. are often like droughts,
the result of loss or destruction
biodiversity. A healthy ecosyste
m has the capability of
from any natural calamities,
* Decomposers and decompos
ition, Microorganisms
molecules into smaller molecules and breakdown
thus help in the recyclingla of |
materials, This process is
known
organisins are known as decompose as decomposition and the micro-
2. Social Values, Biodiversity
rs,
has been Preserved and prot
ts
Socicties that valued it as a ected by traditional

reso urce and recognised that
PAMdb ds tee
a great loss to their society. its depletion would be

Many plants and anitnals
sacred in India and are wor are considered holy and
shipped. For example, Tulsi,
. etc, are regarded as sacred in India, Peepal, Cows, Snakes
3. Economical Values. Thes ‘ . ‘
e include the services
including both consumptive Provided by biodiversi
use values and Productive
Consumptive values include fossil fuels, woods, drugs and useme values, >
dicines,
Productive use values include
the products which are directly
market, For example, Textile, Leather, sold in the
Silk, Paper and Pulp Indistry, ete,

43
VATION
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSER
s
«4, Ethical Values. Thes e values
relate to the importance of protecting all form
e served and protected
earth must be con
AM of life. All the existing fo rms of life on bio diversity is valuable for the survival
F and it is the duty of every individual as
fe of human race. an icit pleasure and
impl
: 5 Aesthetic Values. Biodiversity provides
and provide opportunities
© beautification. Thus, natural landscapes are priceless
etc. It also: promotes
Ss: for recreational activities like bird watching, photography
‘
igs eco-tourism. ‘
is called
fe . 6, Optional Values. Keeping future possibilities open for their use
KS optional value. It is difficult to predict which of the species would turn out
Se: fruitful in near future. a
i: + Q. 7. Comment on the following:
(a) Disappearing House Sparrows.
(b) Elephants as endangered species, .
(c) Extinction of Indian tigers due to loss of genetic diversity.
ie: Ans, (a) Disappearing house sparrows. The population of house sparrows has
®) declined significantly in the last few years, House sparrows have been enlisted
ey: in the “Red List” of endangered avian species. .
Many reasons could be cited for the situation:
(i) Introduction of unleaded petrol, the combustion of which produces
compounds such as methy] nitrite, a compound highly toxic for insects.
(ii) Use of garden pesticides, which kills insects that are a vital diet for
newborn sparrows.
(iii) Development ‘changes~ disappearance of open grounds, and climate
nge
ee aly dueSighs
to increase in g global
7 warming g have
hav created i
an avian
(i) Another major ‘factor in the decline of house sparro i

includes the proliferation of mobile towers, These oes exit '&
frequency of 900-1800 MHz. The continuous penetration | of
electromagnetic radiation through the body of birds affects their
. nervous system and their navigational skills. Thus, they become
incapable of navigation and foraging. ‘ y
(b). Elephants as endangered species. . Both Afric an and
Asian elephants
listed as endangered because of loss of habitat and poach
ing. 350 eae dec;
: "year for their ivory tusks.

The main reasons for the
ir reduction include:
greed of ivory tusks is

a big illegal
has dozens of ivory

sO SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY
SERIES
(c) Extinction of Indian tigers due to loss of genetic divers
ity. Over the last
two centuries, Indian tigers have become more vulnerable to extinction due
to!
the isolation of big cat population triggered by loss of habitat. In spite of
increase in their number in the past seven years, physical isolation of big cats |
Terai population in the jungles of Ranthambore and Sariska, have made thant
helpless as the animals lost their genetic diversity. They are
at present
genetically isolated groups, which do not have flexibility and can easily come!
under threats from nature. Loss of habitat leads to reduced géne flow and.
population isolation. Globally, $3 per cent of tiger ranges are lost. Because of
habjtat destruction by humans and callous hunting, tigers now persist in smal]
end isolated populations (20-20 individuals) in India.
ae ee

3 RATT
fs vice Sy
UES SSE ES
. i AAT Ao Tih ., ; SWirsey, A|
‘ts ae rg + inating a)
<0 an
htee oe onPanis: “antral ‘and hureaiv: beings. It Is. also:
ried cnytronmental pollution.
Pollutants. Solld; iqula or gastouss substances< present i rundaice whe
fe a detrimental effect: ow: WurKan,; health ave called pollixtants. HEAPS
‘Air. Polliition.. Abr pollution. occurs: due’ to. the presence: of uendectrabe solict or’
particles tw'the’ ate bw Quantities that are, harwful to huimav: Went: 5
nvbronainent. ents Hegde in
, er. Fi llution:: The ‘outta dation. of. Wwater. biodites Ute itiLalees.” ‘vtvers: ‘ete:
whew pollutanks: are.¢ dleshargea eee or: Hatilree Without trentragiit of
eoxte’ conspounds.
if Pollution. The, contandnation of soil by huranie and ‘nataral sotivieles
ith ran y CAUSE. harvafut effects on Uving organisins and the environment..
ise: Pollution, Any, ‘dlctarbing, oY Unnecessary wyalee whlch may hary the
or. “balance: of human or antval Life.
czars “eRused by the release of radtoactlve uel tn
ieselece ‘solid muntertal generated fron differen

as, : pale: past hetinle pamnsreay sents
: e* ese nieans ioncning ‘anc: Mecariing

sie to! help: reduclig, waste gereratton. ress pe
Recycling: te: ‘refers. nite! removal. of teévas. fron the waste, Stren, to be wed
As ily utente th the raaiicfacture of new predicts: Et bee 2rd
In The process of burning raunbespal solid” inal sti 'a py
rn
signed firwa vender: suitableae “and: ees: conaltions.
‘Vermiccompostinig. 1
as haibnitdonal or’ Consurneroot:

erpus either telat or. over Aa. eto of time ‘to:
trviroument,
- » 2

Q. 1. Differentiate between the following:
(a) Primary and Secondary pollutants
(4) Point so urce and Non-point source poll
(c) ution.
Smog and Photochemical smog.
(d) Degradable, No n-degradable and Persistent poll
utants,
(e) Somatic and Genetic Effects,
Ans. (a) Difference between Pri
ma ry and Secondary Pollutants
_ Primary Pollutants -
(i) These are emitted directly from Secondary Ponlitants ae
These are not emitted directly.
--Patticular sources,
(i) These are produced by natural These are produced in thé
events in the form of particulate atmosphere. Certain reactions ta
matter'or gaseous form. Example, place between primary pollutan
from volcanic eruptions, dust and other substances in
_.. .<. Storms or human activities etc, | atmosphere. *
(iii) Examples: Car bon Oxides (CO &

ee ee
Examples: Sulphuric acid, nitric acid
CO,), nitrogen oxides, sulphur smog, ctc.
oxides etc,
(b) Difference between Point Sou rce and Non-poin
t Source Pollution 3
oh Poin t Source Pollution: Non-point Soiree
(i) It refers to those sources of Ponitio
It - occurs when pollutants are:
pollution which occur when the teleased
from diffused sources of
polluting substance is emitted fraom
larger area,
directly from the source. . a
(ii) The source of pollution is a single
identifiable source, hence easy to
control,
~(iil) For” example, discharge from

_ wastewater treatment plants, op-
erational wastes from industries
that go into the water-wnys from
a single source like a pipe.
(c) Difference between Smog and Photochemical Smog
aa, “ie afte Smog: vit. 3 or we)
(i) It occurs as a result of smoke It occurs as a result of em issi

ons from ”
particles from industrial plumes autmobiles and other fos
sil fuels dy
mixing fog, .a to sun's energy,
(i) It occurs in foggy, cool
¢ weather. It occurs in hot, dry climates, and 3
particularly on sunny days,
i eo es ee ee ee ‘
_Lif) Tt is intense early in the morning. -Itpeaks at midday.
(iv) Two primary components are Primary components are nitro
SO, and particulate matter, oxides, ‘VOCs, tropospheric
and PAN (Peroxyacytyl nitrat
ozoné
e),
“
,
53
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
NETS
le Pollutants:
Degra
dable Persistent and Non-degradab
—_—
ONT ST
@Poltutants)
Degradable | Non-degradable
Persistent
can be broken down
: Degradable or Nonspersistent pollutants. These pollutants
e,
ly by natural processes. For example, discarded vegetables, domestic sewag
|
rapli
a a | -
the
| Slowly degradable or Persistent pollutants. These pollutants remain in
‘environment for many years in an unaffected condition and take very long time
-to degrade. For example, DDT and plastics.
| Non-degradable pollutants. These pollutants cannot be degraded by natural
processes. They are accumulated in the environment. For example, toxic elements
‘like lead and mercury.
. (e) Difference between Somatic and Genetic Effects
Pose: 23 Somatic effects. 6255080 oe Genetic Effects. ven
(i) It refers to damage to cells that It refers to damage to cells which are
are not associated with | associated with reprodiction.
reproduction. , :
ee
(ii) It includes redefining.of the skin, | It imparts ‘abnormalities due to

loss of hair, ulceration, fibrosis of | mutation of genes.
er
the lungs. It can also lead to

cancer’and death. .
EE
| (iii) It does not pass onto the next | It is an acquired character thus, is
generation. ~ .
passed on from parents to offsprings,
; Q. 2. Elaborate on Air Pollution with reference to the follaw
ing:
; (4) Sources (ii) Causes
(ii) Effects’ (iv) Control
Or
want how airpollution deteriorates the environment and
also measures to
| Ans. Air pollution is defined as t 7 . .
.be OF gaseous substances
. in the atmosphere Ike ae of any
e like dust, mist undesirable
k solid,. liquid
‘to human beings, plants and anj mate FOUR smo e that are injurious
- causing harm to human beings and othe 1 is directly or indirectly involved in

5a
SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SERIES
2. Anthropogeni
humans, Burnie cs Ources. These
of i
are artificial sources which are created
heating
ne devices ake foe types
urnaces, traditofionfuel, smoke from power plants or factories,
al biomass burning, vehicu
lar emissions
Man-made
Sources of =~
Air Pollution
Natural
sources
(if) CAUSES OF AIR POLLUT
ION
1. Burning of fossil fuels. Sulphur dio
xide released from combustion of a
fossil fuels and from factories is the maj “4
or cause of air pollution.
Emissions from Vehicles cause massive amo
unts of pollution. Carbon
monoxide and nitrogen oxide is’ released as a
result of incomplete -
combustion in vehicles. .
2. Exhaust from factories and industries. Manufact
uring units discharge
Carbon mono xide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds and chem
_
icals into a
the air,
3. Agricultural activities. Agricultural activities release ammonia in the
atmosphere. Use of insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers also release
harmful chemicals into the air.
4. Indoor air pollution. Household cleaning products and
materials produce toxic chemicals which are released in the airpaint ing
which . a
=3%
cause air pollution,
3
9. Mining operations. Dust and chemicals are released in the air durin
g the =
process of mining, ‘3
6. Suspended Particulate Matter. It can either be natural such
as dust, -
seeds, spores, pollen grains, algae, fungi, bacteria and viruses or it can be
anthropogenic such as mineral dust,.cement, asbestos dust, fibres
, metal
dust, fly ash, smoke particles from fibres, etc,
(tif) EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION : J
1, Effect on human health. Air pollutants are responsible to cause several
respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke and lung cancer, and other a
threats to the the human body. se ee
* Carbon monoxide causes headaches, drowsiness and blurred vision. am
* Sulphur dioxide irritates respiratory tissues. -. f
* Nitrogen oxides irritate the lungs, intensify ‘asthma or chronic 9
bronchitis and also make a person vulnerable to infections such as &
influenza or common cold. . 43
2. Effect on agriculture, Air pollution affects the yield-of crops. It has 9p
drastically decreased crop yield in the past 30 years. &
3. Effect on plants.’ Leaves of the plants are affected as a result of air =
pollution, Exposure to pollution interferes with the photosynthesis ;
process and plant growth, reducing the nutrient uptake and hence, ®
causing leaves to turn yellow, brown or even drop off. a
e

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 85
4. Effect on wildlife. Animals are also affected by air pollution, They too
face severe diseases due to exposure to pollutants. Animals change their
habitat for a noble place.
5, Acid Rain. The pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides
are released into the atmosphere. When it rains, these pollutants react
with water and form acids and reach the surface of the earth causing
great damage to human beings, animals and crops.
6. Eutrophication, It is the condition in which a high amount of nitrogen
‘present in pollutants gets deposited on the surface of the water body that
turns itself into algae, This affects the life of fish, acquatic plants and
animal species ‘present there.
to the
7. Effect on climate. Global warming and Greenhouse effect—Due
cause global
trapping of infrared radiations from the earth, the pollutants
Thus, the
warming increasing thermal energy or heat in the atmosphere.
global temperature is increased causing the Greenhouse effect.
N.
(iv) PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTIO
pollution. These are:
Several attempts can be made to prevent and control air be made so
d
1, More emphasis on using public mode of transport shoul
that less emissions are created due to vehicular pollution.
by each and
2. Emission rates should be restricted to permissible levels of
arge
- every industry. There are certain set emission standards of disch ibute
pollutants , Their proper regulation and enforcement can contr
towards reducing the air pollution.
pollutants such
3. Air quality monitoring including some of the important
on.
. as sulphur dioxides and nitrogen oxides needs to be focussed
l use of wood and
4, Control indoor air pollution by replacing the traditiona
icity.
dung cakes by cleaner fuels such as biogas, kerosene or electr
culates, carbon
5. Planting trees along busy streets as they remove parti
dioxide and also absorb noise. —
emissions of carbon
6. Catalytic converters should be used to help control
monoxide and hydrocarbons.
Liquefied
7. Control of Industrial pollution by using cleaner fuels like
etc. which is not
Natural Gas (LNG) in power plants, fertilizer plants,
only environmentally friendly but cheaper too.
are not in use.
8, Conserve energy. Switch off the fans and lights when they
energy should be
3. Shift to renewable sources of energy. Clean sources of
- used instead of fossil fuels.
arge, reusing
10. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Reducing the pollutant disch as far as
the items instead of throwing them and recycling wastes
possible will help controlling pollution.
consume less electricity
11. Use of energy efficient devices. CFC/LED lights less
consume
as compared to the traditional bulbs. These heve longer life,
electricity and also-help to reduce pollution.
do you unde rsta nd by water pollu tion? Explain its causes and
‘Q.3. What
effects. Describe the measures to prevent water pollu tion.
is defin ed as the cont amin atio n of water bodies like
= pollution
56
SHIVA DEL UNIVERSITY senics
toxi¢ compounds. It is caused by various human activitie

niem: discharge, agricultural run off and domestic wastes. Let us briefl
CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION
1. Industrial Waste. Wastes such as heavy metals and toxic
discharged from indus chemicals 2
tries into water bodies such as rivers, catia
eventually into the sea. This further leads to ls and: “2
eutrophication making th
water body dead in due course of
time:
2. Sewage and waste water. The trented sewage
and waste water a
released into
the sea with fresh water. The sewage water carries harmfu
bacteria and chemicals that cause serious health prob
3. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Thes
lems. 3
e are sprayed on the crops for:
protection from insec
ts and pests. These combine with run-off water and
flow down to rivers and canals causing serious diseases.
4. Leakages. Sewer line leakage, leakage from landfills, and leakage :
of coal!
and other petroleum products through underground pipes
contributes to water pollution.
als
5. Mining activities, Mining process extracts elernents in raw
form which :
contains harmful chemicals and can enhance the quantity of toxic:
elements when mixed up with water which results in several health -
problems. ,
6. Oil leakage. Oil is immiscible with water, therefore accidental oil spill “
can cause serious problems for local marine life such as. fish, birds and 2
other aquatic organisms. Water pollution due to oll spills occur
result of
s ap a’
leakage from ships, oil tankers, pipelines, ete. 2
EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION
Water pollution is harmful to humans, animals and aquatic life:
1, Effect on human health, Drinking contaminated water can
infections, vomiting, diarrhoea, or some water borne diseases
cause stomach ;
such as cholera, ”
hepatitis and tuberculosis. Toxic metals get accumulated in.
fish causing -
dangerous diseases, for example, the "Minamata Disease’ caused by mercury *
toxicity. Other harmful pollutants include lead
which causes displexia while’
cadmium poisoning causes Itai-Itai disease, etc, :
2. Effect on aquatic animals, Aquatic life depletes with the pollutant discharge '
into the river. Oil spill in the water causes animals-to die whet they ingest it or :
come in contact with it. Since ofl does not dissolve in Water, so it causes
suffocation in fish and birds. The nutrient enrichment
causes eutrophication in :
water bodies, thus making it fatal for animals to survive, - 3
3. Effect on ecosystems. Sewage, fertilizers and agricultural run-off contain ;
organic materials which when discharged into water increase the growth of
algae, which causes the depletion of oxygen. The low oxygen
levels in the water
bodies are not able to support most indigenous organisms in the area and
thus, “2
upset the natural ecological balance in rivers and lakes, |

SUPE eee Fe 57
PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF WATER POLLUTION

S\.- The prevention and control of water pollution can be accomplished by
including local governments and local councils. .
p- The following measures can be adopted:
1. Proper dumping of waste. Toxic products like paints, polishe
s and
cleaning products should not be dumped into water directly
. These
roducts should be properly treated before disposing off.
2. Treatment of sewage water. Waste water from domesti
m;. / sources or from garbage dumps {s usually known as c or industrial
sewage. It also
“contains rain water and surface run off, This water should
before it is further discharged into rivers, The be treated
treatment
. Primary, secondary and tertiary treatments. This includes involves
:
so Sedimentation
f Coagulation Primary treatment removes
‘ jtimary ‘ suspneded particulate
cn Filtration matter, treats odour
Disinfection
Secondary treatment
Microbial decomposition —, Secondary treatment

(anaerobic sludge removes organic solids,
reacto rs) left out after primary
: treatment.
a’
fealty ‘paiment , > Itis meant to remove
: nutrients, for remaining
Disinfectant Aeration . pathogenic bacteria and
other compounds,
3. Use environment-friendly produc
ts. It is important to use eco-frien
household products like eco-friendly’ home cleaners, dly
fertilizers and pesticides should be etc. Natural
use of insecticides, use d or if not, we must try to limit the
4. Recycling of water. Recycling
refefs to the use of waste water
original user prior. to. discharge by the
receiving water bady, either to a treatment system or to
‘ a
5. Affore' station also helps
in
chemicals do not easily draipreventing water pollution. As when it rains,
6. Scientific techniques n into water.
should be adopted for
of rivers, ponds environmental control
or streams, of
,
ents (Uranium-235, Ur made sources.

anium-283, Thorium-
.
58
SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSI
TY SERIES
232, etc.) with unstable atomic nuclei and on deco; iti
ionizing radiations in the form of alpha, beta and gamve nen rae ag
energy ory
is released is known as nuclear energy.
Nuclear energy can be both ben YS the energy which,
eficial and ha
which it is used. X-ray
plantsts.. Ne
Nevertheless, in contra
tr st destruction, that'nuclear bombs cau
of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is not to be sed in cities,
forgotten. The radioactive wastes from
- Nuclear energy have caused serious environme
ntal dam
Sources of Nuclear Hazards. It can be both natural age. ia
(i) Natural sources include: and man made:

— Cosmic rays from outer space,
— Emissions from radioactive materials in the earth
’s crust (rocks, marine, ian
sediments etc.)
(it) Man-made sources include nuclear waste produced durin
i a
g:
— Mining and processing of radioactive ores.
— Use of radioactive materials in power plants. - q
. — Use of radioactive isotopes in medical technology (X-ray mgchines,-:
radioisotopes used in medicines) . os
— Industrial applications include wastes from nuclear reactors. _
— Research applications include radioactive fallouts during nuclear
. weapons testing. ; ra
— Accidental leakages in nuclear power plants also release nuclear radiations, :
— Uranium mining and milling, nuclear reactors and reprocessing of
nuclear fuel all cause nuclear pollution.
Sources of
Nuclear hazards
Man-made
Effects of Nuclear Hazards. The effects of nuclear Hazards can be citheg initial
or residual: ; .
J So
Effects of Nuclear Hazards:..
Initial effects Residualeffects .
Blast Radiation
Somatic Genetic
effecls effects

h
t : ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 59
i. explosion and are hazardous
i, ** Initial effécts occur in the immediate areas of
‘immediately after the explosion whereas the Residual effects last for days or
‘years and cause disease and death, The principal initial effects are blast and
-
radiation. Blast causes damage to lungs, ruptures eardrums, structure-collapse

and causes immediate death or injury. Radiation emitted causes extensive fires,
“skin burns and flash blindness.
Radiation effects can be somatic or genetic:
(i) Somatic Effects. Damage to cells that are not associated with
reproduction. It includes lgss of hair, reddening of skin, etc. It can also
lead to cancer and death. .
(ii) Genetic Effects. Damage to cells associa ted with reprodu ction. This
damage can subsequently cause genetic damage from gene mutation
resulting in abnormalities in future generations.
- Q.5. Elaborate the causes, effects and measures to control:
* (a) Soil Pollution (b) Noise Pollution
Or
Explain Soil pollution and Noise Polluti on in detail.
and
Ans. (a) Soil Pollution, It is defined as the contamination of soi] by natural
‘human activities which may cause harmful effects on living organisms and the
environment.
CAUSES OF SOIL POLLUTION
1. Industrial’ wastes. Wastes such as fly ash, chemical residues, metallic
and nuclear wastes, industrial chemicals, dyes, acids, etc. are disposed
off from pulp and paper mills, oil refineries, distilleries, mining
industries and others. These pollutants badly affect the chemical and
biological properties of soil. They can also enter the food chain and harm
animals and humans.
2. Urban wastes. Dried sludge, sewage, garbage and rubbish materials like
plastic, glass, rubber, leaves etc. are dangerous for the soil as they can not
be easily degraded and although these materials are disposed off
separately they can still be dangerous,
3. Agricultural practices. Farm wastes, manure, slurry, debris, fertilizers
containing mostly inorganic chemicals —all cause soil pollution.
4, Radioactive pollutants. The nuclear dust and radioactive waste
. penetrate the soil and accumulate giving rise to soil pollution. Example,
Radionuclides of Radium, Thotium, Uranium are usually found in soil,
tock, water and air.
5. Biological agents. Soil is exposed to large amounts of human and animal
excreta which contribute to soil pollution.
EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION
J
1. Effect.on human health. The polluted soil affects human health either by
inhalation, indigestion or direct contact. In either case the dose of the
pollutant determines the severity of the disease. Soil generally has heavy
metal toxicity, which may cause cancer or other chronic health
conditions.

nk
6&0 SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SERIES
a
2. Effect of ecosystem. Soil pollution will directly affect
living in it. Thus, mi
the organisms’
croorganisms will show alteration of metabolism;
disturbing the food chain which in turn disturbs the
ecosystem. ;
3. Effect on agricultur t. The contaminated
soil is no longer fit to support,
crops, because the chemicals can leach into
the food and harm people:
who eat it. Plantation carried out on an affected
land will produce less:
yield thus creating soil erosion and economical loss to the farmer.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF SOIL POLLUTION
1. Reforestation. Soil erosion can be controlled by restoring the lost forest.'s4.
2
It can be controlled by a variety of farm practices like
barren slopes, contour cultivation and strip cropping. planting trees On:
mixed cropping improves the fertility of land.’ Crop rotation or}
' 3
Use of natural fertilizers, Organic fertilizers should be preferred over i:
synthesized chemical fertilizers, For example, bio pesticides can be used.
4
3. Proper discarding of waste. Waste should be properly segregated and:\3
accordingly disposed off using techniques like vermi-composing,.
incineration, etc.
4. Banning toxic chemicals. DDT, BHC pesticides should be banne
d whic
have harmful affects on plants, and animals, Nuclear explosions an
improper disposal of radioactive wastes should be banned, __
5. Recycling and reuse of waste. Waste should be reused
if possible lik
paper, plastic, glass and also recycled to generate less waste
thereby
contributing less to soil pollution.
(b) Noise Pollution. Noise pollution is defined as the disturbing or unnec
essary
noise which may harm the activity or balance of human or animal life.
‘
SOURCES OF NOISE POLLUTION
Indoor
Sources of
Noise Pollution \
Outdoor
1. Indoor Sources. Noise produced by television, radio, electric fans, aif”
coolers, generators, air conditioners basically inside the house. , ;
2. Outdoor Sources. Noise of loudspeakers, automobiles, in dustrial |
activities, rail traffic, airplanes, market places, etc. During
togethers, meetings and every noise which crosses the rangefestivals get-
is inclu ded 3
under a source of noise pollution.
CAUSES OF NOISE POLLUTION
1. Industrialisation. Industries. use big machines ca Pable of producing 4
large amount of noise. Therefore, workers wear ear plugs to mininre
the effect. Textile mills, printing presses, engineering establighments I
add to noise pollution. ; all:
2. Poor urban planning. In developing countries, ,
contributes to congested houses, large families f]
This disrupts the environment of society.

61
©
ENVIRONMENTAL OLLUTION
anes,
ber of vehicles, aeroplcrease
in
3. Transportation. The eas be en an unprecedented
trains add to noise poll ution
ever n a
op le st uc k in ja ms with hooting
ro ads with pe tion.
in traffic creating chaos on © Ju e
horns. Th is i¢ a ma jo r so ur ce
{ no is e Po
ag ri cu ir ur al machines and defens
truction activities,
‘4. Noise due to cons pollution Oe tyy
ly. mobile, mixer-grinder,
equipments all adds to noise
t
quantity of
ines etc. are
gage mnlnor contributors to .
5 “pressur e cooker,
Hanechold Doinestt
chores machines jude noise of infants, fights, moving
is e. Fu rt he r ho us eh ol d ch ores ine er aatin. ng units aleo
/ no adds significantly lt POpollutio
noise
of furniture. This also
Bla sti ng; bul l do zi ng , st one crushing etc. i
6.
create noise. ©
EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION,ge..d' exposure. to noise damages the eardrum.
Hearing problems. Prolon all,
1.
ow a sou nd lev el of 80 dB( A); te aring loso§ s does not occur at
Bel
ve r hea rin g los ses are pos sib le beyond this lev el. Hearing losses can
ho we
(ITS) or p ermanent loss, Noise
be temporary, temporary threshold:shift ). i,
ind uce d: per man ent thr esh old shi ft (NI PTS
lth and behaviour. It can
t.
ts 9 Béfect on health. Noise pollution affects hea aggressive
anxiety,
E Jead to psychological disorder. It includes headaches,
cardiovascular effects,
fe - behaviour, stress, fatigue etc, It can also lead to
§ related heart problems and increased heart rate.
animals, as
F 3, Effect on wildlife: Noise can have more disastrous effects in
j _ their survival depends on hearing. Some animals require sound waves
f for locomotion, some for prey, some for navigation and some to hide. For
b Example, Whales usgghearing to find food, communicate, defend and
i writ in the ocean, Excessive noises cause a lot of injuries and deaths to
E- ‘whales. oe .
* 4, Sleeping disordets. Loud noise can definitely obstruct our sleeping
pattern and lead to annoyance and uncomfortable situations.
; PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF NOISE POLLUTION
| There are four basic ways in which notse can be controlled.
FE 1. Reduce noise at the source - ,
pont
— It can be reduced by appropriate insulation and introduction

i of noise
i
_ regulations for take off and landing of aircrafts at the airports.
— Powe yearn, use of absorptive material for controlling interior noise.
loudspenkers, ete ao Fone aid land movers, public functions using
Ete, 4 not be permitted at night, U
fire crackers, etc. should be limited and prohibited. Se of horns,
alarms
— Traffi ¢ volume and speed are directly proportional to sound levels.
Doublin :
doubling the ‘hottie increases the sound levels by about 9 dB and
d Therefore, it ig ; ¢ volume increases sound levels -by about 3 GB.
2. Block the path of noi
Must to control the volume and speed of traffic.
ént barriers, Oise. It can be blocked by constructing temporary or
— Construction of vertical
C barriers alon gside the
— A green belt of tre highway.
es is an eff ent noise absorber
— In industries, highly absorptiici
ve interi , ”
‘ :
‘walls, ceilings and floor. P oe finish material can be used
and the recipient offers a passive means

of control,
4, Protect the recipient, Use of earplugs and
effectively from excessive nois
earmuffs can protect individu
e levels, |
Reduce noise . Increase the

at the source path length.
Q. 6.-What is solid waste? Classify it and explain ie different types, ;
Ans. Waste refers to the useless material generated from different sourges suc
as households, public places, hospitals, commercial centres, construction sites;
industries, etc. Waste can either be solid, liquid or gaseous. Solid wasté can
classified according to its origin, i.e,, domestic,- industrial, commercial
institutional, according to its contents, i.e., organic material, glass, metal, etc,
according to hazard potential, i.e, toxic, non-toxic, radioactive, impervioys, ete.:
Classification of Solid Waste: ‘ ;
It can be classified into different types depending on their source as follows: :
1, Municipal Solid Waste - OE
2. Industrial Waste.
3. Agricultural Waste
4. Hazardous Waste .
5. Infectious Waste: Biomedical or Hospital Waste
1. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). It is also called as trash or garbag
includes non-hazardous solid waste from a city, town or village which require
routine collection and transport to a processing or disposal site. The main source:
of municipal solid waste include private homes, commercial establishments ari
. institutions, as well as industrial facilities. Nevertheless municipal solid wast
does not include wastes from industrial. processes, construction and’ demolitior
debris, sewage sludge, mining waste or agricultural wastes. Municipal sol
waste is further classified as: v 3
* Wet Garbage. It includes food wastes like meat and vegetable material
eggshells, leftover food, etc, °
* Dry Garbage. 2
It includes paper, plastic, plastic cans,’ tetrapacks)
cardboard boxes, newspaper, aluminium foil, glass bottles, metal items
Wood pieces, etc.
.
2 Industrial Waste. It consists of process wastes, ashes, demolit
construction wastes, hazardous wastes, etc, generated due to industrial ion ants
activitlesss
te ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION , 83
YY ese wastes contains more of toxic compounds therefore require
miceatment. The sources of industrial waste include food proces special
metallurgica
sing industries,
l, chemi
cal and pharmaceutical units, sugar mills, paper and
fmeindustries, fertilizer and pesticides industry, The toxic pulp
waste released from these
sindus tries severely affect health of the people, It may cause nervo
enetic defects, skin diseases and even cancer. The efflue
us disorders,
nts released into the
water bodies by these industries cause foul odour, formation of sedim
ents etc.
3. Agricultural Waste. It consists of spoiled foodgrains and
vegetables,
gticultural remains, litter etc generated from fields, orchards, farms,
vineyards
c. In developing countries like India, this waste does not pose a serious problem
most of it is used. Example, dung is used for manure, straw is used as
fodder.
yme of the waste is also generated by some agro-based industries like rice-
‘milling, production of tea, tobacco etc.
- 4, Hazardous Waste. These are wastes of industrial, institutional or consumer
rigin that are potentially dangerous either immediately or over a period of time
to human beings and the environment. A waste is characterized as hazardous if
it
has atleast one of the following properties that is: toxicity, reactivity, ignitability
and corrosivity.
(?) Toxic wastes are those substances that are poisonous even in very small
or trace amounts. .
(ii) Reactive wastes are those that have a tendency to react vigorously with
air or water, are unstable to shock or heat, generate toxic gases or
explode during routine management.
(iti) Ignitable wastes are those that burn at relatively low temperatures (less
em
:
.#f than 60°C) and are capable of spontaneous combustion during storage,
“transport or disposal.
(iv) Corrosive wastes are those that destroy materials and living tissue by
; chemical reaction.
NM? 5. Infectious Waste Biomedical or Hospital Waste. It includes human tissues
= from surgery, used bandages and hypodermic needles, microbiological materials
@ etc. It includes any matter which has the potential to transmit infection further. It
®): basically includes waste from hospitals, blomedical laboratories, experimental
© laboratories etc. Infectious waste is one which needs to be handled carefully as it
fi. can léad to dangerous effects and an epidemic of disease.
=: Q.7. What is Solid Waste Management? Explain measures to control urban
« and industrial wastes, ‘
fe Ans. Systematic control of generation, collection, storage, transport, source
i 4 reparation, processing, treatment, recovery and disposal of solid wastes is known
y as solid waste management.
§, ‘ The management of solid waste reduces or eliminates undesirable impacts on
p the environment and human health and supports development and improved
%; quality of life. A number of processes are involved in efficiently managing waste.
f.. An integrated waste management includes mainly:
1. Source Reduction. It means reduction or waste prevention from source itself.
—
j That means consuming and discarding less. It is a successful method of reducing

B4 BINIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SENIES
waste generation. The common methods include
manufacturing products with:
minimal packaging, avoid buying disposable items and also
by avoiding plastic
bags. Encouraging customers to use reusable bags for packaging, using
reusabl
products such as cloth napkins, reuse of plastic and glass containers
, backyard”?
composting and sharing and donating any unwanted items rather than
discarding them are all effective means of reducing waste. All of these methods
require public awareness and training to educate the public about their role iri
the process of waste management.
2. Recycling, It is the process of extracting and reusing useful substances found
in waste. It implies that the waste product of one process may be utilized as‘
raw material of some other new product. Thus, recycling occurs in three phases.
First, the waste is sorted and recyclables are collected. The recyclables are usec
to create raw materials. These raw materials are then used in the production o!
new products. Some materials such as aluminium and steel can be recycled many
times. Metal, paper, glass and plastic are recyclable. The sorting of recyclables is
done at the source for selective collection by the municipality or to be dropped=<
off by the waste producer at a recycling centre,
Recycling although decreases the value of material but it conserves resources
for future generation, prevents emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants.
3. Disposal. The disposal of solid waste is done most commonly through 4
sanitary landfill or through incineration.
;
Landfill Disposal:
(i) Solid waste is placed in a properly selected and prepared landfill site ina
carefully prescribed manner, :
(i) The waste material is spread out and compacted with suitable heavy
machinery. ' . _? *
(iif) The waste is covered each day with-a layer of compacted soil,
(fv) A liquid is generated out of the waste'termed as leachate
which needs to
be removed properly as it pollutes ground water, Landfill sites release
landfill gases constituting 50 to 60 per cent methane by volume. ‘These
gases contaminate the environment causing air pollution. os
Incineration. It is the process of burning municipal solid waste in a
designed furnace under a suitable temperature and operating conditions.
It can
reduce the waste by above 90 per cent in volume and 75 per cent in weight.
It
includes high calorific value waste with a large component of paper, plastic,
packaging material, pathological waste, etc,
Vermi Composting. Vermi compost is the natural organic manure produced
from the excreta of earthworms fed on scientifically semi-decomposed °
waste. Vermi composting is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural
wastes and to produce quality compost. _ .
All dead and dry leaves and twigs decompose and are broken down by
organisms such as worms and insects and are finally broken down by bacteria :
and fungi, to form a dark rich soillike material called compost. These organisms’ 23h
in the soil use the organic material as food, which
provides them with nutrients “Sa
for their growth and activities. These nutrients are returned ba a
: ck to the soil to be
used again by trees and other plants. This process recycles nutrients in nature, ° Sa

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION . 85
Q. 8. Elaborate the following:

-(a) Pollution in River Damodar, in India.
~ (b) Groundwater pollution in Indla. .
- (c) Minamata: An important lesson about mercury. ‘indicat ai
_(d) The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster: A lesson in the techno ogical disaster of
uman history. , . . .
(e) Environmental impact of Iceland Volcanic Eruption.
Ans. (a) Pollution in river Damodar in India,
. River Damodar is 563 kms in length and originates near Chandwa village in
the Chhota Nagpur hills in Bihar’s Palamau district, and drains into the Hooghly.
It is the most polluted river in the country today due to the industries that have
sprouted on its mineral-rich banks.
Indian industry depends heavily on the region as 60 per cent of the coal
consumed in our country comes from the’ Chhota Nagpur belt. In addition,
various industries such as steel, cement, fertilizer and explosive plants are also
located here, The river Damodar is polluted with minerals, mine rejects, flyash oil
and toxic effluents. Both its water and soil consist of coaldust and waste
‘discharged from industries. Also there are seven thermal power plants nearby
‘which dump ash in the valley. .
(b) Groundwater pollution in Imdia. The groundwater in more than half the
country’s districts is contaminated with poisonous substances.
Groundwater pollution in India caused by excessive extraction telates to
fluoride contamination. It has spread to 19 states and in different geographical
regions. It occurs when the bedrock weathers and the fluoride leaches into the
‘water and soil. The extraction of groundwater leads to topping of aquifers with
high fluoride concentrations, The central ground water board has revealed that
276 districts have highslevels of fluoride in their groundwater. Fluoride is
extremely harmful. It combines with the bones as it has an affinity for calcium
phosphate in bones. Excess intake of fluoride leads to dental fluorosis, skeletal
fluorosis ornon-skeletal fluorosis, _ .
(c) Minamata: An important lesson about mercury.
, The outbreak of Minamata disease took place in Japan in 1956, Methyl
mercury
was released as wastewater.in the bay of Minamata from nearby chemical
_ industries. The organic mercury enterecl into the tissues of fish which in
"consumed by the people living in the area. The contaminated
turn was
_ outbreak of poisoning and affected several people. Moth fish caused an
fish gave birth to infants with signs of mier ers who had eaten the
cury poisoning.
_. (@) The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster: 4 lesson in the tech
’ human history, nological disasterof
eanNucla
leado wsioen einnthe rea
r fis .
eecto
er Cat
coree odluces a lot of heat: which
prod ich ifif not
r controlled

as . SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SERIES 2
A
rity
fuel and core materials into the atmosphere. Two Chernob 1 oy Je
on the night of the accident and a further 28 people died within fo Tees died Bi
result of acute radiation poisoning. A total of upto 2000 people eventually died , ae
radiation exposure from the chernobyl accident and many children were born.
with congenital abnormalities in times to come. The disaster damage ae
agricultural crops, plants and caused cancer, lung, eye and blood disorders, 33)
(e) Environmental impact of Iceland Volcanic Eruption.
In 2010, the voleanic’:7
eruption in Iceland affected economic, political and cultural activities in Hurope *,
and across the world. There was extensive air traffic disturbance
caused by “2a
closure of airspace over many countries. The atmospheric dust
not only hampers ae
visibility but also harms aircraft engines, forcing them to shut down entirely
‘fi
Volcanic ash can lower visibility in the upper atmosphere and knock out aircraft
engines. Widespread ash from volcanic eruptions increase the earth’s
“Albedo
Effect", cooling the temperature of the lower toposphere while increaging the
temperature of the stratosphere. , © er ey
Volcanic activity is estimated to be responsible for the release of 130 milli
tonnes of CO, into the atmosphere annually. ‘Atmospheric dust from yolcarioes
can act as a magnet for other pollutants and water. vapour, giving rise to
atmospheric haze and. heavy fog. Nae mre c
Q. 9. Explain the term hazardous waste. How doe’ they pose a threat to the:
environment? What are the disposal strategies associated with them?
Or
What do you understand by hazardous waste? Why are the disposa
strategies for treating hazardous waste are different from municipal so
waste,
Ans. Hazardous waste is waste that poses substantial or potential threats to.
public health or the environment. Characteristics of hazardous waste should
include one of the following: ignitability, reactivity, corrosivity ‘and toxicity?
These wastes can be found in different physical states such as gaseous, liquids of
solids. It is a special type of waste because it cannot be disposed off by common:
means like other by-products of our everyday lives. Depending on the physical
state of the waste, treatment and solidification processes might be required.
Environmental and Health risks of Hazardous Waste. 7 :
Generally hazardous wastes are disposed off on or in the land, therefore
most serious environmental effect is contaminated groundwater.
Lead, mercury and ‘arsenic are hazardous substahces which often add.
toxicity of meterials. Lead is used in batteries, fuels, pesticides, paints, pipes et
This lead is stored in the bones of people and wildlife. Lead.can affect red blood
cells by reducing their capacity to carry oxygen and shortening their life sp
_ Lead can also damage nerve tissue which can result in brain disease. :
_ Mercury is used in the production of chlorine and as a catalyst in production:o
_ Plastic. Mercury exhibits bio-accumulation by getting concentrated at each leve
_ Of the trophic level. It is a-cumulative poison that proves fatal to fishes, birds ani
“humans and is likely to cause brain diseases. Minamata disease is a famou
Outbreak of mercury poisoning that took place in 1956 in Japan.

~ ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUITON 87
» = Pasticides from agricultural run off cause acute or chronic poisoning. Viny]
i chloride which is a chemical used in manufacture of plastic causes
deafness, vision problems, circulation disorders and bone deformities. It
‘
ti .
f can also cause birth defects.
t Disposal of Hazardous Waste.
| The most common methods for disposing off hazardous wastes are land
-disposal and incineration.
| Land disposal means disposing off wastes in the land. This process
that
~ focusses on burying the waste in the land, There is a process used
It is
eliminates the odours:and dangers before it is placed in the ground.
for
common in countries where land is in abundance and: available
disposal like North America, :
of
— Incineration. It is a preferred method for disposal. It is the process
\
the
heating wastes at high temperature in furnaces reducing the volume of
eeryse
waste. Example, in Europe and Japan land is not readily available so

: incineration is a preferred method of waste disposal.
: ‘Industries need to be encouraged to generate less hazardous wastes in their
i:
‘manufacturing processes. Although toxic wastes cannot be entirely eliminated,

‘techno
> logies are available for minimizing, recycling and treating wastes.
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Q. 1. Write a short note on Sustainable Development.

Or
What is Sustainable Development? How do you rel . x
Ans. Sustainable development is development that meets the omen?ee 33
present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meee
own necds, It is any type of positive change which does not erode the ecol ir &
and environmental balance upon which biosphere is dependent. The con ogical 3
sustainable development can be traced back to the 1972 Stockholm Conf Cept of sS
Sweden where the needs for efforts at international levels were considerns in aS
considered the need for a comnion outlook and principles to inspire and cred. It a
people of the world for preservation and enhancement of the human eve a
Sustainable .
Development
*
Sustainability + Oovolopment
Bd . -

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES & PRACTICES gg
Sustainable development seeks to respond fo five broad requirements;
() Integration of conservation and development. .
OPE4 EEE
(ii) Satisfaction of basic human needs.

re
pn
(iit) Achievement of equity and social justice.

(iv) Provision of social self-determination and cultural diversity.
WD gsA tte
,
(bv) Maintenance of ecological integrity.

tran
‘ ;
Essential conditions for achieving Sustainable Development are:
ol
_7*The human needs should not be beyond the capacity of environment to

/ support it. It is essential to conserve the demands of other species and
PAs
as
he nent
sustain for future generations. '

— Reduce poverty.
es
— Ensure equality of opportunity and equitable distribution of resources.

oe
}
— Participation of indigenous communities, women, tribals, etc. in develop-

EME feedeA
,
“ ment process. :
a a niente
— Effective waste management and pollution control.

Le
— Access to clean energy produced in a sustainable manner.

Bot
— Preserve marine life from ill effects of pollution and climate change.
i
tHe
— Resilience to natural disasters, .

— Control use of hazardous materials.
neater
— Invest in health and editcation.

ge
tah
International efforts to relate Sustainable Development to Environment. The

yee,
LAAN
: various international programmes targeted for sustainable development are as |

e follows: ,
F
4
ta
; * The Convention on Biological Diversity. It was made in 1994 for

f
SAPs:
‘ conserving biodiversity with 153 signatories. The members agreed to

i
as.
develop national strategies for conservation, spread awareness among

9"
people throughmedia and educational programmes and conserve

Sr
%
threatened species and protected areas, ,

cance ae
ba"
* The Convention on Climate Change. It was signed by 162 countries in

mY
ee
en
1992 at the Rio Earth Summit. It was intended on the issue of global
sie
warming. The nations had to provide information on quantity of

pat
ichdedaestaen saad
greenhouse gases emitted, preserve greenhouse sinks such as forests and

ps
plan the impact of climate change on coastal zones, water resources and
|
agriculture,
eae
‘
ic
Principles of Forest Management. Signed at the Rio Earth

ae 4
Summit, it
encouraged the conservation and management of forests for
historical and spiritual importance. their
,
ome
* The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.

t
Laid in 1992, it
esaed Pee
ie
Ste inter-relationship between economic progress and

i = ronment. It recognizes peoples’ right to healthy life protection
ell
nature. It was decided that the polluter should bear in harmony

‘ Agenda a The eenmiawroek Conventio the cost of pollution.
Pa
n on climate change, Convention

ae
ca. 1 sae . ~
by 100 state heads. ty, Rio Declaration and Forest Principles was signed
t ads. They ado
Sustainability in the 21* centuryptenam
d a 300-page pla
plan‘as a blueprin tt for
ely, Agenda 21 at the Earth Summitf.
prin
“1.
Scanned with CamScann

70 : SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SERIES.
a ons land, water and air deterioration and conserving
na their diversity, deals with related issues of
World Sessa poverty, health, education ete,
* World Summit on Sustainable Devel
sustainable development principles stl aad ou at
Conference,» w were furth Rio at the
er elaborated at World Summit on sustainable
development, held at Johannesburg in 2002.
* United Nation Climate Change Conference, 2005 was held at Montreal
Canada in 2005 to encourage international actions. A five-year
programme on climate change impacts was devised. -
Q. 2. What is Sustainability? Describe its three pillars. What are the
indicators of sustainability?
Ans. Sustain is to maintain or endure. Sustainability refers to human
sustainability on earth. Also “Everything that we need for our survival and well
being depends either directly or indirectly on our natural environment. Sustainability
creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can ¢xist in
productive harmony that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of
present and future generations.” : . ‘o>
Four interconnected principles of sustainability derived from learning how
nature sustains itself includes solar energy, population control, nytrient
recycling and biodiversity. i
Solar ; Population ~
A , contral ‘ '
enargy \
Principles of
Sustainability .
Nutrient Biodiversity
recycling
The three pillars of sustainability are: .

(ii) Society (iii) Environment
(i) Economy
Whereas, culture is determined to be its fourth pillar.
SMI Rirata con hha 11D GaAs
Ae DS a ed
NEV Rerectee : :
Pillars of sustainability
ble resourtes in :
It involves the use of availa
(i) Economic Sustainability. ae d resp) onsible
—
and ensures that all financ
ia
is both efficient scher socal
way that
igation over time canis the abi lit y a so ciety oF any within te:
It
(ii) Social Sustainabilityly. achieve good aoc - l bel y ing
out iin
stem to persistent mea ee n
sy
vi ro nm en ta l Su stainability. It
(iii) En that we
means of our na tural resources and

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES & PRACTICES 74
. resources such as materials, energy fuels, land, water, etc. at a sustainable

rate.
Indicators of Sustainability. The indicators of sustainability are mentioned
. below:
i — GDP’ Growth. Higher’ total production growth rate facilitates
employment, price stability and material welfare. An indicator of
‘sustainability, it helps in eliminating poverty that reduces environmental
stress.
— Population Stability. Overpopulation leads to over exploitation of
resources which results in degradation and hinderance in sustainability.
— Water use. There should be enough watér for consumption, industrial
and agricultural use. Pollution of water is dangerous to human and
animal health.
— Clean Air Index. Air pollution, acid rain and greenhouse effects are
threats for sustainability.
— Human Resource Development. It incorporates health care, nutritional
standard of living and education as indicators ernphasized by the World
Bank and UNDP.
— Energy Intensity. Renewable source of energy is important. To achieve
long term sustainability, use of renewable sources must be lower than its
rate of regeneration.
— Soil Degradation. Loss of soil fertility and topsoil due to erosion poses
an environmental threat.
— Forest Coverage Ratio. There is a need to regulate forest coverage ratio
as their loss means loss of water, climate, soil, animals and birds.
— Resources Material Intensity. Resource planning, allocation and
combination and.recycling are helpful in achieving sustainability.
— Transport Energy. Increase in transport sector means increase in
consumption of fossil fuels. Thus, transport sector is a polluter of
environment.
— Recycled Proportions. Recycling materials tomeet shortage of resources
is important for sustainability.
Q. 3. State the symptoms and causes of unsustainability.
Ans. The symptoms of unsustainability are: warming, acid
(i) Ecological Symptoms. Depletion of ozone layer, global
—
rains, extinction of species, declining forest cover, etc.
ational and inter-
(i) Economic Symptoms. Economic stress, intra-gener
onal inequities.
Wars and social disturbances resulting
(iii) Beet and Cultural Symptoms,
in mass destruction.
are:
\ Causes of unsustainability ;
i losion 1¢.,
and distribution of natura] resources,
& FOP ee i population
under consumption by the
overconsumption of resources by the rich and
é
mand.
environmental de
*
gh er pe r ca pi ta
(iii) Hi
i.

Sinead
~~ .
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.
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72
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SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SEnies
a.yy
(i¥) Mismanagement between demand and reso
energy, water and other resources, urces, i,e., inefficient use OF
(0) Excessive use of fossil fuels Mak eG Ma
like oll, coal, atc. oe
(vi) Reduction in biodiversity. “2
(vii) Political and economic mismanagement. - ‘
(viti) Insatiable desire to exploit nature, Environmental degradation undeteaig:
mines sustainable growth, '
Q. 4. Elaborate on “Climate change”, its causes and effects with reference to?
(2) Global warming
(b) Ozone layer depletion ,
(c) Acid rain and its effects
- °
Ans. Climate Change. The changes in the physical and environmental facto
of an area over a long period of me are collectively called as climate change.
They may adversely affect the agriculture, migration of animals, hydrologic
cycle, thermal gradient between the poles and equator, wind pattern, distribution
of rainfall, etc.
Causes of Climate Change, Main cause of climate change is man himself.
Anthropogenic (man-made) activities are mainly responsible for upsetting th
delicate balance between the various components of the environment. The:
include population explosion, rapid industrialization, urbanisation, unjudiciou
use of fossil fuels, deforestation, biomass burning, increased use of automobiles,
jet aeroplanes, etc. These activities release greenhouse gases like CO,; methane
N,0 and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), etc., in the atmosphere arid cause
in the average global temperature. .
(a) Global Warming, It is the increase in the average global temperature due
increase in greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere. Contribution of differents
greenhouse gases to global warming are— > ;
* Carbon dioxide. Released from fossil fuels, process of respiration;
volcanic activities, deforestation, etc. The contribution of CO, - fror
combustion of fossil fuels is more than 18 billion tonnes annu ally whické
contributes to about 60% of global warming. eh a
* Chlorofluorocarbons. Released from
refrigerators, air conditioners, plastic foams,
aerosols from jet planes, etc. are responsible
for 14% of global warming.
* Methane. Produced from swamps,
wetlands, paddy fields, burning of biomass,
etc. is responsible for 20% of global
warming,
* Nitrous Oxide (N,0). Sources include
nylon products, burning of coal, breakdown
‘of nitrogen fertilizers in soil, etc.
Responsible for 6% of global warming.
Effects of Global warming:
i) Rise in sea level, Global warming will melt the - j
° estimated that if all the ice melts, about 200
feet of water Would ted i
to stirface of oceans, So

73
CES
FT
POLICIES & PRACTI
| ENVIRONMENTAL
,
} global temperature.
de se rt s, ch an ce s of hurricanes, floods
en, in cr ea si ng
be Increase in Hivubanc
and cyclones. . |
‘and its impacts, [he ozone
(b) Ozone layer depletion'ane is tmp absorb harmful ultraviolet
here made up of oxygen atoms (O;) that
earth’s surface. Ozone
tadiationg, (UV-B) and prevent them from reaching the ted by chemicals
‘oresent,in the stratospheric layer of atmosphere is being deple carbon
Feleaspid into ‘the ‘eienceph like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
ride
yl chlor
methuo
‘tetrafl oform,s, chlorofluoromethanes. When CFCs reach the
‘ozone layer, they-are broken down by UV-B rays and release free chlorine in the
atmosphere that damages ozone.
_ Effects.of Ozone Depletion: .
(i) Exposure to ultra vidlet rays causes skin diseases such as skin cancer.
(ii) Expostite to UV rays has also increased the cases of cataract and
blindness.among people.
(iii) It has a huge impact on plants and animals and their surroundings.
Reduction of plankton population in the oceans is also a result of
_ increased UV exposure due to ozone depletion.
(iv) neve dens to global warming by increasing the global temperature of
e earth. . ‘
(c) Acid Rain. and Its Impact, Acid rain.is the result .of the emissi
sulphates and nitrates into the, atmosphere from the burning of coal to prodwee
electricity. When compounds like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
released are
into the-air, thése substances can rise very high into
the atmosphere,
Where they miix,and react with water, oxygen and other chemicals
acidic pollutants, known agacid rain, to for i
soe more
4 A = ¥
ao . ¥
att i BOOUS .
rt
~ . Pollutanils |<—»> colunee
4 in atmosphere In atmosphere
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Pollutant<
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s In :g
clouds, water
S
& precipitation .
' No, . Hg voc NO,
t K De Nor
Positi on d é
is voc §0, .
r Bmw),
}
. a Acid deposition tn the atmosphere

. SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SERIES
Wet Depositions. It is in the form of acid rai
that are present in the air are blown to areas that n,ar snow.and fog,
e wet and fallThsto ee
th temasin;
the form of rain or fog. This acid in the rain affects
plants and ime "
Dry Depositions. If the weather is dry,
the chemicals present in the:
atmosphere get merged with the dust
trees,vehicles and buildings. When rainandfallssmoke
t and 8 get stuck to the ground,’
“a
o the ground 4
washed from the surfaces and get-mixed into the Sath water, tase Senne
Bet
Effects of Acid Rain: °
— Bffect on Aquatic Animals, Acid rain contains low pH level
and high’
aluminium levels which causes tremendous impact on aquatic life.
At:
lower pH levels, fish eggs cannot hatch and it also results in killing of the:
sh. :
.— Effect on Soil. The chemical and biological components of the soil get:
disturbed. Microbes which cannot tolerate low pH levels get killed.
_— Effect On Forest Vegetation. Acid deposition may affect forest:
vegetation. Acid rain weakens the trees’ natural defenses, making them’
more vulnerable to diseases and pests. Acid rain may remove soil’
nutrients such as calcium and magnesium from soils causing damage to:
trees and affecting their growth. . oe 4
— Effect On Humans. Thé chemicals in acid Tain are harmfulto human;
health. When human skin comes in contact with this type of rain, it may:
develop infections and other skin diseases. When people breathe in the;
air after acid rain they may develop heart.and lung related problems: It;
may lead to diseases like bronchitis and asthma. Acidity in the air even;
causes damage to man-made structures like buildings and monuments. 2
Q. 5. (a) Elaborate the constitutional provisions relating to the environ-ment;
laid in India. - . 4
~ (b) Write a short note on “The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972”. 3
Ans. (a) The constitutional provisions relating to the environment laid in;
India,. i
India has a long history of environmentalism an d there were various!5
enactments to tackle environmental problems. India was the first coumay
amend the Constitution of India endorsing environmental protection a|
i t.
in 1976 and came to effect in January,
w the 424 Amendment Act was adopted ; 3
1977. ts fox protect
icl e 47 obl ige d the cent ral gov ern men t to protect Se
Art the State io. ma Sing the pone
e 48A has bee n ins ert ed to enjo in
Articl r 4
improvement nt and for s fegu
of the environme
and country. _ a rotedts
in the
ra a Ce lakes oes at ie ae
W artiste SIA (g) mentioned it shall tbeinclu " s ‘
the natur al envii ronmen
and improve
and to have compassion for the living creatures. yjronment in the jurisdiction off
India’s en . a
There are a number of laws to protect a
* the federal and state governments. ke laws relating to interna
parliament to m A.
Article 253. It empowers
agreements and conventions.

ar:
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES & PRACTICES 75
Lew
oe
pe
“
‘ Article 252. It mentions that at least two or more state legislatures should pass
nt
resolutions empowering the parliament to pass water related laws as “water” is
* on State list.
(i) The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was passed in 1974.
att
pe,
eter a
(if) The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1981.
(iii) The Stockholm Conference on Human Environment, 1972—emphasized
22
Pas
on environmental problems endangering health and safety of people and

PEL
—
flora and fauna.

(iv) In 1980, Government of India appointed Tiwari Committee on
CEFR
i
ee
environmental issues. Department of Environment was established on its

e
[Sa
recommendations, modal agency for environmental protection and

og Se
conservation.
Pree
(v) In 1985, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi created Ministry of Environment

iy
‘
and Forests:
eS
47
' (vi) Environment Protection Act, 1986 was launched thereafter.

c
en
(b) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This Act was framed to protect and conserve
9
.- wildlife, which includes wild animals, birds and plants. This act is implemented
ro
c: Objeetie India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

PPR
| Objectives of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

* Biodiversity preservation and protection.
ay
.
* Protection of wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves.

ae
* Maintenance of infrastructure and strengthening management of

+ TU,
national parks and sanctuaries.

: Constitution of Wildlife Advisory Board. The Wildlife Advisory Board
po consists following members, namely:
(i) The minister in charge of forests in the state or union territory, or, if there
is no such minister, the chief secretary to the state government, or, as the
case be, the chief secretary to the government of the union territory, who
shall be the chairman;
(it) Two members of the state legislature or, in the case of a union territory
having a legislature, two members of the legislature of the union
territory, as the case may be;
(tif) Secretary to the state government, or the government of the union
_ territory, in charge of forests;
(iy) The forest officer in charge of the state forest department.
(v) An officer to be nominated by the director.
(vi) Chief wildlife warden.
(vii) Officers of the state government not exceeding five;
fit) Such other person, not exceeding ten, who, in the opinion of the state
* government, are interested in the protection of wildlife, including the
representatives of tribals not exceeding three.
of the Board.
* It selects the area, which is to be declared as sanctuaries, national parks
and conserved area.
* To frame new policies for protection and conservation of the wildlife.
* To identify and take necessary steps for tribal welfare.
‘

76
: SHIVA DELI UNIVENSITY SENIES
Prohibiting hunting. Chief wildlife ;
animal lias become dangerous war den permits hunting only if any wilt
to human life and diseased beyond recovery
killing in self-defense, | ©
Declaration of Sanctuary National Park
/ Closed Area, If a particular aren ia;
a marcel flora, fauna and
eoldred as @ sanctuary for the purposenatural resources then that area can bé&
of protection,
wildlife and its environment, propapating or developing
Usefitl Terminology: P propsgans
* Animal Includes amphibians, birds, mammal
s and reptiles, with
* Animal articles includes things made
from animals or using its parts.
* Hunting includes
— Killing, capturing, trapping, snaring of any wild animol
.
= Injuring or destroying any part or take any part of the body of att
animal, #
Q. 6. Explain the main provisions of:
(a) Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, *s
(6) Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Ans. (a) Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, :
This Act is?
designed with an objective for preservation and to restore
wholesomeness of’
water boules by controlling water pollution, The Central and
State Pollution:
Control Boards were constituted in order to enforce this Act.
‘— Tt regula 2
tes both private and public sector.
~ This act can cover a wide range of water bodies,
Functions of the Board.
~ Coordinate State Boards and settle thelr disputes,
— Provide technical assistance and guidance.
— Set standards for streams and wells,
— Advise Central Government specially on preventing water
~ Create pollution. .
environmental awareness and state boards
for the union
territories. ,
— Promote research and investigate water pollution probl
ems.
Functions of the State Board,
— Prevention, control or abatement of pollution in streams and
— Inspecting sewage or wells, at
industrial effluent, including municipal’ plants for aa
the treatinentt of sewage or trade effluent. Be
— Setting standards for the discharge of sewage and indus
Term inologies and Definitions.
trial effluent,
* Outlet includes any conduct pipe or channel, carrying sewage ot tra de i!
ie
effluent.
. 4
wie
Pollution means contamination of iwater or alteration
of
chemical and biological properties of water. 7 Physical,
Sewer means any conduct pipe or channel Open
or clos
sewage or trade effluent. sed, carrying
Sewage effluent means effluent from any sewage
disposal and Includes sullage from open drains, Age system or Beware
Stream includes river, water course, inland water,
subterranean water \ ‘3 =|
and bea or Heal water, '
v
—
‘
a?

& PRACTICES 7 77
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
§ and rules laid in 1975.
aS: Ame
ndments in Water Act were done in 198
t.
may conduct survey or
| : Aeon Or in information. The state board
obtain information for purpose of perfor ming ce,functions under this act.
sour
sample of water from any
ke of
- to enter place for the purpose
= Power "of entry nd lispection
performing its funetion. ing matter into a stream or
Power of prohibition on disposal of pollut
the
~ Power of entry and inspection. Central Government officers have
‘ Inspect any
“to place,
~ Power ” take sere ‘They have the power to take samples of air,
water, soil or substances from industry.
—~ Power to establish laboratories and appoint government analysis for
analysis of water, soil and other substances.
— To impose penalties for violating the provisions of the Act. .
. (b) Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Due to increasing
Andustrialisation, there is a growing problem of air pollution, posing serious
threat to human health and environment. Thus, this act was introduced at the
“United Nations Conference held:in Stockholm, 1972 to preserve and control
‘quality of air, - .
awl . The main objectives of this‘Act are:
: * Establishment of boards for the preservation and control of air pollution.
® Maintaining the'quality of air,
* Prevention and control of air polltition.
Functions of Central Bodird:
| ~ It gives advice to the central government, relating to the improvement of
ale quality of air and preverition, control of air pollution.
: ae
lg = To provid e technical assistance to the state boards to carry out and
sponsor invest igations and research related to the control and prevention
re air pollution.
— To organise and plan training of persons en i
preve ntion and control of alepollution. gaged in programmes for the
j ae| — To lay down guidelines and permissible,
i : quality of air, non- Permissible standards for,
ae — To establish
“4% Functions of State laboratories
Board, to cond .
neuct analytical experiments for air quality,
f
— It is an advisory ond recommendatory body, gives
fe recommendations to which
; the, state goVernmen
t on the matters related to
B 1 of air pollution,
ab, persons engaged |
' ak pollution. :
aSi — Ttean
It inspects the dalr Pollution coatrol areas,
also lay
Own standards for emissi
on of alt pollutants,

hE
78
=
SHIVA DEUH UNIVER
SITY SERIES
i
Powers of the Boar
d,
.
—
oes ee
pollution,
~ It has the power to Jo
and yinddow
ust n rial sta
olanda
nterds: for emission of air; pollutants a
eee
from automo biles
SS
— They have the righ
t to enter an wf
equipment, industrial pl any con trol”
— The board has the powean t, ricordl veslons ae
r to take samples froan
warning
air quality, m imney 2 sae
Penalties for the Violation of 7 enI
this Act. Defaulters of this Yact oF maysoa
imprisonment for up to 3 months and h gets 4
continued, it may extend to %100 per day. to give 25,000 as fine. If offence is a
Sch Fan. 80, sagdba beats Fora

Q. 7. Write short notes on:
.
(a) Environment Protection Act
wn
(6) Forest Conservation Act a
rl
. Bi
(c) Nature Reserves
ci
tier! 4
Ans. (2) Environment Protection Act, 1986. This act was made as an aftermath wh
the Bhopal
ofprovide Gas Tragedy of 1984, This is an umbrella designed to
legislatitheon activitie
——
=
a framew for Central Govern
ork to co-drdin
ment ate of 25 s
oe
+
various central and state authorities established under other laws, such as Wate®:
eS
Act and Air Act. " =
a
ib
According to EPA, environment includes water, air, land and their inter=2
SS
i
relationship with human beings, other living creatures, plants and=
microorganisms. The Act notified rules relating to various ‘aspects of
management of hazardous chemicals, wastes, microorganisms, etc.
The main features of the Act are: a
(i) The Act empowers the Central Government to take measures, as it deems 345
necessary for protecting and improving the quality of environment. =a
whicitie
(ii) The Central Government may also put restrictions on an area in
operatic: F
any industry, operation or process or class of industries or
shall not be carried out. oo &
(iii) The Act authorizes the Centra’ Government to issue direction fort a
ibitition or
closure, prohibi regulati
reg the , operatio
on of any industry ly ofn electricit y omitssad
or process.
The Central Government ca® stop ree ebtaining saat order. sae
water or any other service directly wit 6 categories of indus 25
(iv) Emissions and effluent standards soine
notified far. power 1 collect samples of @ as
i
have been evolved and th
(v) The government has been given a dence for offences under
water, soil or othersubstances 2s prescribed for handling
a7ardolo=
(vi) A special procedure can

j substances. tants are tty thos
,/ (vif) The standards in respect of ar ‘their notification specially
from date ©
ear ing.
j ghly pollut
r are identified as hi
Pet otics a

. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES & PRACTICES 79
viii) A private citizen may file a complaint, after giving no

= ange to the concerned authority. : Sting ence ar aes ep
(b) Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Forest constitutes very important natural
Ra resource for living beings. Forest Conservation Act came into being in 1980. This
Mkt, Act is applicable to the whole of India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Wk: Main provisions of this Act are: ;
(i) Imposing restriction on the use of forest land for non forest purpose.
(ii) To constitute an advisory committee, which acts as recommendatory and
advisory body in the matters connected to the conservation of forests.
(iii) According to the.Act, prior approval is taken from central government to
declare de-reserved forest as de-reserved or when forest land is diverted
to non-forest purpose.
(iv) Penalty is imposed if provisions of this Act are not properly followed.
(v) ns plantations have to be cultivated over the degraded
rest.
(vi) To control shifting cultivation and encroachment.
(vii) Central government holds an authority to carry out provisions of this
Act.
(viii) Multi-disciplinary approach to be followed for conservation of forests.
lis. The Forest Act was amended in 1988 to incorporate stricter panel provisions
wk; against violators. .
me: (c) Nature Reserves. Nature reserves are areas, which are set aside with an
Ni objective to preserve animals, plants or both. The nature reserves are different
Mi from the national parks for they are smaller with the sole objective to protect the
in the reserves for
Wy. nature. Their aim is also to keep the endangered species
Mi protecting them from being hunted and to keep them away from hunters who
Mi, have brought them close to extinction. It not only controls the wildlife numbers
They also
4k. but also conserves their habitat and controls trade in wildlife products.
f) provide areas for research and development on endangered species of animals
f). and plants. establishment of
©The biodiversity in India has been conserved through the
and community
* . wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tiger reserves, conservation of
passing
Ma: reserves, biosphere reserves and reserved forests especially after the in 18
Protection Act, 1972. The natural habitat in India is protected
Hix. the Wildlife
s are
8 Biosphere Reserves. The wildlife, flora and fauna and human communitie
It. protected in the protected regions. A few to mention are:
i + Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu
Uttarakhand
* Nanda Devi National Park and Biosphere Reserve,
» Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, West Bengal
Islands
= Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, Andaman & Nicobar
in India and also relate
i ~Q. 8. Elucidate the rights given to the tribal people
®. the conservational priorities of tribals.
Or P
provisions in India to secure the traditional rights of
Elaborate legal
If scheduled tribes. Also describe the efforts indigenous people make ©
:. conserve the environment.

80 SIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SENIES gat
Ans. Tribal societies are dependent on forest and forest produce for their
substances since centuries, Every indigenous community has rich wisdom and
tradition of conserving natural resources and managing them for sustainable use.
This cultural heritage of the tribal people was recognized and preserved in the
Constitution by declaring areas largely inhabited by the tribal communities as
“Scheduled Areas” and formulating special provinces for their governance.
Legal Provisions:
To safeguard the rights of scheduled tribes living on forestlands, unique
legislations have been introduced. Various legislations have been made just to
focus on their socio-economic empowerment and sought to tindo the historic
injustice meted out to the tribals,
Some of the legislations are:
* The Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition
of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA). | ,
* The Provision of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, S38
1996 (PESA). aa
* Minor Forest Produce Act, 2005.
* The Tribal Sub-Plan Strategy. e
* The Land Acquisition Bill, renamed as the Right to Fair Compensation:333
and Transparency in Land Acquistion, Rehabilitation and Resettlement233
Bill, 2012 incorporates special provisions for SCs and STs,
* The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their
Rehabilitation Bill, 2013 with aim to abolish the inhuman practice of
manual scavenging and rehabilitate the liberated manual scavengers
belonging to the scheduled castes. ; ;
The Government of India also has special schemes to enable actess tol
opportunities including scholarships for education, finariclal support and skill
building, for setting up enterprises, reservations in jobs, and special courts to
address instances of atrocities and violence,
Tribal people and Conservation of Environment:
Tribals have a long tradition in India to worship nature. They strive to maintain
natural resources for they are dependent on them, thus they create a perfect
mutual relationship between humans and environment. The respect for indi-
genous knowledge, culture and traditional practices contributes to
sustainable
and equitable development. Thus, their approaches are more eco-friendly.
Tribals are dwellers of the forests and biodiversity: Tribals have criticized
the.
developmental projects vehemently, which harm the environment they worship,
:
There are a number of practical] struggles by the tribals to Preserve the forests:
and its animals such as— aes
(i) Bishnoi Community in Rajasthan, India have been protecting forests: N
since the 18'" century.
(ii) Chipko movement offering resistance to the destructioi\-
of forests j
Uttar Pradesh, me h a h 2
iii) 300 Gonds in Mendho, a tiny village in the Gade di SNS
“ Maharashtra boycotted the paper mill destroying foreste nati ota the
construction of two dams that would have submerged Inne ie Tne
Vicinity. : e
AN
a1
ENVINONMENTAL POLICIES & PRACTICES
of Raja sthan, the efforts of tribals in planting andr —

(iv) Ine a isan ate revving Johads fered vais to stop rainwate
underground springs.
.
0.5. Witde gon unde
d restoring
Wildlife Conflict n (HW
rstand by Human ures C)? Give
India, Also what meao
jn can be take to avoid the
‘examples of HWC
‘conflicts?
een humans and
Ans. Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC). Any interaction betw
t wildlife Utat results In negative impacts on human social, economic or cultural
ed
life, on the conacrvation-of wildlife populations, or on the environment is term
6 Human Wildlife Conflict, Human, wildlife conflict Js becoming a serious
danger to the survival of many endangered species in the world, It occurs when
+ wildlife harm human life or property or when the human activities are harmful
: for the wildlife,
| Reasoris for HWC: oo
(i) Shrinking habitat. With population explosion occurring gradually
c people are coming in direct contract with wildlife. People necessitate the
t expansion of settlements inside or near the premises of animals. This has
t Jead to encroachment into the wildlife habitats, shrinking of species into
b marginal habitat areas and direct competition with local communities.
(lf) Alteration of natural food and water availability. Humans also attempt -
to use the natural resources such as fish and grassland pastures which
constitute natural resources of food for the animals,
Human Wildlife Conflict in India:
-
The growing human population, deforestation, loss of habitat and decline in
b thelr prey species are few major reasons behind the human wildlife conflict in
E India. India has a vast number of species present with some exceptionally fierce
b large wildlife specics which are endangered globally such as tiger, Asian
* elephant and snow leopard. These animals sometimes come in close vicinity of
. humans and the results are fatal,
~ In India, people and wildlife generally live in close proximity and wide-
ranging wildlife do not reside in forests. The direct contact of wildlife
and humans occuts in both urban and rural areas and inside and around
protected areas, Sometimes, conflict of animals straying on grazing lands
and crop fields are noticed. There have also been episodes of serious
conflicts with lion, leopard, etc. For example, snow leopard conflicts in
Himalayan region in India are common, Leopard attacks on humans are
regularly reported only in India. ‘
- The wild animals hence overlap with the human settlements that have
resulted in attacks on cattle farmers and labourers.
— The wild animals sometimes enter into houses in search of prey and
carry away cattle, gonts, children, etc.
— The interactions between humans and wildlife sometimes results in
hindrance on roads and are also responsi :
nsible f or tailway :
Some incidents of HWC in India: P accidents.
* The Bandipur Tiger Reserve
in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the
_Anamalal Tiger Reserve in So uth India have
conservation areas for Asian
TS aD
62 SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SERies
elephant where such incidents of
ld
elephants destroying cro
property, injuring and scarin
g human lives are often damagi
Deh
elephants are exposed to r etalla se al s Even the
tory killing and are wounded
commercial purposes, for:?
* In Sariska Wildlife Sanctua ty,
species of wild herbivores like
Sambar and Chital are responsible Nilgai, :
for crop raiding.
* In Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, the density of rhe
which causes problems like monkey sus mo nkeys is very high
bites, stealing, damaging and:
destroying property.
Need for Coexistence. There are a number of ways that can be embraced to’
avoid and prevent huma n wildlife conflict. These include:
(i) Wildlife translocation or human relocation.
(if) Distance from nature reserves.
(iit) Electric fencing.
(iv) Building local capacity in conflict resolution. /
(v) An increasing public understanding of HWC. 4
(vi) Education about dealing with dangerous wild animals.
ad
okt
aah Aan
ms Nc
*
uw
Sata
be Gir
sites abetenet
Rar
= ESET » ee * eet
4
i
bald enrich
es aaa
a
—
ib

‘Human Communities
& The Environment
its impact on
Q. 1..What do you understand by population explosion? State
nvironment, human health and welfare.
Or
has significantly affected
How can you state that human population growth
vironment, human health and welfare?
the past hundred
_Ans. The rapid and dramatic growth in population over
years has been called as population explosion. According to an estimate, world
se by almost one
population of 7.2 billion in mid 2013 was projected to increa
n the next twelve years, reaching 8.1 billion in the year 2015
‘billion people withi
#e and to further increase to 9.6 billion by 2050.

o4 SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SENIES
The main renson for world’s population growth is the deviation
in birth an
death rates. When the birth rate is higher than the death rates, the
populatic
grows. Thus, the number of people in the world
has grown rapidly. T
maximum population on Earth is young thus there is a ‘population
moment
resulting in increase {n population. Most of the population
taking place in the developing world, where rates of incfeasegrowt h is curren
are much higher
than the industrialized world, The size of population and
its rate of growth are
the major factor s leading to environmental degradation and rapid
natural resources, The faster is the increase in popula depletion.
tion, the more rapid is
depletion of natural resources,
The world’s population is unevenly spread in 233 countries across the. glo
and most of the world population lives in a few countries.
Impacts of Growing Population on:
1, Environment. Population has a deep Impact on environment and issues |
population explosion have put an increasing demand on earth
It has given rise to various problems like illiteracy, unemployme and its resou eas
poverty. It has created an interrelated web of environmen
nt, pollution and:
tal problerns. We
destroying our natural resources and biological diversities,
Developing
underdeveloped nations exert pressure on environment because
s Se of increa
resource consumption. Uneven utilization of resources and the
generation off
wastes are reasons for exerting tremendous environmental pressure.
India is facing an intense crisis of resources, There is fierce competitio
nation’s limited resources. The fast growth of population has affect n for thes
of life of people in India.
ed the qualit
2. Human Health and Welfare. The impact population explo Bs
the most dangerous thing caused by population. There is sion on health is”
between
a direct relationship
food, housing, sanitation and health.
“3
(i) Due to increase in population, people do
not get sufficient quantity o
food which affects their health and produc
tivity. Low productivity:
causes low per capita income and thus poverty.
(ii) Inadequate and unbalanced food makes people —
weak and susceptible to:
diseases. Excessive population leads to poo
malnutrition, overcrowding
r standards of sanitatior
, pollution of air and water causes severa
health problems. The quality of life
of the Population is direct]
proportional to quality of environment.
(iii) The major problem created by popula
tion explosion is that it affects the
economy and progress of nations,
Q. 2. Briefly explain the following:
(a) Disaster (b) Flood .
(d) Cyclone (e) Landslide (¢) Earthquake
Or -
What is a disaster? Also explain common! occur
rj : an
flood, earthquake, cyclone and landslide, y 56 disasters in India like Be
Ans. (a) Disaster. A disaster is a sudden,
shocking event bringin a
damage, loss and destruction and devastation of life
caused by disasters is immeasurable and varies with and prop Te NG great.
the Beopraphient earns S
on, “%

a5
uMAN COMMUNITIES & TE /degr This

of vulnerability.
ed
th' s ar ea l and cu ur al st ate of the affect
limate and the type of the ear Me
nfluences the mental, soclo-economlc, P nce of a
ren, There are two types of See ashes which occurs @ g a conseque ental nm
()) Natural Disasters. A lencle t an, economic al and enviro
nal Nucat hazExa ds 5 toeahu
ardmple,and the 201 mauan,ke G08)
rthq Pa eman activities niches
(if) cae tolegical weapons, indaustrial

mae siade Disasters. Theseleal are an e, the 1984 Bhop 1 Gas
Te: eros ea nceldents etc. For exampl
pollu
j > Pe *
Hazard
po
7 mae Vulnerability | —* DISASTER ~*—
pos —
. 1
’ Trigger event
Eanhequtie
a Dynamic Unsafe
Underlying nunemis
Causes Pressure Conditions
* Dangerous Floods
= Limited * Lack of Cyclones
= Institutions location
pocess 10
cheatin
~~ training . bulldings Drought eruption
Voleanic *
emeercen
#* Tilness and sndslide
= kills . © Low income
dignbilithes
level tends
* Apo/eox * Population
Technological accident
. ree
nent Environmental pollution
"' i
®ouUncontrolled
development,
® Environmedial
degradation
’ (b) Flood, Flood is a ‘natural as well as man made disaster which affects
human habilitation over large areas causing Joss of lives and property. It is an
overflow of a large amount of water beyond its normal limits, especially over
dry lands. It is the result of long periods of heavy rainfall, from overflowing
rivers, sudden cloud burst, from sudden melting of snow, cyclone, dam collapse,
late
- Floods cause great distress as they damage cro Ps, property and life.
i Homes
are destroyed , making people homeless, It also erodes soil . Moreover, it may
: 0 =ito alne as the crops are destroyed and soil gets
iquake, Tremors eroded.
and vibrations in the crust of the earth are
‘earthquakes. called
learth’s crust that creates seismic waves dden release of energy in the
device known as a seismograph, arthquakes are measured with a
me of Earthquake;
| !) Crustal
ey lead to outa
; <
tic forces are the main cause of earthquakes.
| are termed as "Tee toni

' of Nepal.
ments of+the crustal blocks. Such earthquakes
c Earthquakes
er,
. For example, the
-
2015 earthquake
(1) Voleanic Eruptions Voleanic

Of the P also cause many earthquakes
sald to be of velo
anie Ofiptn’, Plosive eruptions, Such earthquakes are

B65
SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY
SENIES
Impacts of earthquake include dis
ruption in tran
dams, power installations and Sport, damage to large
even nuclea r power plants, S
earthquakes may result in collap
sing buildi
ul or objects, ' shatterin & Of glass winngs, walls, bridges, falling
furniture j
electricity lines, dows and
sometimes eve
n leadin to floods, landslides ea
this may cause huge loss of life and g Pro ne 3
perty and also harm the |
environment of the affected region,
(d) Cyclone. Cyclones are violent storms, often of vast exten 4
t; these are
associated with turbulent weather conditions with high velocity winds,
4
cloudiness and rainfall. These are known by different names in different regions. #7
They are called depressions in Bay of Bengal, hurricanés in Caribbean Sea, willy-
willy in Australia, typhoons in China and tornadoes in USA and West Africa.
Damages from cyclones are caused by the strong winds, torrential rains and “4
high storm tides. During intense cyclones people are advised to stay alert and {5
. stay awake, to stay outside the homes, -be alert for any sudden increase’ or
decrease in water flow. a
(e) Landslide. A landslide is the movement of rocks, debris or earth downa -3
slope of a mountain. They result from the failure ‘of the materials which make up =
the hill slope and are driven by the force of gravity. Landslides may be caused. “
by natural forces or from the activities of people: It may be caused by an =
earthquake but is generally the result of rain soaking the ground. Rainwater +
causes erosion, upping the chances of a landslide. Flowing rivers, moving .4
glaciers and crashing ocean waves may cause erosion leading to landslides. It is =
commonly seen in mountainous regions along eroding river banks and 4
coastlines. Overgrazing by cattle on hills may weaken the soil and cause a
landslide. Clearing land for agriculture or construction are human activities that ; 2
ig
expose slopes to erosion causing landslides.
Q. 3. What do you understand by the term disaster management? Give:
and
appropriate disaster management tips for floods, earthquakes, cyclones
” eee Dhcarter Management is the discipline of dealing with and avoiding -

risks, In.general, it is the continuous process by which’all individuals , groups and 2
the. 3
communities manage hazards in an effort to avoid or minimize the impact of
disasters resulting from hazards. a
.
Disaster Management Cycle:
ures are taken up in anticipation
(i) Reaponse and Relief. Immediate meas
cts are minimized. This is done
of disaster to ensure that the effe fo
immediately after the disaster. 7
. Recovery includ
i
tak en up by the gov ern men t, NGOs and other foo
“ initiatives i com mun ica tion, ~— 5% ee wae
los s of pro per ty,
Recovery is of the
De ve lo pm en t. De ve lo pm en t of the destroyed property
(iii) es.
‘easter is
for future purpos
itis helpful
an y act ion tak en to min imi ze the ene s oe deduring a::
(iv) Wattigatinn, en up before,
known as mitiga tion. Mitigation can be tak
disaster.

HUMAN COMMUNITIES & THE ENVIRONMENT 87
(v) Preparedness, It involves measures that enable povernm
communities and individuals to respond rapidly to disaster situations
. ’ .
ts,
. and cope with them effectively.
Oe
Recovery
NN
Response
Disaster Management Tips During:
He 1, Earthquake. Earthquakes give no warning at all. Here are some tips for
f. keeping safe during a quake—
‘ (i) Go under a table or other steady, strong furniture; kneel, sit or stay close
to the floor.
(ii) If no furniture is there, kneel or sit close to the floor next to a structurally
sound interior wall.
red
(iii) Move away from windows, mirrors, bookcases and other unsecu
heavy objects.
(iv) Never use the lift.
(v) If outdoors, move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights and
utility wires,
(vi) Listen to a mo bile radio or television for the
latest emergency
information.
2. Floods. Floods come with warnings.
Before Floods:
s.
(i) Safe routes should be known to nearest shelter
portable radio, torch, dry
- (i) An emergency kit should be prepared with bamboo sticks, salt,
_ food, drinking water, clothes, waterproof bags,
sugar, first aid supplies etc. .
to move to safe places or lo
(ii) When you hear a flood warning, prepare
higher locations.
Stay tune d to your phon e, TV, or radi o for weather updates, emergency
(iv)
Be instructions or evacuation orders.
" During Floods:
: (i) Drink boiled water.
lime to disinfect the surroundings.
(ii) Use bleaching powder and out for
awa re of area s whe re flo odw aters have receded and watch
(iii) Be walkways.
debris. Floodwaters often erode roads or

= INVA DELIN UNIVERSITY SERIES
(iv) Do not attempt to drive through areas that are stil] floodet allen P
(v) Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charge
lines,
3. Landslides. They come without any warning at any time. 1
(i) Stay alertand awake, Many debris-flow fatalities occur eae bias :
sleeping. Listen to mobile radio or television for warnings 0 Neb ris
(ii) Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving euirentel
(iit) 1€ near any stream or channel, be alert for any sudden
decrease in water flow. ‘
(iv) Be specially alert while driving. . a
(v) Evacuate or get out of the path of a landslide or debris-flow’ if ¥g
suspect any danger. oi
(vi) Develop a family disaster plan and learn and share about the risks,
landslides.
(vii) After a landslide, stay away from the slide area, check for injured :
trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area.
4. Cyclones. Cyclones usually come with warnings and: often cyclone proti
areas are evacuated when a cyclone is predicted. In such instances, we m
ensure the following: “f
(i) Make available sufficient stock of food grains or food packets, keroseit
lanterns and other dry foods.
(if) Proper shelter camps for homeless people. :
(iii) Ensure availability of medicines, dry cell batteries/torches, sola
operated equipments such as lights, pumps and other rela
equipments etc. ;
(io) All the government vehicles should be kept in road-worthy condition fo!
putting them to use in the emergency.
(v) Power failure is sikely to occur in affected areas hence a stock o
generators must be maintained,
( vi) imined ate ion eee
Communicat facilitiesforare“alikely phones et disry thon
to . gmobile
make
. 4, Explain with reference to am, the im
ie ‘ei ca the livelihood of people. "Pact the construction of
Ans. The pursuit of development has led to environme ntal devastation and ‘
exploitation of natural resources, It has adversely affected
farmers, landless labourers and tribals.
Construction of a dam has connected ecological hazards whi
deep impact on the livelihood of people, For inotance the dip may have a a
environmentalists and the human rights activists have opposed People, the -
like Narmada or Tehri, In the protest against the Tehri Dam j Megaprojects ‘
Garhwal, the ath
questions of rehabilitation and other environmental issues ni
ated to the dam Me
have been raised,
THE TEHRI DAM~—A CASE STUDY _ °
The Tehri dam has been conceptualized as ono ae
world on two Himalayan rivers, the Bhagirathi and ‘te Righest dams of the an
and was expected to yleld benefits to the society, Ban In Uttarakhand as

; , ical surveys found that the area was vulnerable to seismic
ctvity, Thee. re Tenis opposed the dam. One other reason attached for
opposition was religious belief for they considered Bhagirathi as a sacred river.
tehabilitation and resettlement was also another issue. The Uttar Pradesh
sovernment went ahead with the project in spite of opposition from all quarters.
Wi’ Effects of the Construction of Dam:
(i) It would submerge 5200 hectare of land.
(ii) It affected one town, ie, Tehri, 37 villages fully and 88 villages partially
where residents were to vacate their ancestral homes and agricultural
aX: fields.
Mi Rehabilitation Plan:-
K: The rehabilitation plan for families coming under submergence due to Tehri
a dam had two components, rural and urban rehabilitation.
fst Rural Rehabilitation—affected families were, ‘fully or partially affected’. 5,500
igTamilies were fully affected whereas 4000 were partially affected.
=, Urban Rehabilitation—5000 families living in the town were considered
fully
ected. ;
Mi | The basic principles that had guided formation of Rehabilitation Policy
na are:
(i) Rural ouster to be compensated with allotment of agricultural
land or
cash.
(if) Rural ousters to be settled in large blocks.
(iii) Ousters or their representatives are involved in selecting rehab
ilitation
centers,
(iv) Consideration should be given to the preference of the ouste
settlement r for
at & particular center, :
-(v) Community facilities should be provided at the rural rehabilitation
centers, ot . .
Rehabilitation Problem: ©
ai © The displacement of human ‘population is
always traumatic. The restoration,,
— Compensation and rehabilitation problems
are related to the developmental
f projects. A good rehabilitation policy
should not make anybody worse-off and
» the displaced should be adequately compensated for the sacr
> national cause. ifice made for the
There were loopholes in the Tehri
Rehabilitation Scheme:
(f) a1Land allotted as Compensation
. The land ‘allotted w as in Dehradun,
ready under severe pressure due
to urban expansion, tourism: and
limestone quarrying,
e general principe of rehabilitation is ‘land

this came to actual
and nothing for landless’,
people resulting in st
Sunderlal Bahuguna
later led to suspensio
years of peaceful protests,
Work restarted on the dam * *1OWever, despite the - |
Q. 5. Write short notes
(a) Chipko Movement on following: . ee!
(b) Silent Valley Move
ment
(c) Bishnois of Rajasthan
valley by the forest department to be cleared and ‘allotte eo

company. When the contractors came to cut the forest they one pods 1)
participation of villagers and specially women protecting trees from
deforestation. Each woman hugged the trees to prevent them from being cufi
down. The villagers formed a huge chain using their hands and encircled trees toa
prevent them from being felled. Sh
Sunderlal Bahuguna led the movement along with other activists. Initially the!
movement opposed deforestation, but later, large issues of ecology and¥
environmental protection were included. The movement spread amongst other
areas like in Doon valley, Western and Eastern Ghats safeguarding &
environment.
(b) Silent-Valley Movement.
over 90 kilometers.
Silent valley situated in Palgha t district of Kerala is spread the chirping sounds
This densely forested valley is so deep cpand peaceful that even
th
of crickets can be heard. Environmentalist vie of oa
e that the; valley was one
y plants and ma
world’s richest biological and genetic heritages, vl of ne
forests in India and home for over 900 spe Planning o mmission of India
endangered species of animals and birds. i “lowing across the valley wit
approved a hydel project on the river ‘Kunth Oe The ople opposed it due to itsi
MW of electricity. The pe
an objective to generate 240 . als, many ich belonged
of whic! ch ed. \ toya s
(KSSP) launched,
, forest cover. and anim Sahitya Paris had cer) a 2 = 4
endangued Series, The Kerala Sastriya
Mass movement. ittee on Environmental ee ( = to cal off tee
;
The National ‘Committee
*Co rebels compelled the sta te ete
govermmen
4 into a National p
Negative reports. These iJent valley wasod. CO
80. Th e 5
project in December, 19rr v
al su oundings 4 preser
sO that its ecologic
t.
(c) The Bishnois of Rajasthan: Defenders of the Environmen
Bishnois are a small tr'bal community belonging to Khejri village in Rajasthan
who are nature lovers and preservers due to their deep religious commitments.
They practice environmental conservation as a part of their daily religious duty.
Their ardent belief is that cutting a tree or killing an animal or bird is sacrilege.
The religion of Bishnois, an offshoot of Hinduism, was instituted by Guru
Maharaj Jambaji. They are considered as first eco-warriors. Their history is of
confrontation with local monarchs who attempted to interfere in their sacred
zones. About three centuries back, the king of Jodhpur desired to build a palace
and soldiers were sent for acquiring timber from the forests where Bishnois
dwelt. This'met tough resistance by the locals led by women who encircled the
trees to protect them with their bodies. The soldiers killed the protestors and
about 200 Bishnois sacrificed their lives in the honour of injunctions formulated
by their Guru.
Even today, the Bishnois follow respect, love and protection of nature with the
same zeal. '
Q. 6. Write notes on—
(a) Environmental Movements
(b) Environmental Ethics. _
Ans, (a) Environmental Movements. ,
¢ With the rise of environmen talis m rises the misus of Mother Earth. Whatever
e
4. is given to the environment is coming back to us as the rage of the environment.
4: Thus, there is a diye need of cultural issues and environmental ethics to be
& ©incorporated in governance.
We: The environment includes all the natural resources. These natural resources
Hi. and habitats are being misused and exploited in the form of land degradation,
W® water pollution, air pollution and deforestation. There have been many efforts
<> made in order to reclaim the environment by people through voluntary
Mas’ organizations which are concerned about the environment. The victims of
development resort to various means to get their voice heard like, protests,
demonstrations, suicidal fasts and other such non-violent environmental
nrovements.
Sunderlal Bahuguna, an activist who started the Chipko Movement, in 1974
ae. referred to these movements as, “the ray of hope in the midst of darkness”. These
12° movements are aimed at overcoming hunger, non-sustainability, injustice etc.
me and establishing human and environmental consideration. There have been many
movements which increase awareness on conservation and are concerned with
development and depletion of resources,
The common characteristics in these movements are:
(i) They emerge from the question of social justice.
(ii) These movements focus on sustainable growth.
(iii) These have been at the grassroots and mobilize poor workers over land
‘cand forests, fishermen or tribals.
iv) These movements have been generally non-violent.
Ye) These movements have attracted a lot of media attention through their
3 ods like street plays, padyatras, etc.

se SINIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SERIES
Types of environmental movements can be divided into three broad groul
although these overlap many a times. These are:
(i) The land related protests.
(ii) The water related protests.
(iii) The animals related activism.
(b) Environmental Ethics. * en oe
Environmental ethics refers to the standards of moval conduct amor
individuals, value-oriented decisions and approach of culture or re ee
especially with reference to the environment. Environment means something We
environs, 1e., encircles all our surroundings, the natural world in a inch
with the living and non-living objects around us. The word ‘ethics’ derived fr nt
‘ethios’ means guiding beliefs, standards or ideals of a community or peop!
Thus, environmental ethics define the moral basis of environment
responsibility, The society has the environmental responsibility to ensure that the:
earth is kept hospitable and pleasant. for human beings. The’ environments
deserves care and consideration. 8
Most of the attitude towards the environment can be divided into following
three groups: . an
(i) Preservation Ethic. It considers nature to be special in itself and thus:
. Should be preserved at social and economic cost. . me
(if) Development Ethic. It assumes that human race is and should be the:
master of nature and that the earth and its resources exist for our benefi
and pleasure. a
(iif) Conservation Ethic. It stresses a bala
nce between total development an
absolute preserva
tion,
The Eastern cultural and religious traditions can be help
of the nature and averting ecological ful in achieving
disasters. The Indian culture, phil resp
and its ethical values emphasize on envi oso
ronmental values and environmen
protection,
Q. 7, Write a short note on environmental
education,
Ans, The importance of conserving nature should be n early j :
children have to be inculcated with the environuniened values just mi” Th
values, Environmental education is an important mea m
ae
in itself. Thus, the knowledge of environmental eclucetig, en ane not an enc Sas
as important as their mandatory moral values so that th P aa asses is
difference between development and sustainable development. erstand the
made aware of the problems of the environment and encoiie Children are
responsibilities voluntarily. ed for taking up:
The environmental education can be instru mental in creati :
n
awareness and motivate the children towards conservation eff,
& environmen
It was thus, made a compulsory subject in 2004 to be ineul Orts,
from standards 11 to 12. The subject is further illustrated as ein th
curriculums, . & Part of university.
There are many programmes
laid by the Governme:
environmentalists to promote the word of communica mment, 2
NGOs and
environment. These include—“Clean Environment Programa Awareness of 4
e”, “Pl a
Ant a tree" y

93
E EN VI RO NM EN T
S & TH
" MAN COMMUNITIEarate days designated to understand’and |
“, etc. There are sep uch as:
t portance of ee
(Made create awareness A bou im 5" June
— 16% September
mike a Dey — 2°4 February
eland Be
ieeDayy 29nd Marchetc.
cation — 17" June,
Water Da to Combat Desertifi ion?
Wha t are the obj ec tiv es of environmental educat
4 a Q. 8, ion:
“Se Ang. Objectives of Environmen tal Educatan d individuals to acquire knowledge
" +(i) Knowledge. To help social groups
f the environment.
ire knowledge of
(ii) jvvarétviae: To help society and individuals to acqu
lution and environmental degradation.
(ili) Attitudes. To help social groups and individuals to acquire a set of
values for environmental protection and improvement.
(fv) Skills and capacity building, To help social groups and individuals to
develop skills required for the protection and preservation of the
environment and to solve environmental problems .
(v) Participation, To provide social groups and individuals with an
opportunity to be actively involved at all levels in environmental
decision making ahd resolution of environmental problems.
Knowledge
— yy / Fa Attitude
) Environmental
oe / Education \
Participation | Skil
Evaluation
FY Q 9. Write a note on the introduction of CNG
i nets oe : ae in Delhi,i
1960, the vehicles on roads have proliferated
pollution. According to adding
Delhi traffic police, around 80,000 vehicles
travel
vehicles
largestg in het buses and three-wh
was eele
mad e Mandatory for all commercial
rs,
orld, The CNG fleet in Delhi
An effective network of CNG
Were some technical and stations came y enuis one of
The (i)problems faced included issues, P very quickly. However, there
Stations were no
t ab]
us long queues were Sie net the Incr
easing need ' of CNG vehivehclicles.
94
SHIVA DELHI UNIVER
SITY SENIES
(ii) Installation of kits
have not
(iii) Lack of technician
.
s for filling fu toedt

j
Despite of all the ey anata,
considerably with a)]
environmental conservation, dia

m and other religions and Cultures jn
Ans.
forth to Allformrelia gion s
code and
for envi, Own injunctions that can be brought |
INDIAN AND OTHER RELIGI

ONS
Hinduism. Hinduism Fespec
ts nature and values environme
Huma
im n beings as well as other creati ntal conservation, 2
religious belief ons have the right to existence, Thei
is that both God and Prakriti (nature) r‘,
God and nature has to be preserved, The Indi is one, Harmonious unity off
rive an religious tradition respects land,
rs, mountains, minerals, oceans, trees and
all Species, The soul is born and*
reborn in various life forms
such as fish, birds, animals and human beings. Thez
Hindu faith vehemently opposes killing of birds,
animals or fish for human
consumption endorsing Ahimsa or non-violence.
4
Christianity. The old testament and new testament emphasiz
es our
responsibility towards nature and the authority of God as owner of the natural \j
world. A genesis in Bible says “And the Lord God took the man and put him into
the Garden af Eden to dress it and keep it’. To dress means to manage and toi
keep means to protect the natural world from harm. 4
Islam. The holy Quran advocates values like harmony, unity, balance ands
order and emphasizes that laws of nature must be observed in right eamest. God ,
has created heaven and earth in ‘six’ days. Man is an image of god and is his §
creation and can aspiré to become a manifestation of divine attributes. a e
guardian and one who disrupts nature will face punishment, i.c., accoun i:
death. . —.
ai Guru Nanak Dev, the founder . Sree asad people abe 7
to nature, The human beings are San an integ
i er Sirk proc
of nalaims~"From the divine.a
respect all ofccurGods !thecrea

creation ttf the dissolution ofthe Universe
tions an ”. The rivers
lements of nature i539
enued by his Hukurt (command) and a balance between e a
necessary for continuation of the universeini. -violenc
ting injury
e, Pe ntal preven“farm
Jainism. The fundamental tenets of jainism ove nae vies is
p nen =
to oneself and others and peace. All should
through spirituality.
Buddhism. Buddhism prescri besie
ne
compassion, respec’, to
and creatures. The Bu
“hist have firm
towards all human be ee
f rightful living’
(non-injury) ect of these principles ©
faith in karma theory and bee =
crisis.
may result in environmental

MUMAN COMMUNITIES & THE ENVIRONMENT
95
' INDIAN CULTURE —
. In India, nature has been worshipped and peop
. in their own wai ys. People worship their natule have been protecting nature
ral things and phenomenons
because they have a believe that these are eternal
powers which show their rage
_ and wrath once they get upset. These are thus,
worshipped as Gods and
_ Goddesse
s,
Earth is revered as “Dharti Maa”, River Ganges as “Ganga Maa”
and many
more. Not only are the rivers and mountains considered sacred, the trees are
worshipped as well. The various trees protected in Indian tradition are Banyan,
Peepal, Neem, ete,
Worship of nature is inherent in the culture of tribals, The tribals who are forest
dwellers are the tree protectors of the forests and biodiversity for their lives are
dependent on the forests. Till date, they resist any project that harms the interest
of the nature.

ee
Lie : £
eae hee
ER:”
ERTI ONIPAR
, tiGeQU
enonts. p ie
=
aPanpe “,: Bavironm
nv iT
Biba the
1 BCom (
Name the Course Maximum marks; 75
—
—
f .
“Time: 3 hours ane are compulsory:
All quoations tall
. ts tous Biodiversity? Explain in detall, we
Q. 1. What are the major thren threat ag a result of human activities, e and glob
serio
:
climate chang global
ujatBiod
‘Poppul expsity
ion iver Md resouree consumption,
iversity.
“warthing are continuously hamp ering the Ee include:
Some of the serious threats to blo vo the loss of biodiversity. The activities
(a) Habitat loss, It is the primary Sie o tion for agricultural, settlement or
fe
indiaSer 85ernie
purposes vetlands anid reservoir flooding has resulted in the
aeeead toseste This further accounts for ae z the
son t and fragmentation of habitats. Fragmented habitats make it harder for
3 animals. to find food and harder to find a mate because individuals and
populations become isolated from one another. This leads to decreased survival
and reproduction of species, thereby leading to biodiversity loss. _
' (b) Poaching of wildlife. Poaching is defined as the illegal hunting, killing or
‘ capturing of wild animals.Poaching is done for. meat, hides, medicines, teeth,
; Ivory etc, and some people may even do it only for thrill.
Effects of Poaching:
* Reduction of animal. species in forests, Predators, herbivores and fruit
eating vertebrates cannot recover as fast as they are removed from a
forest. Thus, disturbing the food web. :
* Emergence of diseases, caused by transmission of high
ly variable virus
chains. Exam
ple, Odthreak of the Ebola virus in the Congo Basin and
Gaben in the 1990s have been associated with in
and consumption of thelr meat. the butcheri ng of apes
(c) Man-Wildli
main fe conflicts.
threat to wildlife Conflict
and also between
to local hu people and animals becomes the
people
"Very common in many parts of the world. man populations,
populations.
Such a conflictte is
: habitat loss attack nearby locals j
| survival of many endangered t becoming a critical thre h

species, like wil d buffalo, elephants tiger,
lion,
| _ The key tea
beings re wildlife hats h
well Conflict are encroachment by human
t tats
as allowing livestoc for development
k for Purpose and survival : y
conflict leads urpose as
to loss to both. Brazing Purpose : in the forest area,
- Severe Which results in the ton ceoes rtna
for. eststnfire. This
to ls.
farmerT s -q
conservation as well, - The result of this conflict is
: Significance of ie-ciitn of crop wt e r ate
nd declin e in wildlife
() In India man-animat
. conflict in India;
monkey m
enace in the cournfhlict-is seen ; Na variety of fo
are
— “top raiding rms, including
by ungulates and wild
98
SHIVA DELI UN
IVERSITY SERIES
pigs, depredation by e]
(and leopards. y elephants, and cattle and human
(ii) Man-animal conflict Occurs d
natural prey base, changing ue to the shrinking habita
(iv) Man-animal conflicts are co

mm on in various parts of the %i]
India, wild elephants probably k ill far more people than tigers, pn*.
coun
e
or lions.
(d) . Biolog‘ ical Invasions.
ed The process of in
species with no historical record earlier trod ;
in oie ‘Vlogecrennaning of anew @
a
extending the range of specie s is known as bi olo Onajn ae ee
Due te aBi
i i ig
biological invasion is applied to species that breach de ata ete
' 2 : . . .
increased distur’sance of anthropogenic actions, eto 4

invasions. These biologically invasive species are highly comgtine oe q
as they are subject to less pathogenic disturbance, Thus, other endemic and local a
species come under threat from the competitive invasive species. : 3
(e) Excessive Pollution. Excess of pollution is currently poisoning all forms of “ai
life, and contributing to climate change. Transport, industry, construction, *
extraction and power generation etc. all contribute pollutants to air, land and 4
water. Thus, leading to deprivation and degradation of air, land and water @
which may ultimately affect and kill individuals, species and habitats. 4
Q. 2. Comment on the following: . 3x5=15 2
(a) Energy flow is always unidirectional e
(b) Disposal strategies for treating hazardous waste are different from @
municipal solid waste. ' Ss
(c) Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, . a
Ans. (a) Energy flow is unidirectional. See Q. 5, Unit 2. [Page 14°
(b) Disposal strategies for treating hazardous waste are different from a
municipal solid waste, See Q. 9(Or), Unit 5. [Page 66
Q, 1, Unit rr age x
(c) Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies. See
. 3x5=15 s
Q. 3. Differentiate between the following:
of energy. »-
(a) Renewable and Non-renewable sources
(b) In-situ and Ex-situ conservation.
(c) Primary and Secondary pollutants. ray. See Q.1(0), Unt 3
Ans. (a) Renewable and Non-renewable sources of ene (Page 24
Page 46 i)
b) In-situ and Ex-situ conservation. See Q. 4,
. 4 Unit 4,
; , |
Page 52 “sfSa
eS 3 ‘
g and Secondary p ollutants. See Q.
1(a), Unit 5.
(c) ; Prim
Ni ary
Q. 4, Write short notes on the following:
. ‘
(a) Environmental ethics
a chipko Movement rage 2
imate change ; , Unit 7.
Ans. (a) Environmental ethics. See Q. 6(6)

.
eT PRACTICE QUESTION PAPER 1
99
(6) Chipko Movement. Chipko means to hug or to embrace, The Chipko
ee:
* Movement was started at Alaknanda catchment area of mid-western Himalayas

' where the people were unable to sustain their livelihood due to deforestatio
- The women had to walk for miles in search of firewood, fodder and patches n,of
_ land for grazing their animals. The area was cleared for constructing roads which
, caused a massive flood. The rate of heavy depletion of forests was resulting in
destruction making the mountain range barren. The first Chipko action took
place in April, 1973 when a patch of forest was auctioned in the Alaknanda
valley by the forest department to be cleared and allotted to a sports goods
company, When the contractors came to cut the forest they saw huge
participation of villagers and specially women protecting trees from
deforestation. Each woman hugged the trees to prevent them from being cut
down. The villagers formed a huge chain using their hands and encircled trees to
prevent them from being felled.
Sunderlal Bahuguna led the movement along with other activists. Initially the
movement opposed deforestation, but later, large issues of ecology and
environmental protection were included. The movement spread amongst other
areas like in Doon valley, Western and Eastern Ghats safeguarding the
environment.
(c) Climate change. See Q. 4, Unit 6. [Page 72
Q. 5. Explain about: PAX2=15
(a) Nuclear hazard and its effects
(b) Impacts of mining and dam building
Ans. (a) Nuclear hazard and its effects. See Q. 4, Unit 5. [Page 57
(6) Impacts of mining and dam building:
(i) Deforestation. For both mining and dam building there is a need to
clear forest area, Cutting of forests is known as deforestation and it also
further affects the balance of biogeochemical cycles such as oxygen,
carbon and water cycles.
(i) Land destruction, subsidence and water loss. Land which is cleared off
is considered as waste land. Mining and dam building generally create
subsidence of land, making land unproductive and vulnerable.
(iif) Pollution of water and soil. In the case of acid mining, a lot
of water is
polluted and also the soil becomes polluted as the water takes
lot of debris
with ita
from the mine area containing acidic residues,
(iv) Siltation. The steadily rising level of silt in the dam
reservoirs which
later on destroys more and more fields,
(v) Submergence of forests. When a dam is to be built, a
large area of forest
_ sometimes needs to be submerged leading to great level of
deforestation
and loss of an entire forest including its biodiversity.
(vi) Health problems. Serious health problems can
occur due: to water, soil
and air pollution. Conta mination of water, soil and air contributes
increased toxic levels in people's bodies, Asthma to
and other res piratory
prooems often affect local communities as well as mine «workers. When
th of people deteriorates, their ability to work and earn money is

100 SMIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SERIES
(ii) Loss of flora, fauna, biodiversity and food insecurity. Fapecially dive
dam building fishkills occur every rainy season, attributed to the
release of water from the tailings dams. The loss in aquatic life is a
change in the life Support system of the communities who rely on Hy
river for daily food. Not only are livelihood sources affected, but alse
eee biodiversity is damaged causing breakdowns in the food
(rt) Dislocation of indigenous people. Large-scale oo te mining a .
Gams cislocate the indigenous people from their aaceatral lands
eneeinn livelihoods. These activities thus, have devastating effects of
we tribsls of the area and their survival Is highly affected. For
tranple,
Narmada Bachao Andolan for the first ime, systematically revealed he
building dams can result in total dislocation of tribal societies, Official)
figures state that almost 42.000 families were displaced for this project. .
—— ee

ER ON 205-5000 cc os.
‘- ee elt See
PAPTI
GTIGECQUES
‘e
. “4 ot ee ak Lae
me
4 tog tees * PoP ay eis
eeetiga PRA
Rr Ret be
renee bode he 8
in .
s
: Environment Studie
of the Course : B.Com. (Hons:)
7
EE
|
Maximuin marks: 75
aye
3 o hours
me:at
Tine
All questions are compulsory.
e
at
er management? Give
ms
Q. 1. What do you understand by the term disasthquakes and landslides.

re
eart
appropriate disaster management tips for floods,
—
E
’ 15
eee
[Page 86
Ahs. See Q. 3, Unit 7.
Q. 2. Explain the major functions and powers of Boards under—
ET= Ee
(a) Water (Prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1974 and -

*
(b) Air (Prevention‘and control of pollution) Act, 1981. Pyr“2=15

Ans<(a) Water (Prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1974. See Q. 6(a),
—
Unit 6. [Page 76
ES ETE
(b) Air (Prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1981. See Q. 6(b), Unit 6.
SY
«
: (Page 77
Q. 3. Differentiate between: 3x5=15
(a) Point source and Non-polrit source of pollution.
(6) Desert and Aquatic Ecosystem.
(c) Desertification and Deforestation.
Ans, (a) Point source and Non-point source of pollution. See Q. 1(b), Unit 5.
[Page 52
(b) Desert and Aquatic Ecosystem. See Q. 7(b), Unit 2. [Page 19
ete
(c) Desertification and Deforestation. See Q. 1(b), Unit 3. [Page 24

Q. 4. Write short notes on the following: . . 3x5=15
eg
(a) Environmental studies and its Importance

(b) Food web a
re
(c) Soil Erosion ,

(d) Endangered species in India
(e) Noise Pollution
Ans, (a) Environmental'studies and its importance.
See Q.1, Unit 1.
[Pa el
(6) Food web, (b) Food web, The interlocking pattern forme
d due to ii.
of various food chains is termed as food web. Many
_ @cosystem and it is not Practically possible that food chains exist in an
isolation. There are many overlapping trophic a food chain operates in
levels whi ch are connected t
differen t food chains in an association, Thus, each
part of multiple food “a livi ng thin g in anacosystiil is
Consider for an example in a food chain
rass ~+ Rats —> Snakes
Sometimes rats are not eaten by
snakes but dj AL
Thus, it maintains the interlinking
the stability of, the ecos of individ
More stable will the co number of alternernate pa pathways
mmunity of living things y
Population of rats would be. For example. decrease
alternative herbivores, Thus,
natural]
cause in the
;
maintaining the aconyeten
m the population of
101

402 ~~ DELI UNIVERSITY senies
(c) Soil Erosio The los
water and wind n.is termed ass ofsoiltoperosisoilo uae
due to natatuu ral physi
a is high in —
:
Proces ses like
directly associated with the fertility , » Soil erosion oe
productivity.
uces
Causes of soi] erosion:
(i) Rainfall Intensity and Run-off
Wt : Ps ak oll a
run-off can be widideret The flow of wat
a.
&
e&
©
|
6
o
drops leads to breaking do
=
ow
5
am
taken away with ae Wn of soil. The
(ii) Soil erodibility. It depends on the te | :
sine a bet
organic matter tends to be less te Soll. Soil with higher levels of
(iii) Slope Gradient and Length. The stee
amount of soil loss from erosion oo slope of a field, greater the
kara
(iv) Vegetation. If the soil has ver : :
cover of plants or
oc
‘i — a it is highly eucrla aa =
(d) Endangered species in India. Endangered s i
has been reduced to a critical number. Unless aie solr nn an j
conserved, it is in immediate danger of extinction, Such species are termed as ;
endangered species. Such species are ordeclining in nuyaber due to threats sucti as
me bakit thet tab

pressure from invasive species, Global
habitat destruction, climate change,
warming and habitat destruction are the sole reasons for the disappearance of
many species from the earth. Several plant and animal species of India are now +
facing threat and are considered endangered, = 1
These include:
Endangered animals. Bengal Tiger, Bengal Fox, the Asian Elephant, the
i
Rhinoceros and Blue Whale, Indian Wild Ass, Andaman Shrew, Himalayan Wolf,
Kashmir Stag, the Golden Langur, Marbled Cat and the Pygmy Hog.
Indian Bustard;
Endangered bird species, Siberian Crane, Hornbill, the Great birds of prey.
the Florican, the Himalayan Crane, Pink-headed Duck and several
Vultures which were common earlier have suddenly disappeared and. are now 1
_s
highly threatened. Gha ria l, Bush frog ~ ae 08 =
til es and am ph ib ia ns .
Sarna rep m maj or pla nt _ in ue ar ee ‘
spe cie s. Apa rt for
Endangered plant s are end ang ere d. er uae aa
ita t spe cif ic and thu
that are extremely hab eat ene d by hab ita t los s. Seren medica
gre atl y thr
of small herbs which are ! |
are th re at en ed due to overharvesting as ingred
many plants
:
. No is e pol lut ion is def iead s5 088 Se animal life. 4
(e) Noise Pollution OF balance ©
ivity
noise which may harm the act
rape uced by televi
prodnit © the house.
‘callsion,inside
(i) Indoor Sources. Noise
, coolers, generators, air CO one automobiles,
(i) Outdoor Sources. Noise of lo a atc. During fes
rail traffic, airplanes, marketwhiPc h crosses the range
e
meetings and every nois
2
4
source of noise pollution. }

/

PRACTICE QUESTION PAPEN 2 103
Causes:
(f) Industrialisation. Industries use big machines capable of producing large
amount of noise, Therefore, workers wear ear plugs to minimize the
effect. Textile mills, printing presses, engineering establishments all add
to noise pollution.
(ii) Poor urban planning. In developing countries, poor urban planning
contributes to congested houses, large families fighting over resources.
This disrupts the environment of society.
(iii) Transportation. The ever-increasing number of vehicles, aeroplanes, trains
add to noise pollution. There has been an unprecedented increase in
traffic creating chaos on roads with people stuck in jams with hooting
horns. This is a. major source of noise pollution.
(iv) Noise due to construction activities, agricultural machines and defense
equipments all adds to noise pollution greatly.
(v) Household chores. Domestic gadgets like TV, mobile, mixer-grinder,
pressure cooker, machines, etc. are minor contributors to quantity of
noise, Further household chores include noise of infants, fights, moving
of furniture. This also adds significantly to noise pollution.
also
(vi) Blasting, bull dozing, stone crushing, etc. in manufacturing units
create noise.
Effects:
the eardrum.
(i) Hearing problems. Prolonged exposure to noise damages
at all,
Below a sound level of 80 dB (A), hearing loss does not occur
losses can
however hearing losses are possible beyond this level. Hearing
loss, Noise
be temporary, temporary threshold shift (TTS) or permanent
induced permanent threshold shift (NIPTS). -
. It can lead
(it) Effect on health. Noise pollution affects health and behaviour
anxiety, aggressive
to psychological disorder. It includes headaches,
to cardiovascular effects,
behaviour, stress, fatigue etc. It can also lead
oe
rate.
related heart problems and increased heart
effects in animals, as
(iii) Effect on wildlife. Noise can have more disastrous
eee
.
require sound waves

their survival depends on hearing. Some animals
n and some to hide. For
preg
for locomotion, some for prey, some for navigatio

Whales use hearing to find food, communicate, defend and
Example,
Se
injuries and deaths to

survive in the ocean. Excessive noises cause a lot of
” whales. our sleeping pattern
disorders. Loud noise can definitely obstruct
ge
(iv) Stotne situations. hed

and lead to annoyance and uncomfortable
ged ee
which noise can be controlled.

Control. There are four basic ways in . '
‘ the source
duce noise at noise
insulation and introduction of
erp
can be reduced by appropria te

" 7 It at the airport ‘old
mr
*
aircrafts
regulations for take off and landing of
for controlling waist ate
— In industries, use of absorptive material
— Power tools, very loud music and land movers, public ee of best
at mt ;
loudspeakers, etc. should not be permitted prohibited.
alarms, fire crackers, etc. should be limited and
*

104 SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SERIES Ss
— Traffic volume and speed are directly proportional
Doubling the speed increase to sound wee :
s the sound levels by about 9 d “2 :
tloubling the traffic volume increases sound level
s by about 3
Therefore, it is a must to control the volume and speed of traff
(ii) Block the path of noise. It can be blocked by cons ic.
tructing temporary
permanent barriers,
— Construction of vertical barriers alongside the high
way. - gg
— A green belt of trees is an efficient noise absorber.
~ In industries, highly absorptive interior finish material ae
can be used for
walls, ceili ngs and floor,
(iti) Increasing the path length. Sound levels drop sign Be
distance from the
ific antl y with incr easi n
noise source, Increasing the
source and the recipient offers a passive means path length between the
of control,
(iv) Protect the recipient. Use of earplugs and earmuffs can protect individual
s
effectively from excessive noise levels,
Q. 5. (a) Explain the successful use of alternate :
source of energy. ‘
(b) Explain: Minamata, a special Jesson abou
t mercury. Pax2=15 5
Ans. (a) Successful use of alternate source of ener
gy. See Q. 8(a), Unit 3.
(b) Minamata disease. See Q. 8(c), Unit [Page 34
5,
+ sea

\ yrgrenlte ss (atrt
I
wea
beetnuag
N URnit
tie pin
primey
PRACT
at a fomaiedsp.
9 JESTION
”) ates r IN i
BAREIS:
PER:
Hon RE btn qutytNeie IGE! eis ny did at He ener
© Name of the Paper + Environment Studies

' Name of the Course : B.Com, (Hons.)
Time: 3 hours Maximuin marks: 75
All questions are compulsory.
Q. 1. What are the causes and effects of air pollution? Suggest measures to
control ft, 15
t Ans. See Q. 2, Unit 5. [Page 53
F ‘Q..2. Write short notes on: 5*3=15
(a) Environment Protection Act
» (b) Human wildlife conflict
(c) Bishnois of Rajasthan
+ (d) Beological succession
(e) Threatening biodiversity of Ramsar site.
Ans. (a) Environment Protection Act, Environment Protection Act, 1986. This
, act was made as an aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984. This is an
p umbrella legislation designed to provide a framework for Central Government to
|; coordinate the activities of various central and state authorities established under
g Other laws, such as Water Act and Air Act,
» According to EPA, environment includes water, air, land and their inter-
¢ relationship with human beings, , other living creatures, plants and
t Microorganisms, The Act notified rules relating to various
aspects of
E Management of hazardous chemicals, wastes, microorganisms, etc,
¢ The main features ofthe Act are:
(i) The Act empowers the Central Government to
take measures, as it deems
_ Necessary for protecting and Improving the quality of environment,
(i) The Central Government may also put restrictions
on an area in which
any industry, operation,
shall not be carried out or P process of cla 8s of industries or operations
(iif) The Act authorizes the Cen
closure, prohibition or regu
The Central Government can stop
or re
108
(b) Human wildlife con; EET QENIES
interaction betwee "flict. Hum
sas ‘aoe ac i: Wildlife that results (Hw, a
ag
Human wildlife conflict js becom}
ang sis wien ies
- dangered OMINGIt a serj ras
ini the world, to the survival apes Bs
property e human activities are h en wildlife harm h oh many ame
Reasons for HWC: armful for the wildlif, uman life or if
o
constitute natural resou : :

Measures to avoid HWCs, There sm ae a es ie
avoid and prevent human wildlife conflict. Thede include: atecan veoyemed to
(i) Wildlife translocation or human relocation. a
(ii) Distance from nature reserves. a
(iii) Electric fencing. .
(iv) Building local capacity in conflict resolution, ‘—
(v) An increasing public understanding of HWC.
(vi) Education about dealing with dangerous wild animals.
(c) Bishnois of Rajasthan. See Q. 5(c), Unit 7.
(d) Ecological succession. See Q. 6(b), Unit 2.
(ce) Threatening biodiversity of Ramsar site. See Q, 8(d), Unit 2.
of an
Q. 3. What is an ecosystem? Explain the structure and functions
ecosystem.
Ans. See Q. 1, Unit 2.
Q. 4. Comment on the following:
(2) Disappearing house sparrows
(b) CNG in Delhi of water.
confli cts
(c) International and inter-state tion of house sparrows
Disappearing house sparrows. -been enlis
Ans. (a) t
je popessparrows
House have
few years.
declined ettewts in the last avian speci®s-
in the “RedList” of endangered :
_
Many reasons could be a
pl et
toxic for insec
(on ane i om
;
i f unlea petro,
aa ail
Bt
which kills
een aap
(ii) Use of garden pesticides, / e
rrows.
y popula
change due to increase a
unfriendly environment.' the decline of house spait
factor
(iv) Another major
PRACTICE QUESTION PAPER 3
107
Includes the proliferation of mobile towers, . These tow ers em j
eee of 900-1800 MHz. The continuous ceniaion of
electromagnetic radiation through the body of birds affects their
nervous system and their navigational skills. Thus, they become
i incapable of navigation and foraging.
' saci in Delhi. Since 1980, the vehicles on roads have proliferated adding more
Sevag aa ‘on According to Delhi traffic police, around 80,000 vehicles travel
Bote, th every day between 8 pm and 6 am that is just over two per second.
oth, the private and public transport have increased to meet the growing
population needs. The Supreme Court of India with an objective to curb
ae pollution has encouraged using alternative fuels. CNG is considered to
e a cleaner fuel as-compdred to gas or diesel. In 1998, it was ordered to convert
all commercial vehicles to CNG. The use of CNG and LPG (compressed natural
gas and liquefied petroleum gas) was made mandatory for all commercial
vehicles such as taxis, buses and three-wheelers. The CNG fleet in Delhi is one of
the largest in the world.
My An effective network of CNG stations came up very quickly. However, there
* - were some technical and safety issues.
S The problems faced included:
a (i) Stations were not able to meet the increasing need, of CNG ‘vehicles.
Site Thus long queyes were seen.
(ii) Installation of kits have not met proper safety standards.
(iif) Lack of technicians for filling fuel and maintenance.
Ne: Despite of all the loop holes, the air pollution in Delhi has reduced
i considerably with all the efforts of introduction of CNG.
#6 = (c) International and inter-state conflicts of water. See Q. 4, Unit 3. [Page 27
i Q. 5. (a) Explain the importance of land as a resource. Comment on the
causes of change in land use and the impacts of land use change.
great
Sa = (b) “India is termed as a region of biogeographic zones which impart
© diversity to it.” Comment. T¥ax2=15
[Page 25
Ans. (a) See Q. 2, Unit 3.
different climatic
max 6©—s- (b) India is a region of biogeographic zones which impart
It also has 8% of the world’s
ag: conditions and thus various ranges of diversity.
Me biodiversity on 2% of landmass,
biotic areas representing
India is divided into 10 biogeographic zones and 26
if all the main ecosystems of the world, (Himalayas) to South
Biogeographic Zones of India, From North (Gujarat), India is divided
to West
( (Kanyakumari) and from East (W - Bengal) ;
i: 0 Biogeographic zones namely:
the Tibetan plateau. This
_ re aia Facalayae These ak an extension to
desert in Ladakh and Himachal
region harbours the high-altitude cold
landma
_ Pradesh. It accounts for 5.5% of the country’s
boundaries of India. The
(ij) Himalayas. These form the northern to Assam in th
chain is running form Kashmir in the North-West from blowing ao
North-East. Himalayas prevent the frigid dry winds
into the subcontinentwhich keeps India much warmer as compa
*

other temp erate regions, The Himalayas comprise of a diverse range of
biotic pro vinces and biomes. This accounts to 6.4% of the
landmass.
(iif) Deserts, Deserts occupy around 6.6% of the country’s landmass. The
different types of deserts found in India are:
* The Desert of Western Rajasthan
* The Desert of Gujarat
* Cold Desert of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
(iv) Semi-Arid. The Semi-Arid zone is located between the deserts and the .
Deccan plateau. It includes the Aravalli hill range. It covers
approximately 16.6% of the country’s landmass, .
(v) Western Ghats. It covers about 4.0% of the country’s landmass. These
include the mountain ranges that run around the Western Coast of
India,
(#/) Deccan Plateau, It is a triangular large plateau south of the Narmada
Valley. It generally includes deciduous trees and covers approximately
42% of the Jandmass.
(vii) Gangetic Plain, The Gangetic Plains are formed by the deposits of the
river Ganges and are highly fertile regions. Sunderban forests are
located in this region and cover 10-8% of the country’s total landmass.
(viii) North-East India. These are the plains and non-Himalayan ranges
of
North-Eastern India which have a wide variety of vegetation. It covers
around 5.2% of the country’s landmass.
(ix) Islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Island in the Bay of
Bengal has
approximately 300 islands out of which only 5 islands are inhabite
d. It
covers 0.3% of the landmass.
(x) Coasts. Coasts are distributed along the east and
west boundaries of the
country, The Lakshadweep islands are a part of the coasts. The
account to 2.5% of the Jandmass,
coasts

ei int a
a eee ees ie ate Theind
eae Liisa < ee teat? fo gv, {22 \e 4
BER) eae te ee
ooii Pie ea Ee eee
ya ;
tal Science
' Eoviity Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC-I)
Nam e of eS
Menai the Course ©
Maximum marks: 75
Time: 3 hours
aera . eins n the top immediately on recelpt of this question paper.
2. Attempt any five questions. + iit .
o n s ca '
ual marks.r in English
: t i
| : i ques sesh a ie eithe or Hind i; but the same med ium
should be used throughout the paper.

Q. 1. (a) Define the following:
(7*1=7)
(1) ‘Endemic species
(if) Pood chain
(iii) Biodiversity
(#») Energy pyramids
(ov) Smart citles
(vi) Renewable energy
(off) Hotspots
Ans. (a) (f) Endemic Species of India. Species that.are found only in particular
regions are known as endemic speci¢s,"Almdsti60% of the endemic species
in India are found in the, Himalayas/andithe;Western Ghats. Endemic
species of India.aréeqnéchtrated in:..°
— North-East Tndia"%, %, ts ie ™
— North-West Himala
— Western Ghats~ .
layas
— Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
Endemic flora species. Ovaria Lurida, Sapria Himalayana, Nepenthis
Khasiana, etc. ‘
Endemic fauna species. Nilgiri, Langur, Lion T
8 gu n Tailed Macaque and
Brown Palm Civet,
Factors affecting endemic species are:
(a) Habitat loss due to human activities ‘
important role, For example, and pollution also play an
«ons Frog eggs,
Frogs are a sensitive species.
tadp oles and adul
especially ond md frogs are extremely sensitive to pollutants
(b) Diseaze producing organisms als
reducing populations of end olewieta. important adversary in
i Versity of nature, ins in an ecosystem

flow of energy and
transfer
108
410 SHIVA Dats B.COM. (HONg,)
For example, consider a sim i 2
. G , pie food chain,
At each siacmetor mee 10 & — Snake Eng]

of the energy is traces aa
rest 90% is lost in the form of —
(gii) Biodiversity. It refers to thevariety pitien! erred and the “4
(both animals and plants : © number
of biodiversity: plants) present in the €cosystem.
§enes and combination of

genes within a
Species diversity: Different kinds oforganams, ms, relationrelat ships among «24a
populations
~-- species,
_~ Ecosystem diversity: Different habitats,
niches, species interac acuon.
Pyramid of Enegry
(v) Smart cities. It is a city equipped with basic infrastructure to give

decent quality of life, a clean and sustainable environment throug
application of some smart solutions.
from humans.
sawn :
@) Fill in the blanks. known a ———-*__ are
() Many interlinkedwhicfoohd conchatriinsbutaree to global warming
known ;
(#) Vacions gases agua
not be broken,by microbes are known
(ii?) Waste materials which can
ty is called iB
conservation b
(f>) A large area marked for éom UY adiatic .
(v) ts the removal of top layer of soil. ,
protects
nm stratosphere measuring biodiversity:
- of eas
pe
i
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE—2015 (NOVEMBER)
114
Ans. (i) Many interlinked food chains are known as Food web.
(i) Vari
aincaee : contribute to global warming
which : are known as Green
(ii?) Waste materials
biodegradable, which cannot be broken by microbes are known as Non-
(2) aes © area marked for conservation biodiversity is called Protected
& oe is the removal of top layer of soil.
pn : zone layer in stratosphere protects human from UV radiations.
i) Species is one of the units of measuring biodiversity.
Q. 2. Write a short note on any three of the following: * (3x5=15)
(2) Sustainable development
(b) Land degradation
(c) Biological invasion
(d) Solid waste management
E
& (e) Kyoto protocol
Ans. (a) Sustainable development. See Q. 1, Unit 6. [Page 68
(b) Land degradation. See Q. 8(c), Unit 3. [Page 34
TTT TET PY
(c) Biological invasion, See Q. 5(d), Unit 4. [Page 47

(d) Solid waste management, See Q.7, Unit5. _ [Page 63
(e} Kyoto protocol. The Kyoto Protocol isan international agreement linked to
the United Nations Framework Conyention‘on'Climate Change. The major aim of
NS LO
- Kyoto Protocol was to reducé Greén House Gas (GHG) emissions. Kyoto Protocol
set binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community.
These reductions account to.an average of five per cent against 1990 levels over
Sete @
the five year period 2008-2012.

The goal was to lower overall emissions from six greenhouse gases—carbon
dioxide, methane, mitrous-oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, HFCs and PFCs—
EN
calculated as an average over period of 2008-12.

It only binds developed countries because it recognises that they are largely
’ gesponsible for the current high levels of GHG emissions in the atmosphere,
'. which are the result of more than 150 years of industrial activity. Thus, it placed
heavier burden on developed nations under its central principle: that of
spe
“common but differentiated responsibility.”

In Doha, Qatar, on 8 December 2012, The Doha Amendment to the Kyotoon
Protocol was adopted. This launched a second commitment period, starting
15 January 2013, until 2020.
(3*5=15)
6. 3. Differentiate between the following:
(a) Biosphere and Atmosphere
(b) Fresh water ecosystem and Marine ecosystem
(c) Conventional and Non-conventional energy resources
Biosphere and Atmosphere
.
a RE
VS
(i) The Atmosphere in a blanket of

air © surrounding the earth
composed of Nitrogen, Oxygen,
Carbon dioxide and inert gases. _

112 SHIVA D.U., 2.COM, (HONS.)
(ii) It serves as the highest level of
(ii) It Is one of the four realms of the
organization. It consists of the life
giving Earth.
areas of Lithosphere,
Hydrosphere and Atmosphere,
(iii It has many ecosystems, All the
(iii) It is composed of 5 layers: Tropos-
ecosystem of the Earth together
make up the biosphere. phere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere,
Thermosphere and Exosphcere.
=efins Fresh water ecosyste
Rresh'ngatenedosysteilycco
and Marine ecosystem
f
() It includes some wetlands,

Ss lMatiaelecony stern 658
(i) It includes coral reef and seagrass
streams, rivers, ponds and lakes,
bed. —
_(id) Theyyare low salinity areas.
_
(if) They are salty areas.

(iif) These have distinct animal and
(ai) These have aquatic life that can
plant life that is typically unable only stay alive in water with high .
to adjust to higher concentrations
salinity levels, oa?
of salt water,
(iv) The content of organic chemicals
(iv) Have high organic chemicals,
is very low.
(v) Species can adapt to a change in
habitat, like the rise and fall’ in- (v) ‘Species cannot survive changes in 3
water levels. ";temperature. For example: Sharks,
For " exiinple, common dolphin, etc,
Goldfish, Catfish, ete. -.. .:. :
(c) Conventional and Non-c tional energy resources
“i Conventional
energy resources: _ Nonsconentionalelereyresaret
(i) The sources of energy which has (i) The resources which are yet in the
been in use for a long time, process of development over past
”
Example, coal, petroleum, ete. few years, Example, solar
wind energy, tidal energy, ene
etc,
r a
~( They are exhaustible except (i) They are inexhaustible.
water,
(iit) They cause pollution when used, (iii) They are generally poll
as they emit smoke and ash. ution-free. “
(iv) They are very expensive to be
maintained, (iv) Less expensive du
stored and € to local use
transmitted as they are carried and easy to mainta
over long distance through
transmission grid and lines,
Q. 4. (a) What do you understand by Envi
ronm
describe the role of any such moveme nt in conser ental Movement? 2
vation of bi
protection of environment. od se Bri
iversity and:
efl y s
(b) Discuss the role of environmen tal co
if environment protection,
mmunication and Pu
blic
7a
awWarene
‘at
113
(NO: VEMBER)
SCIENCE—2015
ENVINt ONMENTAL i nmentalism, rises
Environmental Movements. With Se ai is coming back
Ans. (a) Env Whatever Is given to the
f Mother Earth. ig a dire n eed of cultural issues
Or and
Aa}. a thexeg
foun enviro t lof the
nmenta environment. boas a governance.
ethics to Ot ike fetus resources, These natural resources
| _ The environment includes ted in the form of land degradation,
Jea and habitat
. water pollution, misuseean oa
beingpollution
s are air There have been many efforts
g voluntary
by people through victims of
‘ ent
a etironment. The
_
“NK. made inorder to reclaim the environm bout th

organjzations which are conc erned a ot their oo
voice heard like, protests,
r
development fesort to vari ous mea ns to
and other iolent environmental
such n
demonstrations, suicidal fasts
moverem. who started the Chipko Movement, i in 1974
Sunderlal Bahuguna, an activ ist
referredto these scents as, “the ray of hope in the midst of darkness”. These
movements are aimed at overcoming hunger, non-sustainability, injustice etc.
and establishing human and environmental consideration, There have been many
movements which increase awareness on conservation and are concerned with
development and depletion of resources. °
The common characteristics in these movements are:
(i) They emerge from the question of social justice.
(ii) These movements focus on sustainable growth. :
(fit) These have been at.the grassroots and ‘mobilize poor workers over land
and forests, fishertheh
or tribals,
(iv) These moveme nts
fiave been generally non-violent. :
(v) These movemehts ‘have attracted a lot of media attention through their
methods like street plays, padyatras etc.
Types of environmental’mgvements can be divided into three broad groups
although these overlap many a times. These are—
(f) The land related protests
(if) The water related protests
(ff) The animals related activism,
Chipko Movement. Chipko means to hu
& or to embrace. The Chipko
Movement was started at Alaknanda catchm
ent area of mid-western Himalayas
The women had to walk for miles ir livelihood d
in search of firewood, fodder an i
land for grazing their animals. d pottes of
caused a ante flood, The
“ne vance
Tate ofFeeheav
y depletion of fo red for constructing roads which
tain range baien, The fir rests
destruction making the moun i
st Chip ko ae took
valley by the forest departm Patch of forest was auctioned in the Alaknanda

444 SHIVA D.U,, B.COM, (HONS,)
Sunderlal Bahuguna led the movement alon wi
movement opposed deforestation, but shee th other activists, Initially the .
J and
environmental protection were included, The ace of ecology
areas like in Doon valley, Western and pread amongst other
environment. Eastern Ghats safeguarding the
(b) It is our foremost du ty to conserve our enviro
nmental Tesources,
ultimate goal of environm ental communication and public awareness ec
protect environment,
These practices play a major role in creating educatio
‘ n ab out envi
its protection. This includes— . —— o ‘ pe
(i) Environmental Awareness in Teachin

g Programme. “Mainstreaming” 9a
environmental education programmes into schools as a regular part
increase
of 3q
the curriculum public environmental awareness and °q
demonstrating a commitment to environmental protection. ‘* f
(ii) Effective use of Media. Media's role in protecting environment includes a
ia Me
spreading awareness through newspapers, magazines, radio and television.
Le oS
(iii) Maps, Radio and Video, Maps are a way of communicating with the
environment that can be stimulating, emotionally linking and context
ath é
aware. A map can be produced in a participatory way where members
bel en
of the community contribute with information:and ideas. This create a -
ee
“sense of inclusion” and thus the map.becomes,an excellent tool to:
abo
protect environment. Radio:-broadcasting
Helps in making people aware
eet
of the problems :and-creatésan ‘tinderstanding of the environment:
amongst the people. When:radio broadcasting reinforces environmental
awareness campaigns, changes can be positive and significant.
Public awareness and participation is important in all aspects of i
enforcement, not only in understanding basic environment and human -=
rights but also in fostering a sense of responsibility and proactive °*
environmental citizenship.
Q. 5, Do you agree that in contrast to rituals of the ancient Indian society the -
activities of modern Indian society have harmed the environment and. ;
biodiversity . how?
If yes, %
Ans, In india, nature has been worshipped and people have been protecting
s
nature in their own ways. People worship their natural things and phenomenon
nature is
because they have a belief that these are external powers: Worship ‘of romi
comp sed |.
inherent in the culture of tribals. Earlier an environment was not
the development has
with development. But as the population has increased
contrast Be —- —
threatened the roots of diversity. I do agree that inronm ent ane Dl . ys
activities of modern society have harmed the envi
t of human activities. Pop
Biodiversity is under serious threat as a resul
explosion and resource cag e ome climate change and global warming are {
continuously hampering the biodiversity. _
Some of the serious threats to biodiversity inclssude:of biodiversity. The activities «
the primary threat to the lo
1. Habitat loss, It is ; al, seulted
settlement
intheor é
ranc e of natu ral we tation for agricultur
of deforestation, clea
reservoir flooding has
industrial purposes, draining wetlands an
\
e
ENVIRONMENTAL SOIENCE—2015
(NOVEMBER) 116
aE
loss’ of natural habitats and forests
ccounts for imbalance in the
zonal areas and fragmentation of hat bitats
. Frag
ee mented habitats make it harder {
; animals to find food and ‘harder to
find a mate because individuale aoe
populations beco
com me isolated from one another , This leads to deer eased survival
< cA of species, thereby leading to biodiversity loss.
oaching of wildlife. Poaching is defined as the illegal hunti
ng, killing or
capturing of wild animals. Poaching is done for meat, hides
, medicines, teeth,
ivory etc, and some people may even do it only for thrill
Effects of Poaching: , ”
* Reduction of animal species in forests, Predators, herbivores and fruit
a
‘ eating vertebrates cannot recover. as fast as they are removed from a

forest, Thus, disturbing the food’ web.
* Emergence of diseases, caused by transmission of highly variable virus
chains: Example, Outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Congo Basin and in
Gaben in the 1990s have been associated with the butchering of apes
and consumption of their meat.
SE a
3. Man-Wildlife conflicts. Conflict between people and animals becomes the

, main threat to wildlife and also to local human populations. Such a conflict is
* very common in many parts of the world. Animals due to fragmentation and
© habitat loss attack nearby locals in search of food.and’shelter in the conquest to
& get their habitat, Man-animal conflict is‘fast becoming: a critical threat to the
f survival of many endangered species; like wild:buffalo, elephants, tiger, lion,
e leopard etc. BA ES eee OP”
e The key reasons for-human-animal conflict are encroachment by human
& beings in wildlife habitats for development purpose and survival purpose as
S well as allowing livestock for grazing purpose in the forest area, forest fire. This
Y conflict leads to loss to both humans and animals. The result of this conflict is
e severe which results in the loss of crops to farmers and decline in wildlife
. conservation as well.
© Significance of man-animal conflict in India: +.
including
- (i) In India man-animal conflict is seen in a variety of forms, and
monkey menace in the urban areas, crop raiding by ungulates wild
tigers
pigs, depredation by elephants, and cattle and human killing by
ds,
(ii) Se caked conflict occurs due to the shrinking habitats, oa eae
* natural prey base, changing crop patterns, man-made ream i =
for wild animals, presence of stray dogs and cattle on forest ae
in hug
(iii) Vehicular collisions are also leading to mortalities of animals
numbers.s ‘ f the country. In
(iv) Man-animal conflicts pro
elep hant s
are commo
bab ly kill
various
n farin mor e —
peop le than tigers, leopards
India, wild
or lions. Invasions. The process of introduction
4, Biological : of or breaching . a me
be species with no historical record earlier in one biogeographic

as biological invasion. The term ©
re biological 4
extending the range of
g specis is known
geof species1 to increase
invasion is applied to species that breach the natural barriers, Due

116
SHIVA D.U., B.COM, (HONS.)
disturbance of anthropogenic actions, there is a rise in biological invasions. pa '
biologically invasive Species are highly competitive in growth as they are subjec a
to less pathogenic disturbance. Thus, other endemic and local species come
threat from the competitive invasive species, under . 7
f ie
5. Excessive Pollution. Excess of pollution is currently poisoning all forms of J2@
life, and contributing to climate change. Transport, industry, construction, +4
extraction and power
water. Thus, leading to generation etc, all contribute pollutants to air, land and.
depr ivation and degradation of air,
land and water which | 7
may ultimately affect and kill individuals, spec
ies and habitats. =
Q. 6. (a) Taking one example discuss how dam building has affected the s
ecological balance of ecosystem?
(b) What are invasive species? How are they a threat >» & om
to biod iver sity ?
Ans. (a) Dams are generally constructed on a river for generation of electricity7 3
as an aid to generating energy, Construction of a dam leads to
and has many
many problems
adverse effects.
Sardar Sarovar Dam, the largest of all the constructed dams, was
made on river ~
Narmada, The dam is experiencing agitation on various issues since its
construction. One of the issues being its effect on the environment. In total over
“4
32,000 hectares of land have been submerged by the Sardar Sarovar
Dam, 13,000 2
of which is forest land and 11,000 hectares
of agricultural land. .
Types of environmental problems caused by datn building on Sardar Sarovar:
Dam: ee ee ee ou
() Reproduction of migrating fishes is hindered by the floods that
egg beds.
harm the
Fal Oa _
(i) Temperature of-. water, salt and oxygen distribution
vertically as a consequence of reservoir formation. may change
generation of
This may cause the
new living species. .
(iif) The population of fish decreases as dam works as a barrier in the
passage.
(fv) Fishes can also get damaged while passing
through the f]
turbines and pumps of dams. Bh oodgates,
(v) Habitat loss. Fish is a major food of the tribal people of
the area.
irrigation, salinisation, and destruction of plants, fish supplies feeD te to
considerably depleted. Further, waterlogging renders a a
therefore starvation ensues as foods and crop
s cannot ti
means significant decline in drinkabl
e water around the areas where
water is being irrigated. These change the
s affect the Surrounding system
seriously.
(vi) Destruction of forests and agricultural
lands, A lot
submerged by Sardar Sarovar Dam and its construct on ee been
land and agricultural land. & forest
(vii) An estimated 1,50,000 people will be displaced
due
Dam. This is not just a simple matter of selotaticn oss Sardar Sarovar
indigenous farmers and peasants, with a set cultural at People are
relationship with one another. Their entire way of life is bei S0cial inter
if they have to move to the larger cities, NB destroyed

(NOVEMBER) ‘a
N M E N T A L g c i e nce—2015
ENVIRO to biodiversity after
habitat
are the se co nd
: la threat
rges“, t not nat ive to a par ticular area,
but
b) Invasive spe cie s of an
io spe cie s is 4 spe cie s oad je preads on its own. Example
ved
: ue An
was introduced in India as a plant but
“arrives (usuallyes wi th human
is water ‘hya nage pipes, aw
ok in g ri ve rs , dr ai tems are:
f meoed rapidly inchwhich invasive species impac a duced according to their
| = Some ways ha bi ta t to wh ich they @
(i) They modify th e
+ itability.
pe ne ‘wi th nat ive species for resources.
f i the y
li) They even pray native species» =o spread of diseases
e gens
7 sometimes bring patho
(iv) These ONE to re ach or never reach ,the area.
taken #time
TY. which otherwise would Kav wit h natives, leading to loss of genetic.
es hybridize ;
gtr
' India,
Syecuna
i
the ‘
problems_
and challenges of e-waste manageme nt in
8
the ecosystem
b) Discuss sei
services.waste nearing the end of theira) “useful: life”.
OF (a) oat Electronic
hazardous,
: E-wastes are dangerous, as these products contain materials that are
| depending on: their condition and density. The hazardous content of these
to human health and environment. Discarded computers,
materials pose a threat
televisions, VCRs, stereos, cell phones and batter come under E-waste. They
allies
can leach lead and other substances, into soil/and ‘ground water, Many of these
can be reused or recycled. a8-an-aid to management.
E-waste management liclitiles: - se
1. Inventory Management , reducing the quantity of hazardous
It includes
materials usage. It also includes using of less of hazardous materials as raw
materials in stock, This canbe achieved by preventing the hazardous material
usage in the processes involved. Procedures should require that all materials be
approved prior to purchase, In the approval process all production materials are
evaluated to examine if they“contain hazardous constituents and whether
alternative non hazardous materials are available.
2. Production Process modification. Changes are made in the production
process, which will reduce waste generation. This is done by changing the raw
materials used to make products or by the more efficient use of input materials in
production process or both. It can be done as:
() Improved procedures of operation and maintenance includes reviewing
current operational procedures or lack of procedures and examination of
_ the production process for ways to improve its efficiency.
(if) Material change, Hazardous materials used in either a product
formulation or a production pr ocess m i
és uae or non-hazardous eiecats ay ape A a
rocess-equipment modification This includes es insta
i llatii on of more
efficient process equipment or modifying existing equipment to take
E advantage of :
t waste ee production techniques. This can significantly reduce
3. Volume, Reduction. Th
is 8 tep includes those techniqués that remove the
Sts portion of a waste from non-hazardou
s portion. These techniques are

“a SHIVA D.U., B.COM. (HONS.) ,
usually to reduce the volume, and thus the cost of disposin
This includes source segregation and waste dieontnlicn ng off waste materia
(i) Source Segregation, Waste containing different types of metals, be
treated separately so that the metal value in the sludge can be vaconten ae
(ii) Waste Concentration. Concentration of a waste stream may Increase the
a
livelihood that the material can be recycled or reused.
4. Recovery and Reuse, This method eliminates waste disposal costs, reduce
raw material costs and provide income from waste. Recycling of hazardous
products has little environmental benefit if it simply moves the hazardous
substance into products that eventually have to be disposed off.
(6) Ecosystem Services. Our health and well being depends upon the services
provided by ecosystem and their components: water, soil, nutrients and
organisms. Therefore, ecosystem services are the processes by which the .%
environment produces resources utilised by humans such as clean air, walet ood oe
and materials, }
Some of the services which are provided to us by ecosystem are: < ass
1. Ecological Values. All the species in ecosystems participate in the numerous AN
ecological processes that occur within and between the ecosystems. Thps, the oa
ecological role can be studied as— ae
* Cycling of water and nutrients. All the components of schuysings take
part whether biotic or abiotic. Théjhtpt in regulation of water, njlrogen,
phosphorous, carbon ete, © . i
* Food production. Plants’ are directly or indirectly = with food
production. They. aré.the squl’ source of food.
* Climatic stability. A forest is one of the main sources of rain wes in
turn controls climate.
* Reduction in pollution. Some micro— organisms as well as some. plants
and animals have the capacity to breakdown pollution, thus helping in
pollution reduction. 1
* Soil generation and reduction in soil erosion. Diverse living organisms :
both plants and animals help in the formation of soil in the long run.
* Production of energy or producers. Green plants convert solar energy ;
to chemical energy and pass on this energy to different trophic'Jevels.
* Reduction in natural calamities. Natural calamities like droughts, -
floods, earthquakes etc. are often the result of loss or destruction o
biodiversity. A healthy ecosystem has the capability of quick seconety
from any natural calamities.
* Decomposers and decomposition. Microorganisms breakdown large
molecules into smaller molecules and thus help in the recycling of
materials, This “process is known as decomposition and the micro~!
organisms are known as decomposers. 3
2. Social Values. Biodiversity has been preserved and protected by traditional *
societies that valued it as a resource and recognised that its depletion would be:
a great loss to their society. Many plants and animals are considered holy and !
sacred in India and are worshipped. For example, Tulsi, Peepal, Cows, Snakes,
etc. are regarded as sacred in India. ae

—
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE~2015 (NOVEMBER)
118
Ph Eeraangeon pine ae include a ee provided by biodiversity
e use values an oductive use
ac ge values include fossil fuels, wonda, doues and suauias
metas a - ae include the products which are directly sold in the
i reli ? His é, Textile, Leather, Silk, Paper and Pulp industry etc.
» i alues. These values relate to the importance of protecting all forms
, OF life. All the existing forms of life on earth must be conserved and protected
_ and it is the duty of every individual as biodiversity is valuable for the survival
' of human race.
5 5. Aesthetic Values. Biodiversity provides an implicit pleasure and
| beautification, Thus, natural landscapes are priceless and provide opportunities
t for recreational activities like bird watching, photography etc. It also promotes
; eco-tourism.
» 6. Optional Values, Keeping future possibilities open for their use is called
* optional value, It is difficult to predict which of the species would turn out
a fruitful in near future.
§ Q.8. Discuss socio-economic impacts of earthquakes and landslides giving
f .one example each. Also, discuss the role of disaster management to reduce15
® these impacts. 4,
* Ans. EARTHQUAKES:
* Tremors and vibrations in the crust of the Earth are called Earthquakes, It is the
& result of sudden movements of the.crustal blocks. Earthquake tremored Gujarat
E on 26! January, 2001...) ghee
Social impacts of earthquakes inclide:
~ (i) 80% of water and.food sources were destroyed.
(i) Around 20,000 people were killed and more than 2,00,000 people were
injured. After the earthquake also, there remained the terror of violence
and theft which left people affected.
(iii) Many people become homeless immediately after the earthquake.
(iv) On the other hand, earthquake resulted in millions of USD in aid, which
has allowed Bhuj to rebuild itself and then grow in a way it wouldn't
have have done otherwise.
Economic impacts of earthquakes include:
. (i) A lot of buildings, schools, hospitals and houses were destroyed relating
.to a lot of economic losses.
caused.
(if) It was estimated that a damage of around 7 billion was
LANDSLIDES;
or earth down a slope of a
A landslide is the movement of rocks, debris well as
A mountain. The Utta rakhand landslide in June 2013 affected people as
stranded when bridges,
= had many socio-economic impacts. Thousands were Indian Army, Air force
and other infrastructure was washed away.
P roadways
Para mili tary troo ps evac uate d more than 1 lakh people from affected areas.
E and and Asian
The Governmen t of Uttarakhand requested support from World Bank
infrastructure, housing,
evelopment Bank. The support was merely related to ongoing Hindu
an
rrvices and livelihoods, The area was aggravated by
igrimage and especially busy tourist season.
12D SINIVA D.U., B.COM. (HONS.)
Disaster Management, It is the discipline of dealing with and avoiding risks. q:
In general, it is the continuous process by which individuals, groups iar
communities manage hazards. a
Role of disaster management during earthquakes and landslides to reduce ti a
impact: * al
(i) Rescue teams, These include volunteers willing to help people who are’ 2
affected by the disaster. They search area for casualties and take them to. z:
safer places, a
(ii) Camps. Relief Camps are set up near the affected area. These help them - ‘3
to provide basic needs of food, shelter and clothing. These also provide*: ae
medical aid and communication facilities to casualties. a
(iii) Role of NGOs and other non-governmental organisations. These help 7 ie
in early recovery and in aiding people to easily deal with the after:33
effects of the disaster. People from NGOs may even help casualties in: Ee
proper remuneration. i
(iv) Recovery team. Government should as early as possible. make ® °
arrangements for recovery in the area. This includes appointment of” a 4
schools, colleges as early as possible is required

GM AV) fic
easa sie’
: nm se (AECC-1)
em en t Co mp ul:sory Cour
tA En ha nc
\ aam a e 0 ee — = Maximum marks: 75
Duration: 3 hours
Instrictions for Candidates:
1. Attempt any five eon
should
may be
be wri
we ilte n eit her in Eng lis h or H. indi; but the same medium
Omsar
3, Answer
ee
/ be used throughout the paper.
Q.1, (a) Differentiate between any five of
the following: (5x3=15)
Forests and grasslands.
urce.
rH Conventional and non-conventional enetgy reso
(iti) Deforestation and desertification. .
(iv) Nuclear energy and geothermal energy.
(vp) Endangered and endemic species. ~
(vi) Bio-amplification and Bio-diversity.
(vii) Compost and Urea.
(viif) Pollutants and toxicants,
Ans. (a) (i) Forests and grasslands. See Q. 7(a), Unit 2. [Page 19
(tf) Conventional and non-conventional. energy resource.
See Q. 3(é), 2015 (November), = * * [Page 112
(if) Deforestation and desertification. See.Q. 1b), Unit 3. [Page 24.
e ba al ae betwiesie inclear fey and ee energy: _-
"7oe pom 9 ae “ Coat een oho

(fission) or mergirig together from the inside of the Earth.
(fusion) of the nuclei of atoms.
2. It uses’ the steam created from | 2. The heat from the earth rises up in,
radioactive material heating’ the form of hot wind to run a.
- water to run the turbine. turbine to0 produce electricity.
3. It is the cleanest and most effi- | 3. It produces hot gases which can
cient form of energy produced. harm the environment.
4, It is cost effective. 4. It is not cost effective or
‘ . sustainable,
4Endangered species hasare those

whose numbér 1. Tindemic species are found only inin
_—feduced toa crite number. iia tan
Global
destruction rng
we ee habitat | 2. Habitat loss due to human
disappearance ‘of yee activities and pollution. are the
gered specleg, TY Mans. reasons for their decline.
ima a
122 SHIVA D.U., B.COM. (HONS,)
Examples: Bengal Tiger, Bengal Examples: Nilgiri Lan —
Fox, Asian Elephant, etc. tailed Macaque, Bie
Civet, ete. am
faite an 3 Bio-ainplification: Sie eis Sara ean

i; It is the increase in concentration 1, It is the measure ofthe aay 2
of a substance that occurs in a organisms present in different
food chain such as pesticides. q eco-systems.
. It suggests that all the trophic
levels in an ecosystem are
is anandessential
2.1nature component of
it ensures the survival
connected. That is, something of human species by providing
that occurs on the lowest trophic food, fuel, shelter, medicines and
level will amplify and affect other resources to:mankind.
higher orders from animals
belonging to higher trophic
levels, This state of equilibrium is
essential for the survival and
growth of organisms at all levels,
ae Pilemet between Compost ane Urea: . ee
» Compost.
“1. Itiis5 the organic kitchen or garden: fren i a source of fod and
waste that can be added to soil to nitrogen for bacteria as they feed
help plants grow.- on it. 4
2. Making a compost out of waste 2. Urea is added to compost asitisa ‘#2
helps in keeping waste out of source of nitrogen..It provides an 29
landfills, where they take up alternate in case the green waste is
space and release methane, a not available. It can be added
potent greenhouse gas. along with green waste also.
3, It enriches the soil, reducing the 3. It adds additional decomposing “
need for chemical fertilizers. bacteria in the compost pile.
8 Diferencs between Pollutants and toxicants:
2 igh e ahs
ang MeL
at Feats i, 7ollu tants; pee tiesee on ae
@ Pollutants are chemicals or 1. Toxicants are those pollutants:
matter that contaminate the which act as poison depending-“*,
environment. These have the upon the degree of exposure.
potential to cause harm to human
health of the environment.
(ii) Pollutants can be toxic or non- Toxicants exist as particulate.
toxic. These can include solid matter or as vapour (gases). These:
waste, liquid water or gaseous include metals, particles and”
certain vapours from fuels.’
waste. Example, pesticide DDT. :
Example, Mercury is a toxic metal.”

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE—2016 (MAY)
123
Q. 2. Write short notes o nm any three: 3x5=15
(i) Smart cities
(#i) Islands of India
(ii) Any case study of an ecological moveme
nt.
(iv) Importance of media for environmental issues.
(v) Some of ‘the traditional Indian practices hold the key for natu
re
conservation (give at least five examples)
(vi) In situ conservation ,
Ans. (i) Smart Cities. Smart city is a city equipped with basic infrastructure to
give a decent quality of life, a clean and sustainable environment through
application of some smart solutions. The goal of building a smart city is to
improve quality of life by using technology to improve the efficiency of services
and meeting residents’ needs.
Sectors that need to be developed for a smart city include government services, :
transport and traffic management, energy, health care, water, innovative urban
agriculture and waste management.
In a smart city information technology remains the principal infrastructure and
the basis for providing essential services to the residents. The core infrastructure
in a smart city would include:
* Adequate water supply
Assured electric supply
Sanitation, including solid waste management
Efficient urban mobility and public transport
Affordable housing, especially for the poor
* IT connectivity and digitalisation
* Good governance especially e-Governance and citizen participation
¢ Sustainable environment
* Safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the
elderly.
* Health and education.
in India, however
(ii) Islands of India, There are more than thousand islands
the two prominent groups of islands in India are—
(a) Andaman and Nicobar islands
b) Lakshadweep Islands.
ated in the Bay of Bengal.
tir stare and Nicobar Islands. These are loc
ris ng from the floor of
ins risi
ése islands are mainily the upper parts of the mounta ins small hills can be seen
of the islands,
te Bay. This is why mn the different parts
but ed irre gula rly. Som e part s also hav e volcanoes, Some islands are
distri
e islands ae — good timber,
surrounded by coral reef. The forests in thes
. teak and maho spices like cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. —_
ts : In the Ara bian sea lie the ner
aia dwe er ta
“s) rai
lio ns of corals and so they form c
- -rhese Islands are formed by deposits of mil
ar at iv ely vemore de
ing
ped.t
velohighe
land , so they are comp caus
‘These are closer to the main
> soil is very fertile in these islands. Here farming is produc
sity of population.
124 SHIVA D.U., B.COM, (HONS.)
(iii) Case study of an ecological movement, See Q. 4(a), 2015
(November). 3
[Page 112 |:
(#0) Importance of media for environmental isanes.
Media plays an important role in modern societies. The various media, like ;
newspapers, radio, TV and the internet not only help to explain the policies, rules ”
and regulations and plans to the citizens but also make them aware about
environmental problems and also create a pressure on the decision-makers to:
solve any issues related to environment, There are many precautionary tools to: .
warn against environmental threats including endangering of species, 4
environmental degradation, environmental pollution etc. that media can take up. S
Media not only plays an influential role in warning against these ae
environmental threats but also suggests proper ways to avoid these. Media also.:; a
has power to question the decision-makers regarding their wrong policies which
may harm the environment, :
(0) Traditional Indian practices which hold the key for nature conservation. ae
Environmental conservation is not a new concept in India, People from time ‘ay
immemorial have been inclined towards nature in the name of faith, belief, ‘ae
religion and culture. ; ‘
Traditional Indian Practices: ,
1, Sun, the greatest source of energy for human beings is worshipped, ae
2. The pipal tree continuously releases oxygen ‘and there is a tradition of es
taking rounds around Pipal tree. :
3. Some animals are worshipped and that has helped in their preservation. ;
4. According to Jainism, nature is to be protected in all ways—no waste, no "
overuse, no abuse, no polluting. ae
5. Bishnois of Rajasthan are known for their role in saving Khejri trees to 2
save the environment.
We should not forget the fact that we worship trees, animals, forests, rivers,
and the Sun, and consider Earth itself as a Goddess which is a positive step
towards conservation. 8
(vi) In situ conservation. See Q. 4, Unit 4. [Page 44 “3a
Q. 3. (f) India as a nation is a Mega-biodiversity spot. Comment giving &
examples, 8 =
(##) Mining is an essential environmental evil. Justify taking any case J
study. ; =
Ans. (i) See Q. 3, Unit 4. [Page 42 38
(ti) See Q, 5, Unit 3. [Page 98 s
Q. 4. Although India has a vast coastline, most social and political problems 4%
are due to water. Discuss giving examples. 15
Ans, Although India has a vast coastline but still India faces a state level
competition on sharing of available freshwater. With increasing unplanned
urbanization the need for water has tumed into greed now. The ground water
resources have been abused, water Is neither being recharged nor stored
that optimizes its use. Waste is being discharged to the water bodies emin ways; {ie
‘
Into crisis of water. . m
Take example of Hyderabad, it has several aquifers and water bodies,
These
,
Y) - Be 1286
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE~2016 (MA
for well over a hundred d yeyears.
——
the city
in all directions
ex p oe
co u ‘ad ae oniread construction
.| .Bu
ae t pooe on
pulatie e as ia
traditional aquifers, which existed in
n of 3
wa te r level in
' a resulted in reductio
. and around the city. countries: China and
neighbouring
India also has’ water-sharing issues with hmaputra River, which flows
frida are competing for resources along the Bra i orial dispu
i tes. South Asia is
ia that have been prone to territ
are source of
Se Oe Maen daar buliog and diversion of course of river
major tension between India and China. isation
. ~Gfimate change, depleting aquifers, rapid population growth and urban
are placing pressure on scarce water resources within the country and also with
. our neighbouring countries.
Chiha’s dam building agenda has created apprehension within India about the
_erlsk of flash floods and landslides ‘affecting millions of people living in
downstream ‘areas. In June 2000, due to lack of hydrological data ‘exchange
between the two countries a dam burst in Tibet caused flash floods downstream
in Arunachal, Pradesh, / e a
These issues unnecessarily disturb the relations with other neighbouring
countries, Although, wé are not at war with any country but there is always a
war like argument going on caused by man-made reasons due to such
unresolved
: isspes like water.
. ae
Reias
ie
tet Ms OGpe.
itt
_ Fresh water issues occur due tv. the following reasons :
* Inefficien
use t ofiwatet for- agriculture
* Reduction in traditio water’ recharging areas. -
* Sewage and wastewater drainage into traditional water bodies.
* Release of chefniils and effluents into rivers, streams and ponds.
* Lack of on ‘time de-silting operations in large water bodies that can
enhance water storage capacity during monsoon.
* Lack of efficient water.management and unmanaged distribution of .
water between urban consumers and the agriculture sector and industry.
‘Q. 5. (#) Most floods are anthropogenic (Man-made), Justify. 7
(if) Loss of biodiversity is the greatest loss to the nation. Discuss giving
examples. ° “6 8
Ans. (i) Floods are most common of the natural disasters, The
losing its significance
word ‘Natural’ is
in case
of floods as.most of the floods now -days are
caused by man-made reasons, Floods were
known to be natural when they were
- @ result of powerful weather systetn. Certain
human activities exacerbate the
chances of flooding and make it even worse when
it occurs.
.. The human factors/anthropogenic factors that
‘ ra activities, ‘such as Urbani con tribute to causing floods are:
‘rate,
zation, j nerease run-off volume and
é > F ;
* Occupation of the flood pla
ins obstructing flows of
* Structural flood contro rivers and streams.
l measur
es sti
* fot
Decreasettti coney en ae the river ch as e
in et ents in the upstream.
a cha nne ls owing tobuild-up of dee
ays, dumping of mineral wastes and rubbis
. * Mining and other ind h
ustries altering water
regimes, *

126
(ii) Loss of biodivers}
environ Q5 (a), Unit 4. 5
Q. 6. (f) Most
Ans
a . (i) See Q. 4 (6), f 2015
(if) See Q. 7 (b), 2015 (NovenOva =aa?
Q. 7. Write explanatory notes on any three:
() Solid waste management
(fi) Man-wildlife conflicts a
(i) Groundwater recharge s
. Ecological succession a
v) Climate change and food securi g
Ans. (i) Solid waste management, See a
oe 7, Unit 5
conflict. See Q. 5(c), Unit 4 )
ii) Groundwater Recharge. It is 4 process thro Pe
which urfa Ds
into the ground and increases the water tle ot
hich sat the oni rgr oid l wites E
Recharge is the primary.method throu anaquife r. It can
gh wh +e enters
occur both naturally and artificially.
Natural Recharge. Groundwater is recharged tural! rain and griow-
and to a smaller extent by surface water (vena ; ‘ae
Artificial recharge. It is, donié:. ta. Stordwatér. and“ conserve it for various
Groundwater rechargeiiis an‘important process for sustainable groundwater

management, wherein the volume of water extracted from an acquifier should
always be less than the volume of water that is recharged.
Recharge can help move excess salts that accumulate into the groundwater
system. . ;
(iv) Ecological succession. See Q. 6 (b), Unit 2. ; [Page
all four
(v) Climate change and food security, Climate change will affect
dimensions of food security, viz. ae oid ean taal :
utilization and food systems stability. It wil have an impact o az
channels, as well as Chang
livelihood assets, ood. production and distribution
purchasing power and market flows. Its impac
precipitati . ae ‘3
e um ?
db en ou
t s g te mp er at ur
and esfoodand
ins eca ce are Ti to be - ‘
Setea
we -te s
c,rm, ch 2 si a
hoo d sys tems that a Yes
cu lt ur e- ba se d liv eli
affected. Agri
ins ecu rit y fac e im me di at e ris k of en arin ae rial cod 100,
foo d m e anti mountaina, dry
of app rop ria te re
pests and diseases, lack floodptains :
livestock. People living on the coasts and but particular
and the Arctic are most at risk. le all over the globe, assets and’ d: lack“
lack:
As an indirect effect, low-inco
i me PeoP owing to loss of yulnerabilities
ene will be at risk of food inse curity ting
aii “may also lead to shif
ge. ; This
adequate insurance coveraloped countries
both developing and deve yo
ot

i
127
a *. Food i systems will also be affected throu gh possible
internal and international
BYRS: and
migration,
its imp resource-based conflicts and civil unrest triggered by climate change
na civil
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries will not only be affected
4 by climate change,
“~ also contribute to it through, emitting greenhouse gases. They also hold part
gy. Of the reinedy, however, they can contribute to climate change mitigation
as: through reducing greenhouse gas emissions by changing agricultural practices.
ae At the same time, itis necessary to strengthen the resilience of rural people and
a «to help them cope with this additional threat to food security. Particularly in the
Ge agriculture sector, climate change adaptation can go hand-in-hand with
Se mitigation. Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures need to be
a integrated into the overall development approaches and agenda.
Q-8. Very briefly explain the importance of any five of the following:
(/) Silent Valley me -
(#) One-horned Rhinoceros
(iii) Asiatic Lions =~
(to) Mangrove forest
(v) Bishnois
(vf) Jhum cultivation
(vii) Jim Corbett National Park =) teem cf 5x3=15
*. _ Ans, (1) Silent Valley. See Q. 5(b), Unit 7.) ° [Page 90
a = (ii) One horned rhinocerosIt. isa species, of rhinoceros native to Indian
fis. Subcontinent. It is listed’as vulnerable species‘on the IUCN Red list. The Indian
@, thinoceros has a thick*brown skin with pinkish skin folds and a black horn
Mi. Which is present in’ both ‘males and females..The number of rhinoceros has
ie declined due to human and livestock encroachment. The Indian rhinoceros lives
su: in wild and their habitat is indiscriminately reduced by mankind for its need and
tae’ greed. Kaziranga National Park in Assam hosts two third of the world’s great
wa orie-horned rhinoceros. At present the great India one-horned rhinoceros are
Se found ih southern: Nepal, northern Bengal and the Brahmaputra valley, Once "
Nic\they were seen frequently in Royal Manas National Park but today they are
a restricted to habitats surrounded by human-dominated landscapes adjacent to
Sr cultivated areas, pastures and secondary forests. These rhinoceros have been
se hunted extensively for their horns. .
m (iit) Asiatic lions, Asiatic lion also known as the Indian lion is a subspecies
gi found in the Gir National Park of Gujarat. It is listed as endangered in IUCN red
e. list. The number of Asiatic lions declined due to loss of their habitat. Because of
= deforestation their natural habitats have been destroyed, These were also hunted
BEY. for pride. Government is taking initiatives to preserve their spesies. Now the
§;, number of these lions is increasing in Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
it: (iv) Mangrove forests. Mangroves are shrubs or small trees that grow in coastal
fat saline or brackish water. Mangrove ‘forests are present at the deltas of rivers
ai. where a lot of sediments are present. .
ai Mangrove roots collect sediments and slow the water's flow. Thus, they help in
i protecting and increasing the coastline and prevent erosion. Mangroves provide
safe habitat and a nursery for a variety of fish, birds, crustaceans and shellfish.

198 = SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SERIES
Mangrove' forests and estuaries are the breeding and nursery. grounds for.
number of marine organisms including the commercially important shrimp,
¢T@
and fish species, Mangrove trees are also used for house building, furniture,
transmission as well as telephone poles and certain household items.
Mangroves are now looked after by scientists or saviors in the today’s scenari
of global warming,
(v) Bishitois, See Q. 5(c), Unit 7, [Page:
(vf) Jim cultivation. Jhum (slash and burn cultivation) is an age-old system
agricultural among the indigenous groups in the humid trophics. It is also known
as slash and burn agriculture and is generally practiced by tribals and refugees
who do not stay long at a particular place. It is largely viewed as an exploitatiyé
system, wherein the land and natural resources are not managed optimally and:
understood to be a major cause of deforestation and ecological instability.
In this, farmers slash and burn a patch of land and start growing food cro °
When soil fertility is declined they shift to another piece of land burning th
jungle. Benefits of Jhum cultivation include:
(i) It includes forest’s natural cycle of regeneration given a proper lon
period of gap for recovery. ,
(ii) It requires no pesticides and insecticides. It is very much organic.
(iii) Jnum cultivation is economically viable, sustaifiable and feasible.
Although, Jhum is considered a sustainable way, once a forest is cut and’b
it releases many greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It'is also responsible for sdi
erosion and siltatlomin,damis.*:) 9G." wee
(vii) Jim Corbett National Park:is the oldest National Park in India and wa
established in 1936 as Hailer' National Park to protect the endangered Benga
tiger. It is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The core area of the Corbét
tiger reserve forms the Corbett National Park while the buffer contains reserve
forests. This forest is the most important reserve for tigers. It not only includes
project tiger for saving tiger species but also Asiatic lion and one-horri
rhinoceros. The place is a beautiful spot for tourism as well anid provides ma
facilities including camping, jeep safaris, etc. This park is an initiative to save.
threatened species. It is home to 488 different species of plants and ‘a div
variety of fauna. o. rae
— Pee...”

‘
eT RE
i he
MeboT
e t few se 5SEL
te
ental Science
Name of th evity Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC-1)
Name of the Course ‘
E Maximum marks: 75
Duration : 3 hours
Altempt any five questions. All questions carry equal marks,
Q.1. (a) Define (atternpt any five): ' 5*2=10
| () Air Quality Index(AQl) -
- (ii) Biodiversity 4 a
: (ft) Smog
.
’ * iv) Solid waste

(v) Nuclear energy.
(vi) Desertification
(vit) Kyoto Protocol ’ Se
Ans."(f) Air Quality Index (AQN. Air Quality Index is a number used by
government to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently
is or how polluted it is forecast to become, AQI is an index for reporting
daily air quality, It tells you how clean or unhealthy your air is, and what
associated health effects might. be a concern. AQ] focuses on health
effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing
unhealthy air. In India, as in many,other ‘countries, the Index is centred
around five chief pollutants Particulate: Matter with a diameter less
than 10 micrometres: (PM10), Particulate. Matter with a diameter of less
than 2.5 micrometérs,(PMV 2:5); Ozorie (Os), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO,), and
Carbon Monoxidé*( -0);,As the AQI increases art increasingly large
percentage of ‘the:population is likely to experience increasingly severe
adverse health effects,
(ii) Biodiversity, It refers to the variety and the number of living
organisms
(both animals arid plants) present in the ecosystem. There are
three levels
of biodiversity: «
— Genetic diversity. Different genes and.combination of genes within
populations, ° |
— Species diversity, Different kinds of organisms, relationships among
species,
Generated from combined the unwanted or useless solid materials

Activities in a given are
(domestic, item may be cate

130 SHIVA DELII UNIVERSITY BERIES
according to its contents organic mater!
etc); or according to mene metal, plastic
potential ee non-toxic, Seiad j
radioactive, infectious etc). Management of so
eliminates adverse impacts on the environme lid wa st e re du ce s o¢ |
nt and human i
supports economic develdpment
oe Deceritt energy. See Q. 7, Unit 3. and improved quality of life — i
vi) [Page 32 ”
Desertification, Degradation of formerl
, an”
desertification, It scout in dry and Ye fragile
lls coecosyst
ca ems. ow
It naffects. .
terrestrial areas, animal and plant populations as well
a3 human ©
settlements and their amenities.
(vit) Kyoto Protocol, It is an international agreement linked to the Unite
d 2
Nations Framework Convention on’ Climate change. The major aim of ’ ,
Kyoto Protocol was to reduce Green house gas emissions,
(>) Fill in the blanks: D Betas
(f) Pyramid of energy is always ss . : 3
(##) The species restricted to an area and not found elsewhere in the world j
+ at
15 CALLE” wrerivereees » .
(iid) ‘Cauvery river dispute’ is between ssgeeors AUG sessssgersene states, 3 4

' {fv) The state of increased levels of nitrogen-and phosphorus in the Jakes is «
CALLE eesvcescvenes o . “yo age
atey &:*; :
©) auc gas is the main component

‘of biogas::+; ; rst
i
RB RT et
aad
Ans. (i) upright tt th
Dahiabkin Mbt
(ii) Endemic species.
oor ©
1/204: 65" "a
chaansde
' (iif) Tamil Nadu and)Ka
(iv) Eutrophication»...
%
(u). Methane :
3x5=15 |
ca:
Q. 2. Differentiate between any three of the following: *
3
é
(i) Renewable and non-renewable energy.

4
(ii) Biosphere reserves and national parks.
4
(iii) Wildlife (Protection) Act and Forest (Conservation) Act.
(iv) Primary pollutants and secondary pollutants. , 3
(v) Chipko movement and Beej Bachao Andolan 4
[Page 24 3
Ans. (i) Renewable and non-renewable energy. See Q. 1(a), Unit3. — A
Biosphere Reserves and National Parks _
1. These are areas of and 1. These are protected parks to limit

coastal ecosystems. promoting the human interference in the 9
to reconcile the| habitats ofanimals§ ©= ©
solutions
conservation of biodiversity with
its sustainable use.
are formed by Central 2. These are formed by Central and:
2. These State legislation. _ s
legislation. _
3, National Parks have defined. =
3. Biosphere Reserves are divided boundaries, through which
no“
into three zones on the basis of person can get into the packs
human interferences allowed: without approval.
‘

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE—2016 (DECEMBER) 431
(i) Care -area—no human inter
ference.
(ii) Buffer zone—Experimental
ee educational train-
g tourism and recrea
facilities are allowed. tonal
(iif) Transition Area— People’s in-
habitation and work, using of |
natural resources in sustain- |
able manner is allowed.
(iii) Wildlife (Protection) Act and Forest (Co
sca cn (Ci a SAR:
Forest (Conservation) ct:
Act)...
Wildlife Proteshon
pes es Wildlife
Trutoa Ack on
Ach
(Rrotectiony Pacts on Forest,
1. Wildlife Act was enacted for} 1. The Forest Act made ample
providing protection to wild provisions to check deforestation
animals and birds. - and encourage afforestation of
- . non-forest areas. As per this Act,
no forest land or any portion
thereof may be used for any non-
_. forest. purposes without prior
‘permission’ of the central
- government.
prohibits State government
2. Wildlife was transferred from | 2. It
State list to Concurrent list in from declaring any portion of
thu s giv ing pow ers to the fore sts as non-reserved without
1976,
government to enact approval of Central government,
central
legislations.
the 3. The Act prohibits lease of forest
3. The Act also provides for land to anybody other than the
of
constitution of Indian Board government. It enhances conser-
Wildlife, which actively took up vation, plantation and increase of
the task of setting up wildlife forest cover to an average of 30%.
sanctuaries, national parks and
biosphere reserves.
t of
It provides for the appointmen life
Chief Wild Life Warden, wild by
-wardens and other employees
n
state, governments for protectio
of wild life. Act made provision for
l permit 4 The
ZL. This Act grants a speciaedu cation
to hunt wildlife for out cutting
scientific yities in forests with oval of
research, trees with prior
appr
and collection of
management gardens, Central government.
specimens for zoological ae
museums, etc.

132 SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SENIES
(%) Primary pollutants and secondary pollutants. See Q. 1(a), Unit 5.
(Page 52:
(v) Chipko movement and Beej Bachao
eS Chipkel iOvement -: " s ites ere ne ene a -
1. In the 1970s, an organized

resistance to the destruction of
forests spread throughout India not only a crusade to conserve
and came to be known as the traditional seeds but also to
Chipke movement. The name of promote traditional agriculture
the movement comes from the and crop varieties,
word embrace, as the villagers
hugged the trees, and prevented
the contractors’ from felling them.
2. The Chipko movement was 2. The Andolan begun in:the late :
started by Mr. Sundarlal. 1980s, is' twenty five year old, led
Bahuguna in . Tehri-Garhwal by farmer and social activist Vijay
district of Uttarakhand against Jardheri. It started in the village
ruthless felling of trees and Jardhargaon of district Tehri,
destruction of forests by Uttarakhand, famous for its
contractors, unique movement to save the
"* traditiorial’seeds of the hills.
. Although many .of ’ its Tenders: 3: The movement is successfully
were men, women weré not only conserving 40 different crops,
its backbone, but also its including cereals such as red
mainstay, because they were the wheat, oats, rice, amaranthus,
ones most affected by the _buck, wheat, com, millets, beans
rampant deforestation, which led and pulses, oil seeds, medicinal
to a Jack of firewood and fodder Varieties of turmeric and ginger
as well as water for drinking and and a variety of vegetables.
irrigation. Over the years they
also became primary stakcholders
in a majority of the afforestation
work that happened under the
Chipko movement,
. Chipko Movement is now a 4. The Andolan initia
movement for planting of food, ted the use of
traditio nal farming me
-
fuel, fibre, fodder ‘and fertilizer seeds resulting in hichthods and

yielding trees to make the people improved health of er 1]
self-sufficient in all their basic |: o
increased conservation ne
needs, It would generate a de- fertility and agro-biodiversity soil
centralized and long term policy
which will conserve the environ-
ment and bring everlasting peace,
prosperity and happiness to
mankind, —

* 133
j * AL SOIENCE201 G (DECEMBER)
EERIE any five of the following: SxSmi5
tes oF
Q. 3. Write sh no tem
or t
Aquatic ecosys
ui Biodiversity hotspots _ ss tiined popetsiicta
(tif) Nuclear disasters (any
on serienlture
(iv) Impacts of da1m constructi
cts on
(v) Global wats” a eaed of diseases
(vi) Climate change #2 ‘ and its impact on Delhi's air quality. . e
ea dt ecom
Ane Pp te set 0of living and non-
tem 18is the the comple
sys,
; ene s water, so
eh m i n a regi on of interest. The term aquatic means
‘ es non-living parts of a waterbody and the
&- an Aquntic ecosystem refers to ae
place amon .
. i wee om of ut ecosystems including marine ecosystems and
E freshwater ecosystems, A marine ecosystem is a‘ salt water ecosystem and the
{largest aquatic ecosystem in the world. A marine ecosystem, in turn, is divided
F into smaller ecosystems or zones. For instance, a coral reef is its own ecosystem,
F as are lagoons and intertidal zones. These ecosystems contain algae, corals, fish
and sharks, Another major type of aquatic ecosystem is a freshwater ecosystem,
: which consists of lentic or slow-moving water ecosystems, lotic or fast-moving
} water ecosystems and wetland ecosystems. Lent ystems include ponds and
& lakes, which break down into smaller zones ‘or’ecOsystems including littoral
S zones, open-water zones and deep-water zones."Lotic ecosystems include rivers
fandsteams, gta
(ii) Biodiversity hotspots i India.
See Q. 2(a), Unit 4. [Page 40
(iif) Nuclear disasters(qany'two): .
_* Chernabyl Disaster, It occurred on.26 April, 1986 in the No. 4 light
water graphite moderated reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power
Plant near Pripygt, The explosion caused a release of tadio active
elements into the ‘Sky that inevitably spread throughout the
a to most parts of Europe.
* Fukus Daiichi nuclear disaster, It was an energy accident at
Fuku shim
I NuclearaPower
eterno, the
ro Plant in F ukushimaima initiated
initi primarilyil by
(i) Impacts of dam construction on tribal
populations, In several cases, the
environmental impacts of dam pro ;
displacement of tribes or dran aa jects have resulted either in the
ney
=
of them end trPp with
Seem ae
the houses, less access
common peop to th
o el wood and fodder, po e resources of
or nutrition and

134 SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SEntes
ae
poor pliysical and mental health. Devel
the dispersal of communities, ental
the Seeaktnen eae a- y
Often lead to “aml
a) on and oe devaluation of their cultural identity tional support aa
al warming’s impacts on ,
is permanently ey
aces eee Gack
gation avai lity, There

events which can turn out to be dabelabi
rnenka to erp: onan Toe
g
include— A
(a) Carbon dioxide increase. Carbon dioxide is ciitical
to of
photo
CO, synth esis (and thus, plant growth
growth).
insinases on sot ). Even a small increase in abi :
(b) Weeds, pests and Diseases, Weeds are unwanted plants which
“at
when grows, causes prolific havoc. se
(c) Irrigation and rainfall, Climate change also alters the water needs of “43h
the plants and the crops, : : ag
In the long run, the climatic change could affect agriculture in 2
several ways: . ty
* productivity, in terms of quantity and;quality of crops BO
* agricultural practices, through changes’ of water use (irrigation) “29
and agricultural. inputs ‘such ‘as ‘herbicides, insecticides and 2%
fertilizers, ©. a eee "
. inula
_ * environmental effects,’in partic r of frequency and
relation 48
intensity.of soil drainage (leading to nitrogen leaching), soil .¢y
erosion, reduction of crop diversity — a
* rural space, through the loss and gain of cultivated lands, land 233
speculation, land renunciation, and hydraulic amenities. = “3
* adaptation, organisms may become more or less competitive, as “2%
well as humans may develop urgency to develap more =]
competitive organisms, such as flood resistant or salf ‘res ‘tan2%
t
varieties of rice. rae sitet : ans climate a
change and d of diseases, Many ns i
(oA) Se for ilectealo, dengue fever and cholera. Climate rp :
where an infection canaxes because it lenis the distribution of other
species that are required for disease transmission. | unfolds =
Went of the climate may cause malari
borne As Se
a. infec tions. reer wacvy:
o
more prevalent is the ee eal flourishAOin-heavy rainfa Te lls
ce
and asx
di ar rh ea l
most often cause
ters into and may con produce more quickly
di ar rh ea l di se as e re
en te pais
(iia defing wc A O56 Go evn an

tions 8 ee ee
impact on Delhi's air quality. Odd dates:
‘Odd-er condiormula’ and
fi) warm
with licensesi pla ith license plat
On even dates, only cicars
ty r o a d s , “_ fee o , cars Wi
will be all o w e d on
r will
ending with an odd numbe

According to reports the formula was a big hit in Delhi.

+ Following
eGood On are th= a stories to sum up the effect of this forntrulas
°* Pollution
Te eereduction—25 % reduction in pollution level * expected.
* Reduction in fuel consumption.

a (a) What are the major threats to biodiversity? Discuss briefly the
level. 7
) Wai. mitigate three major threats at the global biodiversity? Give some
measures for conservation of
t are ex-situ
See Q. 5, Unit 4. . [Page 46
ra te) Mee threats to biodiversity.
threats: There are several important ways in which
+ es to mitigate these
to bring back the
umans can slow biodiversity loss, although there is no way
species that have already gone extinct. .
areas where human activity is
({) Protecting Areas. Creating protected deforestation and exploitation of
limited is the best way to prevent for survival, In order to make a
organisms and the resources they need
to go into the creation of a
significant difference, much planning needs area one needs to consider all
protected area. For creating a protected needs to include all
elements of the ecosystem. The protected area for example, leaving out a
resources that are utilized by its inhabitants; not make a
stream where half of the: mammals’ go’ to drink would
,
protected area very effective: and less
(ii) Preventing Species -Introductions. It is often much easier
in the first place than to -
expensive to prevent a problem from developing invasive species, which
with
k
try to fix it once it occurs. This is the case that aren’t prepared to
F
can wreak havoc when introduced to ecosystems
bringing foreign plants and
E
deal with them..Many governments prohibit
e
k authorization.
animals into their countries without
powerful tool, and the more people
(iii) Informing/Educating. Education is a they will be prepared to help
know about biodiversity loss, the more human effects on plants
slow it. Spreading the word about detrimental effect
to change their ways and
and animals can encourage people .
- changes to preserve biodiversity. cause of
Slowing Climate Change. Climate change is the documented
(iv) and has likely caused hundreds
several extinctions that we know about,
to go extinct about which we may never know. Any efforts as
* of species human-
organizations, or governments, to slow current
individuals, slowing biodiversity loss.
caused global warming is a step towardsagriculture is much better for the
Sustainable
(2) Promoting Sustainability. that rely on clearing swathes of
grazing and cropping
environment than
forest or field. of biodiversity. See Q. 4, Unit te 7
(b) Ex-situ measures for conservation
. , P age
‘ Tiger in India, How is saving tigers
a brief account of Project
Q. 5. (a) Give 7
crucial for saving man’s own survival?

198 SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SEntes
(6) Briefly describe the environmental impacts of invasive species. ‘je
Explain 9
these impacts with any tzvo suitable examples.
B. gem
Ans. Project Tiger launched in 1972, is the most famous wildlife conservation’ “2
project of India to protect hunting of tigers, During 1950s artd 1960s, tiger
the,
magnificent animal was hunted for pleasure and its beautiful skin. During the .
phase more than 3,000 tigers lost their lives leaving behind a handful of 1800
tigers in counting. This was why Project Tiger was launched. .
India is home to the largest number of wild tigers in the world, It shelters .. =
approximately 60% of the world’s wild tiger population. Initially 9 Tiger reserves 43
covering an area of 16,339 sq kms were chosen for Project Tiger. Corbett National
Park was the first national park to be covered under Project Tiger, Now as‘many
as 27 Tiger Reserves, covering an area of 37,761 sq. km. are included in Project
Tiger.
. Project Tiger aims at creating safe, secure and ideal environmental conditions
for the survival and growth of tigers and its prey to maintain the population of Re
tigers, The factors included under Project Tiger are habitat destruction, forestry 3
disturbance, loss of prey, poaching and competition with local villagers and +
domestic animals.
a
Initially, the project started with 9 tiger reserves, with a population of 268
tigers. Recently it is estimated to include 27-reserves. with 1498 tigers.
Some of the famous tiger reserves of India include:
Periyar, Sariska, Ranthambo re,
and the Sundarbans,
The main objective of Project‘Tiger:ig.to chsure a viable population of tiger in ‘ea
India for scientific , economic’, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values and “48
preserve for all time, areas'of biological importance as a natural heritage to ~
benefit, education and enjoyment of the people, Main objectives
for the
under the
scheme include wildlife management, protection measures and site
Specific eco- “G38
developmen t to reduce the dependency of local communities on tiger reserve
resources. ‘i23
Saving tigers crucial for saving man’s own survival. Tiger is, “3
wilderness and well-being of the ecosystem. By conserving and symbo l of
saving tigers the
entire wilderness ecosystem is conserved, In nature, barri
ng human beings and
their domesticates, rest of the ecosystem is wild. Hence conserving
important and crucial to maintain the life support wilderness is
system. So saving tiger
amounts to saving the ecosystem which is crucial for man‘s
population in India may
own survival. Ti r
not still be in thrilling numbers and poaching still may
be quite rampant but a lot.more effort is being
place into saving this beautiful
animal. If no action is taken, sourcing from the
wild together with increased
captive production to meet an expanding market demand will Pose a serious . 3
' threat to wild species through unsus
tainable harvesting
As mentioned tigers have been dear to India, since from wild populations,
remains time immemorial. It thus,
our duty to respect and conserve the creature.
magnificent animal with its multitude of medicinal Moreover, tiger is a
and magical properties,
(b) Environmental impacts of invasive species. See Q. 6(b), 2015
(November),
[Page 116 . }

ECEMBER) aay
. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE—2016 (D
=
‘tive of ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’? What are the

=
this movement more effective _

Pr eb — a mye ‘sal
eis obal and act local for sustainable developm

le deve ent’—how
lopment —f is this
pctcaly peoatite in urban spaces like Delhi, and explain this with one
Bt t Abhiyan
ok Swachh Bhara i is a campaign by the G Government t of Indiaia to to
dente roads and infrastructure of the country’s 4041 statutory cities
“towns, The Sampaign involves the construction of latrines, promoting
-sanitation programmes in the rural areas, cleaning streets, roads and changing
the infrastructure of the country to lead the country ahead. It was Jaunched by
the Prime Minister, Mr. Narendera Modi, on 2% October, 2014.
The main objectives of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan includes:
{i) Bring about an improvement in the general quality of life by promoting
cleanliness, hygiene and eliminating open defecation.
(if) Motivate communities to adopt suitable sanitation practices and facilities
' through awareness creation and health education.
(iii) Encourage cost effective and appropriate technologies for ecologically
. safe and sustainable sanitation.
The challenges of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan include;
(i) A problem reqitires rectification orilywhén it'is recognised.
(ii) Miteracy rate is high with the high rate of illiteracy it becomes difficult to
make oné understatid-the importance of sanitation,
(iii) ‘First you never if:This mentality of people leads to no effect. When and
where people should believe in every drop counts, they turn things to
their benefit'by adopting suitable phrases.
The three important phases necessary for the implementation of the Swachh
Bharat programme ares”
(i) Planing phase...
(ii) Implementation phas®
_ (iii) Sustainability phase
Each of these phases include activities that need to be catered to with concrete
Plans of Action, which needs preparation and planning. Emphasis has to be
on awareness generation, triggering behaviour change and demand laid
genefation
for sanitary facilities. in Houses, Schools, ‘Anganwadis', places
congregation, and for solid and liquid waste Management activit of community
(b) The phrase “Think. global, Act local” was first used ies.
environmental chajlenges, If one wants to change and achieve in the context of
can not wait to bring a change on global front but ves f improvement, one
;
the best course of action brings driv6 ing cha yes focus on local action. Thus,
own nge your self, One can act to reduce his
environinental impact by, for example, con
suming less energy or water.
mplement the policy of ‘Think global and

ci
: | and devise ways ys and eeeen
, act local’. It
thelr
and medina to understanding o f these environmental
ntal impac
i ts
Think globally, act Iocally’ Preserve the environment.
“tges people to consider the health
of the entire
é

138
SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY
SERIES *
Janet and to take action in their o '
cancemotien cities like Delhi. Long po gee and cities, even in
énvironmental laws, individuals were'coming t ent be Orcin,
organisms
La that live enwithin
Geeranar sirth & together to protect habitats and :
on efforts are referred to as grass ae
heiplics ével and are primarily run by volunteers and
The phrase ‘Think Global, Act Local’ began at the :
accomplished global acceptance. It is re just Saat on =
environment into consideration, it is the corporations, government offici .
education system and local communities also which come together tosrarlentane
ways and means to preserve and protect the environrnent.
Q. 7, ‘Human population explosion is causing severe resource depletion and
environmental degradation’. Discuss this with suitable examples. = 15
Ans. The rapid and dramatic growth in population over the past hundred 24
years has been called as population explosion. According to an estimate; world 74
population of 7.2 billion in mid 2013 was projected fo increase by almost one ©
billion people within the next-twelve years, reaching 8.1 billion in the year 2015 “#
and to further increase
to 9.6 billion by 2050. " es c=
The main reason for world’s population growth is the deviation in birth and
death rates. When. the birth rate is higher, than. the ‘death rates, thé population -%
grows. Thus, the number of people, in: thé, world ‘has, grown rapidly. The 7
maximum population on Earth is young this‘there is a ‘population mamentum’
resulting in increase in;population: Most ofthe population growth is currently |:
taking place in the developing world, where rates of increase are much higher “7
than the industrialized world. The size of population and its rate of growth are =
the major factors leading to environmental degradation and rapid depletion of 2%
natural resources. The faster is the increase in population, the more rapid is the
depletion of natural resources. ‘ “3
The world’s population is unevenly spread in 233 cquntries across the globe «*
and most of the world population lives in a few countries. : 4
Impacts of Growing Population on: 3
like, B
1. Environment. Population has a deep impact on environment and issyes
and its vesOUrCes. 7
population explosion have put an increasing demand on earth
pollution and - -
It has given rise to various problems like illiteracy, unemployment, We = ‘sg
poverty. It has created an interrelated web of environmental problems.
and biological diversities. Developing nd
destroying our natural resources Ts e
t because of
underdeveloped nations exert pressure on environmen
the generation 0 ‘=
resource consumption. Uneven utilization of resources and
s for exerting tremendous envirofumental pressure. — , hii z
wastes are reason E
fierce competition so
India is facing an intense crisis of resources. There is, T4 ;
nation’s limited resources. The fast growth of population has affected the qu
of life of le in India. -- } a
pera :
cn acti and Welfare. The impact population enpicsion
direct. oe
the most dangerous thing caused by population, There is a
between food, housing, sanitation and health. = -

ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE—2016 (DECEMBER)
() Due to incre 138
ase in 7 :
food which athity toe es people do not get sufficient quantity of
th and prod ity, i
ca
a cia
(ti) Inades a Per Capita income and thus a,
es. Excess ive populati : P and susceptible to
ow ‘malnutritio n, o population leads to poor standards of sanitation,
hei, atten Wn ee of air and water causes several
: » Phe quali li
Propor tional to qualit y Stars nmen ife of the population is directly
t.
iit) The
eco mee problem created by population explosion is that it affects the
0. 8 "Calne nt Progress of nations.
‘could ‘ao snag deg €s are powerful tools to protect the environment and
suitable examples, - © our ecosystem health”. Justify the statement with
; 15
Ans. “
- “Cultural practices are powerful tools to protect the environment and
could a enn to our ecosystem health”, Cultural practices as known to all
Secieaii : ae to safeguard one’s nationality and reign. At its most basic, the
ih ty of culture involves an apparent paradox. On one hand culture defines
the existence of humans on the other it discards the same. Our mother earth has
‘indispensable cultures defining its pride. . :
As a defining attribute culture is an-.important aspect of any human
eeeenaat including how people shape‘environments, use them and interact
wi m. se | era
‘At the same time the:posséssiort of culture divides the single biological species
into groups that are so different‘and varied that they can be seen as “pseudo-
species”, These diverse groups formed are further explained by culture.
protected the
Varied cultural practices and ethics have since time immemorial at Alaknanda
started
environment. Just for instance “The Chipko Movement”
where the people were unable to
catchment area of mid-western Himalayas
even before when a group of,
sustain their livelihood due to deforestation. Or Sunderlal Bahuguna led the
village woman embraced trees to protect them,
along with other activists. Initially the ‘movement opposed -
movement environmental protection .
later, large issues of ecology and
deforestation, but
there is a tradition of conservation of forests through
ss India
means of biodiversity conservation
creation of sacred groves. It is a traditional animals and birds and harm
where no one is permitted to cut trees or plants, kills
is area. :
our animals
els of savingpractice another
is pros cultural ned
at is ines
a, this has both and cons.
people although ;
adopted by ’ peop th and human's
t of wildlifeA aanale diet
but not at the cos
important to protect our environment
is very common in many parts ofin the world.
of food and shelt a
are
life. Such a conflict : by locals search
fragmentation and habitat loss attack nearby !ocal
; of many
to get their habitat. thre at to the surv ival
is fast becoming a criti cal
fin tae coal confit bu ff al o, el ep ha nt s, tig er, lion, leopards, etc.
wi ld
the
endangered species, like
140 SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY Series :
. _ It is thus, important to understand the nature of relevant groups, E oe
cultural practices may
for many iy
be over-related and may not be useful or appropriate. Not i
only the cultures but many-a-times the situations cause cultures to be
negatively 3
portrayed. However, “Culture” is relevant and its role is an inescapable aspec
t init
conserving the environment.
:
Sane
=
'
4
elects tind

‘Aea f wtin
Aina Node ne eh
07)
20g' OESaq
fisiinatatiins teri em
Get
“, i ot. ehh ee Ha é ey il: 4s
Name of the Paper : Environmental Science

Name of the Course Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC-1)
- Duration; 3 Hoyrs © Maximum marks: 75
Attempt any five questions. All questions carry equal marks,
eo
Q. 1. (a). Fill up the blanka:

(i) World Bnvironment Day 1a celebrated OM sssssssesses «
eS
(if) ‘Network of food chains is called sss»

. (Hf) An example of renowable source Of EMergy css «
(FD) sssssreclonnee 18 a Hot Spot in India.
(D) reser is a National Park in India meant for conserving Rhinoceros.
+ (Di) seen 18 a sedimentary biogeochemical cycle.
‘. (v##) Ozone layer depletion is caused by ........
(DiEf) sioner 18 at ecological pyramid which is always upright,
(3X) sermons 18 a book published by IUCN containing the data of
endangered animals and plants.
(*) The global action plan adopted at iia Summit at “Rio de Janeiro” in
1993 18 ALBO KNOWN AB sisssiessssenes « 10*1=10
Ans, (#) 5° June, evety year.
(if) Food web a ee
(ii#) is Solar energy . : a a ee
(iv) Western Ghats ow
(¥) Kaziranga Nattonial Park %
(vi) Saphur Cycle“ *"
(vif) Chore fluoro carbons (CFCs)
(viif) Pyramid of energy|
(éx) Red Data Book ~°
(x) UNCED (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development)
(b) Define the following terms (any fiveh 5x195
(f) Beo-friendly
(if) Endemic and Key stone species
| (fff) Sustainable development ©
.. (48) Blosphere
i (®) Acid rain
(vi) Deforestation
(olf) E-waste.
Ans. (i) Eco-friendly. It is a term used to signify any product, service or goods
not harmful to the environment.
(ii) Endemic andKeystone species. Endemic species are those which are only
| found in a given region or location and nowhere else in the world.
A keystone species is a plant or animal that plays a unique and crucial
role in the way an ecosystem functions, ,
(iif) Sustainable development, Sustainable development is the development
. that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
: future generations to meet their own needs,
144

142 SINIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SERIES
(iv) Biosphere. All organisms, from the tiniest bacterium to the largest blue
whale, need a place to live. The ‘place on Earth's surface where life
dwells’ is called the biosphere,
(v) Acid Rain. Rain that contains a high concentration of pollutants, chiefl
sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, released into the atmosphere by mi
burning of fossil fuels such as coal or oil,
(vi) Deforestation. The cutting down and removal of all or most of the trees
in a forested area is called Deforestation. Deforestation can damage the
environment by causing erosion of soils. It decreases biodiversity by
destroying the habitats needed for different organisms:
(vii) E-waste. Electronic waste or e-waste, is a term for electronic products i
that have become unwanted, are non-working or obsolete, and have
essentially reached the end of their useful life. <
Q. 2. Write short notes on any three: . ; . 3x5=15 4
(a2) Greenhouse Gases ; s
(b) Threats to Biodiversity
(c) Biosphere Reserves ‘
(d) Montreal Protocol ’

that
Ans. (a) Greenhouse gases. A greenhouse gas is a gas in an atmosphere
absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infra-red range. This
process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect.
Much like the glass of a greenhouse, gases in our atmosphere sustain life
on Earth by trapping the sun’s heat. These gases allow the sun’s rays to
pass through and warm the éarth, but prevent this warmth from
escaping our atmosphere into space. The primary greenhouse gases in
Earth's atmosphere are water vapour, carbon dioxide, e
methane , nitrous
temperature of 3 : ;
ou se gas es, the ave rag
oxide and ozone. Without greenh
(0°F), rather than the present «2%
Earth’s surface would be about -18°C
average of 15 °C (59 °F).
The danger lies in the rapid increase’ of carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases that intensify greenhouse effect. For thousands of
years, the global carbon supply was essentially stable as natural
processes removed as much carbon as they released. Modern human
e~has 2 :
activity burning fossil fuels, deforestation, intensive agricultur
gases.
added huge quantities of carbon dioxide and other. greenhouse.
(b) Threats to biodiversity. Q. 5, Unit 4. [Page.46 im
d by countries * 2
(c) Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere reserves are sites, establishe e’ (MAB)
pher
anid recognized under UNESCO's ‘Man and the Bios based on local
programme to promote sustainable development d Natural “&
community efforts and sound science. They are also calle
Reserves, ‘
Details. See Q. 7(c), Unit 6. [Page 78
tanc es that deple te the
(d) Montrval Protocol. The Montreal Protocol on subs consumption - =
Ozone layer was designed to reduce the production and £
e-de plet ing subs tanc es in order to redu ce their abun dance in Me oy
ozon a
atmosphere, and there by protec t the earth' s fragil e Ozone layer. The ie
S

143
original Montreal Protocol: : was 1989.
agree
greed on 16" th Sept
eptember, 1987 and
entered into force on 1™ January
The Montreal Protocol stipulates that the production and consumpti
compounds that deplete ozone (won. depleting mantence ts he
Stratosphere —chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride
and methyl chloroform—are to be phased out by 2000 (2005 for methyl
chloroform). Scientific theory and evidence suggest that, once emitted in
to the atmosphere, these compounds significantly deplete the stratosp-
heric ozone layer that shields the planet from damaging UV-B radiation.
As a result of the international agreement, the ozone hole in Antarctica is
: ' slowly recovering, Climate projections indicate that the ozone layer will
return to 1980 levels between 2050 and 2070, Due to its widespread
adoption and implementation, it has been hailed as an example of
exceptional international co-operation.
Q. 3. Differentiate between the following (any three): 3%5=15
(i) In-situ and Ex-situ conservation
(ii) Fresh water Ecosystem and Marine ecosystem
(iii) Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable waste
(iv) Biotic and Abiotic factors.
Ans. (i) In-situ and ex-situ conservation. See Q. 4, Unit 4. [Page 46
(ii) Fresh water ecosystem and Marine ecosystem. Q. 3(b), 2015(November).
[Page 112
(iii) Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable wastes
as Byodegradable wastes. ©] 27). “Nombiodegradable waste. -
Fae
(i) They are decomposed and | (ji) They cannot be decomposed by
degr aded by micro bes. microbes.
(if) Degradation process is rapid. (ii) Degradation process is slow.

(iif) They often accumulate.
(iii) They are not accumulated but are |
used up in a short time.
(iv) These are used to produce energy (iv) These can be separated and
manure, compost and biogas. recycled but the process is very
: expensive.
en’ ter
" v) Biodegradable become | (v) Most of these wastes never Even
wastes
into Biogeochemical cycles.
" part of biogeochemical cycles and if these do the process is very
give back rapid turno ver.
slow and toxic.
Biotic and Abiotic factors a

(iv)
AbateE
e R
, TEiR Factors ‘Biotic factors“
‘Biotic’ describes a living
duction| | In ecolo and biology,
components are non-| component of an ecosystem
_ abiotic For example, organisms, su
living chemical and physical}
as plants and ani
factors in the environment)
which affect ecosystems.
—

144 SINIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SEntEs
Examples Water, light, rain, wind, soil, All living things— autotrophs
humidity, minerals, gases. and —_—heterotrophs—plants,
animals, fungi, bacteria.
Factors - Affect the ability of organisms Living things that directly or
to survive, reproduce; help indirectly affect organisms in
determine types and numbers environment; organisms, in-
of organisms able to exist in teractions, wastes; parasitism,
environment; limiting factors disease, predation.
restrict growth,
Affocts * Individuals of a_ species, Individuals of a species,
population, community, eco- population, community, eco-
system, biome, biosphere. system, biome, biosphere.
Q. 4. (a) Elaborate briefly on the role of Biodiversity in providing different
service s to the mankind.
7
(6) What are the causes of Global Warming? Discuss its effects on the human
communities and agriculture,
. §
Ans. (a) See Q. 6, Unit 4. a [Page 48 ,
(b) Global Warming and its causes, See Q. 4(a), Unit 6. ’ [Page 72 _
Effects on Agriculture. See Q. 3(v), 2016(December).”:
[Page
Q. 5. (a) Briefly discuss how the Indian‘traditions-and culture contributes 134
in
conservation of environment. Emphasize’ on-the tale of public awareness in
protecting environment:, 223.3). ¢ 6 Sue
(b) Discuss the role of: disaster ‘mariagement to control recurrent floods 8 .
Indian
in
plains. ee :
(c) What are the strategies adopted to minimize the damag 3
es caused by
earthquakes?
Ans. (a) Traditions, Culture and Conservation. See ©. 8, 2016(December).
' 1 a 139
(b) India is highly vulnerable to flodids.-Floods
which cause huge loss of lives and dama are a recur rent inane
ge to livelihood systems, property,
infrastruc ture and public utilities. Floods come with warni
management to control floods are: ngs. So, the disaster
Before Floods;
(i) Safe routes should be known to nearest shelters.
:
(if) An emergency kit should be prepared
with portable radio, torch
food, drinking water, clothes, waterproof bags, bamboo sticks,
sugar, first-ald supplies etc. salt
(iif) When you hear a flood warning, prepare , .
to move to
higher locations, :
(iv) Stay tuned to your phone, TV, or radio fo safe places or to
r weather updates, emer
instructions or evacuation orders, gency -
During Floods:
(f) Drink boiled water.
(ii) Use bleaching powder and lime
to disinfect the surroundin
(iff) Be aware of areas where floodwaters have rec
debris; Moodwaters often rode roads eded and watch
orwalkways, Out for

—
17 (MAY)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE—20
‘ areas that are still flooded.
i e n ele ctr ica lly charged from fallen powe;
(v) aAvorepent
D sc
to minim ize the damages’ caused by Earthq uakes:
—o ‘ -
“ en earthquake monitoring and warning system ir
barcallencitineslieen
Earthquake-prone areas, m earthquake-p reas, .
Infrastructure away frouak e resistant buildings anc
‘. io Dulgtier Yea . building Earthq
ucture,
(iv) cunghanien of existing buildings and infrastructure in earthquake.
prone ante, e Jom
Education of Emergency procedure. .
i Earthquakes give no warning. Disaster management tips during earthquakes:
(f) Go under a table or other steady, strong furniture. Kneel, sit or stay close
to the floor. .
sound interior wall,
(iif) Move away from windows, mirrors, bookcases and other unsecurec
heavy objects.
(iv) Never use a lift. a,
ch If outdoors, move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights anc
(vi) Listen to a midbilé: radio™or television for the latest emergenc:

information, “sii... %, 7°
Q. 6, (a) Describe the Causes of air pollution in Delhi. What steps should bi
taken by the government to control the air pollution? _
|
(b) Construction,of dams is a problem to the biodiversity and local
Discuss givin tribes
g any one example from India, What are the measures
should be undertaken to,overconie this problem? tha
Ans. (a) Causes of Air pollution in Delhi: }
Growing
* the population of the city. The pres ure and h aphazard 4 growth a
population {s deteriorating the sovitceunant
* There ‘has been highly haphazard
industries and fictorien, Pinzarc’ and unplanned development
* There has been a huge rise
in the vehicular
metro railways, ageravatin : Population, in spite of th
noise pollution, Bomvating traffic congesti on and increasing air ary
* There has also been
an ever-increasin
on the roads, which are lar I
* Everyday almost 8,000 eee tonones of solid waste is

° Thee has been 8 more and more garbage inthe ay bpj een
i
Waste water, ind i technology or methods to treat solid liqui
plants, im been too much de Pe wastes in the city,
ndence on fossi] fuels like
» blomass for cookin use of oe tae ings
coal-fired powée
and the excessive use ¢

146° SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SERIES
ion in Detht:
Government's steps to control pollut s locations for
* There are mobile enforcement teams deployed at variou
PUC certificates,
monitoring polluting vehicles and vehicles not having
structed with the
* A Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) has been con
aim of providing a non-polluting, useful and affordable rail-based mass
ort.
rapid transit system for Delhi, integrated with other modes of transp
+ With a view to reducing vehicular pollution, there has been a ban
imposed on the plying of more than 15 years old commercial/ transport
vehicles, taxis and autos that run on conventional fuels, including diesel
driven city buses,
* There has also been tightening of mass emission standards for new
vehicles, x
ed
* The quality of the fuel being supplied in Delhi has significantly improv
over the years by the ban of selling leaded petrol, introduction of low
ol.
sulphur diesel, reduction of sulphur and benzene content in petr
additional
* There has been proper placement of dustbins, purchase of ,
front-end loaders, mechanical sweepers, dumper plgcers, tipper trucks
to collect and dispose of garbage. ; a
g
* Steps are taken to transform garbage into cornpost by developin new
sanitary land-fill sites. : = mee oe : Si
ent the
* The Delhi Government has constituted a committeé to implem
Bio-Medical Waste management and handling.
m biodiversity and local tribes.
(b) Dam bitilding—A probleto «
See Q. 6(a), 2015 (November)... © [Page 116
Although hydroeleciricity is a renewable energy, hydropower is not necessarily
‘green’ unless dams are located and operated in a carefully considered way.
The measures that can be taken to reduce the stress on environment and tribal
people include:
(i) Relocation of people who lost their houses and jobs.
(ii) Proper allocation of people in residential complexes.
(iii) Easy reimbursement of money granted to them due to their loss.
(iv) Afforestation of lost forests,
Q. 7. (a) Briefly discuss the differences between renewable and non-
renewable sources of energy. Explain the positive and negative aspects of
using Nuclear energy as an alternate source of energy. -. 8
(b) Taking an example of any environmental movement, discuss its role in
conservation of biodiversity and environment protection, 7
Ans. (a) Renewable and Non-renewable sources of Energy. See Q. 1(a), Unit 3.
[Page ge 23
Nuclear energy—its positive and negative aspects. See Q. 7, Unit 3. [Page 32
(b) See Q. 4(a), 2015 (November). [Page 112
of pollution
Q. 8. (2) Discuss the role of industrialization in cities as a source
and give any two measures that had been taken to control its effects. 8
(b) What are oil spills? How do they contribute to marine pollution? 3.
(c) Give any two health problems due to prolonged exposure fo noise
pollution. 4

147
Ans. (a) Role of industrializatloy 1 as
zation, the pollution in cities has tnneenaad =a i i
—
' 1. Toxte
waite Che ce ha tone chemicals used by industries in processing and
sullarine ase Gece & a ne coatin i : to a pollution. These
y ilfe and are hazardous to huma
.— and the environment. These toxic chemical pollutants are released into the
environment resulting in various forms of pollution.
2. Industrial Consumer Products. Industrial end products such as electronics,
car parts, plastics, metals and chemical utilities such as petroleum, paints, sprays
and cleaning solvents created for human consumption are a major cause of
pollution. All these industrial products at some point in their lifetime become
obsolete, and a good number of them end up in landfills or water bodies thus
causing land and water pollution respectively. Besides, these consumer products
contain poisonous chemical elements which can have an adverse effect on the
“human and animal health, and plant life.
3, Hazardous Waste Streains, Hazardous waste streams treatment is for the
most part not done efficiently in majority of industries. In particular, water
streams are the ones that negatively suffer from such trends. Long-term
discharge of hazardous waste streams into water bodies causes severe health
problems and reduces water quality.
4, Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO,) gas is known as a
greenhouse gas due to its ability to.absorb thermal radiation, leading to global
warming and climate change. Industrial energy used during production emits
high scores of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, making ita leading source
of CO, emission. fae
a
5. Degradation and Depletion of Natural Resources. Industries need
ive final
consistent supply of fresh raw materials used to produce their respect and
s,
products. As a result, all kinds of raw materials including metals, mineral at the
the resources
oils are extracted from beneath the earth thereby depleting
same Hime degrading land and water resources. utilize
of Outdated Technologies. A number of industries still
6. Use
processes instead of embracing
technologies of the past in their production
of the causative factors of industrial
cleaner and green technologies. This is one
in the conte mpora ry era. Use of outdat ed technology merely generates
. pollution into the environment. .
and adds large quantities of harmful wastes major problem in most industrial
is a
7, Industrial Sprawl. Industrial sprawl
are set up without considering proper
land
townships. Most industrial townships icul t to man age wastes and utilize
has mad e it diff
use planning such that it resu lt, it has given rise to improper dumping
effi cien tly. As a
production energy ission of toxic gases.
d em
of hazardous wastes and continue po ll ut io n include: .
pre ven t in du st ri al
Measures taken to ef ie d Na tu ra l Ga s (LNG) in power —
lik e Li qu
(i) Using iho fuels on ly en vi ro nm en t friendly but a
no t
fertilizer plants, etc, which is
cheaper. ch as CF C/ LE D li l i
gh g ! ts consuming less
efficient device i s su ha ve longer life,
ji) Use of ed to trad it io na l bu lb s. Th es e
” electricity es compar

consume less electricity and also reduce economic burden as well as
pollution,
() Oil spills. An oil spill js the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into
the environment, especially of
marine arens, due to human activity, and js a aan ore
pollution. Oil spills may be due to release of crude oil from tankers, of s 5 ae
platforms, drilling rigs and wells, as well as spills of refined petroleum a BR
(such as gasoline, diesel) and their by-products, heavier fuels used
by Jarge 8 PS: =
such as bunker fuel, or the spill of any oily refuse or waste oil.
,
Oil spills are harmful to marine birds and mammals as well nd OR
shellfish ~ as fish a oe
* Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, . es
such as sea “oe
otters, and the water repellency of a bird’s feathers, thus exposing these :2
creatures to the harsh elements, Without the ability to repel water and
insulation from the cold water, birds and mammals die from im
hypothermia.
* Many birds and animals also ingest oil when
s
they try to clean “he
themselves, which may poison them,
Fish and shellfish may not be exposed immediately, but can come into Be2%
contact with oil if it is mixed into the water column. When exposed
to oil, le
adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers,
heart and respiration rates, fin erosion, and Teproduction changes in *%9
Oil also adversely affects eggs and larval survival. impairment, :“4
(c) Two health problems due to noise pollution: ~ 8
() Hearing problems, deafness. It is well know as
n that operating noisy pe
equipment can damage the eardrums and lead to burst
eardrums, hearing difficulty and (even, in the long run), or weakened 2
total hearing 24
loss. Sometimes, this can be temporary and reversible
own, once the noise , healing on its #2
pollution is removed.
irreversible and thus causes life long difficulties, Often, however, it ig-.
Prolonged living in an 2a
par infest ed with sound pollution may gradually induce deafness
eafneass is caused owing to one’s When2
ao pro profess ion, it is cal ; Be
led professional 23
gradually tells upon their efficiency and

this factor ae
suff
erer of his power of audibllity in the long run. may deprive the ; Se
+ en(eoTepeee

BA ade ee Bane \
ARATE)
seaeteastcdcis ties eng a oe
3 =!B) oni
r weegori7zi(o E CEME
ence
: Environmental Sci (AECC-I)
" aa of the Paper ; , Enhancement Com pulsory Course
Name of the Course + Ability | ’ Maximum Marks: 75
Duration : 3 hours ks.
te mp t any fi ve que sti ons . All questions carry equal mar
At 5*2=10
Define (Attempt any five):
Q.~ (f)1..(a)Green Energy
=° @f Carbon footprint
(ii) Invasive species
(fv) Red data book
(v) Biological Oxygen Demand
*, (vf) Vermicomposting
‘(vif) Deserts. . ash
ney (f) Green energy (sometimes called renew able or sustai nable energy)
comes from natural sources like wind, water, and sunlight. Also, unlike
fossil fuels such as coal and oil which are not renewable, sources of green
energy are renewable, meaning that they replenish naturally and are in
continuous supply.
(ii) Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to
directly and indirectly support human. activities, usually expressed in
equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO}), A’ carbon footprint is defined as
the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, an
event, an organisation or.a product, generally expressed as a carbon
dioxide equivalent. Greenhouse gases can be emitted by through land
clearance’ and the production and consumption of food, fuels,
manufactured, 46 goods, materials, wood, roads, buildin gs, transportation
and other services. '
(iii) An invasive sp ecies ga plant, fungus or animal species that is not native
to a specific location (an introduced species), and that has a
tendency to
spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environ
ment, human
fconomy or human health. Invasive species threaten
biodiversi
ecosystem processes, with direct ande
indirect i peg: sre
wellbeing. They sup
(iv) The Red Data Book is a se ial pitioe
FM Ore Used to type

enha
and produce a batter end-product, Process of organic waste conversion
148
(vii) Deserts. A desert is a barren area of landscape where little Precipitation a
occurs and consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and
animal life. The lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface
ofthe /
ground to the processes of denudation. The type of vegetation and fauna ~
are adapted to such environment for survival.
(b) State whether true or false:
5*135
(i) Pyramid of energy can cither be inverted or upright.
(ii) World Ozone Day is celebrated on 16‘ September.
(tif) The process in nuclear reactor is nuclear fission.
(iv) Seed banks are examples of in-situ conservation,
(v) Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty for the conservation of .
biodiversity. ¢ 4
Ans. (i) False - Pyramid of energy is always upright
(ii) True
(i#) True
(iv) False - Seed banks are examples of ex-situ conservation. .
(v) False - Kyoto Protocol is an international, treaty to fight globa] warming
by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations
in the atmosphere, ~ , 8A
Q. 2. Differentiate between any three of the followirig: . 3x5=15
(i) Point sources and Non-point sources of polltition.,
(ii) National Park and Zoological Park... °° |
(##i) Biogas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
(7) Grazing food chain and detritus food chain,
(v) Climate and weather.
Ans. (i) Point sources and Non point sources. See Q. 1(b), Unit 5. [Page 52
(ii) National Park and Zoological
1, National parks are the reserved | 1. Zoological parks are the areas
places used to protect flora and where animals are housed in
fauna of an area.. special enclosures or cages with
restricted area.” *
2. It is a large natural or near| 2, Zoological parks serve as places
natural area set aside to protect of amusement for public, These
large-scale ecological processes: help in ‘providing education
along with species and about wildlife to children.
ecosystems characteristic of the
area, These can protect flora, .
e
fauna and many other aspects of

the ecosystem, :
3. Different wild animals like snow | 3. They act as commercial aids of
leopard, clouded _leopard, raising income by serving as
marbled cat, panda, black bear, tourist spots.
blue sheep, wild ass, toucan,
musk deer etc, are protected from
getting extinct,

Biogas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
imaeSe
st l Biogas’ Be risre ‘|. -Liguefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
1. It is obtained from shrubs, farm 1. It is obtained in natural form.
wastes, animal and human wastes.
2. It is available
in limited quantities. 2. It is available in large quantities.
3. It is not used as a raw material, 3. lt is used as a source of power. It
is also used as raw material in
petrochemical industries.
4. Decomposition of organic matter 4. It is supplied for household use
yields gas, which has higher as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
thermal efficiency in comparison and also used for running
to kerosene, dung cake and vehicles as CNG (Compressed
charcoal. It gives mo smoke. Natural Gas).
Hence, quite useful.
5. It releases lesser greenhouse 5. Releases CO, which is a green
gases house gas but is cleaner when
compared to gasoline.
6. It is lighter than air and hence 6. It is highly inflammable. It is
disperses quickly in the event of heavier than air and on leakage
spillage. ; ’ will settle to the ground.
(iv Grazing Food Chain and Detritus Food Chain
Weg hae} Gramin g |... Detritus Food Chain
Food Chain:
' Definition The grazing food chain} Detritus food chain begins
starts from the autotrophs| from the detritivores.
| (green plants).
Energy Scurce | In grazing food chain the} In detritus food chain the
energy is taken from the| main energy source is the
sunlight as green plants] remains of detritus.
prepare food in the
presence of it.
In grazing food chain|In detritus food chain
Organisms are
, macroscopic organisms are subsoil organisms
. involved. involved, which can either
be macroscopic or mucro-
scopic,
amountre. of| Produces a large amount
energy to athelessatmosphe
Amount of Energy Produces of energy to the atmos-
eae
phere.
. Climate and Weather
eee
(v) ~
ae kee Weather =
POG Eo Cliabe ss. CW - - : : :
ET EERTR, Tr pends yeaa teen meres os
weather | 1. Weather is the ee ‘
0 ee
1.It is the average

condition expected at a particular | phere in a ce ties Z
place in a given timeframe. particular po

2. Clitnate is projected by using the | 2. Weather projection is done ‘4

sum total of weather statistics | . gathering data related
over a time block of 30 years, meteorology like a
temperature of air, pressure, 89
radiation, speed of wind and
direction.
3. The scientific study of climate is | 3. The scientific study of weather
called Climatology, called Meteorology.
4, Consists of elements like rainfall, | 4. Consists of weather elements
humidity, sunlight, wind speed, rainfall, overcasts, _hailstorms,
natural phenomenons like frost, floods, heatwaves, winds, snow:
fog and so on in a specific time and many more. .
period, , 5 is re
5. The overall changes and | 5. Weather changes within a, sho
variations of climate are v period of time.
stable and may take decades or ,
centuries to occur, .
6. Climate is calculated over a long | .6, Weather
is calculated over a sho
time period. . term period, ' i
Q. 3, Write short notes on any five of the following: 5
(f) Biofuels ;
(i) Montreal Protocol
(#4!) Chipko Movement
(iv) Effect of air pollution on flora and fauna
(v) Joint Forest Management
(v) Bhopal gas disaster
(vi) Wildlife (Protection)Act.
Ans. (i) Biofuels, Biofuel is fuel produced from renewa
commonly used as an ajternative, cleaner ble biomass materia
fuel source to burning foss
fuels. Biofuels are low in carbon intensity s0 they don’t
global warming. They do not contribute to global directly affect:
dioxide released, is taken up by their feedstocks warming as carbo;
, Biofuels are cost
effective when compared to fossil fuels, Unlike
other alternative energy
sources like wind and solar energy, rel 7
atively sma
can produce a significant amount of energy, whll amount of biofuels 3
ich is best-suited for
transp
ort applications. The two most common biofuels
ethanol from starch or sugar crops and is use today are
bio diesel from oil rich plants
(ii) Montreal Protocol. The Montreal
:
Ozone Layer is an international
layer by phasing out the production of 'O protect the ozone Bs
numerous substances that area
responsible for ozone depletion. The Montre
al Protoc Ol stipulates that
the production and consumption of comp
ounds that dep
d
<a
stratosphere —chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) let e oz one in the “E
, halons, Ontetrac
out by 2000 (2005 for hloride
and methyl chloroform —are to be phased
chloroform), The Montreal Protocol has Proven
:to be inn
methyt
Ovative and ©

4153
E-2017 (DECEMBER)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENC
to achieve universal ratification by all
anceasshil sna te he I eresegit global participation, the Montreal
market and placed the ozone
, ctl tes sent clear signals to'the global —
aren whichwas in peril, on a path to repair. This ——
prevented widesprea
ers ration to address an environmental problem
prev
as enti ngenti ng over two million cases of skin cancer
by cts2030such
& I .Fal earimpa , prev increased prevalence of cataracts, averting
of marine
erage to agricultural crops, and preventing disrupti.on
, ecosystems.
‘(iii) Chipko Movement, In the 1970s, an organized resistance to the
destruction of forests spread throughout India and came to be known as
_s, the Chipko movement. The name of the movement comes from the word
i
embrace, as the villagers hugged the trees, and prevented the contractors’
. from felling them. The Chipko movement was started by-Mr. Sundarlal
Bahuguna in Tehri-Garhwal. district ;of Uttarakhand against ruthless
felling of trees and destruction of forests by contractors. Although many
of itf leaders were men, women were not only its backbone, but also its
mainstay, because they were the ones most affected by the rampant
deforestation, which led to a lack of firewood and fodder as well as
water for drinking and irrigation, Over. the*years they also became
ptimary stakeholders in a salir, Sete afforestation work that
happened under the Ciipko movant E-Chipko Movement is now a
movement for plantini g fuel, fibre, fodder and fertilizer yielding
of f40d,
trees to make thé:people selFsufficient in all their basic needs. It would
generate a deteritralized and long-term policy which will conserve the
environment‘bring
and everlasting peace, prosperity and happiness to
mankind. eal
(0) Effect of air pollution on flora and fauna. Some ait pollutants
plant
harm
s and animals directly. Other pollutants harm the
habitat, food or
water that plants and animals depend on for
their survival,
Effects of air pollution on Fauna:
Se mation of the acid rain in the airair d damage
* For
s fish
is life iin lakes and
* Rays from ozone layer wi
th excessive ultraviolet rad :
from the sun may cause ski n cancer in eanimals, iation coming
the animals, ° atmosphere may destroy lung tissues of

on flora:
of nairbecpol
* aaAcid rai e ion
auslut of aj
* Chemicals such as eulf, Pollution da
ge in the colo ,
- motted dots, €S appears in the fo urs of leaf tissue.
rm of yellow, black or brown
trees and ing to the hole in ozone layer
tures, Plants an Ves them of their na at

154 SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY sentes
« Air pollution weakens lants and
’ insect infestation. makes them more Susceptible to
(v) Joint Forest Management. Join
t Forest Mana
JFM is the official and popular term in IndiaSement often abbreviated
for Partnerships in eee
form can be traced to the Arabari experiment

ini tatebyd foramen
state of West Ben gal. This experiment provided a strong
incorporation of the system in the Na feedback f
tional Forest Policy of i988, in
many locations people's voluntary grou
ps were engaged in protection of
' forests without any initiative from the Gov ernment Subsequently, based
on the experien
. ce, 5 the process of institutionalizin g people's
partiicipation
in forest protection and regeneration began. This rie
of ¢ollective
endeavour in protection and management of forests through’ People’s
invol vement was later termed as Joint Forest Management. ~~
(vi) Bhopal! Gas Disaster: i
Dates: 2 Dec 1984 - 3 Dec 1984 ri
Cause: Methyl Isocyanate leak from Union Carbide India Limited
storage tank, ° ; . :
Location: Bhopal oe
Deaths: At least 3,787; over 16,000 claimed “°°
Non-fatal injuries: At least:5,58,125 . .- .
Location: Madhya Pradesh © | ’
The Bhopal Gas-disaster or Bhopal Gas tragedy was an industrial
accident that occurred on the night of December 3", 1984 at a Union
Carbide subsidiary pesticide plant in the city of Bhopal, India. A mixture
of poisonous gases flooded the city, causing great panic as people woke
up with a burning sensation in their lungs. Thousands died immediately
from the effects of the gas. It is estimated that about 40 tonnes of methyl
isocyante (MIC) gas and other chemicals leaked from the union carbide
factory. The cause of the disaster remains under debate. The Indian
government and local activists argue that slack management and
deferred maintenance created a situation where routine’ pipe
maintenance caused a backflow of water into a MIC tank, triggering the
disaster. Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) contends water entered the
‘tank through an act of sabotage.
(vii) Wildlife Protection Act., Wildlife Protection Act was enacted for
providing protection to wild animals and birds. Wildlife was transferred
to the
from. State list to Concurrent list in 1976, thus giving powers
central government to enact legislations. The Act also provides for the
up the task
Constitution of Indian Board of Wildlife, which actively took
of setting up wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere et ie
Itprovides for the appointment of Chief Wild Life Warden, wild Mite
wardens and other employees by state governments for ee
wild life, This Act grants a special permit to hunt wildlife for educa o
of specimens
scientific research, scientific management and collection
zoological gardens, museums, etc. .:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE—2017 (DECEMBER)
155
a. Q. 4. (a) Compare the environmental conditions and biodiversity of the
<4 , desert and North-east biogeographic zones of India. 8
; (b) Despite various anti-pollution laws and policies, India’s metropolitan
' cities remain among the most polluted cities in the world. Why? 7
Ans. (a) Desert, Deserts are characterized by their rainfall—or rather, their lack
of it. Most deserts get less than'ten inches of precipitation each year and
evaporation usually exceeds rainfall. Plants, animals and other organisms that
live in deserts have evolved to survive harsh conditions, scarce water and barren
landscapes. Some desert habitats are short-lived—springing up to brighten the
landscape only when the rains come. Many desert plants, like cacti in the
Americas, are able to absorb and store water, letting them survive long periods of
drought. Animals have adapted to get water from the food they eat and to
conserve what little they obtain. They often come out only at night to avoid the
worst of the heat.
North-east biogeographic Zones of India. The area is one of the richest in
biological values, high in endemism and holds a large number of rare species that
are now under serious threat. Hotspots are areas that are extremely rich in
'* * species, have high endemism and are under constant threat due to human
pressure (having lost 70% of their original habitat). The Northeast is among the
34 Hot Spots of the world, identified in India, the other being the Western Ghats.
Northeast India forms one of the major regions of tropical forests in India,
especially the species-rich tropical rain forests, The tropical semi-evergreen and
moist deciduous forests in the lowlands of this region extend south and west into
the subcontinent, and east into Southern China and Southeast Asia.
(b) In India, the legislative framework for the protection of environment is
provided by Constitutional provisions, General laws (IPC, CrPC), Special acts
(more than 300 acts such as IFA, WPA, EPA, Air Act, Water Act, FCA, National
Green Tribunal 2009, etc.) and Policies (National Environment Policy 2006,
National Forest Policy, National Agriculture Policy).
in
This shows that there is no dearth of legislation for environmental protection
among
India, however despite all these laws, India’s metropolitan cities remain
.
the most polluted cities in the world—
a national problem that
* Air pollution in India is worsening and has become an
is killing 1.2 million Indians every year and costing became the economy
quality extremely
estimated 3% of GDP. Recently, New Delhi's air
the safe limit.
toxic and the PM 2.5 levels reached over 20 times _
about 70% of India’s surface
* Water pollution is a serious problem with groundwater reserves have bee
resources and a growing number of its
contaminated with toxic pollutants. .
hazardous waste disposal on
* Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Industrial Uraruum
case of ee poisoning
: concern. The infamous
ht is another major infa: siivenie vet
land pits with toxic po
in Punjab is evident of land contamination on.
lities in Children in the regi
ng rate with increasing poe"
. ou lvon as desrading at an alarmi ing an am
al l, the en vi ro nm en ta l condition in India is degrad nment.
Ov er althier and safer enviro
dif ficult to live a quality life in a he
AL
aa
Seattle
166 SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SERIES i
Air pollution in India is quite a serious issue with the major sources being
fuelwood and biomass burning, fuel adulteration, vehicle emission and traffic
congestion. In autumn and winter months, large scale crop residue
burning in
agriculture fields —a low cost alternative to mechanical tilling—is a major source
of smoke, smog and particulate pollution, Most Indian citles continue to violate
India and World Air Quality PM 10 targets. Respirable particulate matter
pollution remains a key challenge for India. Despite the general non-attainment,
some cities showed far more improvement than others. A decreasing trend has
been observed in PM 10 levels in cities like Solapur and Ahmedabad over the last
few years. This improvement may be due to local measures taken to reduce
sulphur in diesel and stringent enforcement by the government. Most Indian
cities greatly exceed acceptable levels of suspended particulate matter. This may
be because of refuse and biomass burning, vehicles, power plant émissions,
industrial sources, Kolkata was a close second, followed by Mumbai, Chennai air
pollution was least of the four.
Cities need to curb pollution from all sources, but vehicles need special
attention as they emit toxic fumes within our breathing zone, Even as Indian
cities remain exposed to critically high levels of toxic substances in their air, the
absence of comprehensive data collection makes things worse.
Q. 5. Elaborate on the importance of Environmental Science as a compulsory
course towards conservation of Environment in India. Describe the major
challenges in implementing and achieving the goal of this course. 15
Ans. The importance-of environmental science as a compulsory course can be
understood from the following points: © .*
(i) The subject gives.a direct contact with nature and the knowledge of it
The subject environmental science gives students an ample scope for
‘application’. They will get some real-time knowledge and skill which is
required when they are actually dealing with environmental problems
and the possible solutions, They can actually see the knowledge of
physics and chemistry and for that matter even biology helps them to
protect environment. This could give the student community a sense of
‘empowerment’. ‘
(ij) EVS encompasses many other science domains. In ‘Environmental
Science, we find a classic amalgamation of many other branches of
science. This will expose students to a variety of theories an d practical
approaches thus enriching their knowledge.
(iif) EVS encourages collaborative studies. Environmental issues are usually
complex in nature. This helps to sharpen the analytical and problem
solving skills of the students, Since the nature of environmental probl
ems
is both complex and critical, besides being huge, it demands team and
collaborative work. This helps students to improve their interpersonal
skills and they will emerge great leaders and team players in the future
(iv) Make students conscious towards the problems of the planet earth,
The study of environmental science could itself be an instrument e
making students realize the peril of survival. Students might beco
aware of the danger that, many may be unknowingly or nietantiy
unleashing upon the planet we are living In, y

ENCE-2017 (DECEMBE R) 17
:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCI the goal of this course
ti ng and ach iev ing
in implemen
chal challenges ;
The major nmental
is concern. Ofte n enviro
a major
ed tea c hers ound which
' a) Lack oO f qualifi a bas ic science backgr
y teac he r wi th
nce
sci ence is allotted to an
s mu st co me up wi th ne w knowledge and
coos educator
(b)
i xamine the way we do research and
techniques. Be ra ecionale 6 educators, - well as the way we
| / isi icate environmental information to the students. ut theie
teac h about science itself fs and
aboSt
, * (c) ak ironmental education must teac
Envon and respon
Lo ‘scientific method to help evaluate
use of the
that omit the important role
. environmental threats. Iiducational materials uiry are damaging to the
| * of science ant the general rules of scientific inq —
” field of environmental education. bject in schools
ion:su
(d) Environmental Science is considered a’moral educat
ation. So,
and colleges. It is considered as merely @ qualifying examin
neither teachers nor students give it much consideration.
(€) Lack of jobs— Although environmental science is included in all spheres
of education but its importance is still based on the lack of job
tunities it provides as a field of work, There is lack of employment
in the field, whatever jobs.are there, they are filled by other fields leaving
oyed.<°
students unemplgto
Q. 6. (a) Write explan ry tes’on the ‘no lessons learned from Fukushima
Nuclear disaster that occurred in’2011 in Japan. Do you think India should
invest heavily in expanding its nuclear energy power sector? Justify your
answer. af : 10
(b) Explain briefly the steps measures that can ‘be taken for solid waste
management at your college level. 5
Ans. (a) Fukushima accident, also called Fukushima Nuclear accident or
Fukushima Dajichi nuclear accident, occurred in 2011 at the Fukushima Daiichi
(“Number One”) plant in northern Japan, the second worst nuclear accident in
the history of nuclear power generation,
The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident should serve as a wake-up call to
nuclear plant operators and regulators on the critical importance of measuring,
maintaining, and restoring cooling in spent fuel pools during sev ere accide
i nts
and terrorist attacks. This water leak was accidental but also eabchoae,
because
it replenished water lost from the Unit 4 pool by evaporati ion, li
on, likel
water levels from dropping to the tops of the ais TF fuel
ad was
where ththe spent wae
being stored. Keeping the fuel covered with water j
nearby areas, and could have eeulteartng Personnel access to the pool and
theB pe
potential for
— __
rad ioacti ve material releases iinto the
environme:nt.
that extreme external events
cause widespread and and
long-lasting disruptions to secuti
ty tNensortute
4

eee
3
ee
ae
458 SHIVA DEL! UNIVERSITY SERIES
systems, and staffing at nuclear plants. Such disruptions can create Opportunities
ne
for spiteful acts and increase the susceptibility of critical plant systems to such
oe
acls,
Yes, Indian should definitely spend heavily in expanding its nuclear energy
ae
power sector. The nuclear plant operators and their regulators must upgrade
_and/or protect nuclear plant security infrastructure and systems and train
Se
security personnel to cope with extreme external events and severe acc{dents in
dae
order to handle adverse situations. =
oe
(b) There are three steps that may be taken to properly manage solid waste:
santba Deeded tang Mattel Sikes sata

(i) Identify Wastes. Students must be aware of the wastes that they produce
aesthetic
and appropriate process should be taken for gach type of waste.
Example: A University employee may produce (“generate”) various types
of waste and employ a few waste management mechanisms. It must be
understood that unwanted office paper and newspapers go to the paper
recycling bins. Candy wrappers and eaten apples go into the solid waste
Rd
trash basket. Dead batteries go into the battery recycling bucket, The old
i
personal computer contains lead and other toxins in its components so it
aniaat
should be collected for electronics recycling by egtablished ‘gallection
4s Luk,
stems, : ee -*
(ii) Evaluate Wastes. Students must eyaluate their waste for its physical,
chemical, and biological characteristics’
to. determine how if is to be
properly managed, Mismanaged waste
may. endanger human health and
theenvironment; |e 2s.
Consider reuse, recycling or composting as part of a waste minimization
and pollution prevention strategy.
Strategies also include answering the following questions—
Why is the waste being generated? Can the waste be eliminated?
If the waste is hazardous, can it be replaced by something non-hazardous
or can the process generating the waste be modified to render the waste
non-hazardous? o.
A waste may be—
* Recyclable material (e.g., paper, coke/ sprite/ juice cans etc.)
* Compostable organic waste (e,g., food, animal bedding, biodegfadable
plastics). .
* Non-hazardous solid waste "4
* Hazardous Radioactive Waste—waste containing or contaminated
with a radioactive isotope.
*
:
* Hazardous Biological Waste—waste containing or contaminated with
an infectious or potentially infectious agent, a biological toxin, an
animal carcass, a genetically modified organism, recombinant DNA,
etc. :
* Hazardous Chemical Waste—waste chemicals, products which are
chemical in ‘nature (cleaning agents, paint, motor oil; and
pharmaceutics), products that contain chemicals (fluorescent lamps,
thermometers) or materials contaminated with chemicals
(contaminated soil or rags)

* Otherwise Regulated
eo
inated
(asbestos, car batteries, contam
soil and soiigeuction dues)
(iii) Manage
canualcin Wastes.
ss O nee = i has been identified and evaluated,
a
Seen, manage their waste according to waste management

Sasi Call ese waste management instructions can be developed to
p = ollege/ University in compliance with al] applicable laws and
ara D — a — a safe and healthy workplace.
aA
certhanitee e
prone region. briefly the majorjor facet
sane s of disaster management =i
ae Explain how indigenous and local communities can contribute towards

e protection of biodiversity as well as conservation of forest and water
resources, . 8
Ans. (a) Earthquake.
! Earthquakes give no warning at all. ; Disaster management
tips for keeping safe during an earthquake— : *
(i) Go under a table or other steady, strong furniture; kneel], sit or stay close
_ to the floor.
sound interior wall.
(iif) Move away from windows, mirrors, bookcases and other unsecured
heavy objects. é
(iv) Never use the lift.
and
(v) If outdoors, move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights
utility wires.
or television for the latest emergency
(vi) Listen to a mobile radio
information. .
[Page 112
(b) See Q. 4(a), 2015 (November).
damage can give rise to
Q. 8. (a) Comment on the statement ‘environmental , 8
tremendous social and economic inequality.’
rece nt exam ple, expl ain the reas ons for inter-state river water
(b) Citing one 7
conflict in India.
(a) The stat emen t ‘env iron ment al dam age can give rise to. tremendous
Ans. in a way humans consider
nom ica l ine qua lit y’ is trul y corr ect
- social and eco
our ces . The con sum eri st soc iet y bel ieves in a non-sustainable division of
res radation of environment in the
h ind ust ria liz ati on cam e the deg
" resources. Wit in the atm osp here and high consumption
of CO, emi ssi ons
world, Large amount str ess ed our en vi ronment in many Ways.
ces has alr ead y
of non-renewable resour ion of the bl oo mi ng soc ial evil of inequality.
dep ict
The given statement is an apt a cur se. En vi ro nmental damage stresses
in any for m is
Environmental damage thu s cre ate s ine qua lit y. Social inequality Is
and
the availability of resources, ble . The soc ial ly elite class want things
our ces are ava ila
caused when limited res cos t of oth ers . If wat er gets polluted the sufferer
for them at the earliest at the
: ‘fiers, If air gets poll
remains the class which can not afford sypurif iers P isance in one form
getsre nu
Thus, the stem cr ea te s mo
’ remains the deprived class. fe ct of en vi ro nm en
as an ef class and face them with more
tal degradation
or the other. Damage to agriculture
n is go in g to de pr iv e th e already suffering
agai
challenges.
180 SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY SentEs
Many environmental problems reflect
and MMustrate social inequality based on
social class, As with many problems in our society, the poor and people of lower
classes often fare worse when it comes to
the environment.
According to the findings of a report by American Sociolog
global climate change wil | have its greatest ical Association,
ia
effects on the poorest nations: “Many
remo
of the countries least responsible for the rise in greenhou . a.|
se gases will be most
likely to fecl its impacts in changes fn weather, sea levels, healt
e
economic hardships” h care costs, and
eae neo
cob tisat,ee anteseo
laa
In most countries it has been observed that Almost all
the hazardous waste
sites are located in or near neighborhoods and comm
unities that are largely
populated by low-income people. When factories dump dangerous chemicals .
a
into rivers and lakes, the people livin
g nearby are very likely to be from the
e
underprivileged and low-income strata of socie
ath Sie
ty. Around the world, the people
most affected by climate change and other environmental problems are those
poor nations and, even within those nations, those who are in |
poorer rather than
a tea
those who are wealthier.
.
f
So if we continue at this pace the richer will get rich
er day by day and the
— ete
sufferers will suffer as nothing in this world can-cure the challenge of inequality,
wa Te
(b) Intter-state river water conflict in India, See Q, 4, Unit
a
3, [Page 27
=
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‘Attempt any five questions. All questions 5*2=10
| ‘ efine any five of the following:
tas
a a TET
or raioabia raat Blomagn
(iv)
(if) Acid rain .
/ (v) Geothermal energy (vi) Invasive species
as 1 warmin
[Page 68
pa th dectatnabie Development. See Q, 1, Unit 6.
[Page 14
(i) Food Chain, See Q, 4, Unit 2. (Page 72
(ii) Acid Rain. See Q. 4(c), Unit 6.
(#3) Biomagnification, Biomagnification is a cumulative increase in the
concentration of persistent chemical substances (e.g, pesticides, metals,
etc,) at each higher trophic level. .
(v) Geothermal Energy. It is the thermal energy generated and stored in the
earth. The geothermal energy of the earth’s crust originates from the
original formation of the planet (20%) and from radioactive decay of
minerals (80%). nace, SD
(vi) Invasive Species, See Q. 6(b), 2015i(Nlovemnber); [Page 116
(vif) Global Warming. See QeA(a), Unit, #38" " [Page 72
(b) State true/false: iitiin Bs Gee, 5x1=5
(f) Sunderbans is‘anexampleicfmhangrove forest ecosystem. ;
(if) Montreal Protocol:is#n international treaty to reduce global carbon
emission, :
(iff) PM 2.5 is linked to nolsc pollution.
(jv) Chandt Prasad Bhat played a key role in the Chipko Movement.
(v) India harbours two biodiversity hotspots only.
Ans: (f) True : (tf) Pale
(iff) True (iv) False
(v) False
Q. 2, Differentiate between any three of the followin
g: —
i Solar energy and Hydro energy
Primary succession and Secondary ela
succ
(if) Global warming and Ozone layer depl ess) n
© ae ecosystem arid Pond ecosys etion
tem
nvronment (Protection) Act and
oe (i) Solar Energy, See Q, 6 (Point Wildlife (Protect
1), Unit 3, men [Page
ti Pinas Energy. See Q. 6 (Point 3), Unit 3, 29
dn x mary and Seco ndary Succ [P . 30
obal Warming, See Q,.4(a), essi
Unit
on, See Q. 6(b), Unit 2.
é.
Ov Fonee puttin, See Q. 4(b), Unit 6 oee 72
[Pag
wh one and Pond Ecosystem, See Q.
Wildy ea Protection Act, 7(a), Unit 2 s
Sea Q. 7(a), Unit 6 a
Ction Adt, See Q, B(Y), Unit 6° os
pn ”
iM i
Q. 3. Write short notes on any five of the following:
*
(i) Bishnols of Rajasthan
(ii) Ecotourism es
(iii) Habitat loss and blodivers| iv) Rai
(v) Rio Earth Summit, 1992 'y (0) Rainwater harvesting
vi) G Green Auditing
(vi)
(vii) National Solar Mission,
Ans. (/) Bishnois of Rajasthan. See Q. 8(v), 2016 (May).
(ii) Ecotourism. It Is a form of eos whlch a 1
Ait a
pristine and relatively undisturbed natural
areas, intended - ber
impact and often small scale alternative to standard comme
rcial (mass)
ally means responsible travel to natural areas conserving .
tourism. It basic
the environment and improving the well-being of the
local people. It’s
purpo se may be to educate the traveller, to provide funds for ecological
conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political
empowerment of local ‘communities, or to foster respect for different
cultures and for human rights. ms,
(iti) Habitat Loss. See Q. 5(a), Unit 4. (Page 46
(i) Rainwater harvesting, It is a technique used for collecting, storing. and
using rainwater for landscape irrigation, animal rearing, gardening and
for other uses, The rainwater is collected from various hard surfaces such
"as rooftops and for other man-made above-ground hayd surfaces;_This
ancient practice is growing in popularity due’ to:interest in reducing the
consumption of potable water.and:the.inherent qualities of rainwater.
(v) Rio Earth Summit, 1992, Rio de’ Janeiro hosted the United Nations
Conference on Envirdnment & Development (UNCED). The focus of this
conference was the state of the global environment and the relationship
between economics, science and the environment in a political context.
The conference concluded with the earth summit, at which leaders of 105
nations gathered to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable
development. The earth summit resulted in the following documents:
* Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. e
* Agenda 21. - . *¥Forest—Principles
A green cross international was founded to build upon the work of the
suounit. :
(vi) Green Auditing. Green Auditing or Environmental Audit are tools that
companies and other organisations use to identify or define their full
range of environmental impacts and assess their operations, compliance —
with applicable laws and regulations as well as with the expectationofs
their various stakeholders, They also serve as a means to identify
opportunities to save money, enhance work quality, improve employee
health and safety, reduce liabilities, and achieve other forms a —
value, Auditing is done for—(i) ensuring that environmenta
performance is in compliance with laws and regulations; (ii) ee
potential liabilities: and (iii) aligning environmental performance Wi
stated goals and strategies.
(vii) The javialasial Nehra’ National solar mission, also known as ete
Solar Mission, is one of the eight key National Mission’s which comp
India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
163
Objective:by It's objective
energy, i is to establish India as a global leader in solar
creating the policy conditions for its diffusion across
obec rs geey as possible. The Solar Mission recommends ce
MW by the “ 3 stages leading up to an installed capacity of 20,000
(i) ai sare of 13" Five Year Plan in 2022. It serves a twin purpose:
Q, 4 (a) Wh e = Energy Security. (ii) Ecological Security.
subject?’ Exake 8 Environmental Studies considered as a multidisciplinary
plain the importance of this course in providing solutions to our
“D) What i problems?
What 8
is Ecosystem? Describe the structure of Ecosyst 7
Ans. (a) See Q. 3, Unit 1. ro [Page 5
(6) Ecosystem and its structure. See Q. 1, Unit 2. [Page 7
Q. 5. (a) Why is there a need for India to shift from non-renewable sources of
energy to renewable sources of energy? Add a note on the role of Government
to.the success of this shift of energy. 10
(b) Write a brief note on ecosystem services with suitable examples. 5
Ans. (a) See Q. 10, Unit 3. [Page 37
(b) See Q. 6, Unit 4. (Page 48
Q. 6. (a) What were the reasons for floods in Jammu and Kashmir in 2015? 7
(b) Differentiate between in-situ & ex-situ conservation strategies. Briefly,
explain one successful conservation programme from each of these strategies. 8
Ans. (a) In 2015, the continuous unprecedented heavy rainfall had caused,
Jhelum, Chenab and Tawi rivers and their tributaries to flow above the danger
mark. They had flooded the catchment areas, particularly low lying ones for more
than two weeks. The primary reasons for floods were high rainfall in the
catchment areas over‘short period of time, that resulted in the cloud bursts and
less capacity of the drainage system to hold the quantum of water resulting in
overflowing of banks. Unplanned urbanisation and encroachment over lakes,
ponds and wetlands are key factors of aggravating the tragedy. There are around
than
1230 lakes and water bodies in Jammu & Kashmir. In the last 100 years, more
buildings
. 50% of these water bodies have been encroached upon for construction
due to massive
and roads. The natural drainage system of the state had collapsed
excessive situation
degradation of the network of lakes, This was worsened by the
Jhelum basin.
in the lakes and water bodies from the massive deforestation in the [Page 44
4, Unit 4.
(6) In-situ and ex-situ methods of conservation. See Q. management, ‘Waste
Q. 7.-Explain briefly, the 3R’s principle of waste
waste management, yet it is in
segregation is the primary step for efficient solid 5+10=15
minimal practice in India’. Justify the statem ent.
‘yle of waste management—
is reduce, In order to reduce the
, 3R*
ee e The frs t ao in the thr eeR' s str ate gy
pro duc ed, it is ess ent ial to foc us on the source of the ee
amount ofwaste ufactured, pene . 7
en pro duc ts are des ign ed, man
Source reduction is wh :
o; toxicity of waste crea ted. The firstgoa
used in a way that limits the amount the ove ral l amount of waste =
is- sim ply to red uce
source reduction
be
Sack es bacitork Sa have to
iM ee mpl e of source reduction
e i
on ind ust r jal exa
used e
e e proe
to produce ducts. A comm .
me rc ha nd is e usi ng fe we r materials,
includes the creation of
164 SIVA DELI UNIVERSITY Series
Reuse: The second most important strat
when an item is cleaned and the materialsegy areof the three R’s is to reuse, which is
used again. There are two main
ways that the concept of retising can be appli
ed to reduce waste. First, when
purchasing a new ftem, you can look for a product that can be used repeatedly
instead of a version that {s only used once and thro wn away. The second way to
reuse {8 to buy an item secondhand, borrow, or rent an
the product new. Examples of reuse -Old itern, instead of buying
jars and pots can be usedi to store items
in kitchen. They can also be used to store loose iterns toget
her
wires. Old tyres can either be sent to recycling stations or can such as computer
be used to make
tyre-swings. Used wood can be used as firewood or can
be used as woodcrafts.
Recycle: The last Stage of the waste hierarchy is to recycle.
To recycle
something means that it will be transformed again into a raw material that can
be
shaped into a new item. There are very few materials on the earth that cannot be
recycled, Carefully choosing the products that can be recycled, is the
first step
towards efficient recycling. Some ways to recycle include: (i) Buy products
market that are made up of recycled materials, ie, the product should be from
environment friendly; (if) Buy products that can be recycled such as glass
(iif) Avoid buying hazardous materials that could pose to be jars;
diffi
(iv) Buy products that have been made from recycled materials; cult to recycle;
(v) Use recycled
paper for printing ‘or making paper handicrafts, és
Solid waste management. See Q. 7, Unit.5... 3."
Q. 8. (a) Explain the role of human [Page 63
commitinities.to ;safeguard environment -
at local level. aed | Stee Hee 8
(b) Explain briefly, yotir Visiv
:
s'on th‘the préparedness of Delhi state to tackle
an earthquake disaster.’#: se
t tee 7
Ans. (a) Role of humap:cominunities. See Q. 4(b), 2015 (November), [Page 113
(b) Preparedness of Delhi to tackle carthquakes. In order to brace itself for any
future disaster in the national capital, Delhi government is formulating state
disaster management plans (SDMP) and district disaster management
plans
(DDMPs). National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboratio
n
with the Government of Delhi have recently conducted a State-level
mock
exercise on earthquake preparedness . The exercise was almed at improving
preparedness and response mechanisms of the local admini
stration. The
simulation exercise was conducted simultaneously at multiple select
locations,
including hospitals, shopping malls, metro stations and high-ri
se residential
buildings, spread across the State to assess the administration's capacit
y . in
mobilising resources and reaching out to the affected communities swiftly.
In Delhi, Geo Hazards International (GHI) and Geo Hazards Society (GHs)
have also been working together on a project called the Delhi Barthq
uake Safety
Initiativefor Lifeline Buildings, in which we provide technical Suppor
t for the
assessment and earthquake resistant retrofitting of certain buildings, This pro-
gram also includes training of school students and staff
in basic earthquake
preparedness planning, demonstration of methods of preventing falling-hazards
in earthquakes and conducting periodic preparedness drills. Hundre
participated in last years School Safety ds of schools
Preparedness Drill organised by GHS,
Meénsures for earthqunke preparedness, Soe Q. 3, Unit 7, [Page 87
moa! OSPPTREHApo.
S

sacsnnyat tqages 4:8 Re Tir ac rac cs
WONG)
UAB ea do ceg EF Cte
AOOMOLN: SPARRO) cir
i halen ‘ mental Science
tne esa
Name ofof the t raeility Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC-1)
Name Course + Maximum Marks: 75
Time : 3 _— —_ any five questions, All qui eations carry equal marks. —
5*2=10
five):
Q. 1, (a) Define (attempt any (ii) Land degradation
. () Aquatic ecosystem (iv) Primary pollutant
. + (if) Endangered species
_ 4 (v) Atmosphere (vi) Algal bloom
‘\ (vii) Herbivores
ts and animals living inwa ter
Ans. (i) Aquatic ecosystem. Communities of plan
that operates in a
are known as aquatic ecosystems. It is an ecosystem
, rivers),
* body of water. These include leutic (lakes, ponds), lotic (streans
a
wetlands and matine ecosystems everywhere on the earth.

i
(i) Land degradation. The deterioration in the productive capacity, quality

ed land
of vegetation, soil and water resources associated with land is call
degradation.
(iif) a ee Species. Species whose number has been reduced to a
critical number and are in immediate risk of biological extinction.
(iv) Primary pollutant. A primary pollutant is,anair pollutant that is emitted
directly from a particular source. For. example;;Carbon oxides, CO and
*CO, thai Wi ee
(v) Atmosphere. An; atnioephiere sis aulayer or a set of layers of gases
surrounding a planet-or-otlier. material body, that is held in place by the
gravity of that body: °
Gr, The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases that surrounds the earth and
is retained by earth’s gravity.
(vi) Algal bloom. It is a rapid increase or accumulation in the population
of algae in fresh water or marine water systems, and is recognised by
the discoloration in the water’ from their pigments. Cyanobacteria were
mistaken for algae in the past; 80 cyanobacteria blooms are sometim
also called algal blooms,
~,, (vif) Herbivores. A herbivore is an animal anatomically and physiologically
-. , adapted to eating plant material for the main component of its diet.
(b) State whether True or False: 5x1=5
(f) Asiatic Lion {s an endemic species of India.
(if) Habitat Joss is the most significant threat affecting biodiversity today.
(tid) The term ‘Bi ined
iodiversity Hotspot’ was first coined by Norman Myers.by
(iv) Snake is an example of a primary consumer.
(v) Swachh
Bain ie Bharat Abhiya
y n was Jaunched in the year 2016 ‘
(ti) True
(iif) True
(iv) False
(v) False
165
SHIVA DELI! UNIVERSITY SERIES
968
Q, 2. Differentiate between the following (Attempt any three):
{a) Industrial waste and Agricultural waste
(b) Invasive species and Endemic species
(c) Grassland ecosystem and Desert ecosystem
(d) Ozone depletion and Global Warming
(e) Atmosphere and Lithosphere
Ans. (4) Industrial Waste» Agricultural waste aaa
1. It consists of process }1. It consists of spoiled}
wastes, ashes, demolition foodgrains and vegetables,
and construction wastes, agricultural remains, litter.)
hazardous wastes, etc. | etc. generated from fields,
generated due to industrial | orchards, farms, vineyards
activities. These wastes etc.
contain more of _ toxic :
compounds therefore require
special treatment.
2. The sources of industrial
waste include food processing generated by some agro) ~
industries, metallurgical, _ based industries like fice-;
chemical and pharmaceutical ||. “milling, production of ° fea,:
units, sugar mills, paper and |'. tobacco etc. “4%
pulp industries, fertilizer and“) :
pesticides industry.* ~ .
3. The toxic waste released from | 3. In developing countries like
these industries severely India, this waste does not
affect health of the people. It pose a serious problem as| ‘
may cause nervous disorders, most of it is used. Example,
genetic defects, skin diseases dung is used for mangre,
and even cancer. The effluents straw is used as fodder. ~«
released into the water bodies
by these industries cause
foul cdour, formation of
sediments etc,
(b) Invasive species. Invasive species are the second largest threat to biodiversity -
after habitat loss, An invasive species is a species that is not native to a particular
area, but arrives (usually with human help), and spreads on its own. Example
of an invasive species is water hyacinth, It was introduced in India as a plant’but °
spread rapidly choking rivers, drainage pipes, etc. ’
Some ways in which invasive species impact ecosystems are:
(i) They modify the habitat to which they are introduced according to their
suitability.
(i) They compete with native species for resources.
(iif) They even pray native species.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE—2018 (NOV.) 197
(iv) _ ee mane pathogens along. This causes spread of diseases
ie) invmatve ened hake d have taken time to reach or never reach the area.
Gales: euectes S es hybridize with natives, leading to loss of genetics.known
on ecdacite P ‘ih pecies that are found only in particular regions are
F species. Almost 60% of the endemic species in [India are found in the
ae nel oar
, Himal ea Ghats, Endemic species of India are concentrated in:
— North-West Himalayas
stern Ghats .
‘ — We : — Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
. ae flora species — Ovaria Lurida, Sapria Himalayan, Nepenthis Khasiana,
3 wre fauna species —Nilgai, Langur, Lion-tailed Macaque and Brown Palm
Factors affecting endemic species. are:

(i) Habitat loss due to human activities and pollution also play an importantt
role, ¢.g., Frogs are a sensitive s pecies. Frog eggs, tadpoles and adul
especially pesticides.
_ jaefrogs are extremel; y sensitive to po llutants rsary in
(ii) Disease producing organisms also play an important adve
reducing populations of endemic species.
(c) = . Grassland ecosystem . ““"" * .. Desert ecosystem
1. Grasslands are sea of grass, T. An, ecosystem that receives
formed in the places where the" os annual rainfall less than 25 cm.
_ rainfall is better than the desert - turns into a desert, thus, there is
and lower than the forest area. low availability of water.
2. Occupy about 19% of Earth's 2.33% of total geographical area
land area. comprises of deserts.
3. Highly specialised and sensitive
3, These lands are very fertile.
ecosystems with all plants and
animals . having adaptation
quality for conservation of water
and high temperature.
Example of animals seen: Camel,
f Kan garoo.
Example of plants seen: Cactus
and Euphorbia.
. the
located in North 4. Generally seen in between
of
4,These are
South Tropic of Cancer and Tropic
America (called Prairies), and in Capricorn.
)
America (called Pampas Example, Sahara, Gobi, Asian
s).
West Asia (called Steppe deserts.
5. Cl i
im at e ch an ge andd loss of
of land b cattle, | e considered -
“Grazing e |: bi od iv er si ty ar
theeatena th kind ©
° ee ad goats major threats to such
grasslands ecosystems.

tt yan eek
168
SHIVA DELHL UNIVEN
Stry SENICs
(d) See Q. 4(a)& (0), Unit 6, :
[Page 72.
da Bhi
Oe
isarbuvaceanbase
SAtmosphi¢re? 7. J SE ttho
1. The Atmosphere is a blanket | 1. Iti aphere 6222285
of air surrounding sth e rig id outermost shell of a
the earth terrestrial-type planet or natural:
composed of Nitrogen, Oxyg
en, satellite.
Carbon dioxide and inert gas
es,
2, Se i. of the four realms of the |
t 2. Itisa part of biosphere.
3. It is composed of § layers: | 3. Lithosphere is composed
Troposphere, of the
Stratosphere, | crustand the portion of the upper
Mesosphere, Thermosphere and | mantle. It has the ecosystem of
Exosphere.
land,
Q. 3. Write short notes on the following
(Attempt any three)
‘ () Air pollutants and their eff ects on the environment including 3*5 =15
human
calth.
(6) Any environmental movement
in India.
(c) Biodiversity Hotspots and Glo
bal 200. ies
(a) Impacts of dam construction on tri
bal:popitlations.
(e) Economic and social value of ecosystem
Ans. (a) services,
Sou
rces of Air. Poll Souu
rcet
s: i
of-o
airpol
1. Natural Sources. Natural, sources:are nlut.ion are of two types:
those which are caused due to natural
phenomena. These include dust cartied by wind from uncultivated land, volcanic
eruptions, during decay,‘ pollen grains, etc,
All
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) on warmer the natural sources including
days.
2. Anthropogenic Sources. These are artifici
al sources which are created by,
humans, Burnin g of various types of fuel, smo
ke from power plants or factories,
heating devices like furnaces, traditional biomas
etc.
s burning, vehicular emissions
Effects of Air Pollution:
1, Effect on human health. Air pollut
ants are Tesponsible to cause several
respiratory infections, heart disease, str
oke and lung cancer, and other threats to
the human body,
* Carbon monoxide causes headaches, drowsi
ness and blurred vision,
* Sulphur dioxide irritates respiratory tissues, ;
* Nitrogen oxides irritate the lungs, intens
ify asthma or chronic bronchitis
and also make a person vulnerable to infections such
common cold. as influenza or
2. Effect on agriculture, Air pollution ;
affects the yield of crops. It has drasti
decreased crop yield in the past 30 years, cally
3. Effect on plants. Leaves of the plants
are
Exposure to pollution interferes with the affected as a result of air pollution,
growth, reducing the nutrient uptake and photosynthesis process and plant
brown or even drop off, hence,-causing leaves to turn yellow,
4. Béfect on wildlife, Animals are also affe
cted by alr polltition, They too face

168
.)
RO NM EN TA L SC lENCE—2018 (NOV
ENVI
; osure to pollutants. Animals change their habitat for
expos:
severe diseases due to
a noble place. Hutants such os nitrogen oxides and —. : zi a
5, Acid Rain. The po here. When it rains, these pollutants sea : . Msi
the surface of the earth causing great Camag =
» an a aie waren
and crops. t of nitrogen
a ts om depos ia oe of uri that cs :
i
ME ent ataphcaton.
animal species
utiaés the life of fish, aquatic plants and
core eee. We
to -
| re oe climate. Global warming and Greenhouse effect—Due
al infrared radiations from the earth, the pollutants cause ae
thermal energy or heat in the atmosphere. Thus, the glo
wwe increasing
tethperature is increased causing the Greenhouse effect. —
ey Eo Ho _
A¢ Blodi versity 2(a), Unit 4 ‘
. See Q. . 2(a), [Page 40
Global 200, It is the list of ecoregions identified by WWF, the global conservation
organisation, as priorities for conservation. According to WWF, an ecoregion is
defined as a'relatively large unit of land on water containing a characteristics set
of natural communities that share a large majority oftheir species dynamics and
environmental conditions, wists 20 sa tere
(a) See Q. 3{iv), 2016 (December)... ; s 3 [Page 133
(e) See Q. 6, Unit 4. iin Sir ec [Page 48
Q. 4 (a) Discuss ybriefly “the: impacts of climate change on human
(b) Explain the Socio-economic impacts of increasing incidences of floods in

India, Add a short note on disaster management in flood-affected areas. 10
Ans. (a) See Q. 4(a), (b) & (c), Unit 6. [Page 72
(b) The frequent occurrence of various forms of natural disasters directly
affects the socio-economic lives of people, private and public infrastructure, and
agricultural crops. Disaster damages indirectly increase the fiscal pressure of
both the central and state goverrunents,
Frequent occurrence of flood disaster is one of the common phenomena in
India—Different regions face extreme vulnerability due to flood disasters. Various
reasons such as heavy rain during monsoon periods, lack of river comnectivity,
rapid urbanization and illegal construction in urban areas with
drainage and reservoir system are responsible for increasing inadequate
the risk of exposure
to floods in Indian states, '
The state wise average flood mortality per lakh population is hi i
Himachal Pradesh and|, owest in Haryana y p population is highest in
during the periods 1980-2011. Around
11
iaihstatpopc
es iati
in Indi
on adeat
suff
neered more than the average fi Hgure 0.2 flood mortalit
ali y per
thes e periods. The frequent occurrence of floo
ds not only
buch as2
damage creates indirect effects:, such » cemages agricultural crops. Crop
deterioration of socio-economic condition
people . The occurrence of flood disaster
events affects both socio-economic
ves of people and economic development of the count
ry. The direct impacts of

470
i
SHIVA DELHI UNIVERSITY SER
IES
ate oleate
ae
flood disasters are realized through the loss of h uman lives, damage :
and private property and damage of agriculture crops in different 5 Be of public
set A thle
The major socio-economic effects of floods: tates in India,
te die
1, Loss of lives and property: Immediate im pacts of flooding ix
human life, damage to property, destruction of crops, loss co oe loss of
functioning of infrastructure facilities and deterioration of health estock, non-
oe‘ owing
to waterborne diseases. Flash floods, with little or no waming
’ e
deaths than slow-rising riverine floods. In monetary te :
caused by floods is on the one hand dependent oaths pg an a
of flooding, and the velocities of flows in the flooded areas. . On the other fae t
. 443
is dependent on the vulnerabilities of economic activities and communities,
2. Loss of livelihoods: As communication links and infrastructure such as
power plants, roads and bridges are damaged and disrupted, economic act{yities
come to a standstill, resulting in dislocation and the dysfunction of normal life for
a period much beyond the duration of the flooding. Similarly, the direct effect on
production assets, be it in agriculture or industry, can inhibit regularly agtivity
and lead to loss of livelihoods. The spill over effects of the loss of livelihoodg can
be felt in business and commercial activities even in adjacent non-flooded afeas
3, Decreased purchasing and production power: Damage to infrastrijgture
also causes long-term impacts, such as disruptions of clean water and electzicity
supply, transport, comnuunication, education aid health care. Loss of livelihoods,
reduction in purchasing power and toss of land value in the flood plains lead to
of communities living in the area. The additional cost of
increased vulnerabilities
rehabilitation, relocation of people and removal of property from flood-affected
areas can divert the capital required for maintaining production.
4. Mass migration: Frequent flooding, resulting in loss of livelihoods, pro-
duction and other prolonged economic impacts and types of suffering can trigger
mass migration or population displacement. Migration to developed urban areas
contributes to the overcrowding in the cities, These migrants swell the ranks
of the urban poor and end up living in marginal lands or informal settlements
that are prone to floods or other risks. Selective out-migration of the workforce
sometimes creates complex social problems. .* ° ‘
and
5, Psychosocial effects: The huge psycho-social effects on flood victims
loss of loved
their families can traumatize them for long periods of time. The
from one’s
ones can generate deep impacts, especially on children. Displacement
decreased levels of
home, loss of property, loss of memorabilia and livelihoods,
security in the aftermath of floods and in temporary shelters, and disruption to
these losses
business and social affairs can cause stress. The _— comet
can be overwhelming and produce lasting psychological impacts.
rie
6. Hindering eaaeels facet and development: The high cost .etal
and recovery may adversely impact investment in infrastructure
development activities in the area and in certain cases may cripple tae
economy of the region. Recurrent flooding in a region may era en ni
alike. Lack of l i v s ee
investments by the government and private sector may have a nega
combined with migration of skilled labour and inflation

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENGE—2018 (NOV.) 174
impact on a region's economic growth, Loss of resources can lead to high costs
of goods and services, delaying its development programmes.
7. Political implications: Ineffective flood response and relief operations
during major flood events regularly lead to public discontent or loss of trust in
the authorities or the state and national governments. Lack of development in
flood-prone areas may cause social inequity and even social unrest posing threat
to peace and stability in the region.
Disaster management in flood affected areas—
Before Floods:
(i) Safe routes should be known to nearest shelters.
(ii) An emergency kit should be prepared with portable radio, torch, dry
food, -drinking water, clothes, waterproof bags, bamboo sticks, salt,
sugar, first aid supplies, etc. ,
(iii) When you hear a flood warning, prepare to move to safe places or to
higher locations.
(iv) Stay tuned to your phone, TV, or radio for weather updates, emergency
instructions or evacuation orders.
During Floods: '
(i) Drink boiled water.
(ii) Use bleaching powder and lime to disinfect the surroundings.
(ii) Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded and watch out for
debris. Floodwaters often erode roads or walkways.
(iv) Do not attempt.to drive through areas that are stil] flooded.
(v) Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged frorn fallen power
lines
major challenges
Q. 5. “Land degradation and desertification are one of the
faced by humanity ”. Justify this statement with respect to social,
today
economic and environmental impacts. 8
ction, and
Ans. Land degradation affects crop production, livestock produ degree
type and
forest production. The consequences differ according to the degree but was
severe
of degradation. Land where degradation reaches the
*
example, Salinization patches

formerly productive land must be abandoned. For in areas where
of fields can still be seen
in India and Pakistan, where the outlines totally gone out of
of land have
whole farms have been abandoned. Large tracts
roduction.
ts of degradation:
. Socioseconomic and environmental impac been subject to light or moderate
has
1. Reduced crop yields, Where land
n, the same level of input s will give lower outputs. There ay
degra datio ret aes
eT
reduced crop yields or lower livestock clear an
don artificial removal of. topsoil showec of the loss curve being greater
and crop yields , the slope
heen tr soil depth years. 7 e
infall than low rainfa ll
i
in livest ock produ ctivi ty to 10-50 per cent of its
ee a reduction _
ted for deser tifie d range lands . - 2
is also reduc ed on degraded land, sixes
oe seodhactivily s to tolerate poor Souls, a
of some tree specie
mitigated by the capacity soil of appropriate reforestation.
recuperative effects upon

172
SHIVA DEL UNIVERSITY SENIES
is such that they cannot accept the

consequence of reduced yields. Inst
must attempt to maintain their food supp ead, they
of increased inputs. This-is now widely lies from the degraded land, by
the case where attempts are madmea ns
combat soil fertility decline, by increased inputs of fertilizers. Ano e to Bi
is to attempt to mainta the r res pon se.
in livestock numbers desp
of pastures, thus leading to a vicious circle of ite a reduced carrying capacity
further deg ation.
4. Reduced responses to inputs, It is now: accepted rad that fertilizers are best
utilized by appl
ication of low to moderate amounts, whilst seeking to obta
in high
responses. Land degradation , particularly the low
ering of soil organic matter ,
has the opposite effect, that of lowering fertilizer
responses. "
5. Reduced productivity on irrigated land. A specific
case of lower crop
yields and reduced responses to inputs occurs on the irrigate land
d
widespread in the region. These irrigation systems have been esta s which are
blished at high
cost, whether of capital, as in the case of tubewells and the larg
e reservoir and
canal schemes, or labour, as in the cases of hand-dug wells and
earth dams.
Lowered productivity, .os a result of soil fertility decline,
waterlogging and
salinization, reduces the benefits from irrigation, leading to less effi
cient use of
capi
tal and labour inputs, Jo
6. Loss of flexibility in land management, Reduced crop yiel
ds can force
farmers to grow only basic food crops, patticularly cereals Joshi and
Again there is a feedback effect, since contihous:céreal. productio cau Jha, 1992).
n ses further
decline in soil fertility... -. . *."; Me
7. Greater risk, Degraded land
is less ‘resilient, less able to recove
recurrent disasters, such as drought: One of the major effects of ero r from
sion is reduced
water-holding capacity of the soil, Increase in risk places cons
traints on land
management, rnaking farmers reluctant to use up scarce capi
tal on fertilizers,
8, Loss of water for irrigation. An off-site effect of deforesta
tion and erosion
of watershed areas is destabilization of river flow regimes, causin
g flooding after
rains and reduced flows in subsequent dry periods. Where
there are downstream
irrigation systems, this reduces water availability at time
s when it is most
needed. Lowering of the water table increases irrigation costs, and
can make
groundwater totally unavailable to farmers with small landho
afford deep tubewells. lding, who cannot
,
9. Diversion of resources to reclamation. As already not
ed wit respect to
fertilizer inputs, pressure to make ends meet forces farmers to make hgrea
t efforts
in an attempt to maintain production, Thus they may cons
truct gabions across
gullies, or build terraces with finest of stones, requiring larg
or construct deeper tubewells, This has been call
e amounts of labour,
ed ‘defensive expenditure’. Al]
such inputs, whether of labour or capital, carry an opportuni
ty cost, that of the
alternative, productive, uses. to which the resources coul
d have been applied.
Consequences for the people. The effects of land degrad
ation upon production
have impacts upon agricultural population, whe
ther engaged in crop production,
livestock production, or dependent upon forest products—
Increased landlessness. Landlessness amo
ng the rural population is a problem
of a vast scale, The causes are many, among which abandonme
land is only one, nt of degraded

73
M E N T A L S C I E N C E - 2018 (NOv.)
eNVINO! N ds m eans reduced
g of cr op yi el
Lowerin
ss re li ab le fo od suppl ies. s lowered food
security.
Lower and le is k me an puts
ti on of fo od cr ops : increase dr
ce d cr op yi el ds and increased in
oduc . Redu ‘from labour, Labour use
d
in cr en se d la bo ur requirements
Py ai _
effect of se eet
both have the 0 the most
d rehabilitation ue nc es of la nd degradation,
j of all the cons eq ther or
0 ae Ont
is lo we r ]in co me s. These result from ei
popu lati on s.
erious for the rural ov e: in cr ea se d in pu ts or reduced output
ted ab
both.of the factors no d its impact on the poor: e
1d degradation an lo pe d world, it is usually th
ange s © ur in th e les s de ve
‘ inition of the poor,
cc
e ever adverse ch
%° haen
- wh
s situation arises from theeC very def
poor who suffer most. Thi ac cess to the basic necessities of life and the resources
those who lack adequate
needed to obtain them. degradation. In the past rural pop
ulation,
This is certainly the case with land adequate
however low their incomes may seem in er,modern terms, had access to attac k by
such as flood, droug ht,
land to meet their needs. When. a disast of livelihood, there were spare land
pests, or war, destroyed thelr normal means
land into cultivation, kill the
resources to fall back upon, They could take new pastures, or go into the
few livestock they possessed which fed upon natural
forest and extract roots or hunt wildlife. Pa
are no
Because of land shortage, accentuated:by" epradation, these options
longer available. Farmers ‘with less than one hi ctare:are dependent on that small
area for all of their agriculturaliiricon . The‘only alternatives open to them are to
work on the lands of ottiers, non-agricultural occupations, migration to the citi
ace aie a relief. ™
is in these tightly constrained circumstances that land i
Production begins to fall, Because production is close eee ae a Tying
basic needs, a response must be made to secure these needs in the short tern This
jad be coupe of fragile lands, for the sustainable management of which en
a aa sin vate te uitee It may increased inputs, particularly the attempt
leas “3 : ae tilizers. The non-sustainable land management
ger farmers are less :
where
ae irresponsible rich meers ;exploitig the eh but G
land, DR ses te tiiei
e their resources. When disasters occur, th , by ae Sle el
to alternative sources of income, or bo m, Mey can Ughten their belts, tum
poor, trow and repay in better years. These
"tre Ga not open to the
Des ¢ poor who suffer
. most
\ from m 1 land degrada 5
ertification and its socio-economic eens none
Desertification is
‘
global issue with serious implications

a
s ’
biodiversity, ecosaf worldwide on

muatatiabie
* - desler’ e ‘
to eradication, socio-economic stability and
dsarad : r y lands
egraded, the impact on peo are already fragile. As they become
The im:
pact of desertification pie, le, li livestock and environm
4
ent can be devastating.
to redtiction in crop and ani On the so clo-economici¢ life
li of rural households leads
and rise in the prices mal
0 productio Nn, a .
tuffs. People Hille phmass g livestock deaths

‘
and desertification to ce equence of drought
areas oF to other
rtirir,al areas, in or
der to engage in

74
SHIVA DELI UNIVERSITY
SERIES
economic activities such as farming, grazing and fs
family life lends to separation of families —wives and chan ation impacts on
destruction of family patterns as women, child tely the
left with the burden of agricultural activities, nen Ee elderly oneg are often
The soil becomes infertile. As desertification occurs
or washed away, and valuable soil nutrients are lostes the soil: can be blo wn
unsustainable irrigation techniques, salt can also:build Through the use of
the soil useless for growing crops or other plants. r in the soil, rendering
Vegetation is damaged or destroyed. Desertifica
land to support plant life. Loose. soil beiey plants, or thee en
and cannot fulfill their function. With plants dying, rainwater gets
2
ae
away instead of being drawn into the soil, which only scales up
the prablem
“ nines plants do not have enough moisture to survive dry spells ag they
Soil erosion. The reduction in plant cover increases the erosion of the
soil due
to increased runoff and direct exposure to wind. This results in the decrea
se of
water storing capacity of soils, The process of desertification is worsened as the
soil becomes increasingly arid, and there are no more plants to hold it in place
and distribute nutrients. : ye
Disasters. Desertification makes natural disasters. worse. Events such as
flooding, dust storms, and pollution, all become stronger in areas with heavily
degraded soils. Without any plants stabilizing the:soil and slowing down the
runoff, rainwater easily accumulates and floods human settlements. ° °
Polluted sources of drinking water. Vegetation plays an important role in
cleaning our water. Plants and:trees function like natural filters, storing pollutants
such as heavy metals from water in their own bodies. Barren soils lack this green
filter, and therefore, more of these harmful substances enter our groundwa
reservoirs.
Famine, poverty and starvation. Due to drought conditions and a loss of
productive land, local people find themselves experiencing famine and poverty,
as well as potentially the starvation of themselves and their livestock. °
Q. 6. Explain the various dangers and problems associated with landfills
in metropolitan areas like Delhi. Also, write a note on solid waste disposal
measures that need to be taken to reduce the burden on existing landfills,. 15
Ans. Dangers and problems associated with landfills:
1, Air pollution and atmospheric effects. There are more than ten toxic gases
emitted from landfills, of which methane gas is the most serious. Methane gas is
Naturally produced during the process of organic matter decay, On this account,
EPA records that the methane expelled during the decomposition of organic matter
in unmanaged landfills has the potential of trapping solar radiation 20 times
more effective than carbon dioxide, This results in increased urban and global
temperatures. Dust, particulate matter and other non-chemical contaminates can
also be expelled into the atmosphere, further contributing to air quality aa
2. Ground water pollution, The primary environmental problem arising
because of landfills is groundwater contamination from leaches. There are —
hazardous wastes that find way into the landfills and once they are there, the
inevitable is the natural deterioration of ground water. .

SNWIHONMENTAL SCITNCE—2018
ov 175
eff
bir3.th Hea ects, ects.tie
deflth in the risk of severe health implicati
ticular cancers hace Gen s “em *
individuals liv ing next towei ght, and parin num stud ies. Lan d rep ort ed in
nS lt landfill are as ero us
are also associated wi + Rat fill toxi c gas
see pollution with lung and heart diseases
ed
pectively,
4. Soil and land
pollution. La ‘ ‘
directly render the soil and land where it
is located unusable, It also co
toxic chemicals spread over the Jal sr soil and land area because the
5. Ec urrounding soil with time.
high, i The economic and social cost of landfill management is very
nies na oo as of the gases coming out of the landfills to ground-
regiilass 7 on man agement, and ensuring compliance with environmental
; ry policies drains a lot of the municipality's and tax payer’s money in
-
phe integrated waste management.
wee — oe Landfill gases together with a substantive amount of landfill
, can easily start a fire. Once fires are ignited, it can be challenging to put it
out and further cause air pollution. If not put out immediately,
i i they can get out
of control and destroy the neighboring habitats. =
Solid waste disposal measures. See Q. 7, Unit 5. [Page 63
, explain the in-situ and ex-situ
Q. 7. (a) With the help of a case study each- ~ ~ 8
approach for protecting the biodiversity...
rs that are
.(b) Briefly explain the major’ anthropogenic (man-made) facto 7
leading to large-scale biodiversity, loss. (Page 44
Ans, (a) See Q. 4, Unit 4,“ - [Page 46
(b) See Q.5, Unit4.
ght over water”. Justify the statement
Q. 8. (a) “The néxt world war may be fou 6
with suitable examples. to be taken at the individual
s and mea sur es that need
(b) Explain the step 9
the gov ern men t for wat er conservation in India.
level and by [Page 124
Ans. (a) See Q. 4, 2016 (May ).
conserving water which is present in abundant
(b) Water conservation means — . _
for use.
amount but not available be lim ite d and tre ati ng dirty water is expensive.
always
The supply of water will can ed uc at e the pub lic and restrict water use
unities use water wisely.
Governments and comm of eac h ind ivi dua l to
ponsibility few
but ultimately it is i the res conservatitio
or n at ho me — ee
vidual role in water
Indiivi dr ought-resis den
i howers and planting mmunity conserve limited global water
the co
eats a person can help x
r in our homes. Fi
te
ev er y’ op po rt un ity to conserve wa |
re i impestt to find roblem arises. an d toilets and turn
fo r yo ur ta ps
, e nds and fixturnees nwes or appliance Ae
oO se oe A g yo ur ee a t e rw iles + e e ta 2A
w h e n b r u s h i n ; eS e
off taps der,
lace or adapt ol v
c a w a i i v e w a t er saving de
w %.
wate r use by UP to 40
See
176 SHIVA DELL UNIVERSITY senies
acs
Replace your show: erhead wit
~
with a bucket and mug. When bat h a water saving device or alternati
eek
hing, be careful not to overfill the vel y bathe
ehh ths
flushing the toilet unnecessarily, tub. Avoid
heh
cate "Uinbd
Ways to control ontdoor wa
ter use—
State
Use rain catchers or barrels to coll ect and atore rainwator for use {n the lawn
and garden,
Run sprinklers during the coolest par
t of the day.
Role of the
*
Government~The gov ment is conserving
collecting and storing the rain water andernthen water through
treating through process to make
it potable so that it can be used
for human
The State Government has decided to con sumption. 5
have two percolation tanks for“ea
borewells sunk by the govern ch
ment across the State. The government took this
decision in order to conserve water and recharge
the borewells.
The best way to
curb water losses is by creating
Programmes to educate people about conservation meas awareness. Running |
Includin ures is very important.
g water conservation in the habits of children from 4
required. Also strict laws in public toilets need younger age is
s to be implemented to alert one
and all. Also it is a resource that requires immediate attentio
n of all. So known
celebrities and reputed NGO‘s should take responsibility and
promote this cause
through every visual and social medium possible.
--~.
Apee FSi,

_sasgety esas NEURITES aM AT she AU Sea Tes eA
seotgnts oi teeny
Ae SA 0: i ASAVispicaburaeaebene
oeanduusa cetipratnyty
Sah crac
s Kee
UTR RRS ENMAD
ae ‘ tal Science
he Paper : Environmen
oe of me Churee : Ability Enhancement Canney events
. . (ABCC-1)
* 3 i
\ctonrainei Maximum Marks: 75
Attempt any five questions. All questions carry equal marks,
- 1. (a) Match the following: 10*1=10
- (i) 7s Swaminathan (i) Insecticide
~ (4) Uranium (if) Bhopal gas disaster
(tif) Methy! Iso Cyanate . (iii) Primary succession
. (iv) DDT = (iv) Narmada Bachao Andolan
"(2) Stratosphere . (v) Wetland conservation
(vi) Lichens (vi) Green Revolution in India
(vii) Congress Grass : (vii) Ozone layer
(viii) Sunderbans (viii) Nuclear energy fuel
(ix) RAMSAR convention (ix) Invasive species
(x) Medha Patkar (x) Mangrove Forest
(xi) Tundra ecosystem
(b) Define the following: (any five) 600 5x1=5
(f) Cfitically endangered species. -
(if) Hazardous waste 2 8 SS
(iff) Greenhouse gases °3. 05 36:
(iv) Blological Oxygen: Deninnd ©
(#) Acid Rain: wes B
. (of) River water confliet
(vif) Ecologieal balance
Ans. (¢) ()) MS Swaminathan (vf) Green Revolution in India
(i) Uranium 4 (vif) Nuclear energy fuel
(if) Methyl Iso Cyanate (ii) Bhopal gas disaster
(iv) DBT (f) Insecticide
(v) Stratosphere (vii) Ozone layer
(vi) Lichens . (iii) Primary succession =!
(vil) CongressGrass (ix) Invasive species
(bli) Sunderbans 14, Mansoor)
grove Forest
(ix) RAMSAR convention (v) Wetland conservati
(z) Medha Patkar « ‘3 (iv) Narmada Bachao ae
Andolan
(b) () tlre endangered species. A critically endangered species is
oy bee Smegucaed by the International Union one that
for
a as lacing an extremely high risk of extinction Conservation of
or example, Javan rhinoceros, Great in the wild.
(i) Hazardous waste, Wastes India bustard
of Industrial
that are potentially dangerou i diately or over a period
s either imme of

178
greenh
house RAses
:
and. ozone.
i ater vapour, carbon dioxide, mena ‘ dag oxide
vid
(o) etd ean, ruse" Demand, See Q.1(a)v), (ONT 2017 (DDecember), (Page 149
(ol) River sone Aes Unit 6.
betwee oa oor statesWater conflict is a tarm describin § @ sich
countries, contlic’
These conflicts occur see 1 b SOUPS Over an access to water resources,
between and within nations oth fresh water and saltwater, and both
Ecological
(vii) living onganinass j ee
balance ee ae
= eo ae the equilibrium between
their environment. ings, plants and animals as well as
-a
Biogas the f ollowing: (any three)
Petroloum andbetween
Q. ()2. Differentiate
(ti) Climate Change and Ozone Layer Depletion /
(isi) In-situ Conservation and Ex-situ conservation =
(iv) Pesticide and Compost
(v) Soil Erosion and Eutrophication : Es
Ans. (i) See Q, 2(iii), 2017 (December). [Page 151 |
(ii) Ozone Depletion and Climate change:
Ozone depletion. It is the gradual thinning of Earth's ozone layer in the
upper atmosphere caused by the release of chemical compounds
containing gaseous chlorine or bromine from industry and other human
activities. The thinning is most pronounced in the polar regions,
especially over Antarctica.
Climate Change. It refers to the change in global or regional climate
patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20%
of
century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels :
atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels. qzone
but
Ozone depletion and climate are linked in a number of ways, :
depletion is not a major cause of climate change.,
balance of the
Atmospheric ozone has two effects on the temperature the stratosphere ’
heats
Earth. It absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation, which
by Earth's surface,
and also absorbs infrared radiations emitted
Therefore, the climate.
effectively trapping heat in the troposphere. the altitude at
varies with
impact of changes in ozone concentrations
. *
which these ozone changes occur.
the lower stratosphere
The major ozone losses that have been observedbroinmine containing gases
and
due to the human-produced chlorine—e, On the othtnerehan ae ozoene
d, theen
on the ear th' s sur fac
have a coolini g effect
have occurred in the
increases that are estimated to effect on the Earth’s surface,
ing
of surface pollution gases have a ouwaserm effect. -
reby contributing to the greenh
the con servation. See Q. 4, i
xis
va ti on and Exe sit u
(iii) In-situ Conser

» ENVIRONMENTAL SC
IENCE—2010 (MAY)
178
(iv) Pesticide and Compost;
_ *+Pesticide Compost
It is a chemical fertilizer.
oe ee p It is a natural fertilizer,
These are mass produced and These are derived from animal
<4 in bags, boxes and bottles in waste,
It is non-biodegradable. It is biodegradeble,
They usually have higher level These contain lower levels of N-
and a larger percenta f P-K.
soluble nitrogen. . -
(2) Soil Erosion and Eutrophication:
fet" ¥ Soil Erosion.» fe2°" © Eutrophication: -
It is the removal of upper most Tt is the process of deterioration
‘ Jayer of soil. of water quality.
In this, the fertility of soil is lost In this, there is gradual increase
and its binding capacity gets in the'concentration of P, N and
eroded. other minreals in the water
body,
It is generally casused by
water and wind. excessive fertilizer washed away
into water bodies by agriculture.
It oeeurs only naturally. It occurs both naturally wherein
the -decay occurs slowly and
man-made eutrophication where
the decay happens very fast.
15
te sho rt not es on the fol low ing ; (any three):
Q. 3. Wri human communities.
Harmful impacts of mining on the environment and n in
() Gr ee n Tri bun al towards environment protectio
(ii) Role of National
n,
' India.
eri ts of inv est ing in nuclear electricity productio
(iif) Merits and dem
in megacities.
(iv) Increasing water crisis eps during and post-earthquakes.
(v) Disaster manag emsentof stmining on the e nvironment and Inman comunu-99
1 impact {Page
ti ve Pa pe r |. in
Ane ( Hs.
nitie SeeeQ.s 5(b), Prac 1 Tribunal
er ards environment protection the
‘Act, 2010 has been enacted to fulfil
ji) Role of Natio nal Gre et
n Tribunal 0 speedy and
Na ti on al Gr ee lternative forum to deliver|
“ India. |
felt need ticofe hav ing an @
long ve jus towards env ironment protection. 7
anal
ine ude— {0 protection "
this Act incl pe rt ai ni ng
j case s
resolution of
eg tion of forests. progane
nvironment a
i
C o e re lating to e
ae ~ oe
ee
re st s aa d ot her natural
Sod of fo
s
ard by the T:
iu
oe wi ll al so be he
ending cases

180 SHIVA DELIN UNIVENSITY SERIES
* enforcement of all legal rights relnting to the
environment and
environment protection.
* provide compensation and relief to affected people for
damage of
prope rty. é
Some notable orders of the NGT include—
* Ganga Rejuvenation
* Yamuna conservation zone
* Ban on old diesel vehicles ‘
* Seeking response on Taj pollution
* NGT tells POSCO not to cut trees ;
anes
* NGT has banned open waste burning in Delhi
(fif) Merits and demerits of investing in nuclear electricity production
.
tt dara
Nuclear energy is one of the sources of electricity.
Advantages;
(a) High efficiency level over’ other sources such as fossil fuels.
2 eee
(6) Abundant supply as Uranium is the significant element in the ~
Process of iiuclear fission, with enough supply to last for 70 to 80

ears.
(c) Environment friendly. It has lower greenhouse emissions,
8
6.
(d) Low maintenance. Nuclear power plants do not need regular
maintenance as well as operation can last between 40-60 years.
Disadvantages: - 4 fF ee
* It is harmfulas increa aumbersiof nucle
ngar reactors put the health
and safety of the people living near at risk.
* Expensive, A substantial amount of investment {s needed to bulld the
lant.
. biclent waste disposal issues are another major concern.
* Danger of potential leakages.
(iv) Increasing water crisis in megacities. India is facing the worst
water
ctisis in its history and 21 Indian cities will run out of groundwater by
2020, affecting 100 million people.
The triggers are rapid groundwater depletion, the decli
ne in average
rainfall and increasing dry monsoon days.
Groundwater in India depleted 10-25 mm per year betw
2016,
een 2002 and
‘
Average rainfall declined from 1050 mm in the
kharif—summer
,000 mm in kharif season in 2015.
Similarly, in Rabi season, average rai all declined from 150 mm in 1970
to about 100 mm in 2015.
Dry days—days without rainfall—during the mon
from 40 to 45% in
soons have increased
2015,
If mitigation measures are not implemented,
India will face.n six per cent
loss in its GDP by 2050.
India holds about 4% of global freshwater
Water intensive agricultural Practices and and 16% of its population.
industrial, sere), Production and domest growing water demand for
ic Oses are significantl
stressing India’s limited water resour
ces, — * ”

‘ge
' :
®
;
RO N FN TA L g c i e N ce-2019 (MAY)
ENVI kes give no.
during earthquakes. Barthqua a quake—
gement steps
(v) Disaster mana e are som for keeping safe during
at all. Her ea dy , st ro ng , furniture; kneel, sit or stay
warm ble or other st
i) oo under a ta ‘
close to the floo
r.
e, s a e o r sit close to the floor next to a
ure $8 ther
(ii) If no furnit inte rior wall.
structurally sound windows, mirtors, bookcases and other unsecured
(iif) Move away from
. heavy objects.
lift. into the open, away from buildings, street lights
use tliemove
) eainir edl
lity wires. set
igs a mobile radio or televis ion for the latest emergency
(vi)
‘ information. t-earthquakes:
Disaster management tips pos hur t and give necessary first aid,
(i) Chec k if peop le near you are
on the radi o for eme rge ncy 1instructions and disaster reports.
(ii) Turn
(iii) Better to wear shoe s or boots to avo! d being hurt by broken window
glass or other sharp objects. '
leave if it is damaged.
(iv) Check the structure of the house and quickly
_ During evacuation, take the stairs. ‘
happen.
(v) Stay away from beaches and ports in case tsunami should
(vi) Be aware of aftersof.hocks. Oo 2.
Q. 4. (a) Explain thetatises'- depleting forest cover and its impacts on
human communities, °°, =; ae
(6) Write a short note:Gnt ecologic succession.
al 10+5
Ans. (a) Causts for depletion of forest cover are:
(i) Depletion of forests on an extensive scale was carried out in the colonial
period, The begihning and the expansion of railways during this period
; i es > ie destruction of huge churiks of forests.
i ependent India, clearing of forest lan
; cultivation has also led to the depletion of
an impo rtan t com mer cia te
l e Ei
reso j s ,.
t ne
(iif) Timber has becomeng fuer! n urce. It is used for
bullding end maldi
Sbtaining timber i g furniture, The felling of the trees for the purpose of
& T 6 an important cause of reduced forest cover in India.
(iv) sete in the eons, been cleared for the purpose of building large scale
Many forests have
(v) Rapid Industrialization, urbani
the destruction
tofactories, of lgeecip and expansion of cities has also led
citles, and road cover in the country. Buildings, schools,
expansion, Urbanization h S—these are all accounts of ‘infrastructure
to cutting down of frees, Occupied the forests. Road expansions lead
of ‘b
(a) destruction of
on of tropical forests. The erection uildings requires the
ther reasons p fou Sten tion of fire wood in rural areas are some
caused mainly due to lets the country. Depletion of forests is
agriculttire and the Construction of oman, of timber, expansion of

182 SHIVA DELHI
re UNIVERS ITY SERIES
(vif) Forest fires are a naty ral
;
temperature in the forests a
can also be caused b
Impact onue Inunan commenti $3 e rec
(i) Millions of people depend
on forests for livelihood — hunting,
medicine aand
nd «1
small-scale agri gathering,
F griculture, W hen the forests will be gon
there will be a loss of livelihood. e
nm some parts of Southeast Asia,
deforestation caus :
(ii) Deforestation amen migrate to urban areas.
lack supply. Carbon dioxide and grocohouse puss ati oneal
promoting various diseases Deforestation wil dae ine i the Bigsglobal
temperature which leads to clim ate change and nerease
global warming.
+ i whieh causes
(itt) mt to deforestation, the water cycle has been
weir ween conditions, unexpected patterns of precipitation and
(b) See ©. 64 oe which ultimately have an impact on human life.
=
2 Q. : 6(a), Unit 2. Page 15
respecte for
. Q. 5. Explain how various environmental issues have been
increasing cases of farmer suicides in India? What measures should the “15
government take to improve the agricultural sector in the country?
for increasing cases
“
Ans. Climate change is a major reason which is responsible
by researchers at the
of suicide of farmers in India. A recent study conducted
change had caused more
University of California, Berkeley found that climate
30 years. They also warned that
that 59,000 farmer suicides in India over the last
substantially as global temper-
suicide rate across the country would increase
ature rises.
suggesting a correlation“between
it has been stated in Corleton in a report
change and suicide rates, that every 1° C rise in temperature during the
climate
20° C, results in an additional 67 suicides
growing season, on any day above
across all of India. heat in the non-growing season
seemed strong as particularly
The causal case /
did not associate with suicides. in 2014,
of climate change, India is only going to get hotter. Starting
Because
shattered the previous years’ record as the hottest year.
each subsequent year has temperature world rise by 3° C
in 2050.
Because of this it is expected that the agri
should take the following measures to improve
The government
cultural sector:
various means of irrigation, so that more land could be brought
¢ Develop ai © - .
under agriculture.
of harmless chemical fertilizers at subsidised rates.
« Increase the availability hybrid varieties of seeds, ;
» To develop and produce new
should fix a minimum purchase price for various crops
+ the government
every year. be
adequate and timely loans to farmers me easy pace
+ To provide prog
and help farmers through specially dev oped to farmers.
* To educate illustrating newnev practices
1 work in cottage
farms illus g
+ To set up demonstration adopt mixed farmung an
to
+ Encouraging farmersee time. .
ries in their fr
indust

ENVULONMENT,
AL SCIENCE—2010 -
6. (a) How incre witsan-wildlife co
are hum
theQ, reasonsthea [orlichlcaees
cts a major threat t ?xplai
eee : § cases of such conflicts and _ camee ean aeto
casures
(b) Briefly explain the ¢

ee 10+5=15
imilenarUnue
it 4. [Page 81
(b) See Q, A(a),
Q. op7.ol(a)itanExplciaitiesn , h
i"
g anes te
creasing air pollution is impactin w
7
Ow in
metr
ing air
) io
‘(but
poll th appr
Win, opri
prop riate examples, explain the role of technology in curb Fe5 i”
201 2018 (November).
Ans. (a) See Q. 3(a),
. ,
io n: S(Peagae s15s5
2017tech e c
(Dnolo e m
gyb e r )
in. cu rb in g ai r po ll ut
lab ut4ioeensQ.ma4(db)e, by
cars : of air pollution is emission of harmfu l gases
fomctric ee
* Ele ie _ b air
. The development of electric cars is a boon ta cur
s.
pollution and tackle the problem of harmful emission eries pollute the
* Clea ee i
Factories, i
processing plants and refin
NO.
gh fossil fuel emissions containing CO2, Cr, and ng, the
tec hno log y, win d tur bin es and solar energy are amo
r
With newe wable energy that are being used in order to replace Lossil
— . rene Making
g put into place.
, but they are not the only strategy bein
ner is equally important
places that are still reliant on fossil fuels clea a type of filter extracting
. ee control systems. Such systems act as
the emissions made by industrial
mful and unwanted elements from :
plants at sou rce . make a
pac kag ing , It is an area whe re technology may be able to
° Food of technology increases shelf life
for
nt imp act . The dev elo pme nt act
significa
iendly ma teri — graal st seed extr
pefrui
food and is made from eco-fr
being just one of them. dis cus s the contribution of women
in
exa mpl es,
: India. 15
Q. 8. With apppprroop rjate sin g env iro nmental awareness in
and rai
protecting the environment ial role in protection
and conservation
are playing a cruc
.
to
Ans. Women in india hav e bro ugh t a different perspective
of environment. Wo men in our country different experience base. Poor women's
because of their
the environment debate,
hulistic
issues ina broad and
and they see thenomics
not com par tme nta
are ve, They understand.
s cti
liz ed clea rly that eco and environment arc
livespe
per
to the m that soil water and vegetation,
experience reveals
compatible. Their y livi ng, req uir es care bioand
sph goodalonnua
ere e, but eni
nag e
to the
nm -dai
for their day-to l y to the P
= ary
necess d not only & ates
Environmental radation 1s related
deg k
th e world, the Chip
i re as well. ironmental m
ovem e n t s of
la n, originated 10
c o n i c e n v Ba ch av An do
, the Narmada round,
the mast i
Ode n y a M o v e m e n t ;
the Navda saking new
=
Move. ment, ee ut ue : buted towards pr

ri otecting the
me n wh o ar H y co
India, helmed by wwo
o i m en have su
bst; an t i a
areness 1
India: wn The
‘ollo w t 1
! nmental aw t is less Kno
ad raising
enviro
M o v e m e n t ’ s female aspec adership of Gautea
twit
a u r a D e v i . The Chipko in 49 74 under the |
v
41. G ovement al
se star te d
Chipke M

104 SHIVA DELI) UNIVENSITY srnies
Devi, who along with 27 women decided to hug the trees in order to stop.
the liumbermen from cutting those trees. Gaura Devi was the head of
Mahila Mangal Dal at the Reni village.
. Medha Patkar. A popular environmentalist, she is known for her active
role in the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA)—a powerful mass
movement against the construction of a large dam on the Narmada '
River, The proposed Sardar Snrovar Dam is a multi-crore project and
would have displaced more than 3,20,000 people. It was ‘alleged that
foreign funds were being used to hamper rehabilitation, Medha Patkar
was also concerned that the people living there had no idea about the
project. She formed the NBA in 1989, and has been involved since. As a
peaceful means to protest, she took up fasting several times.
. Sunita Narain, She is the Director General of Centre for Science and
Environment (CSE), and publisher of Down To Earth (magazine). She
began her work in the 1980s along with Anil Agarwal, another
prominent environmentalist, and co-edited State of India’s environment
report, After the loss of tigers in Sariska, Sunita chaired the Tiger Task
Force for conservation in 2005.
. Vandana Shiva, She is a Delhi based environmentalist and eco feminist,
A Gandhi follower, she is well known for her proletarian efforts to
protect forests, organize women’s networks, and conserve local
biodiversity. A physicist and philosopher of Science, she has authored
books such as Monocultures of the Mind, Staying Alive: Women, Ecology
and Development. In 2003, she was identified as an environmental ‘hero’
by the Time Magazine. Vandana Shiva Is the director of the Research
Foundation for Science, Technology, and Natural Resource Policy in
Dehra Dun, She was awarded the 1993 Right Livelihood Award,
considered parallel] to the Nobel Prize. She created Navdanya, a national
movement to protect the diversity of living resources, in 1991. It has been
instrumental in conserving more than 2000 varieties of rice and 34 seed
banks have been established in 13 states nationwide.
» Maneka Gandhi. She is the wife of the famous (now deceased) Indian
politician, Late Sanjay Gandhi, But Maneka Gandhi is known for reasons
different from above, She is an animal rights leader as well as
‘environmentalist, In 1994, she founded People for Animals, the largesan
t
organisation for animal welfare in India. She believes in ahimsa and
fact that India was in need of » movement to stop the cruel the
meted out to animals. She now chairs the Jury of Internatio treatment
Globe Foundation which annually awards the nal Energy
best environmental
innovations ofthe year. For her revolutionary work among
went on to receive some of the highest award animals, she
s in the world.
os) ownliiryees

MOST IMPORTANT TOPICS AND STUDY MATERIAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
STUDIES
These questions are indicative only. Not a complete list; For complete coverage, refer
Textbook for Environmental Studies For Undergraduate Courses of all Branches of Higher
Education by Erach Bharucha
Part A: Important Questions (2 marks; one or two sentences)
1. Renewable resources
2. Non renewable resources
3. Ecosystem
4. Food chain
5. Food web
6. Energy pyramid
7. Estuary
8. Biodiversity
9. Climate change
10. Global warming
11. Acid rain
12. Population explosion
13. AIDS
14. Infectious diseases
15. Environmental health
Part B Important Questions (5 marks; one page write up)

1. Difference between renewable and non renewable energy resources
2. Structure and functions of an ecosystem Eg Aquatic Ecosystem; Marine ecosystem
etc
3. Food chains (elaborate with diagram and relationship)
4. Grassland ecosystem (elaborate with diagram and relationship)
5. Genetic, Species, Ecosystem Diversity
6. Hotspots Of Biodiversity
7. Threats To Biodiversity
8. Conservation Of Biodiversity
9. Solid Waste Management
10. Role Of Individuals In Pollution Prevention
11. Disaster Management
12. From Unsustainable To Sustainable Development
13. Urban Problems Related To Energy
14. Climate change and global warming
15. Environmental And Human Health
16. Role Of Information Technology In Environment And Human Health
17. Solid waste management
18. Vermicomposting
Part C: Major questions 14 marks 4 pages write up
1. Different types of natural resources
2. Explain about forest resources
3. Structure and functions of any one of the ecosystem in details; Most important
ecosystems are
(a) aquatic ecosystem
(b) marine ecosystem
(c) and forest ecosystem.
4. Producers, Consumers and Decomposers-Details with examples
5. Values of Biodiversity –very important
6. Threats and conservation of biodiversity
7. Cause effect and control measures of any one of the pollution in detail important are
(a) Water pollution
(b) Air pollution
(c) Marine Pollution
(d) Land pollution
IMPORTANT TOPICS AND STUDY MATERIAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
These questions are indicative only. Not a complete list; For complete coverage, refer
Textbook for Environmental Studies For Undergraduate Courses of all Branches of Higher
Education by Erach Bharucha
Part A: Important Questions (2 marks; one or two sentences)
18. Deforestation
19. Afforestation
20. Ecosystem
21. Producer
22. Consumer
23. Decomposer
24. Food chain
25. Food web
26. Energy pyramid
27. Keystone species
28. Flagship species
29. Ecological succession
30. Climax
31. Estuary
32. Biodiversity
33. Genetic diversity
34. Biogeography
35. Endangered species
36. Pollution
37. Pollutant
38. Point source of pollution
39. Non point source of pollution
40. Municipal solid waste
41. Composting
42. Vermicomposting
43. Landslide
44. Energy crisis
45. Climate change
46. Global warming
47. Acid rain
48. Ozone depletion
49. Consumerism
50. Environment Protection Act.
51. Wildlife Protection Act
53. AIDS
56. HIV
Part B Important Questions (5 marks; one page write up)

20. Forest Resources
21. Energy Resources
etc
23. Energy flow in the ecosystem-Link all the natural cycles such as water cycle
25. Food webs (elaborate with diagram and relationship)
26. Ecological pyramids (elaborate with diagram and relationship)
30. Biodiversity At Global, National And Local Levels
39. Water Conservation Explain about rain water harvesting and water shed
management
40. Environmental Ethics: Issues And Possible Solutions
42. Nuclear disaster
43. Any one of the pollution Like Noise pollution, marine pollution etc
44. Role of information technology in environment and human health
45. Wasteland Reclamation
46. Air (Prevention And Control Of Pollution) Act
47. Water (Prevention And Control Of Pollution) Act
48. Environment Protection Act
50. Forest Conservation Act
51. Population Explosion
52. Environmental And Human Health
54. Water related diseases
55. Role Of Information Technology In Environment And Human Health
57. Vermicomposting
58. Environmental value education
11. Sustainable use of natural resources
12. Conservation of natural resources
13. Explain about forest resources
ecosystems are
(a) aquatic ecosystem
(b) marine ecosystem
(c) and forest ecosystem.
16. Megabiodiversity countries and their importance
18. Biogeographical classification of India
20. Cause effect and control measures of any one of the pollution in detail important are
(a) Water pollution
(b) Air pollution
(c) Marine Pollution
(d) Land pollution
23. Unsustainable to sustainable development
24. Water conservation
25. Climate and change and effect on environment
26. Population growth and effect on environment
27. All the Acts related to environment. Question may have subdivisions
28. A case study may be given; For example you may have to provide a solution for a
realtime environmental problem
29. Role of IT in disaster management
30. Role of individual in prevention and control of environmental pollution
ANSWERS
A renewable resource is an organic natural resource which can replenish to
overcome usage and consumption, either through biological reproduction or other
naturally recurring processes. Eg food grains
A non-renewable resource (also called a finite resource) is a resource that does
not renew itself at a sufficient rate for sustainable economic extraction in
meaningful human time-frames. Eg-Petrol
3. Deforestation
Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests in order to make the land
available for other uses
4. Afforestation
Afforestation is the establishment of a forest or stand of trees in an area where
there was no forest
5. Ecosystem
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals and microbes)
in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment (things like
air, water and mineral soil), interacting as a system. Eg Marine ecosystem
6. Producer
Producers are organisms that can make their own energy through biochemical
processes (a process in living things that involves chemical reactions). Eg Plants
7. Consumer
Consumers are organisms of an ecological food chain that receive energy by
consuming other organisms. Eg Animals
8. Decomposer
Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms, and in
doing so, carry out the natural process of decomposition Eg. Earthworms, bacteria
mushrooms
9. Food chain
A food chain is a linear sequence of links in a food web starting from "producer"
species (such as grass or trees) and ending at apex predator species (like grizzly
bears or killer whales) or decomposer species (such as fungi or bacteria).
10. Food web
A food web (or food cycle) is the natural interconnection of food chains and
generally a graphical representation (usually an image) of what-eats-what in an
ecological community.
11. Energy pyramid
An energy pyramid is a graphical model of energy flow in a community. The
different levels represent different groups of organisms that might compose a food
chain
12. Keystone species
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its
environment relative to its abundance. Such species are described as playing a
critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting
many other organisms in an ecosystem and helping to determine the types and
numbers of various other species in the community. Eg tiger
13. Flagship species
The flagship species concept holds that by raising the profile of a particular
species, it can successfully leverage more support for biodiversity conservation at
large in a particular context.
14. Ecological succession
Ecological succession is the observed process of change in the species structure of
an ecological community over time.
15. Climax
In ecology, climax community, or climatic climax community, is a historic term
that expressed a biological community of plants and animals and fungi which,
through the process of ecological succession the development of vegetation in an
area over time, had reached a steady state.
16. Estuary
An estuary is a body of water formed where freshwater from rivers and streams
flows into the ocean, mixing with the seawater.
17. Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of different types of life found on earth. It is a measure
of the variety of organisms present in different ecosystems.
18. Genetic diversity
Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the
genetic makeup of a species.
19. Biogeography
Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in
geographic space and through geological time.
20. Endangered species
An Endangered species is a species which has been categorized by
the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as likely to
become extinct.
21. Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that
causes adverse change.
22. Pollutant
A 'pollutant is a substance or energy introduced into the environment that has
undesired effects, or adversely affects the usefulness of a resource.
23. Point source of pollution
A point source of pollution is a single identifiable source
of air, water, thermal, noise or light pollution.
24. Non point source of pollution
Non-point source (NPS) pollution refers to both water and air pollution from
diffuse sources. Although these pollutants have originated from a point source,
the long-range transport ability and multiple sources of the pollutant make it a
non-point source of pollution.
25. Municipal solid waste
Municipal solid waste includes commercial and residential wastes generated in a
municipal or notified area in either solid or semi-solid form excluding industrial
hazardous wastes but including treated bio-medical wastes
26. Composting
Composting involves collecting organic waste, such as food scraps and yard
trimmings, and storing it under conditions designed to help it break down
naturally. This resulting compost can then be used as a natural fertilizer.
27. Vermicomposting
Vermicompost is the product or process of composting using various worms,
usually red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms to create
a heterogeneous mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding
materials, and vermicast. The process of producing vermicompost is
called vermicomposting.
28. Landslide
Landslide, also known as a landslip, is a geological phenomenon that includes a
wide range of ground movements, such as rock falls, deep failure of slopes and
shallow debris flows.
29. Energy crisis
An energy crisis is any great bottleneck (or price rise) in the supply
of energy resources to an economy.
30. Climate change
Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns when
that change lasts for an extended period of time (i.e., decades to millions of
years).
31. Global warming
Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average
temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to
be permanently changing the Earth's climate.
32. Acid rain
Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air. These substances can
rise very high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water, oxygen,
and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, known as acid rain.
33. Ozone depletion
Ozone depletion is the steady decline of ozone in Earth's stratosphere (the ozone
layer), due to pollutants
34. Consumerism
Consumerism refers to protection or promotion of the interests of consumers. The
growth of consumerism has led to many organizations improving their service to
the customer.
35. Environment Protection Act.
The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986 with the objective of
providing for the protection and improvement of the environment. The Act was
last amended in 1991.It empowers the Central Government to establish authorities
to tackle specific environmental problems that are peculiar to different parts of the
country.
The Government enacted Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 with the objective of
effectively protecting the wildlife of this country and to control poaching,
smuggling and illegal trade in wildlife and its derivatives. The Act was amended
in January 2003.

A rapid increase in the size of a population or
the geometric expansion of a biological population caused by such factors as a
sudden decline in infant mortality or an increase in life expectancy.
38. AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions
caused by Human immunodeficiency virus infection. It is a sexually transmitted
disease
Infectious diseases, also known as transmissible diseases or communicable
diseases, are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses,
parasites or fungi; the diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one
person to another.
Environmental health is the branch of public health that is concerned with all
aspects of the natural and built environment that may affect human health.
Part B Important Questions (4 marks; half a page to one page write up)
Define-Renewable Energy and non renewable energy, Advantages of Renewable
Sources, Disadvantages of Renewable Sources, Advantages of Non Renewable Sources,
Disadvantages of Non Renewable Sources.
Renewable Energy non renewable energy
Renewable energy is energy which is Renewable energy is energy which is taken

generated from natural sources i.e. sun, from the sources that are available on the
wind, rain, tides and can be generated again earth in limited quantity and will vanish
and again as and when required. fifty-sixty years from now. Non-renewable
sources are not environmental friendly and
can have serious affect on our health.
They are available in plenty and by far They are called non-renewable because
most the cleanest sources of energy they can be re-generated within a short
available on this planet. For e.g., Energy span of time Non-renewable sources exist
that we receive from the sun can be used to in the form of fossil fuels, natural gas oil
generate electricity. Similarly, energy from and coal.
wind, geothermal, biomass from plants,
tides can be used this form of energy to
another form.
Advantages of Renewable Sources: Disadvantages of Non Renewable Sources:

1. The sun, wind, geothermal, ocean energy 1. Non-renewable sources will expire some
are available in the abundant quantity and day and we have to us our endangered
free to use. resources to create more non-renewable
sources of energy.
2. The non-renewable sources of energy
that we are using are limited and are bound 2. The speed at which such resources are
to expire one day. being utilized can have serious
environmental changes.
3. Renewable sources have low carbon
emissions, therefore they are considered as 3. Non-renewable sources release toxic
green and environment friendly. gases in the air when burnt which are the
major cause for global warming.
4. Renewable helps in stimulating the
economy and creating job opportunities. 4. Since these sources are going to expire
The money that is used to build these soon, prices of these sources are soaring
plants can provide jobs to thousands to day by day.
lakhs of people.
5. You don’t have to rely on any third
country for the supply of renewable sources
as in case of non-renewable sources.
6. Renewable sources can cost less than
consuming the local electrical supply. In
the long run, the prices of electricity are
expected to soar since they are based on the
prices of crude oil, so renewable sources
can cut your electricity bills.
7. Various tax incentives in the form of tax
waivers, credit deductions are available for
individuals and businesses who want to go
green.
Disadvantages of Renewable Sources: Advantages of Non Renewable Sources:

1. It is not easy to set up a plant as the 1. Non-renewable sources are cheap and
initial costs are quite steep. easy to use. You can easily fill up your car
tank and power your motor vehicle.
2. Solar energy can be used during the day
time and not during night or rainy season. 2. You can use small amount of nuclear
3. Geothermal energy which can be used to energy to produce large amount of power.
generate electricity has side effects too. It 3. They are considered as cheap when
can bring toxic chemicals beneath the earth converting from one type of energy to
surface onto the top and can create another.
environmental changes.
4. Hydroelectric provide pure form of
energy but building dams across the river
which is quite expensive can affect natural
flow and affect wildlife.
5. To use wind energy, you have to rely on
strong winds therefore you have to choose
suitable site to operate them. Also, they can
affect bird population as they are quite
high.
2. Forest Resources
Forest resources:
 Use and over-exploitation,
 Deforestation- case studies,
 Timber extraction,
 Mining and dams ,
 Their effects on forest and tribal people,
 Forest Conservation Act.
3. Energy Resources
Energy resources:
 Growing energy needs,
 renewable and non renewable energy sources,
 use of alternate energy sources,
 Case studies.
etc
Structural aspects- Inorganic aspects – C, N, CO2, H2O, Organic compounds – Protein,
Carbohydrates,Lipids ,link abiotic to biotic aspects, Climatic regimes – Temperature,
Moisture,Light & Topography, Producers – Plants, Macro consumers – Phagotrophs –
Large Animals, Micro consumers – Saprotrophs, absorbers– fungi.
Functional aspects Energy cycles- Food chains,Diversity-interlinkages between
organisms,Nutrient cycles-biogeochemical cycles, Evolution.
E,g-Aquatic Ecosystem; Marine ecosystem,etc.
 The water cycle,
 The Carbon cycle,
 The Oxygen cycle,
 The Nitrogen cycle,
 The energy cycle,
 Integration of cycles in nature.
Food chain is a series of groups of organisms called trophic levels, in which, there is
repeated eating and eaten by so as to transfer food energy
Components of a Food Chain:
Plants - 'base' of the food chain,
Herbivores - feed on plants; many are adapted to live on a diet high in cellulose
Omnivores - feed on both plants and animals
Carnivores - feed on herbivores, omnivores, & other carnivores
o lst level carnivore - feeds on herbivores
o 2nd level carnivore - feeds on 1st level carnivores
 Decomposers
o the 'final' consumer group
o use energy available in dead plants and animals
o transform organic material into inorganic material
 elaborate with diagram and relationship
 Eg;- grazing food chain- grassland ecosystem Grass→Rabbit→Fox→Wolf→Tiger ,etc.

A food web (or food cycle) is the natural interconnection of food chains and generally a
graphical representation (usually an image) of what-eats-what in an ecological
community.
 Taxonomy of a food web- Trophic levels, Trophic dynamics, Energy flow and biomass ,
Food chain, Ecological pyramids
 Material flux and recycling
 Kinds of food webs
elaborate with diagram and relationship

An ecological pyramid (also trophic pyramid, energy pyramid, or sometimes food
pyramid) is a graphical representation designed to show the biomass or biomass
productivity at each trophic level in a given ecosystem.
 Primary producers, Primary consumers, Secondary consumers, tertiary
consumers.
 Define-grassland ecosystem,
 Grassland Types in India,
 Threats to grassland ecosystems,
 Conservation of grassland ecosystems .

 Genetic -gene pool diversity, Importance of genetic diversity, Survival and
adaptation, Agricultural relevance, Farm animal biodiversity, Coping with poor
genetic diversity, Measures of genetic diversity
 Species-Alpha diversity, Beta diversity, Gamma diversity.
 Ecosystem Diversity- Types of Biodiversity, Importance of ecosystem
biodiversity.
11. Biodiversity At Global, National And Local Levels

 Conservative estimates, species occur on land, fresh and marine waters,
 Greater efficiency in use of land, energy and fresh water to meet growing
demand,
 Use of market incentives and avoidance of perverse subsidies,
 Strategic planning,
 Restoration of ecosystems,
 Equitable sharing of benefits from use of and access to genetic resources and
associated traditional knowledge ,
 Support and facilitate local action,
 Communication, education and awareness-raising.
 Define hotspots of biodiversity,
 Initiatives for conservation of biodiversity,
 Distribution by regions,
 Critics of hotspots of biodiversity..

 Habitat Loss/Destruction/Fragmentation
 Invasive Non-Native Species
 Pollution/Litter
 Land Use Change/Increased Infrastructure Development
 Intensive Farming Practices
 Climate Change
 Biological Resources,
 Ecosystem Services,
 Species-Based Conservation
 Threatened species
 Ecologically important species
 Species useful to humans
 Species with non-use value.
 Generation of waste
 Waste minimization
 Waste removal
 Waste transportation
 Waste treatment
 Recycling and reuse
 Storage, collection, transport, and transfer
 Treatment
 Landfill disposal
 Environmental considerations
 Financial and marketing aspects
 Policy and regulation
 Education and training
 Planning and implementation.

 Recycling,
 Preventing hazardous materials from reaching waterways,
 Making informed choices to prevent waste and pollution,
 Control of environmental pollution,
 Conservation of natural resources,
 Land management,
 Development of non polluting sources of energy,
 Environmental education,
 Environmental laws.
 Prevention,
 Mitigation,
 Preparedness,
 Local Emergency Planning Committees,
 Preparedness measures,
 Response,
 Recovery.
 Sustainable Development,
 Causes for Unsustainable Development.
 True sustainable development,
 Measures for sustainable Development,
 Social issues and Environment.
 Energy is the basis of all activity. Without energy, nothing moves nor transforms;
and so a sustainable society can only exist based on a sustainable energy system.
Though highly concentrated forms of energy found in nature allow the free time
to make ever more sophisticated tools, their use is not sustainable. The practice of
extracting naturally concentrated energy causes 4 interrelated fundamental
problems:
 Disrupting natural energy flows,
 Depletion,
 Centralization,
 Resource wars.
20. Water Conservation Explain about rain water harvesting and water shed
management
Strategies, Social solutions, Household applications, Commercial applications, Agricultural
applications, Minimum water network target and design- rain water harvesting and water
shed management.
21. Environmental Ethics: Issues And Possible Solutions
 Environmental destruction is largely caused by the consumption of the rich.
 The worst sufferers of environmental destruction are the poor.
 Even where nature is being ‘recreated’, as in afforestation, it is being transformed
away from the needs of the poor and towards those of the rich.
 Even among the poor, the worst sufferers are the marginalized cultures and
occupations.
 There cannot be proper economic and social development without a holistic
understanding
of society and nature.
 If we care for the poor, we cannot allow the Gross Nature Product to be destroyed
any further. Conserving and recreating nature has become our highest priority.
 Gross Nature Product will be enhanced only if we can arrest and reverse the
growing
alienation between the people and the common property resources. In this we will
have
to learn a lot from our traditional cultures.
 It is totally inadequate to talk only of sustainable rural development, as the World
Conservation Strategy does. We cannot save the rural environment or rural people
dependent on it, unless we can bring about sustainable urban development.

The meaning of 'climate change' is fairly straightforward—a clear, sustained
change (over several decades or longer) in the components of climate, such as
temperature, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, or winds. Such changes must constitute
a clear trend, and be clearly distinguished from the small random variation in these
parameters that takes place all the time. Climate may change in a single region or across
the whole planet. Throughout earth's history, climates have changed. The causes are
various. Change can be brought about by a variety of factors. These include natural
external factors, such as changes in solar emission or slow changes in the earth's orbit; or
natural internal processes of the climate or earth system such as volcanic activity; or, as
has occurred recently, human-induced (anthropogenic) factors. To help separate out the
difference between human-induced and natural factors, the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) uses the term 'climate change' to refer to
changes that can be attributed to human activity that has changed the composition of the
atmosphere and, thereby, the functioning of the earth's climate system. The UNFCCC
uses the term 'climate variability' to refer to natural alterations in the earth's climate.
Global warming (which is not considered a technical term) refers to an increase in the
average temperature at the surface of the earth, or the lower part of the atmosphere. Most
climatologists consider that the global warming that we are now experiencing is mainly
the result of human actions changing the composition of the atmosphere. However, global
warming and cooling have occurred naturally throughout the history of the earth, as a
result of natural climate variability. Such changes in the past were usually much slower
than the rate of warming that has occurred in the last few decades. The increase in global
temperatures measured over recent decades, if it continues, has the potential to seriously
disrupt many of the environmental, economic and urban structures upon which human
society depends. Whilst it is possible that some of this warming may have a natural
cause, there is mounting evidence that human activity is responsible for most of the
measured warming. The principal contributor to the present phase of global warming is
considered to be the enhancement of the natural greenhouse effect. Global surface
warming is just one consequence of the changes to the climate being caused by human
activity. The various components of the climate and earth system are inextricably linked
through complex feedback mechanisms, and a change in one component such as
temperature will induce changes and adjustments in other components. Other changes
that have either already been observed or are projected to occur as a result of human
activity include sea level rise; changes in rainfall patterns; increases in extreme weather
events; decreases in ice mass of glaciers, ice sheets and sea ice; ocean warming and
acidification; changes in ocean circulation; and drying of the land.
23. Nuclear disaster
 Nuclear power plant accidents,
 Nuclear reactor attacks
 Radiation and other accidents and incidents
 Worldwide nuclear testing summary Trafficking and thefts
 Accident categories ,
 Nuclear safety
24. Any one of the pollution Like Noise pollution, marine pollution etc
Marine pollution
 Pollution due to organic wastes,
 Control measures,
 Primary treatment,
 Secondary treatment,
 Pollution due to oil,
 Control measures for oil pollution,
 Effects of marine pollution.
25. Role of information technology in environment and human health
 Definitions
 Environmental health profession
 Disciplines
 Concerns
 Information
 Mapping
26. Wasteland Reclamation
 Methods of reclamation
 Habitation
 Agriculture
 Beach restoration
 Landfill
 Environmental impact
 Dangers
 Land amounts added
27. Air (Prevention And Control Of Pollution) Act
 To provide for the Prevention, Control and abatement of air pollution.
 To provide for the establishment of central and State Boards with a view to implement
the Act.
 To confer on the Boards the powers to implement the provisions of the Act and assign to
the Boards functions relating to pollution.
28. Water (Prevention And Control Of Pollution) Act
 Provide for prevention, control and abatement of water pollution and the maintenance or
restoration of the wholesomeness of water. It is designed to assess pollution levels and
punish polluters. The Central Government and State Governments have set up Pollution
Control Boards that monitor water pollution.
Functions of the Pollution Control Boards
 The Government has given the necessary powers to the PCBs to deal with the problems
of water pollution in the country. The Government has also suggested penalties for
violation of the provisions of the Act. Central and State water testing laboratories have
been set up to enable the Boards to assess the extent of water pollution and standards
have been laid down to establish guilt and default.
29. Environment Protection Act
Environment Protection Act, 1986 is an Act of the Parliament of India. In the wake of
the Bhopal Tragedy, the Government of Indiaenacted the Environment Protection Act of
1986 under Article 253 of the Constitution. The purpose of the Act is to implement the
decisions of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environments they relate to
the protection and improvement of the human environment and the prevention of hazards
to human beings, other living creatures, plants and property. The Act is an “umbrella”
legislation designed to provide a framework for central government coordination of the
activities of various central and state authorities established under previous laws, such as
the Water Act and the Air Act.
 To co-ordinate the activities of the various regulatory agencies already in
existence.
 Creation of an authority or authorities with adequate powers for environmental
protection.
 Regulation of discharge of environmental pollutants and handling of hazardous
substance.
 Speedy response in the event of accidents threatening environmental and
deterrents punishment to those who endanger human environment, safety and
health.
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted for protection
of plants and animal species. Before 1972, India only had five designated national parks.
Among other reforms, the Act established schedules of protected plant and animal species;
hunting or harvesting these species was largely outlawed. The Act provides for the protection
of wild animals, birds and plants; and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or
incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India, except the State
of Jammu and Kashmir which has its own wildlife act. It has six schedules which give
varying degrees of protection. Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute
protection - offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties. Species listed
in Schedule III and Schedule IV are also protected, but the penalties are much
lower. Schedule V includes the animals which may be hunted. The plants in Schedule VI are
prohibited from cultivation and planting. The hunting to the Enforcement authorities have the
power to compound offences under this Schedule (i.e. they impose fines on the offenders).
Up to April 2010 there have been 16 convictions under this act relating to the death of tigers.
 animal" includes amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles, and their young, and also
includes, in the cases of birds and reptiles, their eggs.
 "animal article" means an article made from any captive or wild animal, other than
vermin, and includes an article or object in which the whole or any part of such
animal has been used and an article made therefrom.
 "hunting" includes
 capturing, killing, poisoning, snaring, or trapping any wild animal, and
every attempt to do so
 driving any wild animal for any of the purposes specified in sub clause
 injuring, destroying or taking any body part of any such animal, or in
the case of wild birds or reptiles, disturbing or damaging the eggs or
nests of such birds or reptiles.
 "taxidermy" means the curing, preparation or preservation of trophies.
 "trophy" means the whole or any part of any captive or wild animal (other than
vermin) which has been kept or preserved by any means, whether artificial or natural.
This includes:
o rugs, skins, and specimens of such animals mounted in whole or in part
through a process of taxidermy
o antler, horn, rhinoceros horn, feather, nail, tooth, musk, eggs, and nests.
 "uncured trophy" means the whole or any part of any captive animal (other than
vermin) which has not undergone a process of taxidermy. This includes a freshly
killed wild animal, ambergris, musk and other animal products.
 "vermin" means any wild animal specified in Schedule V.
 "wildlife" includes any animal, bees, butterflies, crustacean, fish and moths; and
aquatic or land vegetation which forms part of any habitat
31. Forest Conservation Act
The Indian Forest Act, 1927 was largely based on previous Indian Forest Acts
implemented under the British. The most famous one was the Indian Forest Act of 1878.
Both the 1878 act and the 1927 one sought to consolidate and reserve the areas having
forest cover, or significant wildlife, to regulate movement and transit of forest produce,
and duty leviable on timber and other forest produce. It also defines the procedure to be
followed for declaring an area to be a Reserved Forest, a Protected Forest or a Village
Forest. It defines what is a forest offence, what are the acts prohibited inside a Reserved
Forest, and penalties leviable on violation of the provisions of the Act.
 Reserved Forest
 Protected Forest
 Village Forest
32. Water related diseases
Waterborne diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms that most commonly are
transmitted in contaminated fresh water. Infection commonly results during bathing,
washing, drinking, in the preparation of food, or the consumption of food thus infected.
Various forms of waterborne diarrheal disease probably are the most prominent
examples, and affect mainly children in developing countries; according to the World
Health Organization, such diseases account for an estimated 4.1% of the
total DALY global burden of disease, and cause about 1.8 million human deaths
annually. The World Health Organization estimates that 88% of that burden is
attributable to unsafe water supply, sanitation and hygiene.
 Socioeconomic impact
 Protozoal infections
 Parasitic infections
 Bacterial infections
 Viral infections
 Algal Infections
Renewable and non-renewable resources :
Natural resources and associated problems.
a) Forest resources : Use and over-exploitation, deforestation, case studies. Timber
extraction, mining, dams and their effects on forest and tribal people.
b) Water resources : Use and over-utilization of surface and ground water, floods,
drought, conflicts over water, dams-benefits and problems.
c) Mineral resources : Use and exploitation, environmental effects of extracting and using
mineral resources, case studies.
d) Food resources : World food problems, changes caused by agriculture and
overgrazing, effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, water logging,
salinity, case studies.
e) Energy resources : Growing energy needs, renewable and non renewable energy
sources, use of alternate energy sources. Case studies.
f) Land resources : Land as a resource, land degradation, man induced landslides, soil
erosion and desertification.
2. Conservation of natural resources

Conservation of natural resources, is the wise use of the earth's resources by humanity.
The various approaches applied to natural resource management include:
Top-down (command and control)
Community-based natural resource management
Adaptive management
Precautionary approach
Integrated natural resource management
Biodiversity Conservation
Precautionary Biodiversity Management
Concrete "policy tools"
Land management
1. "Ecosystem based Management" including "more risk-averse and precautionary management",
where "given prevailing uncertainty regarding ecosystem structure, function, and inter-specific
interactions, precaution demands an ecosystem rather than single-species approach to
management".
2. "Adaptive management" is "a management approach that expressly tackles the uncertainty and
dynamism of complex systems".
3. "Environmental impact assessment" and exposure ratings decrease the "uncertainties" of
precaution, even though it has deficiencies, and
4. "Protectionist approaches", which "most frequently links to" biodiversity conservation in
natural resources management.
ecosystem is aquatic ecosystem, marine ecosystem and forest ecosystem.
Components that make up the structural aspects of an ecosystem include:
1) Inorganic aspects – C, N, CO2, H2O.
2) Organic compounds – Protein, Carbohydrates, Lipids – link abiotic to
bioticaspects.
3) Climatic regimes – Temperature, Moisture, Light & Topography.
4) Producers – Plants.
5) Macro consumers – Phagotrophs – Large animals.
6) Micro consumers – Saprotrophs, absorbers – fungi.
Functional aspects
1) Energy cycles.
2) Food chains.
3) Diversity-interlinkages between organisms.
4) Nutrient cycles-biogeochemical cycles.
5) Evolution.
Plants are the ‘producers’ in the ecosystem as they manufacture their food by using energy from
the sun.
Primary producers are organisms in an ecosystem that produce biomass from inorganic
compounds (autotrophs). In almost all cases these are photosynthetically active organisms
(plants, cyanobacteria and a number of other unicellular organisms; see article on
photosynthesis).
Consumers are organisms of an ecological food chain that receive energy by consuming other
organisms. These organisms are formally referred to as heterotrophs, which include animals,
bacteria and fungus. Such organisms may consume by various means, including predation,
parasitization, and biodegradation.
Consumers dominate most of a food chain. Consumers have important roles to play
within an ecosystem such as balancing the food chain by keeping animal populations at a
reasonable number. Without proper balance, an ecosystem can collapse and cause the decline of
all affected species. This will lead to a severely disrupted ecosystem, and a nonfunctional
consumer web.
Types of Consumers
Herbivores
Carnivores
Omnivores
Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms, and in doing so, carry
out the natural process of decomposition.
Like herbivores and predators, decomposers are heterotrophic, meaning that they use organic
substrates to get their energy, carbon and nutrients for growth and development.
Decomposers can break down cells of other organisms using biochemical reactions that convert
the prey tissue into metabolically useful chemical products, without need for internal digestion.
Decomposers use dead organisms and non-living organic compounds as their food source.
Decomposition thus is a vital function in nature, as without this, all the nutrients would be tied
up in dead matter and no new life could be produced.
5. Megabiodiversity countries and their importance
Countries with diversities higher than India are located in South America such as Brazil,
and
South East Asian countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. The species found in these
countries,
however, are different from our own. This makes it imperative to preserve our own
biodiversity
as a major economic resource. While few of the other ‘megadiversity nations’ have
developed
the technology to exploit their species for biotechnology and genetic engineering, India is
apable
of doing so.
World Heritage Convention attempt to protect and support such areas. India is a signatory
to the convention and has included several protected Areas as World Heritage sites.
INDIA AS A MEGA DIVERSITY NATION
Among the biologically rich nations, India stands among the top 10 or 15 countries for its
great variety of plants and animals, many of which are not found elsewhere.
India has 350 different mammals (rated eight highest in the world), 1,200 species of birds
(eighth in the world), 453 species of reptiles (fifth in the world) and 45,000 plant species,
of which most are angiosperms, (fifteenth in the world).
These include especially high species diversity of ferns (1022 species) and orchids (1082
species).
India has 50,000 known species of insects, including 13,000 butterflies and moths.
It is estimated that the number of unknown species could be several times higher.
It is estimated that 18% of Indian plants are endemic to the country and found
nowhereelse in the world.

Consumptive use value : The direct utilisation of timber, food, fuel wood, fodder by local
communities. Eg Fishing
Productive use value: Marketable goods-Herbal drugs, Honey etc
Biological prospecting or Bioprospecting: identifying compounds of great economic value from
the wide variety of living organisms
Social values: Traditional Knowledge; Sustainable utilization; Equity sharing; Participatory
Conservation; Ecosystem People
Ethical and moral values
Aesthetic value
Knowledge and an appreciation of the presence of biodiversity for its own sake is another reason
to preserve it. Symbols-religious; regional; Lord Ganesh; Gangaroo
Option value
Keeping future possibilities open for their use is called option value. Biodieseal - Jatropha;
Algae
General Values
Production of oxygen
Reducing carbon dioxide
Maintaining the water cycle
Protecting soil fertility
Prime focus-Rain forests –Tropical rain forests
6% of forests are rain forests
Holds more than 70% of Biodiversity
80% of food resources-Directly or indirectly
We have identified somewhere around 200 fruits edible; Rain forests still have
800 edible fruits
Everyday we are loosing 137 organisms-rain forest destruction
7. Biogeographical classification of India
India’s Biogeographic Zones
1. The cold mountainous snow covered Trans Himalayan region of Ladakh.
2. The Himalayan ranges and valleys of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, Assam
and other North Eastern States.
3. The Terai, the lowland where the Himalayan rivers flow into the plains.
4. The Gangetic and Bhramaputra plains.

5. The Thar Desert of Rajasthan.
6. The semi arid grassland region of the Deccan plateau Gujarat, Maharashtra,
Andra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
7. The Northeast States of India,
8. The Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala.
9. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
10. The long western and eastern coastal belt with sandy beaches, forests and
mangroves.

THREATS
Habitat loss-Habitat loss and fragmentation

Poaching of wildlife,
Man-wildlife conflicts
Invasive alien species
Pollution
Over exploitation
Human populations
 Biodiversity refers to the number and variety of species, of ecosystems, and of the genetic
variation contained within species.
 Roughly 1.4 million species are known to science, but because many species are
undescribed, an estimated 10-30 million species likely exists at present.
 Biodiversity is threatened by the sum of all human activities. It is useful to group threats
into the categories of over-hunting, habitat destruction, invasion of non-native species,
domino effects, pollution, and climate change.
 Habitat loss presents the single greatest threat to world biodiversity, and the magnitude of
this threat can be approximated from species-area curves and rates of habitat loss. The
spread of non-native species threatens many local species with extinction, and pushes the
world's biota toward a more homogeneous and widely distributed sub-set of survivors.
Climate change threatens to force species and ecosystems to migrate toward higher
latitudes, with no guarantee of suitable habitat or access routes. These three factors thus
are of special concern.
In Situ Conservation Methods
In-situ conservation, the conservation of species in their natural habitats, is considered the most
appropriate way of conserving biodiversity.
Conserving the areas where populations of species exist naturally is an underlying condition for
the conservation of biodiversity. That's why protected areas form a central element of any
national strategy to conserve biodiversity.
Ex Situ Conservation Methods
Ex-situ conservation is the preservation of components of biological diversity outside their
natural habitats. This involves conservation of genetic resources, as well as wild and cultivated
or species, and draws on a diverse body of techniques and facilities. Some of these include:
 Gene banks, e.g. seed banks, sperm and ova banks, field banks;
 In vitro plant tissue and microbial culture collections;
 Captive breeding of animals and artificial propagation of plants, with possible
reintroduction into the wild; and
 Collecting living organisms for zoos, aquaria, and botanic gardens for research and public
awareness.
Ex-situ conservation measures can be complementary to in-situ methods as they provide
an "insurance policy" against extinction. These measures also have a valuable role to play in
recovery programmes for endangered species. The Kew Seed Bank in England has 1.5 per cent
of the world's flora - about 4,000 species - on deposit.
In agriculture, ex-situ conservation measures maintain domesticated plants which cannot survive
in nature unaided.
Ex-situ conservation provides excellent research opportunities on the components of biological
diversity. Some of these institutions also play a central role in public education and awareness
raising by bringing members of the public into contact with plants and animals they may not
normally come in contact with. It is estimated that worldwide, over 600 million people visit zoos
every year.
Ex situ conservation measures should support in-situ conservation measures (in-situ conservation
should be the primary objective)
9. Cause effect and control measures of any one of the pollution in detail
Solid waste is the unwanted or useless solid materials generated from combined residential,
industrial and commercial activities in a given area. It may be categorised according to its origin
(domestic, industrial, commercial, construction or institutional); according to its contents
(organic material, glass, metal, plastic paper etc); or according to hazard potential (toxic, non-
toxin, flammable, radioactive, infectious etc).
Management of solid waste reduces or eliminates adverse impacts on the environment and
human health and supports economic development and improved quality of life. A number of
processes are involved in effectively managing waste for a municipality. These include
monitoring, collection, transport, processing, recycling and disposal.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Methods of waste reduction, waste reuse and recycling are the preferred options when managing
waste.
There are many environmental benefits that can be derived from the use of these methods.
They reduce or prevent green house gas emissions, reduce the release of pollutants, conserve
resources, save energy and reduce the demand for waste treatment technology and landfill space.
Therefore it is advisable that these methods be adopted and incorporated as part of the waste
management plan.
The United Nations defines a disaster as a serious disruption of the functioning of a community
or a society. Disasters involve widespread human, material, economic or environmental impacts,
which exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent societies define disaster management as the organisation and
management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of
emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of
disasters.
Types of disasters
There is no country that is immune from disaster, though vulnerability to disaster varies. There
are four main types of disaster.
 Natural disasters: including floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and volcano eruptions that
have immediate impacts on human health and secondary impacts causing further death
and suffering from (for example) floods, landslides, fires, tsunamis.
 Environmental emergencies: including technological or industrial accidents, usually
involving the production, use or transportation of hazardous material, and occur where
these materials are produced, used or transported, and forest fires caused by humans.
 Complex emergencies: involving a break-down of authority, looting and attacks on
strategic installations, including conflict situations and war.
 Pandemic emergencies: involving a sudden onset of contagious disease that affects
health, disrupts services and businesses, brings economic and social costs.
Principles and methods of Disaster Management
Disaster prevention
These are activities designed to provide permanent protection from disasters. Not all disasters,
particularly natural disasters, can be prevented, but the risk of loss of life and injury can be
mitigated with good evacuation plans, environmental planning and design standards. In January
2005, 168 Governments adopted a 10-year global plan for natural disaster risk reduction called
the Hyogo Framework. It offers guiding principles, priorities for action, and practical means
for achieving disaster resilience for vulnerable communities.
Disaster preparedness
These activities are designed to minimise loss of life and damage – for example by removing
people and property from a threatened location and by facilitating timely and effective rescue,
relief and rehabilitation. Preparedness is the main way of reducing the impact of disasters.
Community-based preparedness and management should be a high priority in physical therapy
practice management.
Disaster relief
This is a coordinated multi-agency response to reduce the impact of a disaster and its long-term
results. Relief activities include rescue, relocation, providing food and water, preventing disease
and disability, repairing vital services such as telecommunications and transport, providing
temporary shelter and emergency health care.
Disaster recovery
Once emergency needs have been met and the initial crisis is over, the people affected and the
communities that support them are still vulnerable. Recovery activities include rebuilding
infrastructure, health care and rehabilitation. These should blend with development activities,
such as building human resources for health and developing policies and practices to avoid
similar situations in future.
Disaster management is linked with sustainable development, particularly in relation to
vulnerable people such as those with disabilities, elderly people, children and other marginalised
groups. Health Volunteers Overseas publications address some of the common
misunderstandings about disaster management.
12. Unsustainable to sustainable development
Sustainable development is not a new concept.
It means living in harmony with the nature in full recognition of the needs of all other species. It
is no just "the survival of the fittest", we must help even the weakest of the species to survive
because each species has a role to play that is ultimately beneficial to the earth and all its human
population.
Our forefathers preached us the need to coexist with the environment in a balanced manner. The
needs of the people in different parts of the world may be different, but our dependence on the
Nature is similar.
The most important thing to remember is that we have only one earth and if we destroy it by our
actions, our children will not have a place to live.
13. Water conservation
Water conservation encompasses the policies, strategies and activities to manage fresh water as a
sustainable resource, to protect the water environment, and to meet current and future human
demand. Population, household size and growth and affluence all affect how much water is used.
Factors such as climate change will increase pressures on natural water resources especially in
manufacturing and agricultural irrigation
Rainwater harvesting
It is the accumulation and deposition of rainwater for reuse on-site, rather than allowing it to run
off. Its uses include water for garden, water for livestock, water for irrigation, water for domestic
use with proper treatment, and indoor heating for houses etc. In many places the water collected
is just redirected to a deep pit with percolation. The harvested water can be used as drinking
water as well as for storage and other purpose like irrigation.
Watershed management
It is the study of the relevant characteristics of a watershed aimed at the sustainable distribution
of its resources and the process of creating and implementing plans, programs, and projects to
sustain and enhance watershed functions that affect the plant, animal, and human communities
within a watershed boundary.
Features of a watershed that agencies seek to manage include water supply, water quality,
drainage, stormwater runoff, water rights, and the overall planning and utilization of watersheds.
Landowners, land use agencies, stormwater management experts, environmental specialists,
water use surveyors and communities all play an integral part in watershed management.
Check dams
Check dams are relatively small, temporary structures constructed across a swale or channel.
They are used to slow the velocity of concentrated water flows, a practice that helps reduce
erosion. As stormwater runoff flows through the structure, the check dam catches sediment from
the channel itself or from the contributing drainage area. However, check dams should not be
used as a substitute for other sediment-trapping and erosion-control measures. Check dams are
typically constructed out of gravel, rock, sandbags, logs or treated lumber, or straw bales. They
are most effective when used with other stormwater, erosion, and sediment-control measures.
14. Climate and change and effect on environment
Define and elaborate following aspects
CLIMATE CHANGE,
GLOBAL WARMING,
ACID RAIN,
OZONE LAYER DEPLETION,
NUCLEAR ACCIDENTS
Describe about
Erratic climate and weather extremes
Altered ecosystems and habitats
Risks to human health and society
15. Polulation growth and effect on environment
 Public health: Unclean water, along with poor sanitation, kills over 12 million people
each year, most in developing countries. Air pollution kills nearly 3 million more. Heavy
metals and other contaminants also cause widespread health problems.
 Food supply: Will there be enough food to go around? In 64 of 105 developing countries
studied by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the population has been growing
faster than food supplies. Population pressures have degraded some 2 billion hectares of
arable land — an area the size of Canada and the U.S.
 Freshwater: The supply of freshwater is finite, but demand is soaring as population
grows and use per capita rises. By 2025, when world population is projected to be 8
billion, 48 countries containing 3 billion people will face shortages.
 Coastlines and oceans: Half of all coastal ecosystems are pressured by high population
densities and urban development. A tide of pollution is rising in the world’s seas. Ocean
fisheries are being overexploited, and fish catches are down.
 Forests: Nearly half of the world’s original forest cover has been lost, and each year
another 16 million hectares are cut, bulldozed, or burned. Forests provide over US$400
billion to the world economy annually and are vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Yet, current demand for forest products may exceed the limit of sustainable consumption
by 25%.
 Biodiversity: The earth’s biological diversity is crucial to the continued vitality of
agriculture and medicine — and perhaps even to life on earth itself. Yet human activities
are pushing many thousands of plant and animal species into extinction. Two of every
three species is estimated to be in decline.
 Global climate change: The earth’s surface is warming due to greenhouse gas emissions,
largely from burning fossil fuels. If the global temperature rises as projected, sea levels
would rise by several meters, causing widespread flooding. Global warming also could
cause droughts and disrupt agriculture.
16. All the Acts related to environment. Question may have subdivisions
Key policies relating to the environment in India
There are three key policies relating to environmental protection in India. They are:
The National Forest Policy, 1988
Policy statement for Abatement of Pollution, 1992
National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development,
1992
Environment’ defined under Indian Law?
According to Section 2(a) of the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, ‘Environment’ includes
a) Water, air and land
b) The inter-relationship which exists among and between,
i) water, air, land, and
ii) human beings, other living creatures, plants, microorganisms and property
Other Acts for protecting environment in India
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989
The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995
The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997
17. A case study may be given; For example you may have to provide a solution for a
realtime environmental problem
Additional Information B Section
1. Forest Resources
Use and over-exploitation:
 Scientists estimate that India should ideally have 33 percent of its land under
forests. Today we have only about 12 percent.
 Thus we need not only to protect existing forests but also to increase our forest
cover.
Deforestation- case studies:
 One of India’s serious environmental problems is forest degradation due to timber
extraction and our dependence on fuelwood.
 A large number of poor rural people are still highly dependent on wood to cook
their meals and heat their homes. We have not been able to plant enough trees to
support the need for timber and fuelwood.
Timber extraction, Mining and dams
 Timber extraction, mining and dams are invariably parts of the needs of a developing
country.
 If timber is overharvested the ecological functions of the forest are lost.
 Unfortunately forests are located in areas where there are rich mineral resources. Forests
also cover the steep embankments of river valleys, which are ideally suited to develop
hydel and irrigation projects.
2. Energy Resources
Energy is defined by physicists as the capacity to do work. Energy is found on our
planet in a variety of forms, some of which are immediately useful to do work, while others
require a process of transformation.
Growing energy needs:
 Energy has always been closely linked to man’s economic growth and development.
 Present strategies for development that have focused on rapid economic growth have
used energy utilization as an index of economic development.
 This index however, does not take into account the long-term ill effects on society of
excessive energy utilisation.
renewable and non renewable energy sources:
Non-Renewable Energy Sources: These consist of the mineral based hydrocarbon fuels coal,
oil and natural gas, that were formed from ancient prehistoric forests. These are called ‘fossil
fuels’ because they are formed after plant life is fossilized. At the present rate of extraction there
is enough coal for a long time to come. Oil and gas resources however are likely to be used up
within the next 50 years.
Renewable energy systems use resources that are constantly replaced and are usually less
polluting.
Examples include hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal (energy from the heat inside the
earth). We also get renewable energy from burning trees and even garbage as fuel and processing
other plants into biofuels.
use of alternate energy sources
We use energy for household use, agriculture, production of industrial goods and for running
transport. Modern agriculture uses chemical fertilizers, which require large amounts of energy
during their manufacture. Industry uses energy to power manufacturing units and the urban
complexes that support it.

etc
Structural aspects- Inorganic aspects – C, N, CO2, H2O, Organic compounds – Protein,
Carbohydrates,Lipids ,link abiotic to biotic aspects, Climatic regimes – Temperature,
Moisture,Light & Topography, Producers – Plants, Macro consumers – Phagotrophs –
Large Animals, Micro consumers – Saprotrophs, absorbers– fungi.
Functional aspects Energy cycles- Food chains,Diversity-interlinkages between
organisms,Nutrient cycles-biogeochemical cycles, Evolution.
E,g-Aquatic Ecosystem; Marine ecosystem,etc.
The water cycle:
When it rains, the water runs along the ground and flows into rivers or falls directly into the sea.
A part of the rainwater that falls on land percolates into the ground. This is stored underground
throughout the rest of the year. Water is drawn up from the ground by plants along with the
nutrients from the soil.
The Carbon cycle:
The carbon, which occurs in organic compounds, is included in both the abiotic and biotic parts
of the ecosystem. Carbon is a building block of both plant and animal tissues. In the atmosphere,
carbon occurs as carbon dioxide (CO2). In the presence of sunlight, plants take up carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere through their leaves. In the presence of sunlight they are able to
form carbohydrates that contain carbon. This process is known as photosynthesis.
The Oxygen cycle,
Oxygen is taken up by plants and animals from the air during respiration. The plants return
oxygen to the atmosphere during photosynthesis. This links the Oxygen Cycle to the Carbon
Cycle. Deforestation is likely to gradually reduce the oxygen levels in our atmosphere. Thus
plant life plays an important role in our lives which we frequently do not appreciate. This is an
important reason to participate in afforestation programs.
The Nitrogen cycle:
Carnivorous animals feed on herbivorous animals that live on plants. When animals defecate,
this waste material is broken down by worms and insects mostly beetles and ants. These small
‘soil animals’ break the waste material into smaller bits on which microscopic bacteria and fungi
can act. This material is thus broken down further into nutrients that plants can absorb and use
for their growth. Thus nutrients are recycled back from animals to plants. Similarly the bodies of
dead animals are also broken down into
nutrients that are used by the plants for their growth. Thus the nitrogen cycle on which life is
dependent is completed.
The energy cycle
The energy cycle is based on the flow of energy through the ecosystem. Energy from sunlight is
converted by plants themselves into growing new plant material which includes leaves, flowers,
fruit, branches, trunks and roots of plants. Since plants can grow by converting the sun’s energy
directly into their tissues, they are known as producers in the ecosystem.
46.Food chains (elaborate with diagram and relationship)
The transfer of energy from the source in plants through a series of organisms by eating and
being eaten constitutes food chains. At each transfer, a large proportion of energy is lost in the
form of heat. These food chains are not isolated sequences, but are interconnected with each
other. The most obvious aspect of nature is that energy must pass from one living organism to
another. When herbivorous animals feed on plants, energy is transferred from plants to animals.
In an ecosystem, some of the animals feed on other living organisms, while some feed on dead
organic matter. The latter form the ‘detritus’ food chain. At each linkage in the chain, a major
part of the energy from the food is lost for daily activities. Each chain usually has only four to
five such links. However a single species may be linked to a large number of species.
Components of a Food Chain:
 Plants - 'base' of the food chain,
 Herbivores - feed on plants; many are adapted to live on a diet high in cellulose
 Omnivores - feed on both plants and animals
 Carnivores - feed on herbivores, omnivores, & other carnivores
o lst level carnivore - feeds on herbivores
o 2nd level carnivore - feeds on 1st level carnivores
 Decomposers
o the 'final' consumer group
o use energy available in dead plants and animals
o transform organic material into inorganic material
 elaborate with diagram and relationship
 Eg;- grazing food chain- grassland ecosystem Grass→Rabbit→Fox→Wolf→Tiger ,etc.
The food webs

In an ecosystem there are a very large number of interlinked chains. This forms a food web. If
the linkages in the chains that make up the web of life are disrupted due to human activities that
lead to the loss or extinction of species, the web breaks down.
The ecological pyramids
In an ecosystem, green plants – the producers, utilize energy directly from sunlight and convert
it into matter. A large number of these organisms form the most basic, or first ‘trophic level’ of
the food pyramid. The herbivorous animals that eat plants are at the second trophic level and are
called primary consumers. The predators that feed on them form the third trophic level and are
known as secondary consumers. Only a few animals form the third trophic level consisting of
carnivores at the apex of the food pyramid. This is how energy is used by living creatures and
flows through the ecosystem from its base to the apex. Much of the energy is used up in
activities of each living organism.
A food web (or food cycle) is the natural interconnection of food chains and generally a
graphical representation (usually an image) of what-eats-what in an ecological
community.
 Taxonomy of a food web- Trophic levels, Trophic dynamics, Energy flow and biomass ,
Food chain, Ecological pyramids
 Material flux and recycling
 Kinds of food webs
elaborate with diagram and relationship
An ecological pyramid (also trophic pyramid, energy pyramid, or sometimes food
pyramid) is a graphical representation designed to show the biomass or biomass
productivity at each trophic level in a given ecosystem.
 Primary producers, Primary consumers, Secondary consumers, tertiary
consumers.

Grassland ecosystem:
A wide range of landscapes in which the vegetation is mainly formed by grasses and small
annual plants are adapted to India’s various climatic conditions. These form a variety of
grassland ecosystems with their specific plants and animals.
 Grassland Types in India,
 Threats to grassland ecosystems,
 Conservation of grassland ecosystems .

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‘ ane Vente

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Unrr 1: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE.

Unrr 3: NATURAL Resources: RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES

Unit 6; ENVIRONMENTAL Poticies & PRACTICES

Unrr 7: HuMAN COMMUNITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Environment ethics: Role of Indian and other religions and cultures in

Environmental communication and public awareness, case studies (¢.g,,

Unrr 8: FIELD WORK

* Study of common plants, insects, birds

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Unit2 Ecosystums tee 7

Unrr3 = Narunrat Resources: RENEWABLE

Unir 4 __ BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION ... 39

Unit 5 ~~ ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION wo 51

Unit 6 ~— ENVIRONMENTAL Pouicies

Unit 7 Huan CoMMUNITIBS AND .

E Practice Question Papers with Answers ws 97

EATEN ELEN ROTH

water to drink and for oth Srasslands for our * f,

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Our dependence on the environment ig so great that we cannot continue to live

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Importance of environmental factors

in conjunction and not in isolation. Thus, the study of environment is important

The importance of enviroument can be further explained under the following

uncountable number of complex compounds. These form the raw

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ft2 Blodivereity doplotion

The objectives of environmental studies include:

* To focun on eutrent; potential environmental situations,

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* To consider environmental aspects in plans for growth and development.

* To promote the value and necessity of Jocal, national and international

cooperation in the prevention and solution of environmental problems.

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a step further in this regard, -

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Q. 1. Define Ecosystem. Give an account of the structure and function of an

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Abiotic Biotic Somprieda Ol. consumo

. » Cycling of matter Flow of energy

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E - PSUN |—> Mineral nutrient

a8 tota | photo us esup in co

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(c) Freshwater ecosystem. Freshwater ecosystems occtipy 0.80% of the Earth’s

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4™ (rophic leval (Secondary carnivore)

.— 3° trophic level (Primary carnivore)

2” trophic level (Herbivore)

4“ trophic lavel (Producer)

nisms with repeated

fa) Upright Pyramid of Nomber “ Spindle shaped fe) werNe warm

(b) Spindle-shaped pyramid of number. Wheri a large tree supports larger

2. Pyramid of Biomass. It represents Secondary carnivore

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Trophic Level 1 Grass (10,000 k cal)