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)
Noise pollution
Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions
Panna LalBegginer
Talk about the connections between India’s increasing urbanization and noise pollution. Explain how noise pollution affects people’s health. (Answer in 150 words)
Dhruv MehtaBegginer
Examine how community involvement and citizen science contribute to the discovery and treatment of hotspots for soil deterioration in India.
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Citizen science and community participation are vital in identifying and remediating soil degradation hotspots in India, particularly in rural and marginalized areas where government resources may be limited. By engaging local communities in monitoring soil health, these initiatives harness local knRead more
Citizen science and community participation are vital in identifying and remediating soil degradation hotspots in India, particularly in rural and marginalized areas where government resources may be limited. By engaging local communities in monitoring soil health, these initiatives harness local knowledge and ensure that interventions are tailored to specific environmental and socio-economic conditions. In the identification phase, citizen science enables communities to collect and analyze data on soil quality, including the indicators such as pH levels, organic content, and erosion rates. This grassroots involvement increases the accuracy and relevance of data, as local participants are familiar with the land and its history. Smartphone apps, simple testing kits, and participatory mapping are tools that facilitate this process, empowering communities to actively contribute to environmental monitoring. For remediation, community participation ensures that solutions are culturally appropriate and sustainable. Initiatives like agroforestry, organic farming, and the use of traditional soil conservation techniques can be more effectively implemented when driven by local stakeholders. Moreover, community-led projects often garner greater buy-in and commitment, as residents have a direct interest in the health. The role of citizen science and community participation not only enhances the identification and remediation of soil degradation but also fosters environmental stewardship.
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Rishi SharmaBegginer
The excessive and indiscriminate mining of sand has significantly greater ecological costs than advantages. Talk about the significance of sustainable sand mining in this setting. (Answer in 150 words)
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Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), sand is a minor mineral. Main sources of sand are agricultural fields, riverbeds and floodplains, coastal and marine sand, lakes and reservoirs. Sand mining is done for use in the construction sector and to extract minerRead more
Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), sand is a minor mineral. Main sources of sand are agricultural fields, riverbeds and floodplains, coastal and marine sand, lakes and reservoirs. Sand mining is done for use in the construction sector and to extract minerals such as Rutile, Ilmenite and Zircon which contain useful elements Titanium and Zirconium. Sand is used in making glass, ceramics, silicon chips, solar panels, detergents, toothpastes etc.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), sand, along with gravels, are the most extracted minerals-accounting for 69-85% of the minerals mined every year. Further, the construction sector has grown at a fast rate because of rapid urbanization and infrastructure growth and government initiatives like Housing for All. Thus, the demand for sand is increasing every year leading to excessive as well as indiscriminate and illegal mining of sand.
Adverse impact of excessive sand mining can be seen in following ways:
Sand mining, when done at an optimum level, removes excessive sediment deposit in rivers. However, unscientific sand mining depletes river minerals at rates which the river system cannot replenish. Excessive mining undermines the ability of riverbeds and riverbanks to support the infrastructure built on them.
In this context, sustainable sand mining can help ecology in following ways:
- Ensure the conservation of the river equilibrium and its natural environment by protection & restoration of the ecological system.
- Avoid aggradation at the downstream reach especially those with hydraulic structures such as jetties, water intakes etc. and to ensure the rivers are protected from bank and bed erosion beyond its stable profile.
- Ensure there is no obstruction to the river flow, water transport and restoring the riparian habitats.
- Prevent groundwater pollution by prohibiting sand mining on fissures where it works as a filter prior to ground water recharge.
- Flooding is reduced as bed elevations and flood heights decrease, reducing hazard for human occupancy of floodplains and the possibility of damage to engineering works.
Therefore, to ensure sustainable sand mining, the Government of India has launched a Sand Mining Framework to ensure sustainable sand mining practices. Imported sand is also being promoted as an alternative to excessive sand mining.
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TeamSupreme
Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Purpose: Briefly introduce the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) by the WHO. Context: Mention the significance of air quality for public health. Key Points of the Revised Guidelines Expanded Pollutant Coverage: Fact: The revised AQGs cover six pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, ...
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Model Answer Introduction The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently released revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs), which provide key recommendations for reducing air pollution and protecting public health. Key Points of the Revised Guidelines Expanded Pollutant Coverage: The revised AQGsRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently released revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs), which provide key recommendations for reducing air pollution and protecting public health.
Key Points of the Revised Guidelines
- Expanded Pollutant Coverage: The revised AQGs cover six pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO). This broader coverage reflects a more comprehensive understanding of air pollution’s health impacts.
- Stricter Limits: The guidelines introduce stricter limits for air pollutants. For instance, the annual average for PM2.5 should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter, while the 24-hour average should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter. Similar limits are established for other pollutants, emphasizing the need for improved air quality.
Changes from the 2005 Update
- Time Gap: The previous update of the AQGs was in 2005, making this revision the first in nearly two decades. This gap highlights the need to address emerging scientific evidence and changing global air pollution patterns.
- Inclusion of New Pollutants: The 2021 revision includes guidelines for additional pollutants, such as PM2.5 and PM10, which were not covered in the 2005 update and are known to have severe health effects.
India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and Required Changes
- Stringent Targets: To align with the revised WHO guidelines, India’s NCAP needs to establish more stringent targets for reducing particulate matter concentrations. The existing targets, aiming for a 20% to 30% reduction by 2024, should be revised to reflect the stricter limits recommended by WHO.
- Enhanced Implementation: The NCAP should focus on effective implementation of measures to achieve the revised air quality standards, including stricter regulations for industries and the promotion of cleaner technologies.
- Comprehensive Approach: An integrated approach is necessary, considering regional air pollution patterns and coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies and communities.
- Public Awareness and Participation: The NCAP should emphasize public engagement to encourage citizen participation in combating air pollution through education and sustainable practices.
Conclusion
To achieve the revised air quality standards recommended by WHO, India’s NCAP must undergo significant changes, adopting more stringent targets and a comprehensive approach to effectively combat air pollution.
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TeamSupreme
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 ...
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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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