Model Answer

Understanding Pressure Groups

Pressure groups are organized associations or unions of individuals who share common interests and objectives. Their primary goal is to influence decision-makers, including the legislature and executive, to enact policies or regulations that align with their interests. Notable examples of pressure groups include the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), and India Against Corruption.

Techniques Employed by Pressure Groups

1. Manipulating Public Opinion
   Pressure groups often engage in shaping public perceptions about specific issues by providing information to the media and the public. For instance, environmental groups are actively promoting awareness regarding the Kaiga nuclear power project in Karnataka to highlight potential ecological impacts.
2. Lobbying
   Lobbying is a direct method used by pressure groups to influence legislators. For example, ASSOCHAM has lobbied the Indian government to adopt wage support mechanisms and interest subventions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance their competitiveness.
3. Public Interest Litigations (PILs)
   Pressure groups may resort to legal action through PILs to influence government actions. Medha Patkar and her associates have successfully pressured both state and central governments regarding the resettlement of communities affected by the Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River.
4. Demonstrations and Protests
   Non-violent demonstrations are another technique employed by pressure groups to draw attention to their causes. The farmers’ protests in India in 2021, aimed at repealing controversial Farm Laws, exemplify this method.
5. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
   CSOs act as mass pressure groups, advocating for policy implementation in their areas of concern, such as the Chipko and Appiko movements, which focus on environmental protection.
6. Financing Political Parties
   Some pressure groups may financially support political campaigns to gain influence over policy-making processes.
7. Media Engagement
   Pressure groups utilize media to distribute information, issue press releases, and organize discussions to raise public awareness about specific issues.

Given their diverse roles, pressure groups are vital to the democratic process, ensuring that various interests are represented in policy discussions (Sources: FICCI, ASSOCHAM, various news articles on environmental movements).

Model Answer

Reasons Behind Untapped Wind Energy Potential in India

India has a significant wind energy potential, with estimates suggesting up to 302 GW at a hub height of 100 meters, and 174 GW from offshore resources. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to several factors:

1. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic caused delays in project timelines, along with disruptions in supply chains, which slowed wind energy installations.
   • Source: National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) and industry reports.
2. Concentration of Resources: The high wind potential is largely concentrated in specific regions, primarily Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, leading to inflated land prices that make projects more expensive.
3. Cost Gap Between Wind and Solar: The falling cost of solar power has created a wider price disparity between wind and solar, resulting in delayed power supply agreements for wind projects.
4. Land Acquisition Delays: Wind projects require large tracts of land, often facing resistance from local communities, further delaying progress.
5. Offshore Wind Financing: Offshore wind projects are significantly more expensive, making them harder to finance compared to onshore projects.
   • Source: Standing Committee on Energy report.

Suggested Solutions

1. Enhanced Coordination: Strengthen collaboration between central and state governments to streamline project approvals, grid balancing, and land acquisition processes.
2. Technological Innovation: Develop technology exchange programs and improve the alignment of domestic manufacturing with global supply chains to reduce costs.
3. Overcoming Legacy Challenges: Address issues like DISCOM payments, grid infrastructure, and inconsistent state land policies.
4. Offshore Wind Development: Implement the 37 GW offshore wind target, focusing on regions like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, with dedicated roadmaps for growth.

By tackling these challenges, India can unlock its vast wind energy potential and play a crucial role in its transition to a low-carbon economy.

Model Answer

A chemical disaster refers to the accidental and uncontrolled release of toxic chemicals, which can cause severe harm to human health, the environment, and property. These disasters can occur in industrial plants, during the transportation of hazardous substances, or due to the improper storage of chemicals.

Examples of Chemical Disasters in India

India has faced several significant chemical disasters:

1. Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): This remains the world’s worst industrial disaster. The accidental release of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide plant led to thousands of deaths and injuries, making it one of the most devastating chemical accidents globally.
2. Tata Motors (2008): A chlorine gas leak exposed workers to a dense, poisonous gas, leading to health issues and panic among the community.
3. Visakhapatnam Gas Leak (2020): A styrene gas leak from an LG-owned plant affected five villages, causing deaths and injuries.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), India has witnessed 130 major chemical accidents in the last two decades, resulting in 259 deaths and over 500 injuries.

Challenges in Mitigating Chemical Disasters

1. Lack of Awareness: There is insufficient awareness and preparedness among communities and workers about chemical hazards, increasing vulnerability.
2. Coordination Issues: Various stakeholders involved in disaster management, such as the fire and health departments, lack effective coordination during chemical emergencies.
3. Weak Law Enforcement: Although India has laws such as the Environment Protection Act (1986) and Disaster Management Act (2005), their implementation is often weak, particularly in enforcing emergency management protocols.
4. Negligence in Chemical Handling: Poor handling, storage, and transportation of hazardous chemicals increase the likelihood of accidents.
5. Unorganized Sector: Many factories in the unorganized sector deal with hazardous materials but lack safety protocols and protective equipment.

Solutions to Address These Challenges

1. Hazard Mapping: Accurate mapping of hazardous chemicals should be done at district and state levels to prevent accidents.
2. Regular Inspections: Chemical plants and storage facilities should be regularly inspected to ensure compliance with safety norms.
3. Capacity Building: On-site and off-site emergency management should be improved by training government officials, industry workers, and local communities in safety measures.
4. Stakeholder Collaboration: A mechanism for effective coordination among various stakeholders should be established for better emergency response.
5. Rehearsal of Emergency Plans: Mock drills for both on-site and off-site emergencies should be conducted regularly to identify gaps and improve preparedness.

Legal Framework and Future Focus

India has implemented several laws, including the Explosives Act (1884), Petroleum Act (1934), and Disaster Management Act (2005). However, further focus should be on improving safety standards in the industry and enhancing the response capabilities of agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire services.