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Biodiversity & Environment

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Home/Biodiversity & Environment/Page 5

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Lydia Bosco
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Lydia BoscoBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
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There is a growing number of man-wildlife conflicts. What could be the possible reasons for this? Example- The increasing elephant attacks in Kerala.

  1. Winnie Mathew
    Winnie Mathew Begginer

    The increase in the number of human- wildlife conflicts in India stems from a complex interplay of factors: Habitat loss: Rapid urbanisation, agricultural expansion and increasing infrastructure projects encroach upon wildlife habitats, thereby forcing animals into human settled areas.  Population gRead more

    The increase in the number of human- wildlife conflicts in India stems from a complex interplay of factors:

    • Habitat loss: Rapid urbanisation, agricultural expansion and increasing infrastructure projects encroach upon wildlife habitats, thereby forcing animals into human settled areas. 
    • Population growth: To accommodate the needs of the increasing human population, there has been a rise in settlements near forest fringes, thereby intensifying human-wildlife interactions.
    • Climate Change: Altering and unstable weather patterns drastically affect wildlife migration and food availability, which inherently pushes animals towards human areas. 

    For example- Rising sea levels poses a threat to the Sunderbans which is a critical tiger habitat.

    • Fragmentation of corridors: Infrastructure and development projects hinder animal movement routes which leads to increased encounters.

    For example- The Ken- Betwa river linking project poses a threat to tiger corridors in MP and UP.

    • Inefficient waste management: Poor waste disposal practices attract wild animals towards human settlements.
    • Scarcity of resources: Competition for the already scarce resources like food and water contribute to conflicts. Declining prey availability, overgrazing by livestock, etc., forces predators and other animals to venture into human settlements. 

    For example- Leopard attacks reported in Gujarat and Maharashtra

    Some of the measures initiated by the Government to address this issue include:

    • Project Elephant: Aims to protect Asian elephants, conserve their habitats and corridors, and mitigate conflicts.
    • CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority): Aims to offset lost forest cover, funds forest restoration and wildlife management
    • NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority): This statutory body oversees Project Tiger, fortifies tiger conservation efforts and issues advisories on human-tiger conflict management.

    Way forward:

    While challenges persist, addressing this issue requires a multi pronged approach-

    • EWS(Early Warning Systems): Confrontations can be prevented by staying one step ahead through deployment of camera traps, and real-time conflict alert systems. For example, the EWS for elephant movement in Valparai, Tamil Nadu, SMS alerts in Jharkhand.
    • Habitat Corridor Creation: Initiatives like the Elephant Corridor Project by the Wildlife Institute of India aims to create safe passage for animals, thereby minimising conflicts. 
    • Community engagement and participation: Involving local communities in conservation efforts and fostering a sense of coexistence is significant in reducing conflicts. For example, Project Hangul in Jammu & Kashmir (with the help of World Wildlife Fund), Colmmunity based elephant conflict mitigation in Odisha’s Athgarh Forest Division.

    An integrated, multi pronged approach combining traditional knowledge, community participation, technology driven solutions and other well designed conservation strategies is crucial for effective conflict mitigation.

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Bhupesh Goyal
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Bhupesh GoyalBegginer
Asked: July 27, 2024In:
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Examine whether the EIA notification from 2006 adequately addresses the environmental issues brought on by new businesses and technologies.

upsc: environmental impact assessment
  1. Vedant Moorthy
    Vedant Moorthy Enthusiast
    This answer was edited.

    The EIA Notification, 2006, is a key regulatory framework in India designed to assess the environmental impacts of development projects. However, as emerging technologies and industries evolve, the adequacy of this notification in addressing new environmental concerns can be scrutinized on several fRead more

    The EIA Notification, 2006, is a key regulatory framework in India designed to assess the environmental impacts of development projects. However, as emerging technologies and industries evolve, the adequacy of this notification in addressing new environmental concerns can be scrutinized on several fronts:

    Strengths of the EIA Notification, 2006:

    1. Comprehensive Scope: The notification covers a wide range of projects and activities, including many new technologies and industries. It mandates environmental assessments for projects likely to cause significant environmental impacts.
    2. Public Participation: It emphasizes public consultation, which allows for stakeholder input and can help identify potential environmental concerns that might arise from new technologies.
    3. Impact Assessment Requirements: It requires detailed assessments of potential environmental impacts, including air, water, and soil quality, which can be adapted to emerging technologies.

    Challenges and Gaps:

    1. Dynamic Nature of Emerging Technologies: The EIA Notification, 2006, may not adequately address the specific environmental impacts associated with rapidly evolving technologies such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and advanced materials. These technologies often have unique and unforeseen environmental risks that may not be fully covered under existing guidelines.
    2. Inadequate Sector-Specific Guidelines: The notification provides a general framework but lacks detailed sector-specific guidelines for new and emerging industries. This can lead to gaps in the assessment of environmental impacts specific to these industries.
    3. Lack of Flexibility: The notification’s provisions might be too rigid or broad to effectively accommodate the nuanced impacts of emerging technologies. There may be a need for more flexible and adaptive regulatory mechanisms to keep pace with technological advancements.
    4. Data and Expertise Shortages: Emerging technologies often involve complex environmental interactions that may not be fully understood or documented. The EIA Notification, 2006, might not account for the need for specialized expertise or updated data to assess these impacts accurately.
    5. Implementation and Enforcement: Even if the notification outlines comprehensive requirements, the effectiveness of the EIA process depends on robust implementation and enforcement mechanisms. There might be challenges in ensuring that the assessment and mitigation measures are appropriately applied, especially for new and innovative industries.
    6. Mitigation Measures: The notification’s focus on mitigation measures may not always be sufficient to address the unique risks posed by emerging technologies. The need for innovative and adaptive mitigation strategies is crucial.

    Recommendations for Improvement:

    1. Update and Adaptation: Regular updates to the EIA Notification to include specific guidelines for emerging technologies and industries can help address evolving environmental concerns.
    2. Enhanced Sector-Specific Guidelines: Developing detailed sector-specific guidelines and standards for new technologies can improve the accuracy and effectiveness of impact assessments.
    3. Capacity Building: Investing in expertise and data collection related to emerging technologies will enhance the ability to assess and mitigate their environmental impacts effectively.
    4. Adaptive Frameworks: Implementing more flexible and adaptive regulatory frameworks can help accommodate the rapid pace of technological change and its associated environmental impacts.
    5. Strengthening Implementation: Ensuring robust implementation and enforcement of EIA requirements is essential for effective environmental management, especially for new industries.

    In summary, while the EIA Notification, 2006, provides a foundational framework for environmental impact assessments, its adequacy in addressing the concerns arising from emerging technologies and industries requires enhancement through updates, sector-specific guidelines, and improved implementation practices.

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Suhani
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SuhaniBegginer
Asked: July 14, 2024In:
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international agreements for climate change
  1. Khushboo Saroha
    Khushboo Saroha Begginer

    International agreements just like the Paris Agreement play a pivotal position in tackling international weather exchange by establishing collective commitments and frameworks for coordinated motion. They set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promote openness via regular reporRead more

    International agreements just like the Paris Agreement play a pivotal position in tackling international weather exchange by establishing collective commitments and frameworks for coordinated motion. They set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promote openness via regular reporting, and encourage global collaboration on weather finance and generation transfer.

    India is a major contributor to global emissions and climate sensitivity, and it does so through effective programs. These include boosting the capacity for renewable energy, promoting strength in performance across industries, improving the amount of land covered by forests and using it sustainably, and actively participating in global climate partnerships such as the International Solar Alliance.

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Muzembi Tinashe
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Muzembi TinasheBegginer
Asked: January 22, 2025In:
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Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing habitat for a diverse range of species. They support numerous aquatic and terrestrial organisms, contributing to overall biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.They also help in climate adaptation by buffering extreme weather ...

question
  1. Swaswati Borpuzari
    Swaswati Borpuzari Enthusiast

    Strategies to Save Wetlands: The Essential Role of Wetlands in Climate and Biodiversity Strategies Wetlands, also known as the “kidneys of the environment,” are essential to addressing climate challenges, preserving biodiversity and protecting public health. When undisturbed, these ecosystems form aRead more

    Strategies to Save Wetlands: The Essential Role of Wetlands in Climate and Biodiversity Strategies

    Wetlands, also known as the “kidneys of the environment,” are essential to addressing climate challenges, preserving biodiversity and protecting public health. When undisturbed, these ecosystems form a multidimensional carbon vacuum, sucking in vast amounts of carbon dioxide and helping to slow the flow of greenhouse gas emissions. They are also buffers from extreme weather events, like floods and storms, which enhances climate change resilience. Wetlands also support a high diversity of plant and animal species, many endemic to those areas, and many threatened by the destruction of surrounding habitats.

    Wetlands offer wide human health services in the form of water purification, groundwater replenishment, and local employability in neighbouring communities. India wherein these wetlands are a significant ecosystem and several steps have been taken in its conservation and sustainable use. reducer. National Wetland Conservation Programme(NWCP) was launched in 1987 to promote conservation and wise use of wetlands. In addition to the promotion of community-led conservation projects, the program emphasizes the identification, monitoring and management of these areas.

    As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, an international agreement dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, India has nominated 49 sites that encompass over 1.3 million hectares of Ramsar sites. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 These Rules provide a legal framework for wetland conservation and management. Secondly, State Wetland Authorities need to be formed for the promotion of conservation activities, so that these ecosystems are neither destroyed nor over-exploited.

    In addition, wetland protection has been incorporated into India’s national climate action plans, realizing the important role wetlands will play in fulfilling the objectives of the Paris Agreement. But pollution, encroachment on land and over-exploitation of resources still pose formidable challenges. In order to ensure the long-term health of India’s wetlands, there is an absolute need for increased public awareness, enforcement of laws and greater involvement by the local community.

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Kumudini Lakhia
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Kumudini LakhiaEnthusiast
Asked: January 20, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (Brief Context Setting) Define light pollution: The excessive or obtrusive artificial light that disrupts the natural night environment. Mention the global and national context, citing the fact that nearly 83% of the global population cannot see the ...

upsc: pollution & degradation
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Light pollution, the excessive and unwanted artificial light disrupting natural nightscapes, has been steadily increasing in India in recent years. Several factors contribute to this growing issue: Street Lights: Street and highway lighting account for approximately 43% of the country'sRead more

    Model Answer

    Light pollution, the excessive and unwanted artificial light disrupting natural nightscapes, has been steadily increasing in India in recent years. Several factors contribute to this growing issue:

    • Street Lights: Street and highway lighting account for approximately 43% of the country’s light pollutiontural and Religious Festivals: Festivities in India often involve the use of extensive lighting displays. The uncontrolled lighting during events like Diwali, weddings, and other festivals contributes significantly to light pollution .
    • Razation: As more people migrate to urban areas, there is an increasing demand for artificial lighting in residential, commercial, and industrial zones. This contributes to higher levels of light pollution .
    • Night WeddiIndia, night-time weddings, often accompanied by bright and excessive lighting, add to the growing problem of light pollution .

    Implications on Bioganisms

    Light pollution has profound effects on biological organisms, disrupting their natural behavior and ecological processes:

    • Disruption of Migration Patterns: Migratory birds, which navigate at night using celestial cues, are disoriented by artificial lights, leading to altered flight paths. This disorientation increases the risk of collisions and impacts their overall migration .
    • Collision Risks: Bright illindows and glass walls confuse nocturnal birds, leading to fatal collisions .
    • Impact on Marine Life: Artificial li coastlines can confuse marine creatures like sea turtles. Hatchlings, drawn to the lights, may head in the wrong direction, away from the ocean, disrupting their survival chances .
    • Disruption of Plant Growth and Pollination: Alight interferes with plant growth patterns and the pollination process, negatively affecting ecosystems and agricultural production .
    • Altered Predator-Prey Dynamics: Predators and prey reltural darkness for hunting and foraging may experience disruptions, affecting the balance of ecosystems .

    In conclusion, light pollution is increasingly becoming a significanental issue in India, impacting both human health and the natural world. There is an urgent need for responsible lighting practices, including smart systems and shielding lights, to mitigate its adverse effects.

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Devendra Singhal
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Devendra SinghalBegginer
Asked: June 24, 2024In:
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Outlining the reasons behind forest fires and the steps India can take to stop them from happening. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: climate change
  1. Heena
    Heena Begginer

    Causes of Forest Fires in India: Human Activities: Slash-and-burn agriculture, land clearing, poaching, discarded cigarettes, campfires, fireworks, and intentional fires for new grass growth often lead to uncontrolled fires. Natural Causes: Lightning ignites dry vegetation, and prolonged dry spellsRead more

    Causes of Forest Fires in India:

    1. Human Activities: Slash-and-burn agriculture, land clearing, poaching, discarded cigarettes, campfires, fireworks, and intentional fires for new grass growth often lead to uncontrolled fires.
    2. Natural Causes: Lightning ignites dry vegetation, and prolonged dry spells increase fire susceptibility.
    3. Other Factors: Strong winds spread fires rapidly and dry foliage acts as fuel.

    Measures to Prevent Forest Fires in India:

    1. Community Awareness and Education: Conduct awareness campaigns and train communities in fire prevention and control.
    2. Early Detection and Monitoring: Use satellite imagery and remote sensing for detection, and set up fire lookout towers and surveillance systems in vulnerable areas.
    3. Forest Management Practices: Create firebreaks, clear dry vegetation and use controlled burning to reduce fuel load.
    4. Legislation and Enforcement: Enforce strict regulations against activities that can cause forest fires, such as illegal logging and poaching.
    5. Improved Infrastructure: Equip forest departments with modern firefighting equipment and training. Develop rapid response teams to address fires promptly.
    6. Research and Development: Invest in research to understand the causes and behavior of forest fires.

    Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of forest fires in India, preserving biodiversity and protecting local communities.

     

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 23, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Define wetlands and their significance. Mention the types of wetlands (e.g., marshes, swamps, bogs, mangroves). Importance of Wetlands Discuss the ecological roles of wetlands. Mention their contributions to biodiversity, water regulation, and water quality improvement. The Ramsar Concept of ‘Wise Use’ Introduce the ...

upsc: conservation
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction Wetlands are unique ecosystems where water is the primary factor influencing the environment and the associated flora and fauna. These areas can be characterized by the presence of water, either permanently or seasonally, and include marshes, swamps, bogs, and mangroves. WeRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    Wetlands are unique ecosystems where water is the primary factor influencing the environment and the associated flora and fauna. These areas can be characterized by the presence of water, either permanently or seasonally, and include marshes, swamps, bogs, and mangroves. Wetlands are vital for maintaining biodiversity, regulating water flow, improving water quality, and providing habitats for various species.

    The Ramsar Concept of ‘Wise Use’ in Wetland Conservation

    The Ramsar Convention, established in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an international treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The central tenet of the Ramsar Convention is the concept of ‘wise use,’ which emphasizes the sustainable utilization of wetland resources while ensuring their conservation. This approach considers ecological, economic, cultural, and social aspects, recognizing that wetlands can provide significant benefits to human communities while maintaining their ecological integrity. The ‘wise use’ principle promotes actions that preserve the ecological character of wetlands and address the needs of local communities, thereby fostering sustainable livelihoods and respecting cultural values.

    Examples of Ramsar Sites in India

    1. Chilika Lake, Odisha: Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, located on the east coast of India. It supports a rich diversity of plant and animal species, including endangered species like the Irrawaddy dolphin and the blackbuck. The lake is crucial for migratory birds and sustains local communities through fishing and tourism.
    2. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan: Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park is renowned for its avian diversity. It attracts thousands of migratory birds, including Siberian cranes, each year. The wetland ecosystem here is vital for supporting these migratory birds and serves as an important breeding ground for resident species.

    Conclusion

    The Ramsar Convention underscores the importance of preserving and responsibly utilizing wetlands. Notable Ramsar sites in India, such as Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park, exemplify the successful application of the ‘wise use’ principle, contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

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Aparna Srivastava
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Aparna SrivastavaBegginer
Asked: July 17, 2024In:
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What are the three immediate measures India should adopt toward positive impact in climate change and accomplishing it’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

  1. Mvs
    Mvs Begginer

        Climate change is a major concern which pose a great threat to environment and thereby affect the biodiversity. The following steps can be taken by India to curb the issue of climate change: 1. Transition to renewable energy - 45% of total electricity production takes place through coal burningRead more

        Climate change is a major concern which pose a great threat to environment and thereby affect the biodiversity. The following steps can be taken by India to curb the issue of climate change:

    1. Transition to renewable energy –

    45% of total electricity production takes place through coal burning and usage of thermal energy. Thus alternative sources like wind mills and solar energy can be used for electricity production. Government have introduced various schemes through which on setting up a solar cell setup on top of the house can not only help you save up on electricity bill but also help to prevent pollution.

    2. Enhance usage of EV :

    The electric vehicles can help curb pollution without ignition of carbon and burning of fuel on large scale. Thus this can help control pollution and thereby reduce the problem of climate change.

    3. Sustainable Agriculture:

    The chemical pesticides and fertilizers can be replaced by use of biofertilizers. Also,the techniques like slash and jhum cultivation should be stopped and another modern methods of farming should be introduced. This can not only provide economic growth of the country but also help stabilise the seasonal variations due to global warming and curb the problem of climate change.

    4. Plans and programmes should be arranged to stop the usage of polythene and other non-biodegradable products which cause great threat to environment and climate change.

    According to Robert Costanza, an ecological economist,estimated the value of the services provided by the natural world (ecosystem services) to be around $33 trillion per year. This estimate was published in his 1997 paper “The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital”. Thus,the environment is indeed the biggest asset for the mankind and it is essential to introduce various action plans which can help in its sustainable development.

     

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Mohit Kumar
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Mohit KumarBegginer
Asked: July 17, 2024In: , , , , , , ,
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agriculturegeographyquestion
  1. Prasansa Brahaman
    Prasansa Brahaman Begginer

    India's economy is highly dependent in agriculture contributing about 14% of the total GDP of the state. Thus most of the people in India are heavily dependent upon agriculture. The monsoon pattern is to thank for as the favorable moisture laden winds help in the abundance of agricultural activity iRead more

    India’s economy is highly dependent in agriculture contributing about 14% of the total GDP of the state. Thus most of the people in India are heavily dependent upon agriculture. The monsoon pattern is to thank for as the favorable moisture laden winds help in the abundance of agricultural activity in the state.

    Starting from the month of June the south east monsoon winds of the Arabian sea branch  hits the cost of Kerela due to the formation of low pressure region of the Indian subcontinent and the shifting of the ITCZ towards the tropic of cancer. Heavy showers are received in the Western ghat region after which the winds travels over the semi arid Indian peninsula moving northwards and being obstructed by the Great Himalayas. This causes showers over the Indo Gangatic plains where maximum of the wheat production is done in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and most of the northern belts.

    The Bay of Bengal branch of the south east monsoon winds brings heavy showers to the eastern and north eastern states of India where rice production id very prevalent. Mawsynram in the north eastern state of Meghalaya is the rainiest place in the world with an annual rainfall of 467.4 in annually.

    Other arid and the semi arid regions like the north western and the Deccan region grow cash crops like cotton, rubber, sugarcane etc. The amount of rainfall received during the monsoon in the particular state determines the climatic zone of the state and the dominant crop of the state.

    The uneven distribution of rainfall in India makes it a diverse agricultural boul.

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