Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define biodiversity: Variety and variability of life on Earth, encompassing species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity. Define sustainability: Responsible use of resources to meet current needs without compromising future generations. Briefly introduce how biodiversity supports sustainability. 2. Role of Biodiversity ...
Model Answer India's Vulnerability to Natural Disasters India is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to several geographical factors: Location: India is situated on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it seismically active. As a result, regions such as northern IndRead more
Model Answer
India’s Vulnerability to Natural Disasters
India is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to several geographical factors:
- Location: India is situated on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it seismically active. As a result, regions such as northern India, including parts of Kashmir and Uttarakhand, are prone to frequent earthquakes.
- Coastline: With over 7,500 km of coastline, India faces threats from cyclones, storm surges, and coastal flooding, especially in densely populated coastal regions like Odisha, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
- River Systems: Major rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra frequently cause floods, especially during the monsoon. The large populations along these riverbanks are at risk from flood-related disasters.
- Himalayan Region: The fragile ecosystem in the Himalayas makes the region susceptible to landslides, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and avalanches, which are exacerbated by climate change.
- Drought-prone Areas: Regions such as Rajasthan and Gujarat face frequent droughts due to low rainfall and arid conditions, leading to water scarcity and agricultural distress.
Measures Adopted for Disaster Risk Reduction
To address these challenges, India has implemented several measures:
- Early Warning Systems: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and other agencies use technologies like weather radars, seismic sensors, and satellite imaging to provide timely alerts for cyclones, floods, and earthquakes.
- Example: IMD issues cyclone alerts and tracks storms to warn affected regions.
- Building Codes and Infrastructure: Strict building codes ensure that structures in high-risk areas can withstand natural disasters. Cyclone shelters in Odisha’s coastal areas are an example of this initiative.
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The NDMA coordinates disaster management efforts at the national level, formulating policies, plans, and providing technical support to states.
- Disaster Response and Relief: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF) are responsible for search, rescue, and relief operations during disasters.
- Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction: Local-level disaster management committees and community training programs help enhance resilience.
- Reforestation and Conservation: Afforestation and conservation projects in areas like the Himalayas help mitigate landslides, soil erosion, and floods.
- Risk Assessment and Mapping: Vulnerability mapping helps in planning targeted interventions, such as the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP), which focuses on cyclone-prone areas.
- International Cooperation: India collaborates with neighboring countries and global organizations to share knowledge and resources for disaster risk reduction.
Conclusion
Despite India’s geographical vulnerability to natural disasters, the country has made significant progress in disaster risk reduction. Continued investment in infrastructure, early warning systems, and community resilience will be key to enhancing India’s ability to mitigate and respond to these challenges.
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Model Answer Introduction Biodiversity, the variety and variability of life on Earth, plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainability. Sustainability refers to the responsible use of resources to meet present needs without compromising future generations. Biodiversity contributes to this by ensurinRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Biodiversity, the variety and variability of life on Earth, plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainability. Sustainability refers to the responsible use of resources to meet present needs without compromising future generations. Biodiversity contributes to this by ensuring ecosystem stability, providing essential services, and supporting economic and cultural practices.
Ecosystem Stability
Biodiversity enhances the resilience and stability of ecosystems, allowing them to better withstand disturbances like climate change, natural disasters, or invasive species. For example, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia provides natural protection against storms and serves as a habitat for numerous marine species, demonstrating the stabilizing role of biodiversity.
Essential Ecosystem Services
Biodiversity supports essential services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, water purification, and climate regulation. The Everglades in the United States, for instance, provide clean water to millions, illustrating how ecosystems with high biodiversity maintain crucial resources for human survival and environmental health.
Genetic Resources
Genetic diversity within species is vital for developing new crop varieties, medicines, and other products. Conserving this genetic pool ensures options for future generations. Biodiversity thus secures the genetic resources needed to address future challenges and maintain food and health security.
Economic and Cultural Value
Biodiversity supports industries like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, contributing to economic stability. For instance, pollinators like bees are responsible for producing fruits and vegetables worth billions of dollars annually. Additionally, biodiversity is integral to cultural practices, as seen in India’s sacred groves, which help preserve local ecosystems and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, biodiversity is essential for the sustainability of both ecosystems and human societies. By safeguarding biodiversity, we ensure ecosystem services, economic stability, and cultural heritage for future generations. Effective conservation, sustainable practices, and global cooperation are key to promoting long-term sustainability through biodiversity preservation.
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