Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (50-75 words) Begin by briefly acknowledging the importance of river water quality and the efforts made to improve it in India. Mention the primary objective of these efforts, such as reducing pollution and conserving water resources, specifically ...
Model Answer Main Causes of Marine Pollution Marine pollution, as defined by the United Nations, is the introduction of harmful substances or energy into the ocean, resulting in adverse effects on marine life, human health, and seawater usability. The primary sources of marine pollution include: OilRead more
Model Answer
Main Causes of Marine Pollution
Marine pollution, as defined by the United Nations, is the introduction of harmful substances or energy into the ocean, resulting in adverse effects on marine life, human health, and seawater usability. The primary sources of marine pollution include:
- Oil Pollution: This pollution stems from human activities like oil extraction, transport, and accidental spills, but natural oil seeps from the ocean floor also contribute. Oil pollution interferes with photosynthesis in marine plants and harms animals by impairing insulation and water repellency (UN).
- Ocean Mining: Mining for metals like silver, gold, and copper releases toxic sulfides into the ocean, harming deep-sea ecosystems (UN).
- Nutrient Pollution: Excess nutrients, primarily from agricultural runoff and sewage, cause eutrophication, which leads to oxygen-deprived “dead zones.” This can kill fish and disrupt marine ecosystems (UN).
- Toxic Chemicals: Chemicals from industry and agriculture reach the ocean, often through rain, and accumulate in marine organisms, leading to biomagnification, which threatens marine food webs and human consumers (UN).
- Marine Debris: About 80% of marine debris originates from land-based activities, mostly plastic, which entangles and chokes marine life. Plastics also collect in ocean gyres, creating large patches of floating waste (UN).
- Thermal and Noise Pollution: Increased greenhouse gases lead to warming oceans, affecting species distribution and ecosystem health. Noise from ships and sonar disrupts marine animal behaviors like migration and reproduction, particularly for whales (UN).
Environmental Impact
Marine pollution has severe ecological consequences. Nutrient pollution leads to toxic algal blooms that cause oxygen depletion. Chemicals like DDT and PCBs accumulate in animals, leading to reproductive issues and biomagnification up the food chain. Plastic waste kills marine species, while oil spills damage habitats and reduce seafood quality.
noise pollution affects animal communication and migration patterns. Efforts to combat marine pollution are ongoing, with international agreements such as MARPOL and OSPAR, though enhanced research and technology are essential for progress (UN).
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Model Answer Why Has the Quality of River Water in India Shown Little Improvement? Despite extensive efforts by various stakeholders, the quality of river water in India has shown little improvement. Several factors contribute to this ongoing challenge: 1. Ineffective Sewage Treatment InfrastructureRead more
Model Answer
Why Has the Quality of River Water in India Shown Little Improvement?
Despite extensive efforts by various stakeholders, the quality of river water in India has shown little improvement. Several factors contribute to this ongoing challenge:
1. Ineffective Sewage Treatment Infrastructure
One of the major obstacles to improving river water quality is the lack of adequate sewage treatment facilities. For example, while the five states through which the Ganga flows generate around 10,000 million liters of sewage daily, their combined treatment capacity is only about 4,000 million liters, or just 40% of the required capacity. This imbalance leads to untreated sewage being discharged into rivers, contributing to pollution.
2. Inadequate Monitoring and Data Collection
Effective monitoring of water quality remains a challenge in India. Although the National Mission for Clean Ganga intends to monitor water quality at 134 stations, it is currently only being conducted at 97 stations. This insufficient data collection hampers efforts to understand the extent of pollution and take appropriate corrective measures.
3. Uncontrolled Waste Discharge
Untreated waste continues to flow into rivers, further exacerbating pollution. According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), untreated sewage is discharged into 60% of the Ganga, making it one of the most polluted rivers in the country. Similarly, untreated waste from textile and chemical manufacturing units contributes to the pollution of rivers like the Sabarmati.
4. Impact of Unplanned Tourism and Agricultural Run-off
Unregulated tourism activities have also emerged as a threat to water bodies, particularly through increased plastic waste, as seen near the Indus River in Ladakh. Additionally, agricultural run-off, especially from excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, contaminates river water and groundwater. The CPCB has reported the presence of harmful metals like manganese and copper in rivers such as the Yamuna, further degrading water quality.
Conclusion
Despite measures like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and programs like the Namami Gange and National River Conservation Plan, significant improvements in river water quality are hindered by factors such as inadequate infrastructure, lax monitoring, and unregulated waste discharge. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from both the central and state governments, including better waste management infrastructure, stricter law enforcement, and active public participation.
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