Pollution

11 UPSC Mains GS III questions on Pollution, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Pollution toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q17What are the challenges to solid waste management in India ? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Discuss the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities highlighting the salient feature of their solid waste management initiatives.15 marks · 250 words
2. 2025 Q17Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard ? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.15 marks · 250 words
3. 2024 Q7Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard.10 marks · 150 words
4. 2023 Q8What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?10 marks · 150 words
5. 2022 Q7Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol.10 marks · 150 words
6. 2021 Q7Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005 ? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards ?10 marks · 150 words
7. 2020 Q17What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?15 marks · 250 words
8. 2018 Q6What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment?10 marks · 150 words
9. 2015 Q15Discuss the *Namami Gange* and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs ?12.5 marks · 200 words
10. 2014 Q15Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads.12.5 marks · 200 words
11. 2013 Q20Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India ?10 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.