Q1.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is a

legislation in India that aims to prevent and control water pollution. It
establishes the Central and State Pollution Control Boards, which are
responsible for implementing various measures to prevent and control
water pollution.

The Environmental Protection Act, 1986 is another important

legislation in India that focuses on the protection and improvement of
the environment. This act provides for the establishment of the Central
Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards, which are
responsible for coordinating activities related to environmental
protection. The act covers various aspects of environmental pollution,
including air pollution, water pollution, and hazardous waste
management.

Q2. Rainwater harvesting is indeed an efficient tool for water

conservation. It involves collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
By implementing rainwater harvesting techniques, we can reduce the
demand for freshwater from traditional sources such as rivers and
groundwater.

Some reasons why rainwater harvesting is considered efficient:

It helps in recharging groundwater levels, which is essential for

maintaining a sustainable water supply.

It reduces the strain on traditional water sources during periods of

drought or water scarcity.

It promotes self-sufficiency in water supply, especially in areas

where there is limited access to clean water.

It helps to mitigate the effects of urbanization and infrastructure

development on water availability.
 It improves the overall water quality by managing runoff and
reducing pollution.

Q3. Sustainable development refers to the approach of meeting the

needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs. It aims to achieve a
balance between economic growth, social progress, and environmental
protection.

The equitable use of resources for a sustainable lifestyle emphasizes

the fair distribution and responsible utilization of resources. It implies
that all individuals should have equal access to resources and their
utilization should be done in a manner that does not deplete or harm
the environment.

To achieve a sustainable lifestyle, it is important to adopt practices

such as:

Conserving resources by practicing reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Promoting renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on

fossil fuels.

Implementing sustainable farming practices to ensure food

security without depleting natural resources.

Encouraging responsible consumption and production patterns.

Creating awareness and educating people about the importance of

sustainability.

Q4. In the event of a nuclear accident or holocaust, disaster

management steps include:
 Immediate evacuation and relocation of affected individuals to safe
zones.

Controlling and minimizing the spread of radioactive material.

Setting up temporary shelters and medical facilities for affected

individuals.

Monitoring and assessing the radiation levels in affected areas.

Providing medical treatment and support to the affected

population.

Implementing decontamination measures to prevent further

exposure to radiation.

Communicating with the public and providing accurate

information about the situation to reduce panic and
misinformation.

Q5. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process involves the

following steps:

1. Screening: This step determines whether a proposed project

requires an EIA or if it can be exempted based on its size or
potential environmental impact. If the project is deemed
significant, it proceeds to the next step.

2. Scoping: Scoping involves identifying the potential environmental

impacts of the project. This includes assessing the potential
impacts on air, water, soil quality, flora, fauna, and socio-economic
aspects. The scoping process also involves consultation with
stakeholders and the public.

3. Assessment: This step involves predicting and evaluating the

potential environmental impacts of the project. It includes an
 analysis of the project's impacts on various environmental factors
and the identification of mitigation measures.

4. Review of EIA Report: The EIA report is reviewed by the regulatory

authorities, experts, and the public to evaluate its accuracy and
adequacy. Feedback and suggestions may be provided during this
stage.

5. Decision-Making: Based on the EIA report and the inputs received,

a decision is made on whether to grant environmental clearance to
the project. The decision could involve imposing conditions to
mitigate the identified environmental impacts.

6. Monitoring and Compliance: Once the project is approved and

implemented, ongoing monitoring of its environmental impacts is
necessary. Compliance with the conditions and mitigation
measures specified in the environmental clearance is also
monitored.

Q6. Climate change has several consequences, including:

Rising temperatures: Global warming leads to increased

temperatures, adversely affecting ecosystems, agriculture, and
human health.

Changing weather patterns: Climate change results in altered

rainfall patterns, more frequent and severe extreme weather
events such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods.

Rising sea levels: Melting glaciers and ice caps contribute to rising
sea levels, which pose a threat to coastal communities,
ecosystems, and infrastructure.
 Loss of biodiversity: Climate change disrupts ecosystems,
impacting plant and animal species and leading to loss of
biodiversity.

Health impacts: Climate change can increase the spread of

infectious diseases, affect food production and water availability,
and exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.

Q7. Consumerism and over-exploitation are indeed major causes of

resource depletion. Here are a few reasons to justify this statement:

Increased demand: Consumerism promotes a culture of excessive

consumption, leading to a higher demand for resources.

Unsustainable production: Industries often prioritize profit over

sustainability, leading to over-extraction of resources and
unsustainable production practices.

Waste generation: Consumerism generates large quantities of

waste, further contributing to resource depletion and
environmental pollution.

Loss of biodiversity: Over-exploitation of resources, such as

deforestation or overfishing, can lead to the loss of habitats and
extinction of species.

Climate change: Excessive resource consumption contributes to

greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change and its
associated consequences.

Social inequality: Consumerism often perpetuates social inequality,

as access to resources and goods becomes disproportionately
concentrated in certain groups or regions.

It is crucial to promote sustainable consumption and production

patterns to mitigate the negative impacts of consumerism and over-
exploitation on resource depletion and the environment.