Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Begin with a brief definition of marine pollution. Use a fact or definition from a credible source, such as the United Nations, to set the context. Example: According to the United Nations, marine pollution is the introduction of ...
Model Answer Causes of Widespread Soil Degradation in India Soil degradation in India is a pressing issue, with approximately 29.7% of land affected, as reported by the ISRO Atlas in 2021. The primary causes include: Heavy Metal Pollution: Industrial activities such as mining, manufacturing, and impRead more
Model Answer
Causes of Widespread Soil Degradation in India
Soil degradation in India is a pressing issue, with approximately 29.7% of land affected, as reported by the ISRO Atlas in 2021. The primary causes include:
- Heavy Metal Pollution: Industrial activities such as mining, manufacturing, and improper waste disposal lead to soil contamination with heavy metals.
- Climate Change and Natural Disasters: Changing weather patterns result in excessive rainfall and floods, which erode the topsoil. Other disasters like droughts and landslides also contribute to degradation.
- Unsustainable Agricultural Practices: Practices such as excessive tillage, crop residue burning, and overuse of agrochemicals degrade soil health. These practices lead to soil acidification, nutrient depletion, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
- Deforestation: The removal of trees reduces soil cover, affecting its structure and nutrient availability, which in turn diminishes biological activity and water retention.
- Urbanization: Urban development compacts the soil, removes vegetation, and alters drainage patterns, leading to increased runoff and erosion of topsoil.
Measures to Tackle Soil Pollution
In response to soil degradation, the Indian government has implemented several initiatives:
- Soil Health Card Scheme: This program provides farmers with information on soil nutrient status and recommended fertilizer dosages to maintain soil health.
- Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Promotes organic farming practices to reduce chemical inputs.
- PM Krishi Sinchayi Yojana: Aims to improve irrigation efficiency and soil moisture retention through education and technology.
- National Afforestation Programme (NAP) and Green India Mission (GIM): Focus on afforestation to combat soil erosion and restore degraded lands.
- Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Yojana: Enhances soil fertility and productivity through various agricultural practices.
These measures are crucial for restoring soil health and achieving India’s goal of rehabilitating 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, which will also contribute to climate change mitigation by enhancing carbon sequestration in soils.
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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:
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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