Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its importance in India. Briefly introduce the role of environmental NGOs and activists in the EIA process. 2. Key Roles of NGOs and Activists Advocacy and Awareness: Explain how NGOs raise public awareness ...
Model Answer Environmental Effects of Agricultural Subsidies in India Agricultural subsidies in India, including input subsidies and Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), have significantly impacted the environment. Key negative effects include: Soil Degradation: Subsidies encourage intensive farming practRead more
Model Answer
Environmental Effects of Agricultural Subsidies in India
Agricultural subsidies in India, including input subsidies and Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), have significantly impacted the environment. Key negative effects include:
- Soil Degradation: Subsidies encourage intensive farming practices, leading to monocropping and excessive use of chemical fertilizers, which degrade soil health and reduce productivity.
- Air Pollution: The fertilizer industry is a major polluter, releasing harmful substances like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. Agriculture contributes approximately 10-12% of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with low nitrogen use efficiency resulting in nitrous oxide emissions.
- Water Pollution: Fertilizer production and usage contaminate groundwater and surface water. Discharges from urea plants contain nitrogen and cyanides, while excess fertilizers runoff into water bodies, causing harmful algal blooms.
- Overexploitation of Groundwater: Power subsidies for irrigation have led to significant groundwater depletion, with regions like Punjab experiencing 79% over-exploitation of groundwater reservoirs.
Strategies to Mitigate Environmental Impact
To address these environmental challenges, several strategies can be implemented:
- Efficient Fertilizer Use: Promote balanced fertilization practices and support the use of Neem-coated urea to reduce chemical inputs.
- Drip Irrigation: Encourage the adoption of drip irrigation systems to minimize water wastage and improve water efficiency.
- Conditional Funding: Implement funding mechanisms that reward farmers for adopting environmentally friendly practices, such as reduced deforestation.
- Organic Farming: Promote organic farming methods that reduce reliance on chemical inputs and enhance soil health.
- Precision Agriculture: Utilize technologies like GPS and remote sensing to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impacts.
- Integrated Projects: Support collaborative projects that involve farmers and scientists to innovate sustainable agricultural practices.
The Indian government has initiated programs like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture to promote sustainable practices. However, further innovation and modern techniques are essential for long-term sustainability in agriculture.
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Model Answer Introduction Environmental NGOs and activists play a crucial role in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India. Their involvement ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making processes, promoting sustainable dRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Environmental NGOs and activists play a crucial role in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India. Their involvement ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making processes, promoting sustainable development. Here are some key roles they play, along with four significant examples:
Roles of NGOs and Activists
Examples of Influence
Conclusion
Environmental NGOs and activists are vital in shaping EIA processes in India, ensuring that environmental sustainability is prioritized in major projects.
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