A topper · GS3 · 63 pages

Sayali Bhika Pagar: GS3 answer copy

20 answers by Sayali Bhika Pagar, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1Mangroves play a critical role in the well-being of coastal communities and biodiversity. Elaborate. Also, discuss the recently launched MISHTI scheme in this context.12.5 marks
  2. Q2According to a recent scientific assessment, the ozone hole, once considered to be the gravest danger to planetary life, is now expected to be repaired by 2066. In this context, discuss the various measures taken for ozone hole recovery.
  3. Q3Recently, there has been a surge in the incidence of heatwaves in India. Discuss the reasons behind this and state the various mitigation measures in this regard.
  4. Q4What do you understand by Nature-based Solutions (NBS)? Explain how NBS can help in adaptation with regard to various hazards.
  5. Q5The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is one of the cornerstones in ensuring that the ecological costs of infrastructure development are minimal. In this context, discuss the concerns associated with the star rating system introduced in the EIA.
  6. Q6What do you understand by community-based disaster preparedness? Explain the process and preparation strategy of community-based disaster management plans for resilience.
  7. Q7What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantity of e-waste being generated in India? Bring out ways to ensure timely and safe recycling of e-waste.
  8. Q8India is vulnerable to a large number of natural disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic conditions. Elaborate with examples.
  9. Q9Discuss the major challenges faced by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in performing its functions and propose measures to enhance its effectiveness.
  10. Q10Local bodies are the key to disaster risk mitigation in India. Discuss with examples.
  11. Q11Bring out the impact of noise pollution on human health and the environment.
  12. Q12Evaluating India's preparedness in handling disasters caused by cyclones, discuss the measures taken to improve cyclone disaster management capabilities in India.
  13. Q13Highlighting the reasons behind widespread soil degradation in India, discuss the various steps undertaken to address the problem of soil pollution.
  14. Q14State the reasons for the increasing instances of urban floods in India. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government to mitigate the urban flood risk in the country.
  15. Q15Identify the reasons for increasing human-wildlife conflict in India. What are the major steps taken by the government to mitigate this conflict?
  16. Q16Assess the environmental impact of agricultural subsidies in India. Additionally, suggest measures to reduce this impact.
  17. Q17Explain the process involved in the formation of cloudbursts and state their impact. Also, suggest measures to reduce the impact of cloudbursts.
  18. Q18What are the key causes of marine pollution? Discuss its overall impact on the environment.
  19. Q19There is a lack of significant improvement in the quality of river water in India despite multiple efforts by different stakeholders. Elaborate with examples.
  20. Q20How do you differentiate natural disasters from natural hazards? Discuss the stages involved in disaster mitigation and management.

The answers

Question 1 · 12.5 marks · 411 words written

Mangroves play a critical role in the well-being of coastal communities and biodiversity. Elaborate. Also, discuss the recently launched MISHTI scheme in this context.

Opening · a definition

None written.

Body · points and prose

• Mangroves are characteristic littoral plants formations of tropical & subtropical sheltered coastlines. (30° North to 30° South) • India has a mangrove cover of 5000 sq km (approx). • As rightly mentioned above mangroves play a critical role in the well being of coastal communities & biodiversity :-

1] Carbon sinks: Mangroves are 3-5 times more efficient than rainforest covering area for carbon sequestration. Thus, they help in battling climate change. • They have rich peat soil c high level of carbon.

2] Reducing the impact of Cyclones & Tsunamis: mangroves near shoreline reduce the impact of cyclones & tsunamis. • Reduces wave height up to 66% → reduces erosion & flood risk. • Protect agricultural land from saline water. • A 100m deep forest can reduce the destructive storm by 90%.

  1. Caters to huge biodiversity: • Mangroves have huge biodiversity & protects many threatened & endangered animals/species ex: sea turtles, Royal Bengal tiger, crocodiles, fishing cats.

  2. Maintain Ocean water clean: • Acts as a filter & reduces excess nutrients flowing into the ocean. • Helps in nutrient recycle

  3. Important fisheries: Local communities depend on many fishes available in mangroves.

  4. Eco tourism: Has great potential & can help keep mangroves intact.

  5. Home to many tribal communities for survival through forest produce.

Some prominent mangroves in India are: Sunderbans-largest Bhitarkanika-2nd largest

Diagram
- Map of India showing mangrove locations: - Kutch (northwest coast) - Thane creek (west coast) - Goa mangrove (west coast) - Sunderbans (east coast, Ganges delta) - Bhitarkanika (east coast) - Krishna-Godavari delta (east coast) - Pichavaram & Vedaranyam (Tamil Nadu, southeast coast)

Some threats to mangroves are natural-cyclone, tsunamis, crabs eating young seedlings of mangrove, coastal development & destruction of mangroves for fisheries & aquaculture.

• Recently the government of India has launched MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitat & Tangible Incomes) scheme for better regeneration & utilisation of the mangrove system.

Key features:

  1. Expansion of mangroves area: It aims at improving the area of mangrove cover (i.e increase by 550km²) in 13 coastal states & UTs - Eastern & western coasts.
  2. Green push: Part of a larger scheme to ensure India's commitment towards paris agreement.
  3. Integration c various other schemes: to make local community more inclusive & integrated c MGNREGA, funds from compensatory Afforestation fund.
  4. Collaboration c private entities: to inculcate plantation techniques, conservation measures & management practices, public private partnerships.
  • Mangroves are very important for both terrestrial & marine ecosystem, thus protecting them is very crucial to ensure well being of both ecosystem. → This step by government of India is introduced at the right time to ensure the well being of mangroves with timely interventions by involving local communities.

Close · a summary

None written.