Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Brief Introduction to Wetlands: Start by defining wetlands and explaining their types. You can use the Ramsar Convention’s definition to set the context. Mention the Importance of Wetlands: Highlight their role in climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity conservation, ...
Model Answer Introduction Planned development became a cornerstone of India’s economic strategy post-independence, addressing numerous challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and underdeveloped industries. Among the various phases of this strategy, the Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961) stands outRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Planned development became a cornerstone of India’s economic strategy post-independence, addressing numerous challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and underdeveloped industries. Among the various phases of this strategy, the Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961) stands out as a significant milestone.
Foundation of the Plan
The Second Five-Year Plan was based on the Nehru-Mahalanobis strategy, emphasizing industrialization, particularly in capital goods. This approach shaped India’s planning practices for over three decades, succeeding the First Five-Year Plan that primarily dealt with immediate post-partition challenges.
Key Contributions
- Industrial Growth: The Plan prioritized public investment in industries, particularly capital goods, leading to rapid industrialization. This shift laid the groundwork for a robust industrial sector, enhancing productive capacity .
- Infrastructure Development: It contributed significantly to the development of both physical and human infrastructure. Establishing institutions of higher learning in scientific fields played a crucial role in enhancing human capital.
- Increased Investment: The Plan raised investment rates, fostering both domestic and foreign savings. This surge in investment facilitated economic growth, with savings rates rising substantially during this period (Source: Planning Commission Reports).
- Agricultural Progress: Initiatives like land reforms and the Community Development Programme bolstered agricultural production, while also promoting small-scale industries, thus expanding employment opportunities.
- Public Sector Growth: The Plan enhanced the public sector’s role, allowing it to dominate capital goods industries and shape the economic landscape.
Criticism and Challenges
Despite its achievements, the Second Five-Year Plan faced criticism for prioritizing industrialization over agriculture, resulting in unequal wealth distribution and unemployment. Critics argued that mere economic growth would not eradicate poverty .
Conclusion
In summary, the Second Five-Year Plan was a transformative phase in India’s planned development, establishing essential infrastructure and promoting industrial growth. Its legacy continues to influence India’s economic policies today.
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Model Answer Importance of Maintaining Healthy Wetlands Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Wetlands play an essential role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. They act as natural buffers, helping to prevent floods and droughts by absorbing excess water during storms. Wetlands also contributeRead more
Model Answer
Importance of Maintaining Healthy Wetlands
Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Wetlands play an essential role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. They act as natural buffers, helping to prevent floods and droughts by absorbing excess water during storms. Wetlands also contribute significantly to carbon storage—peatlands, for example, store more than twice the amount of carbon than all the world’s forests. This carbon sequestration helps mitigate the effects of climate change.
Biodiversity Conservation
Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots, serving as transition zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These areas are crucial for various species, including threatened ones, and support vital habitats for migratory birds along routes like the Central Asian Flyway (CAF). Wetlands like Chilika Lake and Keibul Lamjao Lake are examples of such biodiversity-rich zones. They also help conserve traditional farming practices and indigenous plant varieties, particularly in floodplains.
Health-Related Services
Wetlands offer significant health-related benefits, such as purifying water by filtering pollutants, making it safe for human consumption. Furthermore, many wetland plants, such as Brahmi and Keerharnelli, have medicinal properties, earning wetlands the title of “nature’s pharmacy.”
Mechanisms for Wetland Conservation in India
Legislative Framework
India has implemented several laws to protect wetlands, including the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. These laws provide the framework for the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands at both the central and state levels.
International Conventions
India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, which supports the scientific management and sustainable use of wetlands. Currently, India has 75 wetlands listed as Ramsar sites, reflecting its commitment to global wetland conservation efforts.
Assessment and Mapping
The National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA), along with the National Wetlands Change Atlas, uses GIS technology to map and assess the condition of wetlands across India. These tools help monitor changes in wetland health.
Wetlands Rejuvenation and National Wildlife Action Plan
India’s National Wildlife Action Plan emphasizes the conservation of inland aquatic ecosystems and recommends the creation of a National Wetlands Mission. Additionally, the Wetlands Rejuvenation Initiative involves rapid health assessments, stakeholder engagement, and management planning to ensure sustainable wetland restoration.
Despite these efforts, the degradation of wetlands in India, driven by pollution, over-exploitation, and climate change, highlights the need for continued prioritization and effective management.
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