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Home/upsc: pollution & degradation/Page 3

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Manan Deshmukh
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Manan DeshmukhBegginer
Asked: July 27, 2024In:
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Examine how well India’s frameworks for managing and monitoring water quality are working to combat the issue of water pollution.

upsc: pollution & degradation
  1. Meena Mehara
    Meena Mehara Learner

    Effectiveness of India's Water Quality Monitoring and Management Frameworks in Addressing Water Pollution 1. Introduction India faces significant challenges in managing water pollution due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural runoff. Effective water quality monitoring and managRead more

    Effectiveness of India’s Water Quality Monitoring and Management Frameworks in Addressing Water Pollution

    1. Introduction

    India faces significant challenges in managing water pollution due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural runoff. Effective water quality monitoring and management frameworks are crucial for tackling these challenges and ensuring the sustainability of water resources. This analysis evaluates the effectiveness of India’s frameworks and highlights recent examples to illustrate their impact.

    2. Key Frameworks for Water Quality Monitoring and Management

    a. National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWMP)

    • Overview: The NWMP, initiated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), monitors water quality across various river basins and other water bodies in India. It assesses parameters such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total coliforms.
      • Recent Example: In 2023, the CPCB reported a decline in water quality in the Ganga River, primarily due to high levels of BOD and coliforms, prompting renewed efforts for clean-up and monitoring.

    b. National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

    • Overview: Launched in 1995, the NRCP aims to reduce pollution in major rivers through pollution abatement projects, including sewage treatment and industrial effluent control.
      • Recent Example: The Namami Gange program, a key NRCP initiative, has seen improvements in the Ganga’s water quality in some stretches due to the construction of sewage treatment plants and riverfront development projects. However, challenges persist, especially in urban areas.

    c. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs)

    • Overview: SPCBs and PCCs are responsible for enforcing environmental regulations at the state and regional levels. They monitor industrial discharge, sewage management, and compliance with water pollution standards.
      • Recent Example: In Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has been active in addressing industrial pollution in the Mula-Mutha River by implementing stricter effluent standards and penalizing non-compliant industries.

    3. Effectiveness of the Frameworks

    a. Strengths

    • Improved Data and Transparency: Enhanced data collection and public reporting through platforms like the National River Conservation Plan Dashboard have increased transparency.
      • Recent Example: The Water Quality Portal by CPCB provides real-time data on water quality, which helps stakeholders make informed decisions.
    • Enhanced Sewage Treatment Infrastructure: The construction of sewage treatment plants and the adoption of better waste management practices have led to improvements in water quality in some urban areas.
      • Recent Example: Bengaluru has seen progress in managing sewage through the implementation of new wastewater treatment plants under the Kensington project.

    b. Challenges

    • Insufficient Coverage and Data Gaps: Despite improvements, there are gaps in monitoring coverage and data accuracy, leading to incomplete assessments of water quality across all regions.
      • Recent Example: In Delhi, reports indicate that monitoring stations are often overwhelmed or under-equipped, resulting in data gaps that hinder effective management.
    • Ineffective Enforcement: Enforcement of regulations is often weak, with many industries and municipalities failing to comply with pollution control standards.
      • Recent Example: In Kanpur, industrial discharge continues to pollute the Ganga River due to inadequate enforcement and outdated treatment facilities.
    • Limited Integration and Coordination: Fragmented responsibilities between various agencies and levels of government can lead to inefficiencies and lack of coordination.
      • Recent Example: The Yamuna River clean-up efforts have struggled due to coordination issues between the central and state governments, impacting the overall effectiveness of the clean-up measures.

    4. Policy and Programmatic Interventions

    a. Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks

    • Updated Regulations: Revising and updating water pollution standards to address emerging pollutants and challenges is essential.
      • Recent Example: The Environment Protection Act, 1986, has been amended to include stricter norms for industrial effluents, but effective implementation remains a challenge.
    • Enhanced Penalties and Compliance Mechanisms: Implementing stricter penalties for violations and improving compliance mechanisms can deter polluters.
      • Recent Example: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has introduced stricter penalties for non-compliance with air quality standards, which could be a model for water pollution control.

    b. Promoting Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)

    • Holistic Approach: Adopting IWRM principles to integrate water quality management with broader environmental and development goals can improve overall effectiveness.
      • Recent Example: The Sujalam Sufalam project in Gujarat integrates water conservation with watershed management and community participation, demonstrating an integrated approach to water resource management.
    • Community Participation and Awareness: Encouraging community involvement in monitoring and managing local water resources can enhance effectiveness.
      • Recent Example: Pune’s Swaach Pune initiative involves local communities in maintaining water quality and managing wastewater, showing positive outcomes in community-driven water management.

    c. Investing in Technology and Innovation

    • Advanced Monitoring Technologies: Leveraging new technologies such as remote sensing and IoT-based water quality monitoring systems can enhance data accuracy and coverage.
      • Recent Example: The National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) is developing advanced data collection and monitoring systems to improve water quality assessments across India.
    • Innovative Wastewater Treatment Solutions: Investing in and promoting new wastewater treatment technologies, such as decentralized treatment systems, can address gaps in existing infrastructure.
      • Recent Example: Hyderabad has implemented decentralized wastewater treatment systems in residential areas, improving local water quality and reducing the load on centralized plants.

    5. Conclusion

    India’s water quality monitoring and management frameworks have made notable progress in addressing water pollution, but significant challenges remain. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting integrated water resource management, and investing in technology and community participation are crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of these efforts. Addressing these challenges with comprehensive and coordinated strategies will be key to ensuring sustainable water quality management in the future.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 23, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Contextual Background Mention the global scale of solid waste generation: approximately 11.2 billion tonnes annually (World Bank, 2018). Highlight the environmental impact: 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste decay. Body Impediments in Disposing of Discarded Solid Wastes Lack of ...

upsc: pollution & degradation
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction Every year, approximately 11.2 billion tonnes of solid waste are generated globally, contributing to about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions due to the decay of organic waste (World Bank, 2018). The increasing volume of waste underscores the urgent need for effective diRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    Every year, approximately 11.2 billion tonnes of solid waste are generated globally, contributing to about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions due to the decay of organic waste (World Bank, 2018). The increasing volume of waste underscores the urgent need for effective disposal solutions and the safe removal of hazardous substances from our environment.

    Impediments in Disposing of Discarded Solid Wastes

    Lack of Awareness and Education

    A significant barrier to effective waste management is the lack of public awareness regarding proper disposal practices. Many individuals do not recognize the environmental impacts of improper waste disposal or the benefits of recycling (UNEP, 2021).

    Inadequate Infrastructure

    Insufficient waste management infrastructure poses a critical challenge. Many regions lack the facilities necessary for effective waste segregation, collection, and treatment. The scarcity of landfills, recycling centers, and waste treatment plants severely limits the ability to manage solid waste efficiently (OECD, 2020).

    Financial Constraints

    Financial limitations greatly hinder waste management efforts. Many municipalities, especially in developing countries, struggle to allocate sufficient funds for waste management initiatives, resulting in inadequate collection and disposal services (World Bank, 2018).

    Limited Institutional Capacity

    Weak governance and a lack of coordination among government agencies further impede waste management. Ineffective policies and limited institutional capacity can prevent the implementation and enforcement of waste management regulations (UNEP, 2021).

    Removing Toxic Wastes Safely from the Environment

    Identification and Assessment

    The first step in managing toxic waste is to identify contaminated sites. Comprehensive assessments help determine the extent of contamination and identify hazardous substances.

    Risk Analysis and Management

    Subsequent risk analyses evaluate the potential dangers posed by toxic wastes, prioritizing areas for cleanup and determining suitable remediation techniques (EPA, 2020).

    Cleanup and Remediation

    Cleanup involves various methods, including excavation, soil washing, and bioremediation. Employing specialized equipment and trained personnel ensures the safe handling of toxic materials.

    Monitoring and Follow-up

    Post-cleanup, continuous monitoring is essential to verify the effectiveness of remediation efforts and ensure environmental safety.

    Public Awareness and Participation

    Engaging communities in education and decision-making processes is vital for addressing toxic waste issues effectively (UNEP, 2021).

    Conclusion

    To overcome the challenges of waste disposal, comprehensive strategies that promote waste reduction, recycling, and advanced treatment technologies are essential. Implementing proper disposal methods is crucial for the safe removal of toxic waste from our environment.

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Puja Singh
  • -1
Puja SinghBegginer
Asked: June 22, 2024In:
  • -1

How is the environment being affected by the growing amount of plastic pollution? Talk about the most recent international actions done to combat the threat of plastic pollution. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: pollution & degradation
  1. ANGEL NAGPAL
    ANGEL NAGPAL Begginer
Devendra Singhal
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Devendra SinghalBegginer
Asked: June 24, 2024In:
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Talk about how invading alien species affect the ecosystem and the socioeconomic system. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: pollution & degradation
  1. Raj laxmi
    Raj laxmi Begginer
    This answer was edited.

    Environmental Impacts: Invasive alien species compete with native species for resources, reducing biodiversity. They change habitats, nutrient cycles, and water systems, which can lead to ecosystem collapse. Example: Zebra mussels in North American waterways block pipes, push out native mussels, andRead more

    • Environmental Impacts:
      • Invasive alien species compete with native species for resources, reducing biodiversity.
      • They change habitats, nutrient cycles, and water systems, which can lead to ecosystem collapse.
      • Example: Zebra mussels in North American waterways block pipes, push out native mussels, and alter aquatic ecosystems.
    • Socio-Economic Impacts:
      • Invasive alien species harm farming, fishing, and forestry, causing significant economic losses.
      • Example: The emerald ash borer has destroyed ash trees in North America, leading to losses in the timber industry and higher costs for removing and replacing trees.
      • Invasive alien species can spread diseases and allergens, affecting human health.
      • Example: The Asian tiger mosquito carries diseases like dengue fever and chikungunya, increasing health risks and public health costs.
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Strong prevention, early detection, and quick response strategies are needed.
      • Raising public awareness and working together internationally are crucial for controlling the spread of invasive alien species.
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Kumudini Lakhia
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Kumudini LakhiaEnthusiast
Asked: January 21, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly define plastics and their widespread use in daily life. State the importance of addressing plastic pollution due to its environmental and climate change impacts. 2. Contribution of Plastics to Climate Change Highlight the various stages of plastic production ...

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

    Model Answer Extraction & Transportation: The production of plastics begins with the extraction and transportation of oil, gas, and coal, which are carbon-intensive processes. Plastics alone account for 4-8% of global oil consumption annually (World Economic Forum), contributing significantly toRead more

    Model Answer

    1. Extraction & Transportation: The production of plastics begins with the extraction and transportation of oil, gas, and coal, which are carbon-intensive processes. Plastics alone account for 4-8% of global oil consumption annually (World Economic Forum), contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
    2. Refining and Manufacturing: The manufacturing process of plastics, including refining and polymerization, releases considerable greenhouse gases. For example, the refinement of plastics emits 184 to 213 million metric tons of GHGs each year, adding to the overall carbon footprint.
    3. Plastic Waste Management: When plastics are disposed of, methods such as landfilling, recycling, and incineration also contribute to GHG emissions. Landfills alone, where much of the single-use plastic waste is sent, account for more than 15% of global methane emissions.
    4. Ocean Plastic Pollution: Plastics in oceans continue to contribute to climate change by degrading and releasing GHGs. Additionally, microplastics hinder plankton, which play a key role in absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere, thereby exacerbating the effects of climate change.

    Why India Struggles to Control Plastic Pollution

    Despite several efforts, India faces multiple challenges in controlling plastic pollution.

    1. Inadequate Infrastructure: A significant portion of plastic waste (about 40%) ends up in landfills due to insufficient infrastructure for collection, segregation, and disposal (CPCB report 2019-2020). The lack of recycling facilities further exacerbates the problem.
    2. Weak Enforcement: Even though regulations like the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024, have been put in place, enforcement remains weak. Local authorities have failed to shut down units producing banned single-use plastics, allowing plastic pollution to continue.
    3. Public Awareness and Behavior: Awareness campaigns on the dangers of plastic pollution are limited and not sustained, making it difficult to change consumer habits. Moreover, affordable alternatives are scarce, slowing down the shift toward more sustainable options.
    4. Policy Gaps: Although some single-use plastics were banned, only 19 items were targeted, leaving many other plastic products in circulation. Additionally, non-recyclable materials like multi-layered packaging are still permitted.

    In conclusion, India needs stronger enforcement of regulations, better waste management infrastructure, and sustained public awareness efforts to address plastic pollution effectively.

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Team
  • 0
TeamSupreme
Asked: August 22, 2024In:
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Oil pollution: what is it? What effects does it have on the marine environment? How exactly can oil pollution hurt an Indian nation like this? (150 words)[UPSC 2023]

upsc: pollution & degradation
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction Oil pollution is the introduction of oil substances, primarily from human activities, into oceans and coastal waters. This pollution has severe and long-lasting effects on the marine ecosystem, affecting not only wildlife but also human communities reliant on these ecosysteRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    Oil pollution is the introduction of oil substances, primarily from human activities, into oceans and coastal waters. This pollution has severe and long-lasting effects on the marine ecosystem, affecting not only wildlife but also human communities reliant on these ecosystems.

    Sources of Oil Pollution

    Natural Sources

    • Seepages: Natural seepages occur in various parts of India, releasing oil into coastal waters. For instance, the Coal Oil Point Seep in the US has parallels in India’s coastal regions.
    • Volcanic Eruptions: Regions like the Indian Ocean, with underwater volcanoes, pose risks of oil pollution from volcanic activities.
    • Erosion: Geological formations, such as those in the Assam Basin, can lead to oil being washed into water bodies, presenting environmental risks.

    Anthropogenic Sources

    • Oil Spills: Major incidents like the Deepwater Horizon spill and the 2017 Chennai oil spill highlight the dangers of oil spills affecting marine life.
    • Industrial Runoff: Industrial activities near water bodies have led to significant pollution, such as the oil spill in the Sundarbans.
    • Marine Transportation: The transportation of oil poses ongoing risks; for example, the Exxon Valdez spill and the 2010 Mumbai oil spill demonstrate this threat.

    Impacts on the Marine Ecosystem

    • Physical Smothering: Oil can envelop marine creatures, as seen in the Exxon Valdez spill, hindering their movement.
    • Toxic Effects: The Deepwater Horizon accident showed that oil toxicity can cause hormonal imbalances in marine fauna.
    • Reproductive Issues: Marine species often face reproductive challenges due to oil exposure, threatening population viability.
    • Food Chain Disruption: The Chennai oil spill disrupted natural diets, affecting marine food webs.

    Specific Impacts on India

    • Threat to Biodiversity: Oil pollution threatens India’s marine biodiversity, particularly in coral reefs like those in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
    • Impact on Fisheries: Events such as the MV Rak spill near Mumbai have drastically reduced fish catches, impacting local livelihoods.
    • Tourism Decline: Oil spills can tarnish tourist destinations like Goa, affecting the tourism industry.
    • Community Livelihoods: Coastal communities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu face economic and cultural threats due to polluted marine ecosystems.

    Conclusion

    To protect its rich marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities, India must implement stringent measures against oil pollution. This includes regulatory frameworks, technological innovations, and community engagement strategies to mitigate the devastating impacts of oil spills.

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Kanhiya Lal
  • 1
Kanhiya LalBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
  • 1

Describe the distinctions between bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Additionally, describe how they are harmful to both human health and the environment.

upsc: pollution & degradation
  1. Rubi Gautam
    Rubi Gautam Begginer

    Few substances, especially non- biodegradable ones (which cannot be metabolized by the living organism) have the ability to move through various trophic levels. The movement of these substances involves two main processes: Bio-accumulation: It is the process of gradual increase in the concentrationRead more

    Few substances, especially non- biodegradable ones (which cannot be metabolized by the living organism) have the ability to move through various trophic levels. The movement of these substances involves two main processes:

    • Bio-accumulation: It is the process of gradual increase in the concentration of toxic elements within the body of a particular organism. In general, the concentration of such pollutants becomes higher in the body of the organism compared to the external environment. It happens when the accumulating rate is much higher than the removal rate. Therefore, if the lifetime of the substance is higher, the impact of it also gets higher. Bioaccumulation occurs at the base of a food web, usually within primary producers like phytoplankton.
    • Bio-magnification: It is the process in which the concentration of the toxic elements increases at the successive trophic levels in a food chain. It occurs when slightly larger organisms, such as zooplankton feed upon the contaminated phytoplankton and in turn absorb POPs into their own tissues at a higher concentration. These pollutants bio-magnify along food chains because successive trophic levels consume relatively large quantities of biomass (food) to ob tain the resources required for metabolic functioning. If that hiomass is contaminated, the contaminant will be taken up in large quantities by the consumer.

    Hence, bio-accumulation occurs within a trophic level while bio-magnification occurs between trophic levels.

    Their effects include

    • Impact on human health: Bio-magnification makes humans more prone to cancers, organ failure, respiratory disorders, birth defects, brain damage, heart diseases etc. For instance, diseases like hepatitis and cancer have been attributed to consuming seafood that has been poisoned by mercury (Minamata disease) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
    • Effects on aquatic life: The various toxic chemicals and elements accumulate in the vital organs of the various aquatic creatures affecting their reproduction and development. For instance, seabird eggs are laid with thinner shells than normal, and can result in the birds crushing their eggs instead of incubating them. Increased concentration of Mercury in an organism damages the nervous, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. Bio-accumulation of DDT can cause sterility etc.
    • Disruption of the food chain: Many sea creatures depend on the natural food chain for survival. When chemicals and other toxins are carried into the soils, rivers, lakes or oceans and taken up by various organisms, it disrupts the interconnected relationships within the food chain.
    • Destruction of the coral reefs: The coral reefs are destroyed by cyanide which is used in leaching gold and in fishing. The reefs provide for spawning, feeding, and dwelling grounds for numerous sea creatures. When destroyed, the survival of aquatic creatures is highly compromised.
    • Effect on ecosystem: The destruction of keystone species due to bio-accumulation of toxic elements can disrupt the entire food chain and ultimately the entire ecosystem.

    Effective solutions to these problems include elimination of the use of toxic elements like some harmful heavy metals, following proper safety measures and guidelines while using and disposing the toxic elements, increasing awareness among people about the issue ete.

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Rubi Gautam
  • 1
Rubi GautamBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
  • 1

Microplastics: what are they? Analyze the effects of pollution from microplastics. Include suggestions for a comprehensive approach to solving this issue.

upsc: pollution & degradation
  1. Umang Singh Yadav
    Umang Singh Yadav Expert

    Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5mm in size originating from broken down larger plastics or intentionally produced microbeads, contaminating environments and harming ecosystems. Impacts of Microplastic Pollution - Harms environments through ocean contamination, harming marine lifRead more

    Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5mm in size originating from broken down larger plastics or intentionally produced microbeads, contaminating environments and harming ecosystems.

    Impacts of Microplastic Pollution –

    1. Harms environments through ocean contamination, harming marine life, disrupting ecosystems and contaminating water sources, soil and air, causing physical and chemical damage to biodiversity and human health.
    2. Poses health risks through ingestion, inhalation and skin contact potentially causing physical harm, toxic chemical transfer, inflammation, oxidative stress and long term effects like cancer, reproductive issues and neurological damage.
    3. Socio economic implications affecting fisheries, tourism and coastal communities resulting in economic losses, livelihood disruptions, food insecurity and decreased quality of life with estimated annual costs exceeding billions.

    Ways to deal with Microplastic Pollution –

    1. Individuals can combat microplastic pollution by reducing single use plastics, recycling, using reusable bags/bottles/straws, avoiding microbeads, buying in bulk, choosing eco friendly products participating in clean ups and properly disposing of waste.
    2. Community initiatives to combat microplastic pollution include organizing cleanups, establishing recycling programs, promoting education and awareness campaigns, collaborating with local businesses, developing community gardens and implementing waste reduction challenges and initiatives.
    3. Government policies to combat microplastic pollution include banning single use plastics, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), enacting waste management laws, funding research and monitoring and establishing microplastic free zones and taxes on plastic products.
    4. Technological innovations to combat microplastic pollution include developing biodegradable plastics, microplastic detecting sensors, advanced waste sorting and recycling systems, ocean cleanup systems and wastewater treatment technologies with microplastic removing filters.

     

    Microplastic pollution requiring collective action from individuals, communities, governments and industries to mitigate its devastating environmental, health and socio economic impacts through sustainable solutions.

     

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Ram Lal
  • 0
Ram LalBegginer
Asked: June 22, 2024In:
  • 0

List the national and international actions that have been implemented to address land degradation and desertification, emphasizing their negative effects. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: pollution & degradation
  1. Kavita Singh
    Kavita Singh Learner

    Land degradation is defined as a negative trend in land condition, caused by direct or indirect human induced processes, including anthropogenic climate change, expressed as long-term reduction or loss of at least one of the following: biological productivity, ecological integrity, or value to humanRead more

    Land degradation is defined as a negative trend in land condition, caused by direct or indirect human induced processes, including anthropogenic climate change, expressed as long-term reduction or loss of at least one of the following: biological productivity, ecological integrity, or value to humans. Desertification, on the other hand, refers to the land degradation within dryland regions (arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions), which turns fertile land into a desert. As per the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India, around 29.7% of India’s total geographical area underwent land degradation during 2018-19. Impacts of land degradation and desertification

    • Agricultural production decreases with soil degradation which in turn affects agricultural income leading to associated deprivations in health, education, and living standards.
    • It reduces the land’s ability to store water resulting in water scarcity, which affects production potential of the industrial sector as well as household work.
    • Loss of livelihood and other benefits associated with productive land forces people to migrate to other areas in search of economic opportunities. The influx of climate migrants in other areas lead to societal tensions owing to limited resources.
    • Negative health outcomes and diseases are also observed in regions as it creates ground for zoonotic disease, water and foodborne diseases and respiratory diseases. Moreover, there are higher threats of malnutrition from reduced food and water supplies.
    • It affects tourism potential of the region owing to loss of scenic beauty and ecosystem services.

    National level initiatives

    • India is a party to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which has pledged to reach land degradation neutrality targets by 2030.
    • India promotes sustainable land management practices in agriculture sector through schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Card Scheme, Soil Health Management Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna, Per Drop More Crop, etc. which are helping to reduce land degradation.
    • The Ministry of Environment consolidated the intervention on participatory forest management through the National Forest Policy, 1988, and then through enabling guidelines in 1990 on Joint Forest Management.
    • The Ministry of Environment is also implementing three major schemes for development of forest areas ie., National Afforestation Programme scheme, National Mission for a Green India and Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme.

    International initiatives

    • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification established in 1994 is the legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
    • Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation mechanism aims to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
    • Bonn Challenge launched by Germany and IUCN in 2011, has a global goal to bring 150 million hectares of degraded and deforested landscapes into restoration by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030.
    • Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation aims to strengthen the implementation of existing frameworks to prevent, halt, and reverse land degradation within G20 member states and globally.

    Land is the fundamental building block for supporting all lives and livelihoods. Restoration of land can start a virtuous cycle of good soil health, increased land productivity, food security and improved livelihoods. With its own efforts, India is already on the way to achieve land degradation neutrality (LDN) by 2030.

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Meera Singh
  • 0
Meera SinghBegginer
Asked: June 29, 2024In:
  • 0

Assess the National Clean Air Programme’s (NCAP) results. In what ways might Mission Life revitalize the NCAP to tackle the problem of air pollution? (Answer in 150 words) (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: pollution & degradation
  1. Arun G
    Arun G Begginer

    Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January, 2019 with an aim to improve air quality in 131 cities in 24 States and UTs by engaging all stakeholders. The programme envisages to achieve reductions up to 40% or achievement of NatiRead more

    Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January, 2019 with an aim to improve air quality in 131 cities in 24 States and UTs by engaging all stakeholders. The programme envisages to achieve reductions up to 40% or achievement of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter10 (PM 10) concentrations by 2025-26.
    Measures taken by the government to improve air quality-
    1. Reducing vehicular emissions by introducing schemes like Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric vehicles, enhancing public transport by introducing metro rails connecting more cities.
    2.Tightening emission norms for thermal power plants, installation of online continuous emission monitoring devices and ban on use of pet coke and furnace oil in NCR, and ban on use of pet coke in processes in cement plants, lime kilns and calcium carbide manufacturing units.
    3.Public Grievances and Response System (PGRS) is developed under NCAP and Air quality monitoring cell has been constituted across the country in NCAP Cities.
    Outcomes of the national Clean Air Programme-
    A recent study conducted by the Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences reveals majority of the cities are far from the clean air targets of the NCAP.
    ◻ There seems to be a mixed progress among cities, while some of them like Varanasi ,Agra shows a decline others like Delhi reported marginal decline or sometimes even increased pollution loads.
    ◻ Lack of ambient Air Quality Monitoring systems in cities – Delhi and Mumbai have several such stations while others only have a hand full.
    ◻ The indo-gangetic plain remains highly vulnerable to elevated particulate matter concentrations (18 out of 20 most polluted cities).
    ◻ The varying results can be attributed to different factors like geographical locations, diverse emission sources and even meteorological factors.
     
    Mission Lifestyle for Environment- the objective of this mission is to promote and encourage a sustainable and environmentally conscious way of living.
    Mission Life can help to revitalize the NCAP in the following manner
    1.Encourage people to use  public transport systems in metro cities to avoid congestion and the resulting pollution due to individual vehicles.
    2.Local bodies should persuade the residents to hand over the plastic waste instead of incinerating them and should heavily  fine those who don’t comply.
    3.Promotion and adoption  of advanced Electric Vehicle technology especially in public transport systems through subsidies and benefits .
    4.Systematically phasing out coal based thermal plants and giving way to Renewable energy generation.
    5.Persuading manufacturers to produce more durable , recyclable plastic containers to ensure that they are not easily damaged and casted out as waste.
    6. Spreading awareness among farmers about the environmental defects of stubble burning and suggest them viable alternative means.
    Results suggest that the NCAP needs a makeover , region specific planning and Mission life with its pro planet people approach can help reinvigorate it.

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