Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

me/upsc_pdf

Measures to Protect Wetlands ................84

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands ...........84
Ramsar Sites in India ............................86
Contents
Wetlands International ..........................93

Solved Environment Prelims Questions National Wetlands Conservation Page

(2011-15) ............................................... 3 Programme (NWCP) ...............................94
|1
Environment ........................................32 Estuarine Ecosystem ...........................94

Habitat ..................................................32 India Estuarine Ecosystem ....................96

Biosphere ..............................................33 Mangroves .............................................96

Ecosystem .............................................33 Environmental Degradation ................99

Components of an Ecosystem ................34 Human Modified Ecosystems and

Environmental Degradation .................100
Ecology .................................................37
Environmental Issues in Himalayas .....102
Ecotone .................................................42
Soil erosion .........................................105
Ecological Niche ....................................43
Desertification .....................................109
Functions Of Ecosystem .....................44
Pollution ............................................110
Ecological Succession ............................44
Air Pollution ........................................110
Homeostasis ..........................................48
Classification of Pollutants ..................111
Homeostasis in Ecosystem ....................49
Prevention and Control of air Pollution 115
Energy Flow Through an Ecosystem –
Trophic Levels .....................................50 Government Initiative ..........................118

Food Chain............................................50 Smog ...................................................119

Food Web ..............................................52 Sulfurous smog ...................................119

Biotic Interaction ...................................53 Photochemical smog ............................120

Ecological Pyramids...............................55 Effects of Smog ....................................121

Pollutants And Trophic Level .................58 Question: UPSC Mains 2015................121

Biogeo Chemical Cycling or Nutrient Ozone Hole – Ozone Depletion .............122

Cycling .................................................60 Polar Vortex ........................................123
Nutrient Cycles......................................60 Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) .......124
Carbon Cycle [Gaseous Cycle]................61 Harmful Effects of Ozone Depletion .....125
Nitrogen Cycle [Gaseous Cycle] ..............62 Measures to Prevent Ozone (O3) Layer
Phosphorus Cycle [Sedimentary cycle] ...66 Depletion.............................................126

Sulphur Cycle [Sedimentary cycle] .........67 Acid Rain – Acidification ......................127

Natural Ecosystem...............................68 Ocean Acidification ..............................131

Biomes or Terrestrial Ecosystems ..........69 Water Pollution....................................133

Eutrophication – Algal Bloom ................78 Causes of Water Pollution ....................133

Harmful Algal Blooms ............................79 Ground Water .....................................136

Aquatic Ecosystems...............................80 Water Pollution Control Measures .......138

Wetland Ecosystem .............................82 Effects of Water Pollution ....................140

[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Water Conservation and Management..143 Insectivorous plants of India ................217

Radioactive Pollution ...........................150 Indian Vulture Crisis .........................218
Impact Of Radiation From Mobile Phone Major Global Environmental Issues ..222
Towers ................................................153 Climate Change ...................................222
Soil Pollution .......................................154 Greenhouse Effect ...............................222 Page
Noise Pollution ....................................156 Greenhouse Effect And Global Warming | 2
Solid Wastes ........................................156 Due to Greenhouse Gases ...................222
Hazardous Waste ................................158 Greenhouse Gases...............................223
Electronic waste | E – WASTE .............159 Global Warming – Impacts ...................225
Heavy Metal Toxicity And Methods Of Some methods to reduce CO2 in
Their Prevention ..................................161 atmosphere .........................................226
Occupational Health Hazards ..............162 Major International Conventions to
Treatment and disposal of solid waste .163 Protect Environment .........................229

Environmental Impact Assessment ..165 UNCED - Earth Summit 1992, Rio De

janeiro Brazil .......................................229
Biodiversity .......................................172
Convention on Biological Diversity .......230
Biodiversity of India .............................174
United Nations Convention to Combat
Wildlife Diversity Of India ....................177 Desertification (UNCCD) ......................231
Loss of Biodiversity..............................178 UNFCCC: United Nations Framework
Man - Animal Conflict..........................180 Convention on Climate Change ............231
Culling of animals – Conservation or Kyoto Protocol .....................................233
Biodiversity loss?.................................180 Flexible Market Mechanisms – Kyoto
Invasive Alien Species ..........................182 Protocol ...............................................235
Species Extinction ...............................185 Important Summits Post Kyoto ............237
Biodiversity Conservation .................185 Lima Summit, 2014 .............................239
Historic Citizen Movements to Conserve Paris summit, 2015 .............................240
Biodiversity .........................................191 REDD & REDD+ ..................................243
Biodiversity Hot Spots .........................191 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Indian Biodiversity Hot Spots ..............192 Change................................................244
World Heritage Sites ............................193 Global Environment Facility ................244
International Union for Conservation of Transition to green economy ................245
Nature .................................................194 Arctic Council......................................246
IUCN Red List or Red Data List or Red India's National Action Plan On Climate
Book ...................................................196 Change................................................246
2015 IUCN Red List India [As of April 24, Indian Network On Climate Change
2016] ..................................................197 Assessment .........................................249
Steps Taken by the Government for National Environmental Legislation .....249
Wildlife Protection ...............................215
Pollution Related Acts..........................249
Misc ....................................................215
Environment and Biodiversity Related Acts
Insectivorous Plants ............................216 ...........................................................250

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Acts for Protecting Coastal Environment If you found any mistakes, inform me
and Wetlands ......................................256 at poormansfriend2485@[Link] or My
FB
Green Revolution – Modern Agriculture Page: [Link]
...........................................................266 sFriend2485
Second Green Revolution For Sustainable
Livelihood ............................................267 I advise you to first go through the full notes Page
before trying to understand these question.
Concept Of Sustainable Agriculture .....269 |3
Methods Of Sustainable Agriculture ....270 2011-2012
Biotechnology – Genetically Modified (GM)
Q1. Which one of the following is not a site
...........................................................276 for in-situ method of conservation of flora?
Newer Agricultural Practices ................278
a. Biosphere Reserves
Crop Classifications.............................281
b. Botanical Garden
Renewable & Non-Conventional Sources c. National Park
Of Energy ...........................................285 d. Wildlife Sanctuary
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
In situ conservation = on the site conservation
(MNRE)................................................290 without displacing the affected organism.
Non-Renewable Sources Of Energy ......292
Energy conservation ............................297 Ex situ conservation = conserving the
organism in an artificial habitat by displacing
Solved Environment Prelims Questions it from its natural habitat.
(2011-15)
Botanical Garden = Plants are bred in a
Solved Environment Prelims Questions protected environment far from their natural
(2011-15) home, especially for research purposes. So its
Ex situ conservation.
 The questions from the previous 3-4 years’
prelims papers help us understand the Rest all along with protected forests and
nature of questions asked in prelims and reserved forests are In situ conservation
the trend the UPSC is following. methods.
 Environment is the high priority topic for
prelims and can be studied in relatively Answer: b) Botanical Garden
less hours compared to other subjects
[Very High Cost to Benefit Ration]. Q2. What is the difference between the
antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
Here I have not given explanation to
location based question [Location of a. Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid
Biosphere reserves, Tiger reserves, National areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live
Parks etc.]. in steppes and semi-desert areas of
cold high mountains. .
I will come up with a separate notes on b. Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas
Location Based Question that are Chiru is poached for its musk.
important for Prelims under Geography and c. Oryx exists in western India only
Environment. whereas Chiru exists in north-east
India only.
Most of the questions below are explained in d. None of the statements a, b, and c
detail under respective headings. given above is correct.

They are both antelopes.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Q4. Consider the following:

1. Black-necked crane
2. Cheetah
3. Flying squirrel
4. Snow leopard
Page
Answer: a) Which of the above are naturally found in
|4
India ?
Q3. Among the following States, which one
has the most suitable climatic conditions a. 1, 2 and 3 only
for the cultivation of a large variety of b. 1, 3 and 4 only
orchids with minimum cost of production, c. 2 and 4 only
and can develop an export oriented d. 1, 2, 3 and 4
industry in this field ?
Black-necked crane is commonly found in
a. Andhra Pradesh Tibetan and trans-Himalayan region. In
b. Arunachal Pradesh winters they migrate to less colder regions of
c. Madhya Pradesh Indian Himalayas.
d. Uttar Pradesh
Cheetah is an extinct species. They have gone
Orchids are decorative flowering plants. They extinct during pre-independence era. Reason:
grow in regions with moderate climatic They were hunted down by various Indian
conditions [Sub-tropics with decent rainfall] kings and British officers.

They are typical to North-Eastern states. Flying Squirrels are found in many Indian
forests.
Great demand for these decorative flowering
plants exists in South-East Asian region. Snow leopard is an ‘endangered’ specie found
in the Himalayan ranges.
Answer: b)

Answer: b) 1, 3 and 4 only b. Indian wild ass

c. Indian wild boar
Q5. A sandy and saline area is the natural d. Indian Gazelle
habitat of an Indian animal species. The
animal has no predators in that area but its Sandy saline area = Kutch region
existence is threatened due to the
destruction of its habitat. Which one of the Indian wild buffalo = Terai region
following could be that animal?
Indian wild boar = can survive in different
a. Indian wild buffalo types of habitat: grasslands,

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

taiga, tropical rainforests, but they prefer life d. 3 only

in deciduous forests.
IUCN is an NGO. It publishes Red data book
Chinkara (Indian gazelle) = Thar desert which contains a list of ‘Threatened species’
(vulnerable, endangered and critically
Answer: b) Indian wild ass endangered).
Page
Q6. Consider the following kinds of Answer: b) 2 only
organisms |5
Q8. Which one of the following groups of
1. Bat animals belongs to the category of
2. Bee endangered species?
3. Bird
a. Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red
Which of the above is/are pollinating Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
agent/agents? b. Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and
Great Indian Bustard
a. 1 and 2 only c. Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus
b. 2 only Monkey and Saras (Crane)
c. 1 and 3 only d. Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull,
d. 1, 2 and 3 Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

Pollination = transfer of pollen from stamen to As of 2016, the status of most of these
pistil. animals has changed. Outdated question.

Bees are well known pollinators. Q9. The Himalayan Range is very rich in
species diversity. Which one among the
Birds help in pollination while trying to catch following is the most appropriate reason for
insects or trying to suck nectar. this phenomenon?

Bats help in pollination while trying to catch a. It has a high rainfall that supports
insects. [Bats are pollinators – Mentioned luxuriant vegetative growth.
several times in NCERT] b. It is a confluence of different bio
geographical zones.
Answer: All c. Exotic and invasive species have not
been introduced in this region.
Q7. The ‘Red Data Books’ published by the d. It has less human interference.
International Union for Conservation of
Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Explanation:
contain lists of
Options c) and d) are wrong statements.
1. Endemic plant and animal species
present in the biodiversity hotspots. Options a) and b) are correct statements.
2. Threatened plant and animal species.
3. Protected sites for conservation of
nature & natural resources in various
countries.

Which of the statement given above is/are

correct ?

a. 1 & 3
b. 2 only
c. 2 & 3
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

The top soil is continuously washed

away = nutrients are also washed away
= leaching of nutrients = very little
fertility remains in top soil = most of
the seeds don’t germinate for years =
regeneration is very slow (it takes
decades). But the layer below top soil Page
(sub-soil) is very fertile. So plants grow
very quickly once their roots reach the | 6
sub-soil and if they receive enough
sunlight.
2. propagules of the trees in a rain forest
have poor viability: Propagule =
detachable structure that can give rise
to a new plant, e.g. a bud, sucker, or
spore [Asexual Reproduction in plants].
Seed bearing plants are more
significant than Propagules in
rainforest. So propagules don’t really
matter.
Greater Diversity is due to 3. the rain forest species are slow-
growing: The plant species in
1. various types of forests found along the rainforests compete for sunlight. So
Himalayas Ranges [Shiwaliks, they grow as rapidly as they can.
Himachal and Himadri]. 4. exotic species invade the fertile soil of
2. Vertical zonation of vegetation [chief rain forest: this statement is wrong as
characteristic of Himachal and the rainforest soil is heavily leached.
Himadri]. Hence they are not fertile. But exotic
invasive species are a threat to rain
Answer is b) forests (E.g. Most plantation crops like
rubber, palm etc.).
Q10. If a tropical rain forest is removed, it
does not regenerate quickly as compared to
Answer: a)
a tropical deciduous forest. This is because
Q11. When the bark of a tree is removed in
a. the soil of rain forest is deficient in a circular fashion all around near its base,
nutrients it generally dries up and dies because
b. propagules of the trees in a rain forest
have poor viability a. Water from soil cannot rise to aerial
c. the rain forest species are slow-growing parts.
d. exotic species invade the fertile soil of b. Roots are starved of energy
rain forest. c. Tree is infected by soil microbes
d. Roots do not receive oxygen for
Explanation: respiration

1. the soil of rain forest is deficient in

nutrients: Rainforest = Rainfall through
the year. It rains almost every day =

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
|7

Answer: b) roots are starved of energy as the c. 1, 3 and 4 only

phloem (food carrying tissue) is cut off. d. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q12. Consider the following: Answer: c) CFCs were used as refrigerants,

pressurizing agents (foam and aerosol cans)
1. Photosynthesis and for cleaning electronic equipment.
2. Respiration
3. Decay of organic matter Q14. Consider the following:
4. Volcanic action
1. Carbon dioxide
Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the 2. Oxides of Nitrogen
carbon cycle on Earth ? 3. Oxides of Sulphur

a. 1 and 4 only Which of the above is/are the

b. 2 and 3 only emission/emissions from coal combustion at
c. 2,3 and 4 only thermal power plants ?
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4
a. 1 only
Answer: c) Photosynthesis takes out b. 2 and 3 only
CO2 from carbon cycle. Rest all ads CO2. c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Q13. Consider the following statements:
Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone- Burning coal releases CO, CO2, sulphur
depleting substances, are used dioxide and oxides of nitrogen – air pollutants.

1. in the production of plastic foams Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3.

2. in the production of tubeless tyres
3. in cleaning certain electronic Q13. Consider the following statements:
components Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-
4. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans depleting substances, are used

Which of the statements given above is/are 1. in the production of plastic foams
correct? 2. in the production of tubeless tyres
3. in cleaning certain electronic
a. 1, 2 and 3 only components
b. 4 only 4. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Which of the statements given above is/are Q17. The acidification of oceans is
correct? increasing. Why is this phenomenon a
cause of concern?
a. 1, 2 and 3 only
b. 4 only 1. The growth and survival of calcareous
c. 1, 3 and 4 only phytoplankton will be adversely
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4 affected. Page
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs
|8
Answer: c) CFCs were used as refrigerants, will be adversely affected.
pressurizing agents (foam and aerosol cans) 3. The survival of some animals that have
and for cleaning electronic equipment. phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely
affected.
Q15. The increasing amount of carbon 4. The cloud seeding and formation of
dioxide in the air is slowly raising the clouds will be adversely affected.
temperature of the atmosphere, because it
absorbs Which of statements given above is / are
correct?
a. the water vapour of the air and retains
its heat. a. 1, 2 and 3 only
b. the ultraviolet part of the solar b. 2 only
radiation. c. 1 and 3 only
c. all the solar radiations. d. 1, 2, 3 and 4
d. the infrared part of the solar radiation
Explanation:
Answer: d) the infrared part of the solar
radiation (outgoing radiation). Ocean acidification decreases the calcifying
ability of corals, calcareous plankton,
Among GHGs, only water vapor has the ability crustaceans etc. It also adversely affects cloud
to absorb both incoming (UV) and outgoing formation and cloud seeding. So Options 1, 2
(infrared) radiation. and 4 are correct [Detailed explanation is
given under “Ocean Acidification”].
Q16. The formation of ozone hole in the
Antarctic region has been a cause of Answer: d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
concern. What could be the reason for the
formation of this hole? Q18. Regarding "carbon credits", which one
of the following statements is not correct?
a. Presence of prominent tropospheric
turbulence; and inflow of a. The carbon credit system was ratified in
chlorofluorocarbons conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol
b. Presence of prominent polar front and b. Carbon credits are awarded to
stratospheric clouds; and inflow of countries or groups that have reduced
chloro fluorocarbons greenhouse gases below their emission
c. Absence of polar front and quota
stratospheric clouds; and inflow of c. The goal of the carbon credit system is
methane and chloro fluorocarbons. to limit the increase of carbon emission
d. Increased temperature at polar region quota
due to global warming d. Carbon credits are traded at a price
fixed from time to time by the United
Answer: b) Presence of prominent polar front Nations Environment Programme.
and stratospheric Clouds and inflow of
chlorofluorocarbons. [Explained in the Post on Answer d) Carbon credit prices are traded
Ozone Depletion] on an exchange. So their prices are never
fixed.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Q19. With reference to India, consider the  Maritime Zones of India (Regulation
following Central Acts: and Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act.
1980
1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947.  Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
2. Mining and Mineral Development  Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
(Regulation) Act, 1957 Act, 1981
3. Customs Act, 1962  Agricultural and Processed Food Page
4. Indian Forest Act, 1927 Products Export Development Authority
Act, 1985/1986 |9
Which of above Acts have relevance to/bearing  Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
on the biodiversity conservation in the  Spices Board Act, 1986
country?  National Dairy Development Board,
1987
a. 1 and 3 only  Rules for the manufacture,
b. 2,3 and 4 only use/import/export and storage of
c. 1,2,3 and 4 hazardous microorganisms/ genetically
d. None of the above Acts engineered organisms or cells, 1989
 Foreign Trade (Development and
Answer: c) all Regulation) Act, 1992 [Imports and
Exports (Control) Act, 1947 got
Central Acts and Rules having Relevance to repealed with the enactment of
Foreign Trade (Development And
Biodiversity Conservation
Regulation) Act, 1992.]
 Protection of Plant Varieties and
 Fisheries Act, 1897
Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001
 Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914
 Biological Diversity Act, 2002
 The Indian Forest Act, 1927
 Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import
 Agricultural Produce (Grading and
into India) Order, 2003
Marketing) Act,1937
 Biological Diversity Rules, 2004
 Indian Coffee Act, 1942 Import and
 The Food Safety and Standards Act,
Export (Control) Act, 1947
2006
 Rubber (Production and Marketing) Act,
 Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional
1947
Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
 Tea Act, 1953
Rights) Act, 2006.
 Mining and Mineral Development
(Regulation) Act,1957
 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Q20. The National Green Tribunal Act,
1960 2010 was enacted in consonance with
 Customs Act, 1962 which of the following provisions of the
 Cardamom Act, 1965 Constitution of India?
 Seeds Act, 1966
 The Patents Act, 1970 1. Right to healthy environment,
 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 construed as a part of part of Right to
 Marine Products Export Development life under Article 21.
Authority Act,1972 2. Provision of grants for raising the level
 Water (Prevention and Control of of administration in the Scheduled
Pollution) Act, 1974 Areas for the welfare of Scheduled
 Tobacco Board Act, 1975 Tribes under Article 275(1)
 Territorial Water, Continental Shelf,
Exclusive Economic Zone and other Which of the statements given above is/are
Maritime Zones Act, 1976 correct ?
 Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

d. Neither 1 nor 2 technique is not only environment friendly,

but also highly cost-effective.
Answer: a)
Answer: a) remediation of oil sludge and oil
Q21. How does National Biodiversity spills
Authority (NBA) help in protecting the
Indian agriculture? Q23. Government of India encourages the Page
cultivation of 'sea buckthorn'. What is the
1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects importance of this plant ? | 10
the indigenous and traditional genetic
resources. 1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and
2. NBA directly monitors and supervises in preventing desertification.
the scientific research on genetic 2. It is a rich source of biodiesel.
modification of crop plants. 3. It has nutritional value and is well-
3. Application for intellectual Property adapted to live in cold areas of high
Rights related to genetic / biological altitudes.
resources cannot be made without the 4. Its timber is of great commercial value.
approval of NBA.
Which of the statements given above is /are
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
correct?
a. 2, 3 and 4 only
a. 1 only b. 1 and 3 only
b. 2 and 3 only c. 1, 2, 3 and 4
c. 1 and 3 only d. 1 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Q24. Two important rivers - one with its
The top biotech regulator in India for source in Jharkhand (and known by a
Genetically Modified Organisms is Genetic different name in Odisha), and another,
Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). with its source in Odisha - merge at a place
only a short distance from the coast of Bay
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This
is an important site of wildlife and bio-
Q22. Recently, ‘oilzapper’ was in the news. diversity and a protected area. Which one
What is it? of the following could be this ?

a. It is an eco-friendly technology for the a. Bhitarkanika

remediation of oil sludge and oil spills. b. Chandipur-on-sea
b. It is the latest technology developed for c. Gopalpur-on-sea
under- sea oil exploration. d. Simlipal
c. It is a genetically engineered high
biofuel yielding maize variety. Simlipal National Park is far away from coast.
d. It is the latest technology to control the
accidentally caused flames from oil Chandipur-on-sea and Gopalpur-on-sea are
wells. tourist destinations with resorts. There is no
significant wildlife or bio-diversity.
Explanation:
Answer: a) Bhitarkanika
Using bioremediation techniques, TERI has
developed a mixture of bacteria called Q25. A particular State in India has the
‘Oilzapper and Oilivorous-S’ which degrades following characteristics:
the pollutants of oil-contaminated sites,
leaving behind no harmful residues. This 1. It is located on the same latitude which
passes through northern Rajasthan.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

2. It has over 80% of its area under forest Select the correct answer using the codes
cover. given below.
3. Over 12% of forest cover
constitutes Protected Area Network in a. 1, 2 and 3 only
this State. b. 2 only
c. 1, 3 and 4 only
Which one among the following States has all d. 1, 2, 3 and 4 Page
the above characteristics?
| 11
Lion-tailed macaque is found in Western
a. Arunachal Pradesh Ghats. So AP is the odd option.
b. Assam
c. Himachal Pradesh Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only
d. Uttarakhand
Q4. Which of the following is/are unique
2013 characteristic/characteristics of equatorial
forests?
Q1. Consider the following pairs:
1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with
1. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve: Garo Hills crowns forming a continuous canopy
2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range 2. Coexistence of a large number of
3. Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills species
3. Presence of numerous varieties of
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly epiphytes
matched?
Select the correct answer using the code given
a. 1 only below:
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1, 2 and 3 a. 1 only
d. None b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
Q2. Consider the following pairs about d. 1, 2 and 3
parks and rivers passing through them:
Equatorial Vegetation
1. Corbett National Park: Ganga
2. Kaziranga National Park: Manas  High temperature and abundant
3. Silent Valley National Park: Kaveri rainfall support a luxuriant tropical
rain forest.
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly  In the Amazon lowlands, the forest is so
matched? dense that it is called ‘selvas'. [selvas:
A dense tropical rainforest usually
having a cloud cover (dense canopy)]
a. 1 and 2
 All plants struggle upwards
b. 3 only
(most ephiphytes) for sunlight
c. 1 and 3
resulting in a peculiar layer
d. None
arrangement [Canopy].
Q3. In which of the following States is lion-
tailed macaque found in its natural
habitat?

1. Tamil Nadu
2. Kerala
3. Karnataka
4. Andhra Pradesh

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Old World monkeys are located in Africa,

central to southern Asia, Japan, and India.

Page
| 12

Answer: Too easy. d) All

Q5. Consider the following fauna of India:

1. Gharial
2. Leatherback turtle
3. Swamp deer Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Which of the above is/are endangered? Q7. Consider the following animals:

a. 1 and 2 only 1. Sea cow

b. 3 only 2. Sea horse
c. 1, 2 and 3 3. Sea lion
d. None
Which of the above is/are
1 and 2 are ‘Critically Endangered’ 3 is mammal/mammals?
‘Vulnerable’. Outdated question
a. 1 only
Q6. Consider the following b. 1 and 3 only
c. 2 and 3 only
1. Star tortoise d. 1, 2 and 3
2. Monitor lizard
3. Pygmy hog  Sea cow (Dugong) found in shallow
4. Spider monkey Indian seas is a herbivorous mammal
 Sea lion is also a mammal.
Which of the above found in India?  Sea horse is a Bony Fish.

a. 1, 2 and 3 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 4 only
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Google results don’t show Spider Monkey in

India.

Spider monkeys are New World monkeys.

Monkeys and apes of the Old World.

The New World monkeys are found in Mexico,

Central America, and South America, and the
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Answer: b) 1 and 3 only d. 1, 2 and 3

Q8. Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been Explanation:

used in rehabilitating degraded sites
because mycorrhiza enables the plants to All the above three adds to nitrogen cycle.

1. resist drought and increase absorptive Burning coal releases CO, CO2, sulphur Page
area dioxide and oxides of nitrogen – air pollutants. | 13
2. tolerate extremes of pH
3. Resist disease infestation Oxides of nitrogen fall on earth as acid rain.
Acidic rain is a complex mixture of nitrous,
Select the correct answer using the codes nitric, sulfurous and sulfuric acids which all
given below: combine to lower the pH.

a. 1 only But, the question says “Which of the following

b. 2 and 3 only adds/add nitrogen to the soil?”
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3 1. Animal Waste like Urea, Uric acid and
Death of vegetation add nitrogen in the
Answer: d) all [Explained under “Sustainable form of nitrates directly into soil.
Agriculture”] 2. Coal combustion ads nitrogen to
atmosphere and from there it falls back
Q9. Consider the following organisms to earth in the form of acid rain and
acid rain adds nitrogen to soil.
1. Agaricus
2. Nostoc [Link]
3. Spirogyra does_5117705_burning-fuels-affect-nitrogen-
[Link] says:
Which of the above is/are used as
biofertilizer/biofertilizers “The release of nitric oxides into the air in
large quantities causes smog and acid
a. 1 and 2 rain that pollutes the atmosphere, soil and
b. 2 only water and affects plants and animals. The
c. 2 and 3 increase in nitrogen and nitrous oxide is
d. 3 only caused by automobiles, power plants and a
wide variety of industries.
Answer: b) 2 only [Not sure]
As nitrous oxides filter into soil, it loses
Nostoc is a nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria. nutrients like calcium and potassium, which
are essential for maintaining a balance in
Q10. Which of the following adds/add plant ecosystems. With the loss of these
nitrogen to the soil? compounds, soil fertility declines. Also, soils
become significantly more acidic.”
1. Excretion of urea by animals
2. Burning of coal by man And
3. Death of vegetation also [Link]
ok/[Link] says:
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below. “The main component of the nitrogen cycle
starts with the element nitrogen in the air.
a. 1 only Two nitrogen oxides are found in the air as a
b. 2 and 3 only result of interactions with oxygen. Nitrogen
c. 1 and 3 only will only react with oxygen in the presence of
high temperatures and pressures found
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

near lightning bolts and in combustion Select the correct answer using the codes
reactions in power plants or internal given below.
combustion engines. Nitric oxide, NO, and
nitrogen dioxide, NO2, are formed under these a. 1 only
conditions. Eventually nitrogen dioxide may b. 2 and 3 only
react with water in rain to form nitric acid, c. 1 and 3 only
HNO3. The nitrates thus formed may be d. 1, 2 and 3 Page
utilized by plants as a nutrient (so, soil gets
nitrogen from acid rain).” | 14
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only

So, soil gets nitrogen from acid rain. Q13. Due to improper/indiscriminate
disposal of old and used computers or their
From this, I feel Burning of coal by man adds parts, which of the following are released
nitrogen to soil but indirectly though acid into the environment as e-waste?
rain.
1. Beryllium
The answer depends on how you interpret the 2. Cadmium
question. 3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
Answer: Official UPSC Key says answer is c) 5. Mercury
1 and 3 only. 6. Lead
7. Plutonium
If you have anything more to add write it at
poormansfriend2485@[Link] Select the correct answer using the codes
given below.
Q11. Contour bunding is a method of soil
conservation used in a. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
b. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
a. desert margins, liable to strong wind c. 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
action d. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
b. low flat plains, close to stream courses,
liable to flooding Explanation:
c. scrublands, liable to spread of weed
growth Heptachlor is a Chlorohydrocarbon (CHC)
d. None of the above which is used as an insecticide.

Counter bunding is used along with terracing Plutonium is a radioactive metal and hence
to protect sloped surfaces. not used in computers.

Answer: d) None So, answer should not contain either 4) or 7).

Q12. With reference to the usefulness of Answer: b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only

the by-products of sugar industry, which of
the following statements is/are correct? Q14. Which of the following can be found
as pollutants in the drinking water in some
1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel parts of India?
for the generation of energy.
2. Molasses can be used as one of the 1. Arsenic
feedstocks for the production of 2. Sorbitol
synthetic chemical fertilizers. 3. Fluoride
3. Molasses can be used for the 4. Formaldehyde
production of ethanol. 5. Uranium

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Select the correct answer using the codes

given below.

a. 1 and 3 only
b. 2, 4 and 5 only
c. 1, 3 and 5 only
d. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Page
| 15
Explanation:

Easiest option is 3) Fluoride. So, (b) can be

eliminated.

Next easiest option is Arsenic (Heavy metal).

Damn!

Nest easiest option is Uranium. Many columns

are written on uranium mining and its ill-
effects. So, (a) also can be elevated. (a) and (b)
eliminated. (c) and (d) remains.

The knowledge of either “Sorbitol” or Q16. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of
“Formaldehyde” will tell us the answer. environment by

Formaldehyde is more known than sorbitol. a. carbon dioxide and nitrogen

Googling didn’t give me any authentic source b. carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
that called formaldehyde a water pollutant. It c. ozone and carbon dioxide
is used a preservative to preserve human d. nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide
organs. It finds some application in textile,
resign and wood industry. Explanation:

Answer: c) 1, 3 and 5 only Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxides of

nitrogen and oxides of sulphur in atmosphere
Sorbitol (glucitol) is a sugar alcohol with a can cause acid rains.
sweet taste which the human body
metabolizes slowly. Both b) and d) are correct. But d) has more
influence than b)
Q15. Which one among the following
industries is the maximum consumer of Answer: d) nitrous oxide and sulphur
water in India? dioxide

a. Engineering Q17. Photochemical smog is a resultant of

the reaction among
b. Paper and pulp
c. Textiles
d. Thermal power a. NO2, 03 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the
presence of sunlight
b. CO, 02 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the
presence of sunlight
c. CO, CO2 and N02 at low temperature
d. High concentration of N02, O3 and CO
in the evening

Explanation:

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 When pollutants such as nitrogen 1. A food chain illustrates the order in

oxides (primary pollutant) and volatile which a chain of organisms feed upon
organic compounds (primary each other. (True)
pollutant) react together in the 2. Food chains are found within the
presence populations of a species. (Man won’t eat
of SUNLIGHT, OZONE (Secondary man – so, false)
pollutant) and peroxyacetyl nitrate 3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of Page
(PAN) (Secondary pollutant) are formed. each organism which are eaten by
others (food web illustrates the number | 16
Reactions involved not the food chain).

Answer: a)

Q19. Which one of the following terms

describes not only the physical space
occupied by an organism, but also its
functional role in the community of
organisms?

a. Ecotone
b. Ecological niche
 Photochemical (summer smog) is c. Habitat
formed when the primary pollutant d. Home range
NO2 reacts with secondary pollutants
03 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the Answer: b) Niche
presence of sunlight.
Explanation:
Answer: a) NO2, 03 and peroxyacetyl
nitrate in the presence of sunlight  Ecotone – zone of transition between
two ecosystems. E.g. grasslands,
Q18. With reference to food chains in mangroves etc.
ecosystems, consider the following  Habitat – surroundings in which an
statements: organism lives.
 Home Range - Ahome range is the area
1. A food chain illustrates the order in in which an animal lives and moves on
which a chain of organisms feed upon a daily or periodic basis.
each other.
2. Food chains are found within the Q20. With reference to the food chains in
populations of a species. ecosystems, which of the following kinds of
3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of organism is / are known as decomposer
each organism which are eaten by organism/organisms?
others.
1. Virus
Which of the statements given above is / are 2. Fungi
correct? 3. Bacteria
a. 1 only Select the correct answer using the codes
b. 1 and 2 only given below.
c. 1, 2 and 3
d. None
a. 1 only
b. 2 and 3 only
Explanation: c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Explanation: Q22. Which one of the following is the

correct sequence of ecosystems in the
 Fungi and Bacteria are decomposers. order of decreasing productivity?
They breakdown organic matter into
simple inorganic substances. a. Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
 Virus represents dormant life. They are b. Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
metabolically inactive as long as they c. Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans Page
are outside a host body. They are not d. Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands
| 17
decomposers. They invade host cells
and use their nucleus (DNA machinery) Explanation:
to carry out their life processes.
 Protists are unicellular organisms, such Productivity = production/unit area/unit time
as paramecium and euglena. They're
not decomposers either. Production/unit area depends on number and
diversity of producers.
Answer: b)
From the topics discussed in this post, we can
Q21. In the grasslands, trees do not replace
say that transitional zones (Ecotones) have
the grasses as a part of an ecological
very high productivity compared to normal
succession because of
ecosystems. [Tropical Rainforests is an
exception as it has productivity comparable to
a. insects and fungi wetlands because of its rich diversity of
b. limited sunlight and paucity of primary producers]
nutrients
c. water limits and fire
In the options, mangroves are transitional
d. None of the above
ecosystems while the rest are normal
ecosystems.
Answer: c)
Remember: Grasslands are not transitional all
Explanation: the time. E.g. Steppe. Non transitional
grasslands have very low productivity because
 Grasses have this one good trick to of very limited diversity of primary producers.
monopolize a place. In dry season the [Grasslands become transitional only when
grasses dry up and cause fires which they are narrow]
destroy other plant species and their
seeds. So the order of decreasing productivity will be
 Also grasslands develop in regions with like
scanty rainfall where plant growth
cannot be achieved.
Mangroves ,…… , …… , ……..
 Though forests form the climax
community in most of the ecosystems,
Oceans = very deep and hence productivity is
but in grassland ecosystem [In the
limited to surface only (Below in the aphotic
grasslands, trees do not replace the
zone productivity is negligible. Aphotic zone in
grasses as a part of an ecological
oceans is few kilometers).
succession] grasses form the climax
community. Thanks to fire and lack of
water. Also surface water in oceans are very poor in
 Grasslands are almost irreversible once nutrients. Nutrient rich cold water flows as a
deforestation in water scarce areas sub-surface flow lying in the aphotic zone.
gives way to grasslands. [Ecological Sunlight and nutrients are far apart and
Damage] hence primary productivity is very low except
in regions where there is upwelling of nutrient
rich cold water [Cold and Warm current
mixing zones].

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

So open ocean ecosystem has the least Q3. In India, the problem of soil erosion is
productivity. [Desert ecosystem also has very associated with which of the following?
low productivity, lesser than oceans].
1. Terrace cultivation
So, the answer will look like Mangroves, 2. Deforestation
………., ………, Oceans. 3. Tropical climate
Page
The only such option is c) Select the correct answer using the code given
| 18
below.
Answer: c) Mangroves, grasslands, lakes,
oceans. a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 only
Lakes just like oceans have low productivity. c. 1 and 3 only
But due to some plants in photic zone, lakes d. 1, 2 and 3
have productivity slightly greater than that of
oceans. Terrace cultivation is a method to prevent soil
erosion.
2014
Soil erosion occurs in all climates.
Q1. Which one of the following is the
process involved in photosynthesis? Answer: b) 2 only

a. Potential energy is released to form free Q4. Lichens, which are capable of initiating
energy ecological succession even on a bare rock,
b. Free energy is converted into potential are actually a symbiotic association of
energy and stored
c. Food is oxidized to release carbon a. algae and bacteria
dioxide and water b. algae and fungi
d. Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide c. bacteria and fungi
and water vapour are given out d. fungi and mosses

Answer: b) Sunlight (free energy) is More of a biology question. Fungus provides

converted into carbohydrates (potential shelter, water and minerals to the algae and,
energy) using water and carbon dioxide. in return, the alga provides food
Oxygen is released in the process. (photosynthesis).
Q2. Which of the following adds/add carbon Q5. Conserving Biodiversity
dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet
Earth?
The most important strategy for the
conservation of biodiversity together with
1. Volcanic action traditional human life is the establishment of
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
a. biosphere reserves
4. Decay of organic matter
b. botanical gardens
c. national parks
Select the correct answer using the code given d. wildlife sanctuaries
below.
Answer: a) biosphere reserves [Explained
a. 1 and 3 only under “Biodiversity Conservation”]
b. 2 only
c. 1, 2 and 4 only
Q6. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Zones’, which of the following statements
is/are correct?

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that 3. Kolleru

are declared under the Wildlife Lake
(Protection) Act, 1972. Confluence of Musi and Krishna
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-
Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
of human activities, in those zones matched?
except agriculture. Page
a. 1 only
| 19
Select the correct answer using the code given b. 2 and 3 only
below. c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
a. 1 only
b. 2 only Answer: a) 1 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2 Q9. Which of the following have coral
reefs?
Eco-Sensitive Zones are declared
under Environmental (Protection) Act, 1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
1986. 2. Gulf of Kutch
3. Gulf of Mannar
Eco-Sensitive Zones are transitional areas 4. Sunderbans
where human activity is regulated but not
prohibited. Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
Answer: d) Neither
a. 1, 2 and 3 only
Q7. Consider the following pairs b. 2 and 4 only
c. 1 and 3 only
1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram d. 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim
3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland Explanation:

Which of the above pairs is /are correctly

matched?

a. 1 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c) 1 and 3 only

Q8. Consider the following pairs

Wetlands
Confluence of
rivers

1. Harike
Wetlands
Beas and Satluj/Sutlej
2. Keoladeo Ghana National
Park Banas and Chambal

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

The phenomenon of hibernation can be

observed in which of the above kinds of
animals?

a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 only
c. 1, 2 and 3 Page
d. Hibernation cannot be observed in any
| 20
of the above

[Link]
vertebrata-phylum-chordata/#warm-blooded-
vs-cold-blooded-animals [Hibernation also
explained]

Answer: c) All

Q11. Among the following organisms,

which one does not belong to the class of
other three?

a. Crab
b. Mite
c. Scorpion
d. Spider
Coral reefs don’t form in areas where there is
significant intrusion of fresh water and cold
Insects, Arachnids and Crustaceans are
water.
subphylum of Arthropoda.
Most of the mighty Indian Rivers flow into Bay
Mite, Scorpion and spider are Arachnids,
of Bengal and hence coral reefs are absent on
while Crab is a Crustacean.
the east coast of India.
I missed this concept in biology. So I am
Coral reefs are also absent on west coast of
updating here.
Africa (Benguela Current), South America
(Peruvian or Humboldt Current), Europe
(Canaries Current) and other continents due Arachnids
to cold currents.
 Spiders, harvestmen, mites, ticks and
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Kutch other arachnids are members of the
and Gulf of Mannar are regions where there is class Arachnida.
not significant freshwater intrusion. But
Sunderbans are the mouth of Ganga-
Brahmaputra river system and hence there is
no coral reef formation there.

Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Q10. Consider the following:

1. Bats
2. Bears
3. Rodents

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

a. Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings
b. Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings
c. Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans
d. Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms

Explanation:
Page
 Food chain starts with a producer and
| 21
ends with a top consumer.
 Phytoplankton are the primary
producers in the oceans. They include:

1. diatoms (unicellular algae),

2. coccolithophores (unicellular,
eukaryotic protist),
3. cyanobacteria (Bluegreen algae)–
synechococcus, prochlorococcus,
nostoc, spirogyra etc..
Crustaceans
4. dinoflagellates (flagellated protists).
 Crustaceans make up a large group of So answer is between (a) and (c)
arthropods that includes animals such
as crabs, lobsters, crayfish and shrimp.
 Crustaceans form a very large group of
They breathe with gills and have two
arthropods which includes crabs,
pairs of antennae.
lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, krill and
barnacles.
 Herrings is a fish.
 [Link]
y/ecology/[Link] says Herrings eat
crustaceans.

Answer: (a). Tough question. There will be 3-5

questions like this one where you might have
not even heard the name of the animal or
plant. Don’t worry.. rest 95 will be easy!

Q13. If you travel through the Himalayas,

you are Likely to see which of the following
plants naturally growing there?

1. Oak
Insects 2. Rhododendron
3. Sandalwood
 In general, insects have three-part
bodies, six jointed legs, compound eyes Select the correct answer using the code given
and two antennae. below
 Bees, wasps, beetles, mosquitoes, flies,
grasshoppers, ants, butterflies and a. 1 and 2 only
moths, and dragonflies and damselflies b. 3 only
are common types of insects. c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Q12. Which one of the following is the
correct sequence of a food chain? Explanation:

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Oaks occur in Sub-tropical Broad-leaved Hill 4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other
Forests, Montane Wet Temperate Forests and agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in
Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests [All these the vicinity of rivers
forest types are found in Himalayan regions]
Select the correct answer using the code given
Rhododendron occur in sub-alpine cold below.
desert regions [Himalayan regions]. Page
a. 1 and 2 only
| 22
Sandalwood (Red Sanders) occur in Dry b. 2 and 3 only
Deciduous forests [Ganga plains, South and c. 1, 3 and 4 only
Central India. ]. d. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only 'Susu' or Ganges River Dolphin shares its

habitat with crocodiles, freshwater turtles and
Q14. If you walk through countryside, you wetland birds, many of which are fish eaters
are likely to see some birds stalking and are potential competitors with dolphins.
alongside the cattle to seize the insects,
disturbed by their movement through [Link]
grasses, Which of the following is/are such d_species/cetaceans/about/river_dolphins/ga
bird/birds? nges_river_dolphin/

1. Painted Stork Q16. With reference to two non-

2. Common Myna conventional energy sources called ‘coal
3. Black-necked Crane bed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the
following ‘statements:
Select the correct answer using the code given
below. 1. Coal bed methane is the pure methane
gas extracted from coal seams, while
a. 1 and 2 shale gas is a mixture of propane and
b. 2 only butane only that can be extracted from
c. 2 and 3 fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
d. 3 only 2. In India abundant coal bed methane
sources exist, but so far no shale gas
Black-necked crane feeds on meadows in sources have been found.
higher altitudes of Tibetan plateau.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?

a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Q15. Other than poaching, what are the
possible reasons for the decline in the CBM = Methane
population of Ganges River Dolphins?
Shale gas = Lot of Methane + Little Ethane,
1. Construction of dams and barrages on Propane, & Butane + very little carbon
rivers dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide.
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles
in rivers Abundant shale reserves occur in India
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets
accidentally [Explained in “Economic Geography
Notes” [Link]

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Q17. In India, cluster bean (Guar) is Photovoltaic = The dislodged electrons if

traditionally used as a vegetable or animal channeled through a conductor will create
feed, but recently the cultivation of this electric current (voltage Or potential
has assumed significance. Which one of the difference) = Solar Panels. [Electric current is
following statements is correct in this nothing but movement of electrons from high
context? potential to low potential area (more electrons
to less electrons region)] Page
a. The oil extracted from seeds is used in
| 23
the manufacture of biodegradable Solar thermal = converting light into heat
plastics = solar cooker, solar water heater.
b. The gum made from its seeds is used
in the extraction of shale gas Photovoltaics generate direct current (DC).
c. The leaf extract of this plant has the [Rotating = AC, Stationary = DC. Electric
properties of anti-histamines generator, wind turbine generate AC while
d. It is a source of high quality biodiesel solar panels generate DC]

Gaur is used to make water viscous before Solar thermal is mostly used for water heating
pumping into ground for hydraulic franking purposes. Electricity can be generated by
used to extract shale gas. using hot water steam to rotate turbine = AC
current.
[Explained in “Economic Geography
Notes” [Link] In India both solar panels and solar cookers
are manufactured. [Remember India – USA
Q18. With reference to technologies for WTO ‘domestic content’ dispute?]
solar power production, consider the
following statements: Answer: a) 1 only

1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that Q19. There is some concern regarding the

generates electricity by direct nanoparticles of some chemical elements
conversion of light into electricity, while that are used by the industry in the
‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that manufacture of various products. Why?
utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat
which is further used in electricity 1. They can accumulate in the
generation process. environment, and contaminate water
2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating and soil.
Current (AC), while Solar Thermal 2. They can enter the food chains.
generates Direct Current (DC). 3. They can trigger the production of free
3. India has manufacturing base for Solar radicals.
Thermal technology, but not for
Photovoltaics. Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
Which of the statements given above is / are
correct? a. 1 and 2 only
b. 3 only
a. 1 only c. 1 and 3 only
b. 2 and 3 only d. 1, 2 and 3
c. 1, 2 and 3
d. None Explained under “Air Pollution”

Explanation: Q20. Which of the following are some

important pollutants released by steel
industry in India?
Photoelectric effect = When light strikes on a
material, electrons are dislodged [photons
dislodge electrons]. 1. Oxides of sulphur

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

2. Oxides of nitrogen a. 1, 2 and 3

3. Carbon monoxide b. 2, 3 and 4
4. Carbon dioxide c. 1, 4 and 5
d. 1, 3 and 5
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.  The Arctic Council consists of the eight
Arctic States: Canada, the Kingdom of Page
a. 1, 3 and 4 only Denmark (including Greenland and
| 24
b. 2 and 3 only the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland,
c. 1 and 4 only Norway, Russia, Sweden and the
d. 1,2, 3 and 4 United States.

Explanation: Q23. With reference to ‘Global

Environment Facility’, which of the
Coke is used as fuel in blast furnace. following statements is/are correct?
Combustion of coke releases both CO and
CO2. a. It serves as financial mechanism for
‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and
Oxides of sulphur and oxides of nitrogen are ‘United Nations Framework Convention
common pollutants released when any fossil on Climate Change’.
fuel is burnt. (Coal and iron ore contains b. It undertakes scientific research on
small amount of sulphur. Presence of sulphur environmental issues at global level
makes iron weak) c. It is an agency under OECD to facilitate
the transfer of technology and funds to
Answer: d) All underdeveloped countries with specific
aim to protect their environment.
Q21. Brominated flame retardants are used d. Both (a) and (b)
in many household products like
mattresses and upholstery. Why is there Explanation:
some concern about their use?
GEF is an independent financial organization.
1. They are highly resistant to degradation
in the environment. It may fund scientific research but it is not
2. They are able to accumulate in humans directly involved in scientific research.
and animals.
IPCC takes care of the most of the research
Select the correct answer using the code given work.
below.
Answer: a)
a. 1 only
b. 2 only Q24. If a wetland of international
c. Both 1 and 2 importance is brought under the ‘Montreux
d. Neither 1 nor 2 Record’, what does it imply?

Q22. Consider the following countries: a. Changes in ecological character have

occurred, are occurring or are likely to
1. Denmark occur in the wetland as a result of
2. Japan human interference.
3. Russian Federation b. The country in which the wetland is
4. United Kingdom located should enact a law to prohibit
5. United States of America any human activity within five kilo
meters from the edge of the wetland
Which of the above are the members of the c. The survival of the wetland depends on
‘Arctic Council’? the cultural practices and traditions of

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

certain communities living in its vicinity a. 1 and 2 only

and therefore the cultural diversity b. 3 only,
therein should not be destroyed c. 1 and 3 only
d. It is given the status of ‘World Heritage d. 1, 2. and 3
Site’
World Heritage Convention explained in
The Montreux Record is a register of wetland “Biodiversity”, Rest two under “Fighting Page
sites on the List of Wetlands of International Climate Change-Biodiversity Protection”
| 25
Importance where changes in ecological
character have occurred, are occurring, or are Q27. The scientific view is that the
likely to occur as a result of technological increase in global temperature should not
developments, pollution or other human exceed 2 °C above pre-industrial level. If
interference. It is maintained as part of the the global temperature increases beyond
Ramsar List. 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can
be its possible impact/impacts on the
Answer: a) world?

Q25. With reference to a conservation 1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net

organization called Wetlands International’, carbon source
which of the following statements is/are 2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
correct? 3. All the global wetlands will permanently
disappear.
1. It is an intergovernmental organization 4. Cultivation of cereals will not be
formed by the countries which are possible anywhere in the world.
signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and Select the correct answer using the code given
mobilize knowledge, and use the below.
practical experience to advocate for
better policies. a. 1 only
b. 1 and 2 only
Select the correct answer using the code given c. 2, 3 and 4 only
below. d. 1, 2, 3 and 4

a. 1 only Explanation:
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2 Taiga and temperate forests act as an
d. Neither 1 nor 2 important carbon sink. Global warming by 3°C
will turn these forests into carbon source.
Answer: b) 2 only. Wetlands International is
an NGO Corals are very sensitive to temperature
changes. 3°C rise in global temperature will
Q26. Consider the following international lead to widespread coral mortality.
agreements:
3°C rise in global temperature will lead to
1. The International Treaty on Plant submergence of many low lying coastal
Genetic Resources for Food and wetlands (not all) due to rise in sea levels.
Agriculture Inland wetlands like Keoladeo Ghana National
2. The United Nations Convention to Park will not be effected (it is 100s of
Combat Desertification kilometers away from coast).
3. The World Heritage Convention
Because of the slow inertia, long response
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the time for parts of the climate system, it has
biodiversity? been estimated that we are already committed
to a sea-level rise of approximately 2.3 metres
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

(7.5 ft) for each degree Celsius of temperature c. 2 and 3 only

rise within the next 2,000 years. d. 1, 2 and 3

[Link]  The Bombay Natural History Society,

.abstract?sid=26fd1d37-7276-46e2-9192- founded in 1883, is one of the largest
0931e6ebf6ab non-governmental organizations in
India engaged in conservation and Page
Cultivation of cereals in tropics will take a hit. biodiversity research.
| 26
But in temperate regions their production  It supports many research efforts
increases in the short run. through grants and publishes
the Journal of the Bombay Natural
Answer: b) 1 and 2 only History Society.
 It organizes and conducts nature trails
Q28. Consider the following statements: and camps for the general public.
 Many prominent naturalists, including
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is the ornithologists Sálim Ali and S.
established under the Environment Dillon Ripley, have been associated
(Protection) Act, 1986. with it.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority
is a statutory body. Answer: c) 2 and 3 only
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is
chaired by the Prime Minister. Q30. Consider the following statements
regarding ‘Earth Hour’
Which of the statements given above is/ are
correct? 1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2. It is a movement in which the
a. 1 only participants switch off the lights for one
b. 2 and 3 only hour on a certain day every year.
c. 2 only 3. It is a movement to raise the awareness
d. 1, 2 and 3 about the climate change and the need
to save the planet.
Animal Welfare Board of India is established
under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Which of the statements given above is / are
correct?
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
a. 1 and 3 only
Q29. With reference to Bombay Natural b. 2 only
History Society (BNHS), consider the c. 2 and 3 only.
following statements : d. 1, 2 and 3

1. It is an autonomous organization under Earth Hour

the Ministry of Environment and
Forests.  Earth Hour is a worldwide movement
2. It strives to conserve nature through for the planet organized by the World
action-based research, education and Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
public awareness.  The event is held worldwide annually
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails encouraging individuals, communities,
and camps for the general public. households and businesses to turn off
their non-essential lights for one hour,
Which of the statements given above is/are from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. towards the end
correct? of March, as a symbol for their
commitment to the planet.
a. 1 and 3 only  It was famously started as a lights-off
b. 2 only event in Sydney, Australia in 2007.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Earth Hour engages a massive Nitrification is important in agricultural

mainstream community on a broad systems, where fertilizer is often applied as
range of environmental issues. ammonia. Conversion of this ammonia to
nitrate increases nitrogen leaching because
Answer: c) 2 and 3 only nitrate is more water-soluble than ammonia.

Q31. Every year, a month long ecologically Agricultural fertilization and the use of Page
important campaign/festival is held during nitrogen fixing plants also contribute to
which certain communities/ tribes plant | 27
atmospheric NOx, by promoting nitrogen
saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the fixation by microorganisms. Excess NOx leads
following are such communities/tribes? to acid rain. Acid rain lowers pH of soil
(increase in acidity of soil)
a. Bhutia and Lepcha
b. Gond and Korku The legume–rhizobium symbiosis is a classic
c. lrula and Toda example of mutualism—rhizobia supply
d. Sahariya and Agariya ammonia or amino acids to the plant and in
return receive organic acids as a carbon and
[Link] energy source.
miscellaneous/tp-others/their-own-green-
revolution/[Link] So, excessive/inappropriate use of
nitrogenous fertilizers can make the plants
2015 independent of both symbiotic and free living
nitrogen fixers. Fixers don’t get the food from
Q1. Which of the following National Parks the plants due to broken relationship and
is unique in being a swamp with floating other factors. So their population decreases.
vegetation that supports a rich
biodiversity? Answer: c) 2 and 3 only

a. Bhitarkanika National Park Q3. With reference to the International

b. Keibul Lamjao National Park Union for Conservation of Nature and
c. Keoladeo Ghana National park Natural Resources (IUCN) and the
d. Sultanpur National park Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Q2. What can be the impact of Flora (CITES), which of the following
excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous statements is/are correct?
fertilizers in agriculture?
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations
1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing and CITES is an international
microorganisms in soil can occur. agreement between governments
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take 2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects
place around the world to better manage
3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water natural environments.
can occur. 3. CITES is legally binding on the States
that have joined it, but this Convention
Select the correct answer using the code given does not take the place of national
below. laws.

a. 1 and 3 only Select the correct using the code given below.
b. 2 only
c. 2 and 3 only a. 1 only
d. 1,2 and 3 b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
Explanation: d. 1, 2 and 3

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Explanation: Explanation:

IUCN is an NGO. CITES is an international  Dugong (sea cow) is an herbivorous

agreement between governments (multilateral animal. It eats sea grass and aquatic
treaty). plants found in shallow oceans (At
depths sea grass and aquatic plants
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only don’t grow due to absence of sunlight). Page
 Dugong ‘vulnerable’ herbivorous marine
Q4. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by | 28
mammal.
the power plants using the coal as fuel,
which of the following statements is/are Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
correct?
 Harming endangered (vulnerable,
1. Fly ash can be used in the production endangered, critically endangered)
of bricks for building construction species listed in Schedule 1 of the Act
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement is prohibited throughout India.
for some of the Portland cement  Hunting species, like those requiring
contents of concrete special protection (Schedule II), big
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide game (Schedule III), and small game
and calcium oxide only, and does not (Schedule IV), is regulated through
contain any toxic elements. licensing.
 A few species classified as vermin
Select the correct answer using the code given (Schedule V), may be hunted without
below restrictions.

a. 1 and 2 Answer: c) 1 and 3

b. 2 only
c. 1 and 3 Q6. Which one of the following is the
d. 3 only national aquatic animal of India?

Fly ash does contain heavy toxic elements like a. Saltwater crocodile
arsenic, cobalt, lead etc. b. Olive ridley turtle
c. Gangetic dolphin
Answer: a) 1 and 2 d. Gharial

Q5. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal Q7. Which one of the following regions of
found in India, which of the following India has a combination of mangrove
statements is/are correct? forest, evergreen forest and deciduous
forest?
1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
2. It is found along the entire coast of a. North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
India b. South-West Bengal
3. It is given legal protection under c. Southern Saurashtra
Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) d. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Act, 1972.
Explanation:
Select the correct answer using the code given
below. North Coastal Andhra Pradesh has deciduous
and mangrove forests.
a. 1 and 2
b. 2 only South West Bengal has mangrove, semi-
c. 1 and 3 evergreen and moist deciduous.
d. 3 only

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Southern Saurashtra has dry deciduous and Explanation:

tropical thorn.
 Earth Summit 1992 is also known as
Answer: d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands The United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development
Q8. Which one of the following is (UNCED).
associated with the issue of control and  As a follow-up, the World Summit on Page
phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting Sustainable Development
substances? | 29
(Rio+10) was held in 2002 in
Johannesburg, South Africa.
a. Bretton Woods Conference  In 2012, the United Nations
b. Montreal Protocol Conference on Sustainable
c. Kyoto Protocol Development was also held in Rio, and
d. Nagoya Protocol is also commonly called Rio+20 or Rio
Earth Summit 2012.
Explanation:
Answer: a) United nations Conference on
Bretton Woods Conference established the Sustainable Development
International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD) and the International Q10. Which of the following statements
Monetary Fund (IMF). regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are
correct?
Montreal Protocol is an international treaty to
protect the ozone layer by phasing out the 1. It is intended to assist the developing
production of ozone depleting substances. It is countries in adaptation and mitigation
legally binding. practices to counter climate change.
2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP,
Kyoto Protocol implemented the objective of OECD, Asian Development Bank and
the UNFCCC to fight global warming by World Bank
reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in
the atmosphere to “a level that would prevent Select the correct answer using the code given
dangerous anthropogenic interference with the below.
climate system”. It is binding on the parties.
a. 1 only
Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement b. 2 only
to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity c. Both 1 and 2
(CBD) on “Access to Genetic Resources and d. Neither 1 nor 2
the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits
Arising from their Utilization”. Green Climate Fund

Answer: b)  The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a

fund within the framework of
Q9. What is Rio+20 Conference, often the UNFCCC.
mentioned in the news?  It is a mechanism to redistribute money
from the developed to the developing
a. It is the United nations Conference on world.
Sustainable Development  GCF will help developing countries
b. It is a Ministerial Meeting of the World financially in adapting mitigation
Trade Organization practices to counter climate change.
c. It is a Conference of the Inter-
governmental Panel on Climate Change Answer: a) 1 only
d. It is a Conference of the Member
Countries of the Convention on Q11. Which one of the following National
Biological Diversity Parks has a climate that varies from

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

tropical to subtropical, temperate and b. Geographical Indications of Goods

arctic? (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
c. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
a. Khangchendzonga National park d. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
b. Nandadevi National Park
c. Neora Valley National Park Explanation:
d. Namdapha National park Page
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
| 30
Explanation: (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the
Ministry of Environment and Forests under
Khangchendzonga National park and 'Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export
Nandadevi National Park lies in Greater and Storage of Hazardous
Himalayas (Conifer to Alpine climate) Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered
Organisms or Cells 1989', under the
Neora Valley National Park lies near Darjeeling Environment Protection Act, 1986.
(Shiwaliks) [Sub-tropical broad leaved hill and
Sub-tropical moist hill (pine) forests]. Answer: c)

Namdapha National park lies in Purvanchal Q14. ‘Basel III Accord’ or simply ‘Basel III’,
hills in Arunachal Pradesh. often seen in the news, seeks to

In the Namdapha National Park, located in a. develop national strategies for the
Arunachal Pradesh, the climate varies from conservation and sustainable use of
tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic. biological diversity
It is tropical and subtropical in the southern b. improve banking sector’s ability to deal
region while it is of arctic type in the northern with financial and economic stress and
part of the park. improve risk management
c. reduce the greenhouse gas emissions
Answer: d) Namdapha National park but places a heavier burden on
developed countries
Q12. ‘BioCarbon Fund Initiative for d. transfer technology from developed
Sustain-able Forest Landscapes’ is managed Countries to poor countries to enable
by the them to replace the use of
chlorofluorocarbons in refrigeration
a. Asian Development Bank with harmless chemicals
b. International Monetary Fund
c. United Nations Environment Basel III accord is about improving banking by
Programme dealing with financial and economic stress.
d. World Bank
Answer: b) improve banking sector’s ability
Explanation:
Q15. In a particular region in India, the
The BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable local people train the roots of living tree
Forest Landscapes (ISFL) is a multilateral into robust bridges across the streams. As
fund, supported by donor governments and the time passes these bridges become
managed by the World Bank. stronger. These unique ‘Living Root
Bridges’ are found in
Answer: d) World Bank
a. Meghalaya
Q13. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal b. Himachal Pradesh
Committee is constituted under the c. Jharkhand
d. Tamil Nadu
a. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Q16. Consider the following States:
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

1. Arunachal Pradesh Answer: c) 1 and 3 only

2. Himachal Pradesh
3. Mizoram Q18. With reference to an organization
known as ‘Birdlife International’ which of
In which of the following states do “Tropical the following statements is/are correct?
Wet Evergreen Forests” occur?
1. It is a Global Partnership of Page
a. 1 only Conservation Organizations.
b. 2 and 3 only 2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ | 31
c. 1 and 3 only originated from this organization.
d. 1, 2 and 3 3. It identifies the sites known/referred to
as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity
Explanation: Areas’.

Himachal Pradesh has many varieties of Select the correct answer using the code given
forests but not wet evergreen. below.

Purvanchal hills start at the syntaxial bend a. 1 only

(Namcha Barwa) which is in Arunachal b. 2 and 3 only
Pradesh. Wet Evergreen forests are scattered c. 1 and 3 only
all along the Purvanchal hills. d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c) 1 and 3 only Answer: c) 1 and 3 only

Q17. With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Q19. In India, in which one of the following
Partnership Facility’, which of the types of forests is teak a dominant tree
following statements is/are correct? species?

1. it is global partnership of governments, a. Tropical moist deciduous forest

businesses, civil society and indigenous b. Tropical rain forest
peoples c. Tropical thorn scrub forest
2. it provides financial aid to universities, d. Temperate forest with grasslands
individual scientists and institutions
involved in scientific forestry research Answer: a)
to develop eco-friendly and climate
Q20. Which one of the following is the best
adaptation technologies for sustainable
description of the term “ecosystem”?
forest management
3. It assists the countries in their ‘REDD+
a. A community of organisms interacting
(Reducing Emission from Deforestation
with one another
and Forest Degradation+)’ efforts by
b. That part of the Earth which is
providing them with financial and
inhabited by living organisms
technical assistance.
c. A community of organisms together
with the environment in which they
Select the correct answer using the code given
live.
below
d. The flora and fauna of a geographical
area.
a. 1 only
b. 2 and 3 only
Answer: c)
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3 Explanation

It provide financial incentives to countries 1. A community of organisms interacting

(only) in their REDD+ efforts. with one another – no specific term.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

2. That part of the Earth which is IREDA is Public Limited Government

inhabited by living organisms – Company established as a Non-Banking
biosphere. Financial Institution in 1987 engaged in
3. A community of organisms together promoting, developing and extending financial
with the environment in which they live assistance for setting up projects relating to
– ecosystem. new and renewable sources of energy and
4. The flora and fauna of a geographical energy efficiency/conservation with the motto: Page
area – biodiversity. “Energy For Ever”.
| 32
Q21. With reference to bio-toilets used by Answer: c) Both
the Indian Railways, consider the following
statements: Environment and Ecosystem -
Components of an Ecosystem
1. The decomposition of human waste in
the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal Environment
inoculum.
2. Ammonia and water vapour are the  Environment is the natural component in
only end products in this which biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving)
decomposition which are released into factors interact with each other. These
the atmosphere. interactions shape the habitat and
ecosystem of an organism.
Which of the statements given above is/are  In biological sense, environment constitute
correct? the physical (nutrients, water, air etc.) and
biological factors (biomolecules, organisms)
a. 1 only along with their chemical interactions
b. 2 only (chemical cycles – carbon cycle, nitrogen
c. Both 1 and 2 cycle etc.) that affect an organism or a
d. Neither 1 nor 2 group of organisms.
 All organisms are dependent on the
Decomposition of human waste in bio-toilets environment to carry out their natural life
is carried out by anaerobic bacteria. processes (birth to death) and to meet their
physical requirements (food, energy, water,
The final waste is CO2 and CH4. [Explained oxygen, shelter etc.).
in detail under “Water Pollution”]  The environment is not static. Both biotic
and abiotic factors are in a constant flux
Answer: d) Neither 1 nor 2 and keep changing continuously.

Q22. With reference to the Indian Habitat

Renewable Energy Development Agency
Limited (IREDA), which of the following
statements is/are correct?  Habitat is the physical environment in
which an organism lives (it corresponds to
1. It is a Public Limited Government address of an organism).
Company.  It is an ecological or environmental area
2. It is a Non – Banking Financial inhabited by particular species of plants,
Company. animals, fungi, etc. Many habitats make
up the environment.
 A single habitat may be common for more
Select the correct answer using the code given
than one organism which have similar
below.
requirements.
 For example, a single aquatic habitat may
a. 1 only
support a fish, frog, crab, phytoplankton
b. 2 only
and many other kinds of organisms.
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 or 2

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The various species sharing a habitat thus

have the same ‘address’. Forest, river etc.
are other examples of habitat.
 All habitats are environments but all
environments are not habitats.

Page
| 33

Picture Credits:
[Link]
/2014/07/[Link]

 Biosphere is absent at extremes of the

North and South poles, the highest
mountains and the deepest oceans, since
Difference between Habitat and existing hostile conditions there do not
support life [Life is the characteristic
Environment?
feature of biosphere].
 Occasionally spores of fungi and bacteria
[Link] do occur at great height beyond 8,000
-between-habitat-and-vs-environment/ metres, but they are metabolically inactive,
and hence represent only dormant life.
 A habitat always has life in it, whereas the
environment does not necessarily have life Ecosystem
in it.
 The habitat is a defined place or area of the
environment according to the requirements  An ecosystem can be visualised as
of a particular life form. Therefore, a a functional unit of nature, where living
habitat is always an environment, but an organisms [producers,
environment is not always a habitat. consumers, and decomposers] interact
 A habitat is always a preference of one among themselves and also with the
species, whereas an environment could be surrounding physical environment.
a preference of many species that could  Ecosystem varies greatly in size from a
eventually become many habitats. small pond to a large forest or a sea.
 Usually, the environment governs the  Forest, grassland and desert are some
properties of a habitat, but not vice versa. examples of terrestrial ecosystems; pond,
lake, wetland, river and estuary are some
examples of aquatic ecosystems. Crop
Biosphere
fields and an aquarium may also be
considered as man-made ecosystems.
 The biosphere is the biological  In the ecosystem, biotic and abiotic
component (supporting life) of earth which components are linked together
includes the lithosphere, hydrosphere and through nutrient cycles and energy
atmosphere. flows.
 The biosphere includes all living organisms  An ecosystem can be of any size but
on earth, together with the dead organic usually encompasses specific and limited
matter produced by them. species. Eg: Aquatic Ecosystem. [This is
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

how ecosystem is different from Ecosystem → Producers, Consumers,

Environment] Decomposers and their relationships (tiny
 Everything that lives in an ecosystem is environment). It is the functional unit of
dependent on the other species and the environment.
elements that are also part of
that ecological community. If one part of Q0. Which one of the following is the best
an ecosystem is damaged or disappears, it description of the term “ecosystem”? Page
has an impact on everything else.
| 34
1. A community of organisms interacting
with one another
2. That part of the Earth which is
inhabited by living organisms
3. A community of organisms together
with the environment in which they
live.
4. The flora and fauna of a geographical
area.

Answer: c)

Explanation

1. A community of organisms interacting

Aquatic Ecosystem with one another – no specific term.
2. That part of the Earth which is
inhabited by living organisms –
Difference Between Ecology, biosphere.
Environment & Ecosystem 3. A community of organisms together
with the environment in which they live
– ecosystem.
4. The flora and fauna of a geographical
area – biodiversity.

Components of an Ecosystem

 The components of the ecosystem are

categorized into abiotic or non-living and
biotic or living components. Both the
 Ecology is the study of the ecosystems and components of ecosystem and environment
the environment. are same.
 Environment is a group of ecosystems.
 Ecosystem is a functional unit of
environment (mostly biosphere).

Environment → Can be Almost Everything

or a Small region.

Habitat → Area where an organism lives.

Biosphere → The region on earth that

supports life.
Abiotic Components

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Abiotic components are the inorganic and spore [Asexual Reproduction in plants].
non-living parts which act as Seed bearing plants are more
major limiting factors. significant than Propagules in
rainforest. So propagules don’t really
Limiting factor matter.
3. the rain forest species are slow-
 Lot of factors determine the survival of an growing: The plant species in Page
organism. One single factor can limit the rainforests compete for sunlight. So
they grow as rapidly as they can. | 35
range of an organism. This single factor is
called as a limiting factor. 4. exotic species invade the fertile soil of
 For example, seeds don’t germinate quickly rain forest: this statement is wrong as
in evergreen rain forests in spite of good the rainforest soil is heavily leached.
rains and vegetation as the surface soil is Hence they are not fertile. But exotic
heavily leached (nutrients washed away by invasive species are a threat to rain
running water). Here, poor soil is the forests (E.g. Most plantation crops like
limiting factor. rubber, palm etc.).
 Likewise, germinated saplings may not
survive due to lack of light because of the Answer: a)
dense canopy. Here, light [shade of the
forest] is the limiting factor.  Light: The spectral quality of solar
radiation is important for life. The UV
Q1. If a tropical rain forest is removed, it component of the spectrum is harmful to
does not regenerate quickly as compared to many organisms.
a tropical deciduous forest. This is because  Rainfall: Majority of biochemical reactions
[Prelims Question] take place in an aqueous medium. These
biochemical reactions are important for
1. the soil of rain forest is deficient in survival of an organism. So rainfall is an
nutrients important limiting factor.
2. propagules of the trees in a rain forest  Temperature: Latitudinal insolation
have poor viability decides the temperature range of a region.
3. the rain forest species are slow-growing A few organisms can tolerate and thrive in
4. exotic species invade the fertile soil of a wide range of temperatures (they are
rain forest. called eurythermal), but, a vast majority
of them are restricted to a narrow range of
Explanation: temperatures (such organisms are
called stenothermal).
 Atmosphere: 21% oxygen helps in survival
1. the soil of rain forest is deficient in
of many organisms, 78% nitrogen prevents
nutrients: Rainforest = Rainfall through
spontaneous combustion and 0.038%
the year. It rains almost every day =
carbon dioxide helps primary producers in
The top soil is continuously washed
the synthesis of carbohydrates.
away = nutrients are also washed away
o Organic compounds: Proteins,
= leaching of nutrients = very little
carbohydrates, lipids etc. are essential
fertility remains in top soil = most of
for energy transfer in the living world.
the seeds don’t germinate for years =
o Inorganic compound: Carbon, carbon
regeneration is very slow (it takes
dioxide, water, sulphur, nitrates,
decades). But the layer below top soil
phosphates, and ions of various metals
(sub-soil) is very fertile. So plants grow
are essential for organisms to survive.
very quickly once their roots reach the
o Altitude: Vertical zonation of vegetation
sub-soil and if they receive enough
is caused due to altitude. Change in
sunlight.
temperature with altitude is the limiting
2. propagules of the trees in a rain forest
factor.
have poor viability: Propagule =
o Buffering capacity of earth: The most
detachable structure that can give rise
unique feature of the earth is its
to a new plant, e.g. a bud, sucker, or
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

buffering action due to which a neutral dehydration of cells. Thus coagulation

pH (pH- 7) is maintained in the soil and and precipitation of the cell colloid results
water bodies. The neutral pH is in death of plant. Also, frost leads to
conducive for the survival and formation of canker.
sustenance of living organisms.
o Salinity: Some organisms are tolerant of Snow
a wide range of Page
salinities (euryhaline) but others are  Snow acts as blanket, prevents further
restricted to a narrow | 36
drop in temperature
range (stenohaline). So salinity is a and protects seedlings from excessive
limiting factor. cold and frost.
 Accumulation of snow on tree parts can
Effect Of Abiotic Components On break the branches or even uproot the
Terrestrial Primary Producers – Plants tree.
 Snow shortens the period of vegetative
 Plants are the reason that the other growth.
animals are able to survive on land. So the
effect of abiotic factors on plants is crucial. Temperature

Light  High temperature results in death of plant

due to coagulation of protoplasmic proteins
 Extremely high intensity favors root [Some bacteria can survive high
growth than shoot growth which results temperatures because of their
in increased transpiration, short stem, protoplasmic proteins that don’t coagulate
smaller thicker leaves. at normally high temperatures].
 On the other hand low intensity of  High temperature disturbs the balance
light retards growth, flowering and between respiration and photo synthesis
fruiting. thereby causes depletion of food resulting
 When the Intensity of light is less than the in greater susceptibility to fungal and
minimum, the plants ceases to grow due bacterial attack.
to accumulation of CO2 and finally dies.  It also results in desiccation of plant
 Out of 7 colours in the visible part of tissues and depletion of moisture.
spectrum, only red and blue are effective
in photosynthesis. Die back
 Plant grown in blue light are small, red
light results in elongation of cells results in  Refers the progressive dying usually
etiolated plants. Plants grown in ultraviolet backwards from the tip of any portion of
and violet light are dwarf. plant.
 This is one of the adaptive mechanisms to
Frost avoid adverse conditions like drought.
 In this mechanism, the root remains alive
 Frost results in freezing the soil moisture. for years together but the shoots dies.
The plants growing in such soil, get  E.g. Sal, Red sanders, Silk cotton tree etc..
exposed to direct sun light in the morning,
they are killed due to increased Biotic Components
transpiration when their roots are unable
to supply moisture. This is the main Primary producers - Autotrophs (self-
reason for innumerable death of sal nourishing)
seedlings.
 As a result of frost, water in the  Primary producers are basically green
intercellular spaces of the plant gets frozen plants, certain bacteria and algae that
into ice which withdraws water from the carry out photosynthesis.
interior of the cells. This results  In terrestrial ecosystem, grasses, plants
in increasing concentration of salts and and trees are the primary producers while
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

in aquatic ecosystem, microscopic algae

[plankton] are the primary producers.

Consumers — Heterotrophs or Phagotrophs

(other nourishing)

 Consumers are incapable of producing Page

their own food. They depend on organic
| 37
food derived from plants, animals or both.
 Consumers can be divided into two broad
groups namely micro and macro
consumers.

Macro consumers

 Herbivores are primary consumers which

feed mainly on plants e.g. cow.
 Secondary consumers feed on primary
consumers e.g. wolves, dogs, etc. Ecology - Principles and Organizations
 Carnivores which feed on both
primary and secondary
consumers are called tertiary
consumers e.g. lion which can
eat wolves, snakes etc.
 Omnivores are organisms which
consume both plants and
animals e.g. man, bear, etc.

Micro consumers - Saprotrophs

(decomposers or osmotrophs)

 They are bacteria and fungi

which obtain energy and nutrients from
Ecology
dead organic substances (detritus) of plant
and animals.
 The products of decomposition such as  The term ecology was derived from two
inorganic nutrients which are released in Greek words ‘Oikos’ meaning home and
the ecosystem are reused by producers ‘logos’ meaning study.
and thus recycled.  Ecology is the branch of biology concerned
 Earthworm and certain soil organisms with the relations of organisms to one
(such as nematodes, and arthropods) are another (energy flow and mineral cycling)
detritus feeders and help in the and to their physical surroundings
decomposition of organic matter and are (environment).
called detrivores.  Ecology encompasses study of individual,
organisms, population, community,
Classification of Ecosystems ecosystem, biome and biosphere which
form the various levels of ecological
organization.
 The Indian texts of Vedas, the Samhitas,
the Brahmanas and the Aranyakas-
Upanishads contain many references to
ecological concepts. The Indian treatise on
medicine, the Caraka-Samhita and the
surgical text Susruta-Samhita, show that

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

people during this period had a good 3. Population of large cats (tigers, lions
understanding of plant and animal etc.).
ecology. 4. Sex ratio and age (young or adult) of
large cats. [Even sex of tigers can be
Levels Of Organizations In Ecology determined using
pugmarks. [Link]
downloads/reading_pugmarks.pdf also Page
 Ecology not only deals with the study of
says the same]
the relationship of individual organisms | 38
with their environment, but also with the
study of populations, communities,  Community: Communities in most
ecosystems, biomes, and biosphere as a instances are named after the dominant
whole. plant form (species). For example: A
grassland community is dominated by
grasses, though it may contain herbs,
shrubs, and trees, along with associated
insects and animals of different species. A
 Individual: Organism is an individual
community is not fixed or rigid.
living being that has the ability to act or
 On the basis of size and degree of relative
function independently. It may be any
independence communities may be divided
organism.
into two types: Major Communities and
 Species: Species are a group of living
Minor Communities.
organisms consisting of similar individuals
capable of exchanging genes or
1. Major Communities: These are large
of interbreeding, considered as the basic
sized and relatively independent. They
unit of taxonomy and denoted by a Latin
depend only on the sun’s energy from
binomial, e.g. Homo sapiens.
outside. Eg: Tropical evergreen forests.
 Population: Population is a community of
2. Minor Communities: These are
interbreeding organisms [same species],
dependent on neighboring communities
occupying a defined area during a specific
and are often called societies. They are
time.
secondary aggregations within a major
 Population growth rate is the percentage
community. Eg: A mat of lichen on a
variation between the number of
cow dung pad.
individuals in a population at two different
times. It can be positive due
to birth and/or immigration or negative  Ecosystem: An ecosystem is a community
due to death and/or emigration. of organisms interacting with each other
 The number of individuals per unit area at and with their environment such that
a given time is termed as population energy is exchanged and system-level
density. processes, such as the cycling of elements,
 In case of large, mobile animals like tigers, emerge.
leopards, lions, deer etc., the density may  Biome: Biome is a large naturally
be determined by counting individual occurring community of flora and fauna
animals directly or by the pugmarks (foot occupying a major habitat. E.g. Rainforest
imprints) left by the animals in a defined biome or tundra biome.
area.  Plants and animals in a biome have
 Pugmarks of each individual animals are common characteristics due to similar
unique and different from one others. climates and can be found over a range of
Study of pug marks can provide the continents.
following information reliably if analyzed  Biomes are distinct from habitats, because
skillfully: any biome can comprise a variety of
habitats (habitat: the natural home or
environment of an organism).
1. Presence of different species in the
 Biosphere: The biosphere is the biological
area of study.
component of earth which includes the
2. Identification of individual animals.
lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

The biosphere includes all living organisms  In the absence of an external source of
on earth, together with the dead organic water, the kangaroo rat in North
matter produced by them. American deserts is capable of meeting all
its water requirements through its
Principles of Ecology internal fat oxidation (in which water is
a byproduct).
 It also has the ability to concentrate its Page
 On planet Earth, life exists not just in a
urine so that minimal volume of water is
few favourable habitats but even in | 39
used to remove excretory products.
extreme and harsh habitats – scorching
 Many desert plants have a
Rajasthan desert, perpetually rain-soaked
thick cuticle on their leaf surfaces and
Meghalaya forests, deep ocean trenches,
have their stomata arranged in deep pits
torrential streams, permafrost polar
to minimise water loss through
regions, high mountain tops, boiling
transpiration.
thermal springs, and stinking compost
 They also have a special photosynthetic
pits, to name a few. Even our intestine is
pathway (CAM) that enables their
a unique habitat for hundreds of species
stomata to remain closed during day
of microbes. How is this possible?
time.
 Some desert plants like Opuntia, have no
Adaptation
leaves - they are reduced to spines-and
the photosynthetic function is taken over
 Each organism is adapted to its by the flattened stems [less leaves = less
particular environment. An adaptation is area available for transpiration].
thus, “the appearance or behavior or  Mammals from colder climates generally
structure or mode of life of an organism have shorter ears and limbs to
that allows it to survive in a particular minimise heat loss. (This is called the
environment”. E.g. Neck of a giraffe. Allen’s Rule.) Guess why an elephant has
 Adaptation is any attribute of the a huge ear.
organism (morphological – when trees  In the polar seas aquatic mammals like
grew higher, the giraffes neck got longer; seals have a thick layer of fat (blubber)
physiological – in the absence of an below their skin that acts as an insulator
external source of water, the kangaroo rat and reduces loss of body heat.
in North American deserts is capable of  Some organisms possess adaptations that
meeting all its water requirements are physiological which allow them to
through its internal fat oxidation; respond quickly to a stressful situation. If
behavioral – animals migrating you had ever been to any high altitude
temporarily to a less stressful habitat) place (>3,500m) you must have
that enables the organism to survive and experienced what is called altitude
reproduce in its habitat. sickness.
 We need to breathe faster when we are on  Its symptoms include nausea, fatigue and
high mountains. After some days, our heart palpitations. This is because in the
body adjusts to the changed conditions low atmospheric pressure of high
on the high mountain. altitudes, the body does not get enough
 Such small changes that take place in the oxygen. But, gradually you
body of a single organism over short get acclimatized and stop experiencing
periods, to overcome small problems due altitude sickness.
to changes in the surroundings, are  How did your body solve this problem?
called acclimatization. The body compensates low oxygen
availability by increasing red blood cell
Examples of Adaptation production, decreasing the binding
capacity of hemoglobin and
 Many adaptations have evolved over a by increasing breathing rate.
long evolutionary time and are genetically  Archaebacteria flourish in hot springs
fixed. and deep sea hydrothermal vents where

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

temperatures far exceed 100 degree C.  In evolutionary biology, adaptive radiation

How is this possible? is a process in which organisms diversify
 A hyper thermophile is an organism that rapidly from an ancestral species into a
thrives in extremely hot environments — multitude of new forms, particularly
from 60 °C. Hyper thermophiles are a when a change in the environment makes
subset of extremophiles (can tolerate new resources available, creates new
temperatures of around 100 °C). challenges, or opens new environmental Page
 They are able to survive because of niches.
the protein structure and the nature of | 40
the cell membrane. The protein
molecules in the hyper thermophiles
exhibit hyper thermo stability—that is,
they can maintain structural stability
(and therefore function) at high
temperatures. The cell membrane
contains high levels of saturated fatty
acids to retain shape at high
temperatures.
 Desert lizards lack the physiological
ability that mammals have to deal with
the high temperatures of their habitat,
but manage to keep their body
temperature fairly constant by behavioral
means.
 They bask in the sun and absorb heat
when their body temperature drops below
the comfort zone, but move into shade
when the ambient temperature starts Speciation
increasing.
 Some species are capable of burrowing  Speciation is the process by which new
into the soil to hide and escape from the species are formed and evolution is the
above-ground heat. mechanism by which speciation is
brought about.
Variation  A species comprises of many populations.
Often different populations of a species
 Variations are induced by changes in remain isolated due to some geographic
genetic makeup due to addition or barrier such as mountain, ocean, river,
deletion of certain genes. etc.
 Mutations, change in climate,  The most common way a population
geographical barriers etc. induce undergoes speciation is by geographic
variations over a period of time. isolation (Allopatric speciation or
 Species are generally composed of a geographic speciation).
number of distinct populations which
freely interbreed even though they appear
to be different in appearance [E.g.
American man and Chinese women can
interbreed. They sub species under Homo
Sapiens].
 Difference in colour of skin, type of hair;
curly or straight, eye colour, blood type
among different ethnic groups represent
variation within human species.

Adaptive radiation

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Those offsprings which are suited to

their immediate environment have a
better chance of surviving, reaching
reproductive age and passing on the
suitable adaptations to their progeny.

Evolution Page
| 41
 Evolution is the change which gives rise
to new species. It happens in order to
make the organism better suit to the
present environment.

 After a long period of time, the sub-

populations become very different and
get isolated, reproductively, i.e. they no
longer interbreed.
 Later even when the barrier is removed
the sub-populations are unable to  Climate change, competition,
interbreed and thus subsequently the adaptability, need, changing
sub-populations become two different environment etc. are the major forces
species. behind evolution.
 Mutation and recombination are
Mutation sources of ‘variation’ or differences in
the genetic makeup or gene pool of a
 Mutation (a change in genetic material species. The variations over a period of
that results from an error in time lead to the creation of a new
replication of DNA) causes new genes species.
to arise in a population.  Evolution involves the processes of
 Further, in a sexually reproducing natural selection, adaptation, variation
population, meiosis and fertilization etc.. Evolution leads to speciation or
produce new combination of genes formation of new species.
every generation, which is  A valid theory of evolution was
termed recombination. propounded by Charles Darwin and
 Thus members of the same species Alfred Wallace in 1859. This theory has
show ‘variation’ and are not exactly been extended in the light of progress
identical. Variations are heritable. in genetics and is known as Neo-
Darwinism.
Natural Selection
Extinction
 Natural Selection is the mechanism
proposed by Darwin and Wallace.  Ever since life evolved on earth, new
Natural selection is the process by species better suited or adapted to the
which species adapt to their environment have appeared and older
environment. less successful forms have died or
 It is an evolutionary force that selects become extinct.
among variations i.e. genes that help  The primary reason for these
the organism to better adopt to its extinctions is environmental change or
environment. Such genes are biological competition.
reproduced more in a population due to  Extinction occurs when species cannot
natural selection. evolve fast enough to cope with the

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

changes taking place in their serve in harsh climatic regions like

environment. Siachen Glacier.
 Extinction may take place due to 4. Gradual changes in an organism to
catastrophic natural phenomena such survive in an environment is call
as tsunami, volcanoes etc. Evolution and not Adaptation. E.g. The
 In recent time, human activities such evolution of Giraffes neck over a period
as deportation, over exploitation, of time. Page
environmental pollution and
environmental change are other factors | 42
Q3. Choose the incorrect pairs
responsible for extinction.
Characteristic feature Vegetation
Q2. Which of the following are true?
1. Sloping branches and needle like leaves
1. The presence of specific features or - Desert vegetation
certain habits, which enable a plant or 2. Deep roots - Taiga vegetation
an animal to live in its surroundings, is 3. Waxy stem, thick leaves or no leaves -
called Evolution. Tundra vegetation
2. The surroundings where an organism 4. Canopy - Tropical vegetation
lives is called its habitat.
3. Small changes that take place in the Codes:
body of a single organism over short
periods, to overcome small problems a) All
due to changes in the surroundings, is b) 4 only
called acclimatization c) 1,2,3 only
4. Gradual changes in an organism to d) 2,3 only
survive in an environment is call
Adaptation Answer: c) – incorrect pairs

Codes: Explanation:

1. All  Sloping branches (prevent accumulation of

2. 2,3 only snow) and needle like leaves (reduce
3. 1,2,4 only transpiration) – Taiga vegetation.
4. 1,2,3 only  Deep roots – Desert vegetation
 Waxy stem, thick leaves or no leaves –
Answer: b) Desert vegetation
 Canopy – characteristic feature of tropical
Explanation: forests – rainforests, deciduous forests etc.

1. The presence of specific features or Ecotone - Edge Effect | Ecological

certain habits, which enable a plant or Niche
an animal to live in its surroundings, is
called Adaptation and not evolution. Ecotone
E.g. Hibernation.
2. The surroundings where an organism  An ecotone is a zone of junction or
lives is called its habitat. (True) a transition area between two biomes
3. Small changes that take place in the [diverse ecosystems]. It is where two
body of a single organism over short communities meet and integrate.
periods, to overcome small problems  For e.g. the mangrove forests represent
due to changes in the surroundings, is an ecotone between marine and terrestrial
called acclimatization (True). E.g. ecosystem. Other examples
Soldiers undergo rigorous are grassland (between forest and
acclimatization training before they can desert), estuary (between fresh water and

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

salt water) and river bank or marsh land  Niche refers to the unique functional role
(between dry and wet). and position of a species in its habitat or
ecosystem.
 In nature, many species occupy the same
habitat but they perform different
functions.
 The functional characteristics of a Page
species in its habitat is referred to as
“niche” in that common habitat. | 43
 Habitat of a species is like its ‘address’
(i.e. where it lives) whereas niche can
be thought of as its “profession” (i.e.
activities and responses specific to the
species).
 A niche is unique for a species while
many species share the habitat. No two
species in a habitat can have the same
niche. This is because of
Characteristics of Ecotone the competition with one another until
one is displaced.
 It may be narrow (between grassland and
forest) or wide (between forest and desert).
 As it is a zone of transition, it has
conditions intermediate to the adjacent
ecosystems. Hence it is a zone of tension.
 Usually, the number and the population
density of the species of an outgoing
community decreases as we move away
from community or ecosystem.
 A well-developed ecotones contain some
organisms which are entirely different from
that of the adjoining communities.

Edge Effect – Edge Species

 In ecology, edge effects refer to the changes

in population or community structures
that occur at the boundary of two habitats
(ecotone).
 Sometimes the number of species and the
population density of some of the species
in the ecotone is much greater than either
community. This is called edge effect.
 The organisms which occur primarily or
most abundantly in this zone are known
as edge species.
 In the terrestrial ecosystems edge effect is
especially applicable to birds. For example
the density of birds is greater in the mixed
habitat of the ecotone between the forest
and the desert.
 For example, a large number of different
Ecological Niche species of insects may be pests of the same

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

plant but they can co-exist as they feed on Ecological succession - Primary &
different parts of the same plant. Secondary Succession | Homeostasis
 A species' niche includes all of its
interactions with the biotic and abiotic Functions Of Ecosystem
factors of its environment [habitat niche -
where it lives, food niche - what is eats or  The function of an ecosystem include
decomposes & what species it competes Page
with, reproductive niche - how and when it
1. Ecological succession or ecosystem | 44
reproduces, physical & chemical niche -
development
temperature, land shape, land slope,
2. Homeostasis (or cybernetic) or
humidity & other requirement].
feedback control mechanisms
 An ecological niche describes how an
3. Energy flow through food chain [Next
organism or population responds to the
Post]
distribution of resources and competitors
4. Nutrient cycling (biogeochemical
(for example, by growing when resources
cycles) [Later Post]
are abundant, and when predators,
parasites and pathogens are scarce) and
Each will be discussed in detail in subsequent
how it in turn alters those same factors (for
posts.
example, limiting access to resources by
other organisms, acting as a food source
for predators and a consumer of prey). Ecological Succession
 Niche plays an important role
in conservation of organisms. If we have  Biotic communities are dynamic in nature
to conserve species in its native habitat we and change over a period of time. The
should have knowledge about the niche process by which communities of plant
requirements of the species and should and animal species in an area are replaced
ensure that all requirements of its niche or changed into another over a period of
are fulfilled. time is known as ecological succession.
 Succession is a universal process of
Q4. Which one of the following terms directional change in vegetation, on an
describes not only the physical space ecological time scale.
occupied by an organism, but also its  Succession occurs when a series of
functional role in the community of communities replace one another due to
organisms? large scale destruction (natural or
manmade). This process continues with
1. Ecotone one community replacing another, until a
2. Ecological niche stable, mature community develops.
3. Habitat  Succession is a progressive series of
4. Home range changes which leads to the establishment
of a relatively stable climax community.
Answer: b) Niche
 The first plant to colonize an area is called
Explanation: the pioneer community. The final stage of
succession is called the climax
 Ecotone – zone of transition between two community. The stage leading to the
ecosystems. E.g. grasslands, mangroves climax community are called successional
etc. stages or seres. Each transitional
 Habitat – surroundings in which an (temporary) community that is formed and
organism lives (home). replaced during succession is called a
 Home Range – Ahome range is the area in stage in succession or a seral community.
which an animal lives and moves on a  Succession is characterized by the
daily or periodic basis (a little bigger than following: increased productivity, the shift
habitat – home → office → home). of nutrients from' the reservoirs, increased
diversity of organisms with increased niche

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

development, and a gradual increase in the community is stable, mature, more

complexity of food webs. complex and long lasting.
 Succession would occur faster in area  The entire sequence of communities in a
existing in the middle of the large given area, succeeding each other, during
continent. This is because, here seeds of the course of succession is termed sere.
plants belonging to the different seres Succession that occurs on land where
would reach much faster, establish and moisture content is low for e.g. on bare Page
ultimately result in climax community. rock is known as xerarch. Succession that
 The terminal (final) stage of succession takes place in a water body, like ponds or | 45
forms the community which is called lake is called hydrarch.
as climax community. A climax

Primary Succession 3. bacteria and fungi

4. fungi and mosses
 Primary succession takes place an over
a bare or unoccupied areas such as rocks More of a biology question. Fungus provides
outcrop, newly formed deltas and sand shelter, water and minerals to the algae and,
dunes, emerging volcano islands and lava in return, the alga provides food
flows as well as glacial moraines (muddy (photosynthesis).
area exposed by a retreating glacier) where
no community has existed previously.  These new conditions may be conducive to
 In primary succession on a terrestrial site the establishment of additional organisms
the new site is first colonized by a few that may subsequently arrive at the site.
hardy pioneer species that are The pioneers through their death any
often microbes, lichens and mosses. The decay leave patches of organic matter in
pioneers over a few generations alter the which small animals can live.
habitat conditions by their growth and  The organic matter produced by these
development. pioneer species produce organic acids
during decomposition that dissolve and
Q5. Lichens, which are capable of initiating etch the substratum releasing nutrients to
ecological succession even on a bare rock, the substratum. Organic debris
are actually a symbiotic association of accumulates in pockets and crevices,
providing soil in which seeds can become
1. algae and bacteria lodged and grow.
2. algae and fungi
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 As the community of organisms continues Secondary Succession

to develop, it becomes more diverse and
competition increases, but at the same  Secondary succession occurs when plants
time new niche opportunities develops. recognize an area in which the climax
 The pioneer species disappear as the community has been disturbed.
habitat conditions change and invasion of  Secondary succession is the sequential
new species progresses, leading to the development of biotic communities after Page
replacement of the preceding community. the complete or partial destruction of | 46
the existing community.

 A mature or intermediate community may  Unlike in the primary succession, the

be destroyed by natural events such as secondary succession starts on a well-
floods, droughts, fires, or storms or by developed soil already formed at the site.
human interventions such as Thus secondary succession is
deforestation, agriculture, overgrazing, etc. relatively faster as compared to primary
 This abandoned farmland is first invaded succession which may often require
by hardy species of grasses that can hundreds of years.
survive in bare, sunbaked soil. These
grasses may be soon joined by tall grasses
Autogenic and Allogenic Succession
and herbaceous plants. These dominate
the ecosystem for some years along with
mice, rabbits, insects and seed-eating  When succession is brought about by
birds. living inhabitants of that community itself,
 Eventually, some trees come up in this the process is called autogenic succession,
area, seeds of which may be brought by while change brought about by outside
wind or animals. And over the years, a forces is known as allogenic succession.
forest community develops. Thus an  Autogenic succession (caused by plants
abandoned farmland over a period themselves) is succession driven by the
becomes dominated by trees and is biotic components of an ecosystem. In
transformed into a forest. contrast, allogenic succession (caused by
drought, fire, flooding etc.) is driven by the
Difference Between Primary and abiotic components of the ecosystem.
Secondary Succession

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Q6. In the grasslands, trees do not replace  As against this, xerarch succession takes
the grasses as a part of an ecological place in dry areas and the series progress
succession because of from xeric to mesic conditions.
 Hence, both hydrarch and xerach
1. insects and fungi successions lead to medium water
2. limited sunlight and paucity of conditions (mesic) - neither too dry (xeric)
nutrients nor too wet (hydric). With time the Page
3. water limits and fire xerophytic habitat gets converted into
a Mesophytic one. | 47
4. None of the above

Answer: c) Succession in Water

Explanation:  In primary succession in water, the

pioneers are the small phytoplanktons,
 Grasses have this one good trick to they are replaced with time by free-floating
monopolize a place. In dry season the angiosperms, then by rooted hydrophytes,
grasses dry up and cause fires which sedges, grasses and finally the trees. The
destroy other plant species and their climax again would be a forest. With time
seeds. the water body is converted into land.
 Also grasslands develop in regions with  Another important fact is to understand
scanty rainfall where plant growth cannot that all succession whether taking place in
be achieved. water or on land, proceeds to a similar
 Though forests form the climax community climax community - the mesic.
in most of the ecosystems, but in
grassland ecosystem [In the grasslands,
trees do not replace the grasses as a part
of an ecological succession] grasses form
the climax community. Thanks to fire and
lack of water.
 Grasslands are almost irreversible once
deforestation in water scarce areas gives
way to grasslands. [Ecological Damage]

Autotrophic and Heterotrophic

succession

 Succession in which, initially the green

plants are much greater in quantity is
known as autotrophic succession; and the
ones in which the heterotrophs are greater
in quantity is known as heterotrophic
succession.

Succession in Plants

 Based on the nature of the habitat -

whether it is water (or very wet areas) or it
is on very dry areas - succession of plants
is called hydrach or xerarch, respectively.
 Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter
areas and the successional series progress
from hydric to the mesic (intermediate)
conditions.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Some organisms are able to maintain

homeostasis by physiological (sometimes
behavioral – migrating to tree shade)
means which ensures constant body
temperature, constant osmotic
concentration, etc.
 All birds and mammals, and a very few Page
lower vertebrate and invertebrate species
are indeed capable of such regulation | 48
(thermoregulation and osmoregulation).

[[Link]
vertebrata-phylum-chordata/#warm-blooded-
vs-cold-blooded-animals]

 The ‘success’ of mammals is largely due to

their ability to maintain a constant body
temperature and thrive whether they live
in Antarctica or in the Sahara desert.
 The mechanisms used by most mammals
to regulate their body temperature are
similar to the ones that we humans use.
We maintain a constant body temperature
of 37 °C.
 In summer, when outside temperature is
more than our body temperature, we sweat
profusely. The resulting evaporative cooling
brings down the body temperature. In
winter when the temperature is much
lower than 37 °C, we start to shiver, a kind
of exercise which produces heat and raises
the body temperature.
 Plants, on the other hand, do not have
Homeostasis such mechanisms to maintain internal
temperatures.
 Homeostasis is the maintenance of
a stable equilibrium, especially through Conform
physiological (through bodily part
functions. E.g. Cooling your body through  An overwhelming majority (99 per cent) of
sweating) processes. animals and nearly all plants cannot
 Organisms try to maintain the constancy maintain a constant internal environment.
of its internal environment (a process Their body temperature changes with the
called homeostasis) despite varying ambient temperature.
external environmental conditions that  In aquatic animals, the osmotic
tend to upset its homeostasis. concentration of the body fluids change
 For humans, it could be achieved at home with that of the ambient water osmotic
by using an air conditioner in summer and concentration. These animals and plants
heater in winter. are simply conformers.
 Here the person’s homeostasis is  Considering the benefits of a constant
accomplished, not through physiological, internal environment to the organism, we
but artificial means. How do other living must ask why these conformers had not
organisms cope with the situation? evolved to become regulators.
 Thermoregulation is energetically
Regulate expensive for many organisms. This is

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

particularly true for small animals like in time. The familiar case of bears going
shrews and humming birds. into hibernation during winter is an
 Heat loss or heat gain is a function of example of escape in time.
surface area. Since small animals have a
larger surface area relative to their volume, [[Link]
they tend to lose body heat very fast when vertebrata-phylum-chordata/#hibernation]
it is cold outside; then they have to expend Page
much energy to generate body heat [lot of  Some snails and fish go into aestivation to
food goes into heat generation] through | 49
avoid summer-related problems-heat and
metabolism. This is the main reason why desiccation.
very small animals are rarely found in  Under unfavorable conditions many
polar regions. zooplankton species in lakes and ponds
 During the course of evolution, the costs are known to enter diapause, a stage of
and benefits of maintaining a constant suspended development.
internal environment are taken into
consideration. Homeostasis in Ecosystem
 Some species have evolved the ability to
regulate, but only over a limited range of
environmental conditions, beyond which  Ecosystems are capable of maintaining
they simply conform. their state of equilibrium. They can
 If the stressful external conditions are regulate their own species structure and
localised or remain only for a short functional processes. This capacity of
duration, the organism has two other ecosystem of self-regulation is known as
alternatives. homeostasis.
 In ecology the term applies to the tendency
for a biological systems to resist changes.
Migrate
 For example, in a pond ecosystem, if the
population of zooplankton increased, they
 The organism can move away temporarily would consume large number of the
from the stressful habitat to a more phytoplankton and as a result food would
hospitable area and return when stressful become scarce for zooplankton as well as
period is over other small fishes.
 Every winter the famous Keolado National  When the number zooplankton is reduced
Park (Bhartpur) in Rajasthan host because of starvation, phytoplankton
thousands of migratory birds coming from population start increasing. After some
Siberia and other extremely cold northern time the population size of zooplankton
regions. also increases and this process continues
at all the trophic levels of the food chain.
Suspend

 In bacteria, fungi and lower plants, various

kinds of thick-walled spores are formed
which help them to survive unfavorable
conditions - these germinate on availability
of suitable environment.
 In higher plants, seeds and some other
vegetative reproductive structures serve as
means to tide over periods of stress besides
helping in dispersal - they germinate to
form new plants under favourable moisture
and temperature conditions. They do so by
reducing their metabolic activity and going
into a date of ‘dormancy’.  Note that in a homeostatic system,
 In animals, the organism, if unable to negative feedback mechanism [here its
migrate, might avoid the stress by escaping
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

scarcity of food] is responsible for

maintaining stability in an ecosystem.
 However, homeostatic capacity of
ecosystems is not unlimited as well as not
everything in an ecosystem is always well
regulated. Humans are the greatest source
of disturbance to ecosystems. Page
| 50
Trophic Levels - Food Chain - Food Web
- Biotic Interaction

Functions Of Ecosystem Trophic levels

Autotrophs Green plants (producers)
 The functions of an ecosystem include Heterotrophs Herbivore (primary consumers)
Heterotrophs Carnivores (secondary
1. Ecological succession or ecosystem consumers)
development [Previous Post] Heterotrophs Carnivore (tertiary consumers)
2. Homeostasis (or cybernetic) or Heterotrophs Top carnivores (Quarternary
feedback control consumers)
mechanisms [Previous Post]
3. Energy flow through food chain [This  Energy flows through the trophic levels
post] from producers to subsequent trophic
4. Nutrient cycling (biogeochemical levels is unidirectional.
cycles) [Next post]  Energy level decreases from the first
trophic level upwards due to loss of energy
Energy Flow Through an Ecosystem – in the form of heat at each trophic level.
Trophic Levels  This energy loss at each tropic level is
quite significant. Hence there are usually
not more than four-five trophic levels
(Trophe = Nourishment) [beyond this the energy available is
negligible to support an organism].
 The flow of energy from producer to top  The trophic level interaction involves three
consumers is called energy flow which concepts namely
is unidirectional.
 To understand the energy flow through the 1. Food Chain
ecosystem we need to study about the 2. Food Web
trophic levels [tropical level interaction]. 3. Ecological Pyramids
 Trophic level is the representation of
energy flow in an ecosystem. The trophic
Food Chain
level of an organism is the position it
occupies in a food chain.
 Trophic level interaction deals with how  Transfer of food energy from green plants
the members of an ecosystem are (producers) through a series of organisms
connected based on nutritional needs. with repeated eating and being eaten link
is called a food chain. E.g. Grasses →
Grasshopper → Frog → Snake →
Hawk/Eagle.
 Each step in the food chain is called
trophic level. A food chain starts with
producers and ends with top carnivores.
 The trophic level of an organism is the
position it occupies in a food chain.

Types of Food Chains

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

1. Grazing food chain chain than through the grazing food

2. Detritus food chain chain.

Grazing food chain

 The consumers which start the food chain,

utilizing the plant or plant part as their Page
food, constitute the grazing food chain. | 51
This food chain begins from green plants at
the base and the primary consumer is
herbivore.
 For example, In terrestrial ecosystem,  Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade
grass is eaten by caterpillar, which is eaten detritus into simpler inorganic substances.
by lizard and lizard is eaten by snake. This process is called as catabolism.
 In Aquatic ecosystem phytoplankton  Humification and mineralization occur
(primary producers) are eaten by zoo during decomposition in the soil.
planktons which are eaten by fishes and  Humification leads to accumulation of a
fishes are eaten by pelicans. dark coloured amorphous substance called
humus that is highly resistant to microbial
action and undergoes decomposition at an
extremely slow rate.
 Being colloidal in nature, humus serves as
a reservoir of nutrients. The humus is
further degraded by some microbes and
release of inorganic nutrients occur by the
process known as mineralization.
 Warm and moist environment favor
decomposition whereas low temperature
and anaerobiosis inhibit
decomposition resulting in buildup of
organic materials.

Q1. With reference to the food chains in

ecosystems, which of the following kinds of
organism is / are known as decomposer
Detritus food chain organism/organisms?

 This type of food chain starts from dead 1. Virus

organic matter of decaying animals and 2. Fungi
plant bodies. 3. Bacteria
 Dead organic matter or detritus feeding
organisms are called detrivores or Select the correct answer using the codes
decomposer. The detrivores are eaten by given below.
predators.
 The two food chains are linked. The initial a. 1 only
energy source for detritus food chain is b. 2 and 3 only
the waste materials and dead organic c. 1 and 3 only
matter from the grazing food chain. d. 1, 2 and 3
 In an aquatic ecosystem, grazing food
chain is the major conduit for energy Explanation:
flow. As against this, in a terrestrial
ecosystem, a much larger fraction of  Fungi and Bacteria are decomposers. They
energy flows through the detritus food breakdown organic matter into simple

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

inorganic substances. Answer: (a). Tough question. There will be 3-5

 Virus represents dormant life. They are questions like this one where you might have
metabolically inactive as long as they are not even heard the name of the animal or
outside a host body. They are not plant. Don’t worry.. rest 95 will be easy!
decomposers. They invade host cells and
use their nucleus (DNA machinery) to carry Food Web
out their life processes. Page
 Protists are unicellular organisms, such as
 Multiple interlinked food chains make a | 52
paramecium and euglena. They're not
food web. Food web represents all the
decomposers either.
possible paths of energy flow in an
ecosystem.
Answer: b)  If any of the intermediate food chain is
Q2. Which one of the following is the removed, the succeeding links of the chain
correct sequence of a food chain? will be affected largely.
 The food web provides more than one
1. Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings alternative for food to most of the
2. Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings organisms in an ecosystem and therefore
3. Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans increases their chance of survival.
4. Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms  Also food availability and preferences of
food of the organisms may shift seasonally
Explanation: e.g. we eat watermelon in summer and
peaches in the winter. Thus there are
 Food chain starts with a producer and interconnected networks of feeding
ends with a top consumer. relationships that take the form of food
 Phytoplankton are the primary producers webs.
in the oceans. They include:

1. diatoms (unicellular algae),

2. coccolithophores (unicellular,
eukaryotic protist),
3. cyanobacteria (Bluegreen algae)–
synechococcus, prochlorococcus,
nostoc, spirogyra etc..
4. dinoflagellates (flagellated protists).

So answer is between (a) and (c)

 Crustaceans form a very large group of

arthropods which includes crabs, lobsters,
crayfish, shrimp, krill and barnacles.
 Herrings is a fish.
 [Link]
cology/[Link] says Herrings eat
crustaceans.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Type of interaction Species Effects of interaction

1 2
Negative Interactions
Amensalism - 0 one species is inhibited while the other species is
unaffected
Predation + - Predator—prey relationship: one species (predator) Page
benefits while the second species (prey) is harmed
| 53
and inhibited.
Parasitism + - Beneficial to one species (parasite) and harmful to
the other species (host).
Competition - - Adversely affects both species
Positive Associations
Commensalism + 0 One species (the commensal) benefits, while the
other species (the host) is neither harmed nor
inhibited
Mutualism + + Interaction is favourable to both species
Neutral Interactions
Neutralism 0 0 Neither species affects the other
Q3. With reference to food chains in
ecosystems, consider the following
statements:
Biotic Interaction
1. A food chain illustrates the order in
which a chain of organisms feed upon  The interaction that occurs among
each other. different individuals of the same species is
2. Food chains are found within the called intraspecific interaction while the
populations of a species. interaction among individuals of different
3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of species in a community is termed as
each organism which are eaten by interspecific interaction.
others.  Specific terms are applied to interspecific
interactions depending upon whether the
Which of the statements given above is / are interaction is beneficial, harmful or neutral
correct? to individuals of the species.
 Some types of interactions listed by the
1. 1 only effects they have on each partner. ‘0’ is no
2. 1 and 2 only effect, ‘-’ is detrimental and ‘+’ is beneficial.
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None Possible biological interactions between two
species.
Explanation:
+ = beneficial; - = harmful, 0 = unaffected or
1. A food chain illustrates the order in neutral.
which a chain of organisms feed upon
each other. (True) Amensalism
2. Food chains are found within the
populations of a species. (Man won’t eat  One species harms or restricts the other
man – so, false) species without itself being adversely
3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of affected or harmed by the presence of the
each organism which are eaten by other species.
others (food web illustrates the number  Organisms that secrete antibiotics and
not the food chain). the species that get inhibited by the
antibiotics are examples of amensalism.
Answer: a)
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 For example the bread mould fungi Many marine fish are infested with
Pencillium produce penicillin an antibiotic ectoparasitic copepods.
substance which inhibits the growth of a  The female mosquito is not considered a
variety of bacteria. parasite, although it needs our blood for
 A large tree shades a small plant, retarding reproduction. Why? Because it doesn’t live
the growth of the small plant. The small on the host.
plant has no effect on the large tree.  In contrast, endoparasites are those that Page
live inside the host body at different sites
Predation (liver, kidney, lungs, red blood cells, etc.). | 54
 Brood parasitism in birds is a fascinating
example of parasitism in which the
 Predators like leopards, tigers and
parasitic bird lays its eggs in the nest of its
cheetahs use speed, teeth and claws to
host. E.g. cuckoo (koel).
hunt and kill their prey.
 They keep prey populations under control.
But for predators, prey species could Competition
achieve very high population densities and
cause ecosystem instability.  This is an interaction between two
 When certain exotic species are introduced populations in which both species are
into a geographical area, they become harmed to some extent.
invasive and start spreading fast because  Competition occurs when two populations
the invaded land does not have its natural or species, both need a vital resource that
predators. is in short supply.
 Predators also help in maintaining species  The vital resource could be food, water,
diversity in a community, by reducing the shelter, nesting site, mates or space.
intensity of competition among competing  Such competition can be:
prey species.
 A wide variety of chemical substances that 1. interspecific competition-occurring
we extract from plants on a commercial between individuals of two different
scale (nicotine, caffeine, quinine, species occurring in a habitat and
strychnine, opium, etc.,) are produced by 2. intraspecific competition-occurs
plants actually as defences against grazers between individuals of same species.
and browsers.
 Intraspecific competition occurs between
Parasitism members of the same species and so it is
very intense.
 In this type of interaction, one species is
harmed and the other benefits. Commensalism
 Parasitism involves parasite usually a
small size organism living in or  In this relationship one of the species
on another living species called the host benefits while the other is neither harmed
from which the parasite gets its nor benefited.
nourishment and often shelter.  Some species obtain the benefit of shelter
 Many organisms like animal, bacteria and or transport from another species. For
viruses are parasites of plants and example sucker fish, remora often
animals. attaches to a shark by means of its sucker
 Plants like dodder plant which is present on the top side of its
(Cuscuta) and mistletoe (Loranthus) are head. This helps the remora get protection,
parasites that live on flowering plants. a free ride as well as meal from the left
 Tap worm, round worm, malarial parasite, over of the shark’s meal. The shark does
many bacteria, fungi, and viruses are not however get any benefit nor is it
common parasites of humans. adversely affected by this association.
 Parasites that feed on the external surface
of the host organism are
called ectoparasites. E.g. lice on humans.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Another example of commensalisms is the  Another familiar example of symbiosis is

relationship between trees and seen in pollination of flowers where
epiphytic plants. flowering plants are cross pollinated by the
 Epiphytes live on the surface of other bees which benefit by getting nectar from
plants like ferns, mosses and orchids and the plants and both cannot survive without
use the surface of trees for support and the other.
for obtaining sunlight and moisture. The  Example: in pollination mutualisms, the Page
tree gets no benefit from this relationship pollinator gets food (pollen, nectar), and
nor are they harmed. the plant has its pollen transferred to other | 55
 Cow dung provides food and shelter to flowers for cross-fertilization
dung beetles. The beetles have no effect on (reproduction).
the cows.  Lichens represent an intimate mutualistic
 Another example of commensalism is the relationship between a fungus and
interaction between sea anemone that has photosynthesizing algae or cyanobacteria.
stinging tentacles and the clown fish that  Similarly, the mycorrhizae are
lives among them. associations between fungi and the roots
 The fish gets protection from predators of higher plants. The fungi help the plant
which stay away from the stinging in the absorption of essential nutrients
tentacles. The anemone does not appear to from the soil while the plant in turn
derive any benefit by hosting the clown provides the fungi with energy-yielding
fish. carbohydrates.

Mutualism Neutralism

 This is a close association between two  Neutralism describes the relationship

species in which both the species benefit. between two species which do interact but
For example the sea anemone, a do not affect each other.
cnidarian gets attached to the shell  True neutralism is extremely unlikely and
of hermit crabs for benefit of transport impossible to prove.
and obtaining new food while the anemone
provides camouflage and protection by Ecological Pyramids - Pyramid of
means of its stinging cells to the hermit numbers, biomass & energy
crab.
 However, some mutualisms are so intimate Ecological Pyramids
that the interacting species can no longer
live without each other as they depend
 The pyramidal representation of trophic
totally on each other to survive. Such close
levels of different organisms based on their
associations are called symbiosis
ecological position [producer to final
(symbiosis is intense mutualism – E.g.
consumer] is called as an ecological
coral and zooxanthellae).
pyramid.
 An example of such close mutualistic
 The food producer forms the base of the
association is that of termite and their
pyramid and the top carnivore forms the
intestinal flagellates. Termites can eat
tip. Other consumer trophic levels are in
wood but have no enzymes to digest it.
between.
However, their intestine contains certain
 The pyramid consists of a number of
flagellate protists (protozoans) that have
horizontal bars depicting specific trophic
the necessary enzymes to digest the
levels. The length of each bar represents
cellulose of the wood eaten by termites and
the total number of individuals or biomass
convert it into sugar.
or energy at each trophic level in an
 The flagellates use some of this sugar for
ecosystem.
their own metabolism while enough is left
 The ecological pyramids are of three
for the termite. Both termite and flagellates
categories.
cannot survive without each other.
1. Pyramid of numbers,
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

2. Pyramid of biomass, and  The grasses occupy the lowest trophic level
3. Pyramid of energy or productivity. (base) because of their abundance.
 The next higher trophic level is primary
Pyramid of Numbers consumer - herbivore (example -
grasshopper).
 The individual number of grasshopper is
less than that of grass. The next energy Page
level is primary carnivore (example - rat).
 The number of rats are less than | 56
grasshopper, because, they feed on
grasshopper. The next higher trophic level
is secondary carnivore (example - snakes).
They feed on rats.
 The next higher trophic level is the top
carnivore. (Ex: Hawk).
 With each higher trophic level, the number
 Pyramid of numbers represents the total
of individual decreases.
number of individuals of different
species (population) at each trophic level.
Pyramid of numbers - inverted
 Depending upon the size, the pyramid of
numbers may not always be upright, and
may even be completely inverted.  In this pyramid, the number of individuals
 It is very difficult to count all the is increased from lower level to higher
organisms, in a pyramid of numbers and trophic level. E.g. Tree ecosystem.
so the pyramid of number does not
completely define the trophic structure for
an ecosystem.

Pyramid of numbers – upright

 In this pyramid, the number of

individuals is decreased from lower level
to higher trophic level.

Pyramid of Biomass

All Picture Credits:

[Link] + NCERT
 Pyramid of biomass is usually determined
 This type of pyramid can be seen by collecting all organisms occupying each
in grassland ecosystem and pond trophic level separately and measuring
ecosystem. their dry weight.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 This overcomes the size difference problem

because all kinds of organisms at a trophic
level are weighed. Biomass is measured in
g/m2.
 The biomass of a species is expressed in
terms of fresh or dry weight. Measurement
of biomass in terms of dry weight is more Page
accurate.
 Each trophic level has a certain mass of | 57
living material at a particular time called
as the standing crop.
 The standing crop is measured as the
mass of living organisms (biomass) or the
number in a unit area.

Pyramid of Biomass – Upright

 For most ecosystems on land, the

pyramid of biomass has a large base of
primary producers with a smaller
trophic level perched on top.  In contrast, in many aquatic ecosystems,
 The biomass of producers (autotrophs) the pyramid of biomass may assume an
is at the maximum. The biomass of inverted form. [Pyramid of numbers for
next trophic level i.e. primary aquatic ecosystem is upright]
consumers is less than the producers.  This is because the producers are tiny
The biomass of next higher trophic level phytoplankton that grow and reproduce
i.e. secondary consumers is less than rapidly.
the primary consumers. The top, high  Here, the pyramid of biomass has a small
trophic level has very less amount of base, with the consumer biomass at any
biomass. instant actually exceeding the producer
biomass and the pyramid assumes
inverted shape.

Pyramid of Energy

 To compare the functional roles of the

trophic levels in an ecosystem, an energy
pyramid is most suitable.
 An energy pyramid represents the amount
of energy at each trophic level and loss of
energy at each transfer to another trophic
level. Hence the pyramid is always
upward, with a large energy base at the
bottom.

Pyramid of Biomass – Inverted

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

energy follows 10 per cent law – only 10

per cent of the energy is transferred to
each trophic level from the lower trophic
level. [above figure]
 The decreases at each subsequent trophic
level is due to two reasons:
Page
1. At each trophic a part of the
| 58
available energy is lost in
respiration or used up in metabolism.
2. A part of energy is lost at
each transformation, i.e. when it
moves from lower to higher trophic level
as heat.

Limitations of Ecological Pyramids

Pic Credits:  It does not take into account the same

[Link] species belonging to two or more
[Link] trophic levels.
 It assumes a simple food chain, something
 Suppose an ecosystem receives 1000 that almost never exists in nature; it does
calories of light energy in a given day. Most not accommodate a food web.
of the energy is not absorbed; some is  Moreover, saprophytes (plant, fungus, or
reflected back to space; of the energy microorganism that lives on decaying
absorbed only a small portion is utilized by matter) are not given any place in
green plants, out of which the plant uses ecological pyramids even though they play
up some for respiration and of the 1000 a vital role in the ecosystem.
calories, therefore only 100 calories are
stored as energy rich materials. Pollutants And Trophic Level –
 Now suppose an animal, say a deer, eats Biomagnification
the plant containing 100 calorie of food
energy. The deer uses some of it for its own Pollutants And Trophic Level
metabolism and stores only 10 calorie as
food energy. A lion that eats the deer gets Chlorinated Hydrocarbons (CHC) or
an even smaller amount of energy. Thus Organochloride
usable energy decreases from sunlight to
producer to herbivore to carnivore.
 Pollutants, especially non-degradable ones
Therefore, the energy pyramid will always
move through the various trophic levels in
be upright.
an ecosystem. Non-degradable pollutants
 Energy pyramid concept helps to explain
mean materials, which cannot be
the phenomenon of biological
metabolized by the living organisms.
magnification - the tendency for toxic
Example: Chlorinated Hydrocarbons.
substances to increase in concentration
 Chlorinated
progressively with higher trophic levels.
Hydrocarbons or Organochloride or CHC
are hydrocarbons whose some or most
Ecological Efficiency hydrogen atoms have been replaced
by chlorine E.g. DDT, endosulfan etc.).
 Ecological efficiency describes the  A variety of simple chlorinated
efficiency with which energy is transferred hydrocarbons including dichloromethane,
from one trophic level to the next. chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride.
 The number of trophic levels in the grazing
food chain is restricted as the transfer of Applications of CHC

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Production of vinyl chloride almost all of 1. Bioaccumulation.

which was converted into 2. Biomagnification.
polyvinylchloride (PVC) [PVC pipes].
 Chloroform, dichloromethane,
dichloroethene, and trichloroethane are
useful solvents. These solvents are
immiscible with water and effective in Page
cleaning applications such as degreasing
and dry cleaning. | 59
 Pesticides and insecticides such as DDT,
heptachlor, and endosulfan are CHCs.

Effects of CHC

 Dioxins (highly toxic organic compound

produced as a by-product in some
manufacturing processes), produced Bioaccumulation
when organic matter is burned in the
presence of chlorine, and some  It refers to how pollutants enter a food
insecticides, such as DDT, are persistent chain.
organic pollutants.  In bioaccumulation there is an increase in
 DDT, which was widely used to control concentration of a pollutant from the
insects in the mid-20th century, environment to the first organism in a food
accumulates in food chains, and causes chain.
reproductive problems (e.g., eggshell
thinning) in certain bird species. Biomagnification
 DDT residues continue to be found in
humans and mammals across the planet
 Biomagnification refers to the tendency of
many years after production and use
pollutants to concentrate as they move
have been limited.
from one trophic level to the next.
 In Arctic areas, particularly high levels
 Thus in biomagnification there is an
are found in marine mammals. These
increase in concentration of a pollutant
chemicals concentrate in mammals, and
from one link in a food chain to another.
are even found in human breast milk.
 In order for biomagnification to occur, the
 In some species of marine mammals,
pollutant must be: long-lived, mobile,
particularly those that produce milk with
soluble in fats, biologically active. E.g.
a high fat content, males typically have
DDT.
far higher levels, as females reduce their
concentration by transfer to their
offspring through lactation.
 Endosulfan became a highly controversial
agrichemical due to its acute toxicity,
potential for bioaccumulation, and role as
an endocrine disruptor (enhances the
effect of estrogens causing reproductive
and developmental damage in both
animals and humans).
 Because of its threats to human health
and the environment, a global ban on the
manufacture and use of endosulfan was
negotiated under the Stockholm
Convention in April 2011.
 Movement of these pollutants involves
two main processes:

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

1. Ecological succession or ecosystem

development [Previous Posts]
2. Homeostasis (or cybernetic) or
feedback control mechanisms
[Previous Posts]
3. Energy flow through food chain
[Previous Post] Page
4. Nutrient cycling (biogeochemical
cycles) [This post] | 60

Biogeo Chemical Cycling or Nutrient

Cycling

 Energy flow and nutrient circulation are

the major functions of the ecosystem. We
have studied about energy flow through
trophic levels in the previous posts.
 Energy is lost as heat forever in terms of
the usefulness of the system. On the other
hand, nutrients of food matter never get
used up. They can be recycled again and
again indefinitely.
 Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen,
nitrogen and phosphorus as elements
and compounds make up 97% of the mass
of our bodies and are more than 95% of
the mass of all living organisms.
 In addition to these, about 15 to 25 other
elements are needed in some form for the
survival and good health of plants and
 If a pollutant is short-lived, it will be animals.
broken down before it can become  These elements or mineral nutrients are
dangerous. always in circulation moving from non-
 If it is not mobile, it will stay in one place living to living and then back to the non-
and is unlikely to be taken up by living components of the ecosystem in a
organisms. more or less circular fashion. This circular
 If the pollutant is soluble in water, it will fashion is known as biogeochemical
be excreted by the organism. Pollutants cycling (bio for living; geo for atmosphere).
that dissolve in fats, however, may be  Among the most important nutrient cycles
retained for a long time. are the carbon nutrient cycle and the
 It is traditional to measure the amount of nitrogen nutrient cycle.
pollutants in fatty tissues of organisms  There are many other nutrient cycles that
such as fish. are important in ecology, including a large
 In mammals, we often test the milk number of trace mineral nutrient cycles.
produced by females, since the milk has a
lot of fat in it and is often more susceptible Nutrient Cycles
to damage from toxins (poisons).
 Based on the replacement period, a
Nutrient Cycles | Biogeo Chemical
nutrient cycle is referred to as Perfect or
Cycles Imperfect cycle.
Functions Of An Ecosystem
1. A perfect nutrient cycle is one in which
 The functions of an ecosystem include nutrients are replaced as fast as they

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

are utilized. Most gaseous cycles are  Carbon cycle involves a continuous
generally considered as perfect cycles. exchange of carbon between the
2. In contrast sedimentary cycles are atmosphere and organisms.
considered relatively imperfect, as some  Carbon from the atmosphere moves to
nutrients are lost from the cycle and get green plants by the process
locked into sediments and so become of photosynthesis, and then to animals.
unavailable for immediate cycling.  By process Page
of respiration and decomposition of dead
 Based on the nature of the reservoir, there organic matter it returns back to | 61
are two types of cycles namely- atmosphere. It is usually a short term
cycle.
1. Gaseous Cycle — where the reservoir is  Some carbon also enters a long term cycle.
the atmosphere or the hydrosphere — It accumulates as un-decomposed organic
water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen matter in the peaty layers of marshy soil or
cycle, etc. and as insoluble carbonates in bottom
2. Sedimentary Cycle — where the sediments of aquatic systems which take a
reservoir is the earth's crust [elements long time to be released.
mostly found in earth’s crust] —  In deep oceans such carbon can remained
phosphorous cycle, sulphur cycle, buried for millions of years till geological
calcium cycle, magnesium cycle etc. movement may lift these rocks above sea
level. These rocks may be exposed to
Carbon Cycle [Gaseous Cycle] erosion, releasing their carbon dioxide,
carbonates and bicarbonates into streams
and rivers.
 Fossil fuels such as coals, oil and natural
gas etc. are organic compounds that were
buried before they could be decomposed
and were subsequently transformed by
time and geological processes into fossil
fuels. When they are burned the carbon
stored in them is released back into the
atmosphere as carbon-dioxide.

[Link]
mons/d/d5/Carbon_cycle.jpg

Q1. Consider the following:

1. Photosynthesis
2. Respiration
 Carbon is a minor constituent of the 3. Decay of organic matter
atmosphere as compared to oxygen and 4. Volcanic action
nitrogen.
 However, without carbon dioxide life could Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the
not exist because it is vital for the carbon cycle on Earth ?
production of carbohydrates through
photosynthesis by plants. a) 1 and 4 only
 It is the element that anchors all organic b) 2 and 3 only
substances from coal and oil to DNA c) 2,3 and 4 only
(deoxyribonudeic acid: the compound that d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
carries genetic information).
 Carbon is present in the atmosphere, Answer: c) Photosynthesis takes out
mainly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 from carbon cycle. Rest all ads CO2.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Q2. Which one of the following is the  There is an inexhaustible supply of

process involved in photosynthesis? nitrogen in the atmosphere but the
elemental form cannot be used directly by
a) Potential energy is released to form free most of the living organisms.
energy  Nitrogen needs to be ‘fixed’, that
b) Free energy is converted into potential is, converted to ammonia, nitrites or
energy and stored nitrates, before it can be taken up by Page
c) Food is oxidized to release carbon plants.
dioxide and water  Nitrogen fixation on earth is accomplished | 62
d) Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide in three different ways:
and water vapour are given out
1. By microorganisms (bacteria and blue-
Answer: b) Sunlight (free energy) is green algae),
converted into carbohydrates (potential 2. By man using industrial processes
energy) using water and carbon dioxide. (fertilizer factories) and
Oxygen is released in the process. 3. To a limited extent by atmospheric
phenomenon such as thunder and
Nitrogen Cycle [Gaseous Cycle] lighting.

 Apart from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen,  Certain microorganisms are capable of
nitrogen is the most prevalent element in fixing atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia
living organisms. (NH3) and ammonium ions (NH4+).
 Nitrogen is a constituent of amino acids,
proteins, hormones, chlorophylls and Ammonia is a molecule consisting of nitrogen
many of the vitamins. [All of these and hydrogen having molecular NH3,
explained under Biology while ammonium (NH4+) is an ion of ammonia
([Link] that is formed by accepting hydrogen ion.
 Plants compete with microbes for the
limited nitrogen that is available in soil.  The enzyme, nitrogenase which is capable
Thus, nitrogen is a limiting nutrient for of nitrogen reduction is present
both natural and agricultural ecosystems. exclusively in prokaryotes. Such microbes
 Nitrogen exists as two nitrogen atoms (N2) are called N2-fixers. These include:
joined by a very strong triple covalent
bond (N ≡ N). 1. free living nitrogen fixing bacteria (non-
 In nature, lightning and ultraviolet symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria or
radiation provide enough energy to nitrogen fixing soil bacteria)
convert nitrogen to nitrogen oxides (NO, (e.g. aerobic Azotobacter and Beijemic
NO2, N2O). kia; anaerobic Clostridium and Rhodo
 Industrial combustions, forest fires, spirillum),
automobile exhausts and power-generating 2. symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria
stations are also sources of atmospheric (e.g. Rhizobium) living in association
nitrogen oxides. with leguminous plants and non-
leguminous root nodule plants and
3. some cyanobacteria (major source of
nitrogen fixation in oceans)(blue green
Nitrogen Fixing – Nitrogen to Ammonia algae. E.g. Nostoc, Anabaena,
(N2 to NH3) Spirulina etc.).

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
| 63

Leguminous: denoting plants of the pea 2. The nitrite is further oxidized

family (Leguminosae), typically having seeds to nitrate with the help of the
in pods, distinctive flowers, and root nodules bacterium Nitrobacter.
containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
 These steps are called nitrification. These
Nitrification – Ammonia to Nitrates nitrifying bacteria are chemoautotrophs.
 The nitrate thus formed is absorbed by
 Ammonium ions can be directly taken up plants and is transported to the leaves.
as a source of nitrogen by some plants.  In leaves, it is reduced to form ammonia
 Others absorb nitrates which are obtained that finally forms the amine group
by oxidizing ammonia and ammonium of amino acids, which are the building
ions. blocks of proteins. These then go through
 Ammonia and ammonium ions are oxidized higher trophic levels of the ecosystem.
to nitrites or nitrates by two groups of
specialized bacteria. Nitrification is important in agricultural
systems, where fertilizer is often applied as
1. Ammonium ions are first oxidized ammonia. Conversion of this ammonia to
to nitrite by the nitrate increases nitrogen leaching because
bacteria Nitrosomonas and/or Nitroco nitrate is more water-soluble than ammonia.
ccus.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Nitrification also plays an important role in  Living organisms produce nitrogenous

the removal of nitrogen from municipal waste products such as urea and uric
wastewater. The conventional removal acid (organic nitrogen).
is nitrification, followed by denitrification.  These waste products as well as dead
remains of organisms are converted
back into inorganic ammonia and
ammonium ions by the bacteria. This Page
process is called ammonification.
 Some of this ammonia volatilizes and | 64
re-enters the atmosphere but most of it
is converted into nitrate by soil
bacteria.

Denitrification – Nitrate to Nitrogen

 Nitrate present in the soil is reduced to

nitrogen by the process
of denitrification.
 In the soil as well as oceans there are
special denitrifying bacteria
(Pseudomonas and Thiobacillus),
which convert the nitrates/nitrites to
elemental nitrogen. This nitrogen
escapes into the atmosphere, thus
completing the cycle.

Step 1: N2 Fixing è Nitrogen → Ammonia or

Ammonium Ions

Step 2: Nitrification è Ammonia or

Ammonium Ions → Nitrite → Nitrate

Step 3: Ammonification è Dead Matter +

Animal Waste (Urea, Uric Acid) → Ammonia or
Ammonium Ions.

Dead Matter + Animal Waste (Urea, Uric Acid)

→ Ammonia or Ammonium Ions [most of it
escapes into atmosphere. Rest is
Nitrified (Step 2) to nitrates]

Nitrate [some of it is available for plants. Rest

is Denitrified (Step 4)]

Step 4: Denitrification è Nitrate → Nitrogen.

 The amount of Nitrogen fixed by man

through industrial process has far
exceeded the amount fixed by the Natural
Cycle.
Ammonification – Urea, Uric Acid to  As a result Nitrogen has become a
Ammonia pollutant which can disrupt the balance of
nitrogen. It may lead to Acid rain,

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Eutrophication and Harmful Algal As nitrous oxides filter into soil, it loses
Blooms. nutrients like calcium and potassium, which
are essential for maintaining a balance in
Q3. Which of the following adds/add plant ecosystems. With the loss of these
nitrogen to the soil? compounds, soil fertility declines. Also, soils
become significantly more acidic.”
1. Excretion of urea by animals Page
2. Burning of coal by man And
| 65
3. Death of vegetation also [Link]
ok/[Link] says:
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below. “The main component of the nitrogen cycle
starts with the element nitrogen in the air.
1. 1 only Two nitrogen oxides are found in the air as a
2. 2 and 3 only result of interactions with oxygen. Nitrogen
3. 1 and 3 only will only react with oxygen in the presence of
4. 1, 2 and 3 high temperatures and pressures found
near lightning bolts and in combustion
Explanation: reactions in power plants or internal
combustion engines. Nitric oxide, NO, and
All the above three adds to nitrogen cycle. nitrogen dioxide, NO2, are formed under these
conditions. Eventually nitrogen dioxide may
Burning coal releases CO, CO2, sulphur react with water in rain to form nitric acid,
dioxide and oxides of nitrogen – air pollutants. HNO3. The nitrates thus formed may be
utilized by plants as a nutrient (so, soil gets
nitrogen from acid rain).”
Oxides of nitrogen fall on earth as acid rain.
Acidic rain is a complex mixture of nitrous,
So, soil gets nitrogen from acid rain.
nitric, sulfurous and sulfuric acids which all
combine to lower the pH.
From this, I feel Burning of coal by man adds
But, the question says “Which of the following nitrogen to soil but indirectly though acid
adds/add nitrogen to the soil?” rain.

1. Animal Waste like Urea, Uric acid and The answer depends on how you interpret the
Death of vegetation add nitrogen in the question.
form of nitrates directly into soil.
2. Coal combustion ads nitrogen to Answer: Official UPSC Key says answer is c)
atmosphere and from there it falls back to 1 and 3 only.
earth in the form of acid rain and acid rain
adds nitrogen to soil. If you have anything more to add write it
at poormansfriend2485@[Link]
[Link]
does_5117705_burning-fuels-affect-nitrogen- Q4. Consider the following:
[Link] says:
1. Carbon dioxide
“The release of nitric oxides into the air in 2. Oxides of Nitrogen
large quantities causes smog and acid 3. Oxides of Sulphur
rain that pollutes the atmosphere, soil and
water and affects plants and animals. The Which of the above is/are the
increase in nitrogen and nitrous oxide is emission/emissions from coal combustion at
caused by automobiles, power plants and a thermal power plants ?
wide variety of industries.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

c) 1 and 3 only The legume–rhizobium symbiosis is a classic

d) 1, 2 and 3 example of mutualism—rhizobia supply
ammonia or amino acids to the plant and in
Burning coal releases CO, CO2, sulphur return receive organic acids as a carbon and
dioxide and oxides of nitrogen – air pollutants. energy source.

Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3. So, excessive/inappropriate use of Page

nitrogenous fertilizers can make the plants
| 66
Q5. What can be the impact of independent of both symbiotic and free living
excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous nitrogen fixers. Fixers don’t get the food from
fertilizers in agriculture? the plants due to broken relationship and
other factors. So their population decreases.
 Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing
microorganisms in soil can occur. Answer: c) 2 and 3 only
 Increase in the acidity of soil can take
place Phosphorus Cycle [Sedimentary cycle]
 Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water
can occur.  Phosphorus plays a central role in aquatic
ecosystems and water quality.
Select the correct answer using the code given  Unlike carbon and nitrogen, which come
below. primarily from the atmosphere,
phosphorus occurs in large amounts as a
1. 1 and 3 only mineral in phosphate rocks and enters the
2. 2 only cycle from erosion and mining activities.
3. 2 and 3 only  This is the nutrient considered to be the
4. 1,2 and 3 main cause of excessive growth of rooted
and free-floating microscopic plants
Explanation: (phytoplankton) in lakes [Eutrophication].
 The main storage for phosphorus is in the
Nitrification is important in agricultural earth's crust. On land phosphorus is
systems, where fertilizer is often applied as usually found in the form of phosphates.
ammonia. Conversion of this ammonia to  By the process of weathering and erosion
nitrate increases nitrogen leaching because phosphates enter rivers and streams that
nitrate is more water-soluble than ammonia. transport them to the ocean.
 In the ocean phosphorus accumulates on
Agricultural fertilization and the use of continental shelves in the form of insoluble
nitrogen fixing plants also contribute to deposits.
atmospheric NOx, by promoting nitrogen  After millions of years, the crustal plates
fixation by microorganisms. Excess NOx leads rise from the sea floor and expose the
to acid rain. Acid rain lowers pH of soil phosphates on land.
(increase in acidity of soil)  After more time, weathering will release
them from rock and the cycle's
geochemical phase begins again.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
| 67

Sulphur Cycle [Sedimentary cycle] etc.), from surface of ocean and

from gases released by decomposition.
 The sulphur reservoir is in the soil and Atmospheric hydrogen sulphide also gets
sediments where it is locked in organic oxidized into sulphur dioxide.
(coal, oil and peat) and inorganic deposits  Atmospheric sulphur dioxide is carried
(pyrite rock and sulphur rock) in the back to the earth after being dissolved in
rainwater as weak sulphuric acid.
form of sulphates, sulphides and organic
sulphur.  Whatever the source, sulphur in the form
 It is released by weathering of rocks, of sulphates is take up by plants and
incorporated through a series of metabolic
erosional runoff and decomposition of
organic matter and is carried to terrestrial processes into sulphur bearing amino
and aquatic ecosystems in salt solution. acid which is incorporated in the proteins
 The sulphur cycle is mostly sedimentary of autotroph tissues. It then passes
except two of its compounds – hydrogen through the grazing food chain.
 Sulphur bound in living organism is
sulphide (H2S) and sulphur dioxide
(SO2) which add a gaseous component. carried back to the soil, to the bottom of
 Sulphur enters the atmosphere from ponds and lakes and seas
several sources like volcanic eruptions, through excretion and decomposition of
combustion of fossil fuels (coal, diesel dead organic material.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
| 68

Biomes - Terrestrial Ecosystems  Temperate Rainforest Biome

 Sub-Tropical Deciduous Biome in Eastern
Natural Ecosystem China, South Eastern USA
 Temperate Deciduous Biome
 A natural ecosystem is an assemblage of [Mediterranean Region]
plants and animals which functions as a  Tropical Deciduous Biome [Monsoon
unit and is capable of maintaining its Climate]
identity. There are two main categories of  Savanna or Tropical Wet and Dry Biome
ecosystems.  Tropical Rain Forest Biome

Terrestrial ecosystem Grassland

 Ecosystems found on land e.g. forest,  Steppe or Temperate Grassland Biome

grasslands, deserts, tundra.  Savanna or Tropical Wet and Dry Biome
[Tropical Grasslands]
Tundra
Desert
 Arctic and Alpine Tundra Biome
 Tropical and Mid Latitude Desert Biome
Forest
Aquatic ecosystem
 Taiga or Boreal Biome [Coniferous forests]
 Temperate Deciduous Biome [North
Western Europe]

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Plants and animal community found in distinct climate [precipitation and

water bodies. These can be further temperature mainly], vegetation, animal
classified into two sub groups. life and general soil type.
 Fresh water ecosystems, such as rivers,  [They are nothing but ‘Climatic
lakes and ponds. Regions’ [Link]
 Marine ecosystems, such as oceans, regions-upsc-ias-geography/ explained
estuary and mangroves. under Geography Section] Page
 No two biomes are alike. The climate
Biomes or Terrestrial Ecosystems determines the boundaries of a biome and | 69
abundance of plants and animals found in
each one of them. The most important
 The terrestrial part of the biosphere is
climatic factors are temperature and
divisible into enormous regions called
precipitation.
biomes, which are characterized, by

Tundra Biome Distribution

 There are two types of tundra – arctic and  Arctic tundra extends as a continuous belt
alpine. below the polar ice cap and above the tree
line (taiga) in the northern hemisphere.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 It occupies the northern fringe of Canada, lemming, arctic hare, arctic willow live
Alaska, European Russia, Siberia and in tundra region.
island group of Arctic Ocean.  Reptiles and amphibians are almost
 On the south pole, tundra is very small absent.
since most of it is covered by ocean.  Most of the animals have long life e.g.
 Alpine tundra occurs at high mountains arctic willow has a life span of 150 to 300
above the tree line. E.g. High ranges of years. Page
Himalayas, Andes, Alps etc.  They are protected from chillness by the
presence of thick cuticle and epidermal | 70
hair or fur.
 Mammals of the tundra region have large
body size and small tail and ear to avoid
the loss of heat from the surface [less
surface area = less heat loss = less food
required to produce heat].

Taiga or Boreal Biome

Temperature

 The tundra climate is characterized by a

very low mean annual temperature.
 In mid-winter temperatures are as low as
40 – 50 °C below freezing.

Precipitation

 Precipitation is mainly in the form of snow Temperature

and sleet.
 Summers are brief and warm reaching 20-
Natural Vegetation 25 °C whereas winters are long and
brutally cold – 30-40 °C below freezing.
 There are no trees in the tundra (Ground
is frozen). Lowest form of vegetation Precipitation
like mosses, lichens are found here and
there.  Typical annual precipitation ranges from
 Coastal lowlands support hardy grasses 38 cm to 63 cm.
and the reindeer moss which provide the  It is quite well distributed throughout
only pasturage for reindeers. the year, with a summer maxima.
 In the brief summer, berry-bearing bushes  In winter the precipitation is in the form of
and Arctic flowers bloom. snow.
 In the summer, birds migrate north to prey
on the numerous insects which emerge Soil
when the snow thaws.
 Insects have short life cycles which are
 Boreal forest soils are characterized by
completed during favourable period of the
thin podozols and are rather poor.
year.
 This is because the weathering of rocks
 Animals like the reindeer, arctic
proceeds slowly in cold environments and
fox, wolves, musk-ox, polar bear,
because the litter derived from conifer
needle (leaf) is decomposed very slowly and
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

is not rich in nutrients. Moreover conifers  The soils of the coniferous forests are They
don not shed their leaves frequently. are excessively leached and very acidic.
 Most podzols are poor soils for agriculture  Humus content is also low as the
due to the sandy portion, resulting in evergreen leaves barely fall and the rate of
a low level of moisture and nutrients. decomposition is slow.
 Some are sandy and excessively drained.  Under-growth is negligible because of the
Others have shallow rooting zones and poor soil conditions. Page
poor drainage due to subsoil cementation.  Absence of direct sunlight and the short
 A low pH (acidic) further compounds duration of summer are other contributory | 71
issues, along with phosphate deficiencies factors.
and aluminium toxicity.  Coniferous forests are also found in
 The low pH (acidic) factor is due regions with high elevation [Example: The
to excessive leaching of alkaline forests just below the snowline in
oriented cations which if present would Himalayas].
neutralize the organic acids of the  But on very steep slopes where soils are
accumulating litter. immature or non-existent, even the conifer
cannot survive [Example: Southern slopes
Natural Vegetation of Greater Himalayas].

 The predominant vegetation is evergreen Temperate Deciduous Biome [North

coniferous forest. Western Europe]
 Conifers are evergreen plant species such
as Spruce, fir and pine trees, etc.
 The conifers require little moisture are best
suited to this type of sub-Arctic climate.
 The productivity and community stability
of a boreal forest are lower than those of
any other forest ecosystem.
 Animals found in this region include
Siberian tiger, wolverine, lynx, wolf, bear,
red fox, squirrel, and amphibians like
Hyla, Rana, etc.

Characteristics of Coniferous forests  Moderately warm summers and fairly mild

winters.
 Unlike the equatorial rain forests,
Coniferous forests are of moderate Temperature
density and are more uniform. The trees
in coniferous forests grow straight and tall.  The mean annual temperatures are usually
 Almost all conifers are evergreen. There is between 5° C and 15° C.
no annual replacement of new leaves as in  Winters are abnormally mild. This is
deciduous trees. because of the warming effect brought
 The same leaf remains on the tree for as by warm North Atlantic Drift. [Eastern
long as five years. Food is stored in Australian warm current in case of New
the trunks, and the bark is thick to Zealand]
protect the trunk from excessive cold.
 Conifers are conical in shape. Their conical Precipitation
shape and sloping branches prevent snow
accumulation. It also offers little grip to the  Rainfall occurs throughout the year
winds. with winter maxima.
 Transpiration can be quite rapid in the  Adequate rainfall throughout the year.
warm summer. So, leaves are small,
thick, leathery and needle-shaped to Seasons
check excessive transpiration.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 As in other temperate regions there Distribution

are four distinct seasons.
 Winter is the season of cloudy skies, foggy  This is a small biome in terms of area
and misty mornings, and many rainy days covered. The main stretch of this habitat is
from the passing depressions. (Trees shed along the northwestern coast of North
their leaved in winter to prevent snow America from northern California though
accumulation and protect themselves from southern Alaska. There are also small Page
severe cold) areas in southern Chile, New Zealand,
 Spring is the driest and the most | 72
Australia and a few other places around
refreshing season when people emerge the world.
from the depressing winter to see
everything becoming green again.
 This is followed by the long, sunny
summer.
 Next is the autumn with the roar of gusty
winds; and the cycle repeats itself.
 This type of climate with its four distinct
seasons is something that
is conspicuously absent in the
tropics. [Rainforest == Only Rainy season,
Tropical Monsoon == Summer, Winter and
Rainy, Tropical Savanna == Summer
(rains) and Winter]
Natural Vegetation
Natural Vegetation
 Big coniferous trees dominate this habitat,
 Soils of temperate forests are podozolic and including Douglas fir, Western red cedar,
fairly deep. Mountain hemlock, Western hemlock,
 The natural vegetation of this climatic type Sitka spruce and Lodgepole pine.
is deciduous forest.  In addition to the trees, mosses and
 The trees shed their leaves in the cold lichens are very common, often growing as
season. epiphytes.
 This is an adaptation for protecting  Grizzly Bears are the common mammals
themselves against the winter snow and found in Alaska.
frost.
 Shedding begins in autumn, the ‘fall’ Sub-Tropical Deciduous Biome in
season. Growth begins in spring. Eastern China, South Eastern USA
 Some of the common species include oak,
elm, ash, birch, beech, and poplar.
 In the wetter areas grow willows (Light
weight cricket bats are made from willows.
In India willows are found in Kashmir).
 Most animals are the familiar vertebrates
and invertebrates.

Temperate Rainforest Biome

Climate
 Temperate rain forests receive an
annual precipitation of 200 cm, mostly  Characterized by a warm moist
due to on shore westerlies. summer and a cool, dry winter (one
 Precipitation occurs in the form of fog, exception: winters are also moist in Natal
rain as well as snow. Fog is quite Type).
common and is an important source of
water. Temperature
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The mean monthly temperature varies Uruguay [Rain-

between 4° C and 25° C and is strongly shadow effect]
modified by maritime influence. Bush-veld (more Northern South Africa
tropical)
Precipitation High Veld (more Southern South Africa
temperate)
 Rainfall is more than moderate, anything Downs Australia: Murray- Page
from 60 cm to 150 cm. Darling basin of
| 73
 There is the fairly uniform distribution of southern Australia
rainfall throughout the year. Canterbury New Zealand
Temperature
Natural Vegetation
 Climate is continental with extremes of
 Supports a luxuriant vegetation. temperature.
 The lowlands carry both evergreen broad-  Temperatures vary greatly between
leaved forests and deciduous trees summer and winter.
[hardwood].
 On the highlands, are various species of Precipitation
conifers such as pines and cypresses
which are important  The average rainfall may be taken as about
 Perennial plant growth is not checked by 45 cm, but this varies according to location
either a dry season or a cold season. from 25 cm to 75 cm.

Steppe or Temperate Grassland Biome Natural Vegetation of Steppe Climate

Grasses

 Greatest difference from the tropical

savanna is that steppes are
practically treeless and the grasses are
much shorter.
 Grasses are fresh and nutritious. This is
typical of the grass of the wheat-lands in
North America, the rich black earth or
chernozem areas of Russian Ukraine and
the better watered areas of the Asiatic
Steppes.

Trees
Name of the Region
Temperate  Polewards, an increase in precipitation
Grassland gives rise to a transitional zone of wooded
Pustaz Hungary and steppes where some conifers gradually
surrounding regions appear.
Prairies North America
[between the foothills Animals
of the Rockies and the
Great Lakes]  Does not have much animal diversity.
Pampas Argentina and  Horses are common in Asian Steppes.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
| 74

Temperate Deciduous Biome  Plants are in a continuous struggle against

[Mediterranean Region] heat, dry air, excessive evaporation and
prolonged droughts.
 They are, in short xerophytic [drought
tolerant], a word used to describe the
drought-resistant plants in an
environment deficient in moisture.

Tropical Deciduous Biome [Monsoon

Climate]

 Parts of the world that have Mediterranean

type of climate are characterized by warm,
dry summers and cool, moist winters.  Unlike equatorial wet climate, monsoon
 Trees with small broad leaves are widely climate is characterized by distinct wet
spaced and never very tall. and dry seasons associated with seasonal
 Regions with adequate rainfall are reversal of winds.
inhabited by low broad leafed evergreen  Floods in wet season and droughts in dry
trees [mostly evergreen oaks]. season are common.
 Fire is an important hazardous factor in  Usually there are three seasons
this ecosystem and the adaptation of the namely summer, winter and rainy
plants enable them to regenerate
quickly after being burnt. Temperature

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Monthly mean temperatures above 18 °C. seasons – winter and summer. Rains
 Temperatures range from 30-45° C in occur in summer].
summer.  Floods and droughts are common.
 In winters, temperature range is 15-30° C  Vegetation, wildlife and human life are
with mean temperature around 20-25° C. quite different from monsoon climate
regions.
Precipitation Page
Rainfall
| 75
 Annual mean rainfall ranges from 200-250
cm. In some regions it is around 350 cm.  Mean annual rainfall ranges from 80 – 160
 Places like Cherrapunji & cm [Rainfall decreases with distance from
Mawsynram receive an annual rainfall of equator].
about 1000 cm.
Temperature
Tropical Monsoon Forests
 Mean annual temperature is greater than
 Also known as drought-deciduous forest; 18° C.
dry forest; dry-deciduous forest; tropical  The monthly temperature hovers between
deciduous forest. 20° C and 32° C for lowland stations.
 Teak, neem, bamboos, sal, shisham,
sandalwood, khair, mulberryare some of Natural Vegetation of Savanna Climate
the important species found here.
 The savanna landscape is typified by tall
grass and short trees.
 The grasslands are also
called as ‘bush-veld’.
 The trees are deciduous,
shedding their leaves in the
cool, dry season to prevent
excessive loss of water
through transpiration, e.g.
acacias.
 Trees usually have broad
trunks, with water-storing
devices to survive through
the prolonged drought.
 Many trees are umbrella
shaped, exposing only a
narrow edge to the strong
winds.
 In true savanna lands, the
grass is tall and coarse,
growing 6 to 12 feet high.
The elephant grass may
attain a height of even 15
feet.
Savanna or Tropical Wet and Dry Biome  Grasses appear greenish and well-
nourished in the rainy season but turns
 This type of biome has alternate wet and yellow and dies down in the dry season
dry seasons similar to monsoon climate that follows.
but has considerably less annual rainfall.  As the rainfall diminishes towards the
 Also, there is no distinct rainy deserts the savanna merges into thorny
season like in monsoon climate. [Only two scrub.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Precipitation

 Precipitation is heavy and well distributed

throughout the year.
 Annual average is always above 150 cm.
Animal Life of the Savanna In some regions the annual average may be
as high as 250 – 300 cm. Page
 There are two main groups of animals in | 76
the savanna, the grass-eating herbivorous Equatorial Vegetation
animals and the fleshing-eating
carnivorous animals.  High temperature and abundant rainfall
 The herbivorous include the zebra, support a luxuriant tropical rain forest.
antelope, giraffe, deer, gazelle, elephant  In the Amazon lowlands, the forest is so
etc. [most of the National geographic and dense that it is called ‘selvas'. [selvas: A
Animal Planet documentaries on wild dense tropical rainforest usually having a
animals are shot in savanna regions] and cloud cover (dense canopy)]
carnivorous animals include the lion, tiger,  Unlike the temperate regions, the growing
leopard, hyena, panther, jaguar, jackal season here is all the year round-
etc.. seeding, flowering, fruiting and decaying
 Species of reptiles and mammals including do not take place in a seasonal pattern.
crocodiles, alligators, giant lizards live  The equatorial vegetation comprises a
together with the larger rhinoceros and multitude of evergreen trees that
hippopotamus in rivers and marshy lakes. yield tropical hardwood, e.g. mahogany,
ebony, dyewoods etc.
Tropical Rain Forest Biome  In the coastal areas and brackish
swamps, mangrove forests
 All plants struggle upwards
 Also known as ‘The Hot, Wet Equatorial
(most ephiphytes) for sunlight resulting in
Climate’, ‘Equatorial Rainforest Climate’.
a peculiar layer arrangement [Canopy].
 The regions are generally referred
as ‘Equatorial Rainforests’, ‘Equatorial
Epiphyte (Commensalism – Epiphyte benefits
Evergreen Forests’, ‘Tropical Moist
without troubling the host): An epiphyte is a
Broadleaf Forest’, ‘Lowland Equatorial
plant that grows harmlessly upon another
Evergreen Rainforest’.
plant (such as a tree) and derives its moisture
and nutrients from the air, rain, and
sometimes from debris accumulating around
it.

Q1. Which of the following is/are unique

characteristic/characteristics of equatorial
forests?

1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with

crowns forming a continuous canopy
2. Coexistence of a large number of
Temperature species
3. Presence of numerous varieties of
 Temperature is uniform throughout the epiphytes
year.
 The mean monthly temperatures are Select the correct answer using the code given
always around 27° C with very little below:
variation.
 There is no winter. [Typical to Equatorial 1. 1 only
Rainforest Climate] 2. 2 and 3 only
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

3. 1 and 3 only  Deserts are regions where evaporation

4. 1, 2 and 3 exceeds precipitation.
 There are mainly two types – hot like
Answer: Too easy. d) All the hot deserts of the Saharan type and
temperate as are the mid-latitude
Desert Biome deserts like the Gobi.
Page
| 77

Hot Deserts Asia, drier portions of the Great Basin

Desert of the western United
 They include the biggest Sahara States and Patagonian Deserts of
Desert (3.5 million square miles), Great Argentina etc..
Australian Desert, Arabian Desert,  The Patagonian Desert is more due to its
Iranian Desert, Thar Desert, rain-shadow position on the leeward side
Kalahari and Namib Deserts. of the lofty Andes than to continentiality.
 In North America, the desert extends from
Mexico into U.S.A. and is called by Rainfall (Both Hot and Cold deserts)
different names at different places, e.g.
the Mohave, Sonoran,  Deserts, whether hot or mid-latitude have
Californian and Mexican Deserts. an annual precipitation of less than 25
 In South America, the Atacama or cm.
Peruvian Desert is the driest of all deserts
with less than 2 cm of rainfall annually. Temperature of Hot deserts

Mid-Latitude Deserts  There is no cold season in the hot deserts

and the average summer temperature is
 The temperate deserts are rainless because high around 30°C.
of either continentiality or rain-shadow  The highest temperature recorded is 77° C
effect. [Gobi desert is formed due in 1922 at A1 Azizia, Libya.
to continentiality and Patagonian
desert due to rain-shadow effect] Desert Vegetation
 Amongst the mid-latitude deserts, many
are found on plateau and are at a  The predominant vegetation of both hot
considerable distance from the sea. These and mid-latitude deserts is xerophytic or
are Ladakh, The Kyzyl Kum, Turkestan, drought-resistant.
Taklimakan and Gobi deserts of Central

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 This includes the cacti, thorny bushes, almost entire surface layer. This condition
long-rooted wiry grasses and scattered is known as algal bloom.
dwarf acacias.  Oxygen in aquatic ecosystem is
 Trees are rare except where there is replenished by photosynthetic aquatic
abundant ground water to support clusters plants. Algal Blooms restrict the
of date palms. penetration of sunlight resulting in death
 Most desert shrubs have long roots and are of aquatic plants, and hence restricts the Page
well spaced out to gather moisture, and replenishment of oxygen.
search for ground water. Plants have few  The oxygen level is already depleted due to | 78
or no leaves and the foliage is either waxy, the population explosion of phytoplankton.
leathery, hairy or needle-shaped to  Phytoplankton are photosynthetic during
reduce the loss of water through day time adding oxygen to aquatic
transpiration. ecosystem. But during nights, they
 The seeds of many species of grasses and consume far more oxygen as they respire
herbs have thick, tough skins to protect aggressively. i.e. Algal blooms accentuate
them while they lie dormant. the rate of oxygen depletion as the
population of phytoplankton is very high.
Eutrophication – Algal Bloom  The primary consumers like small fish are
killed due to oxygen deprivation caused by
Eutrophication – Algal Bloom algal blooms.
 Death of primary consumers adversely
 Eutrophic water body: it is a a body of effects the food chain and leads to the
water rich in nutrients and so supporting a destruction of higher life forms.
dense plant population, the decomposition  Further, more oxygen is taken up by
of which kills animal life by depriving it of microorganisms during the
oxygen. decomposition process of dead algae,
 Eutrophication is the response to the plants and fishes. Due to reduced oxygen
addition of nutrients such level, the remaining fishes and other
as nitrates and phosphates naturally or aquatic organisms also die. All this
artificially, fertilizing the aquatic
ecosystem.
 Algal blooms are the consequence of
Eutrophication.
 Eutrophication occurs naturally due
to deposition of nutrients [such as in
depositional environments] carried
by flood waters. It takes over
centuries for eutrophication to occur
naturally.
 Similar nutrient enrichment of lakes
at an accelerated rate is caused by
human activities [discharge of
wastewaters or agricultural runoff,
Combustion of fossil fuel (produces
gases —nitrogen oxides), growing
urban population in the coastal
areas) and the consequent
phenomenon is known as ‘cultural
eutrophication’. It takes only
decades. eventually leads to degradation of aquatic
 Phytoplankton (algae and blue-green ecosystem.
bacteria) thrive on the excess nutrients  The new anaerobic conditions [absence of
and their population explosion covers oxygen] created promote growth of bacteria
such as Clostridium botulinum which

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

produces toxins deadly to aquatic  Increase in efficiency of nitrogen &

organisms, birds and mammals. phosphorous fertilizers and using them in
adequate levels.
 Nitrogen testing & modeling: N-Testing is a
technique to find the optimum amount of
Effects of Eutrophication fertilizer required for crop plants. It will
reduce the amount of nitrogen lost to the Page
surrounding area.
 Loss of fresh water lakes: Eutrophication | 79
 Encouraging organic farming.
eventually creates detritus layer in lakes
 Reduction in nitrogen emission from
and produces
vehicles and power plants.
successively shallower depth of surface
water. Eventually the water body is
reduced into marsh whose plant Harmful Algal Blooms
community is transformed from an
aquatic environment to  Algae or phytoplankton are microscopic
recognizable terrestrial [Lakes are one of organisms that can be found naturally in
the major sources of fresh water] coastal waters.
 New species invasion: Eutrophication  They are major producers of oxygen and
may cause the ecosystem competitive by food for many of the animals that live in
transforming the normal limiting nutrient these waters.
to abundant level. This cause shifting in  When environmental conditions are
species composition of ecosystem. favorable for their development, these cells
 Toxicity: Some algal blooms when died or may multiply rapidly and form high
eaten, release neuro & numbers of cells and this is called an algal
hepatotoxins which can kill aquatic bloom.
organism & pose threat to humans.  Water temperature has also been related to
E.g. Shellfish poisoning. the occurrence of algal blooms, with
 Loss of coral reefs: Occurs due to unusually warm water being conducive
decrease in water transparency (increased to blooms.
turbidity).  A bloom often results in a color change in
 Affects navigation due to increased the water. Algal blooms can be any color,
turbidity; creates colour (yellow, green, but the most common ones are red or
red), smell and water treatment problems; brown. These blooms are commonly
increases biomass of inedible toxic referred to as red or brown tides.
phytoplankton, benthic and epiphytic algae  Most algal blooms are not harmful but
and bloom of gelatinous zooplankton. some produce toxins and do affect fish,
birds, marine mammals and humans. The
Mitigation of Eutrophication toxins may also make the surrounding air
difficult to breathe. These are known as
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).
Checking water pollution is the ultimate
 Harmful Algal Blooms are considered an
solution to eutrophication.
environmental hazard because these
events can make people sick when
 Treating Industrial effluents domestic
contaminated shellfish or finfish are
sewage to remove nutrient rich sludge
eaten, or when people breathe aerosolized
through waste water processing.
HAB toxins near the beach.
 Riparian buffer: Interfaces between a
 HAB events adversely affect commercial
flowing body of water and land created
and recreational fishing, tourism, and
near the waterways, farms, roads, etc. in
valued habitats, creating a significant
an attempt to filter pollution. Sediments
impact on local economies and the
and nutrients are deposited in the buffer
livelihood of coastal residents.
zones instead of deposition in water
[Wetlands, estuaries are natural riparian
buffers]. Red Tide

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 "Red Tide" is a common name for such a

phenomenon where certain phytoplankton
species contain pigments and "bloom" such
that the human eye perceives the water to
be discolored.
 Blooms can appear greenish, brown, and
even reddish orange depending upon the Page
type of organism, the type of water, and
the concentration of the organisms. | 80
 The term "red tide" is a misnomer because
blooms are not always red, they are not
associated with tides, they are usually not
harmful, and some species can be harmful
or dangerous at low cell concentrations
that do not discolor the water.
Aquatic Organisms
Aquatic Ecosystems
The aquatic organisms are classified on the
Aquatic Ecosystems basis of their zone of occurrence.

 Neuston: These organisms live at the air-

 Aquatic ecosystems refers to plant and
water interface e.g. floating plants.
animal communities occurring in water
 Periphyton: These are organisms which
bodies. Aquatic ecosystems are classified
remain attached to stems and leaves of
on the basis of salinity into following types:
rooted plants or substances emerging
 Fresh water ecosystems — Water on land
above the bottom mud such as sessile
which is continuously cycling and has low
algae.
salt content (always less than 5 ppt) is
 Plankton: Microscopic floating organisms
known as fresh water. There are two types
such as algae, diatoms, protozoans and
of fresh water ecosystems: (i) Static or still
larval forms are called plankton. This
water (Lentic) ecosystems e.g. pond, lake,
group includes both microscopic plants
bogs and swamps. (ii) Running water
like algae (phytoplankton) and animals like
(Lotic) ecosystems e.g. springs, mountain
crustaceans and protozoans (zooplankton).
brooks, streams and rivers.
 The locomotory power of the planktons is
 Marine ecosystems — the water bodies
limited so that their distribution is
containing salt concentration equal to or
controlled, largely, by currents in the
above that of sea water (i.e., 35 ppt or
aquatic ecosystems.
above). Eg: shallow seas and open ocean.
 Nekton: This group contains powerful
 Brackish water ecosystems — these
swimmers that can overcome the water
water bodies have salt content in between
currents.
5 to 35 ppt. e.g. estuaries, salt marshes,
 The animals range in size from the
mangrove swamps and forests.
swimming insects to the largest blue
whale.
 Benthos: The benthic organisms are those
found living in the bottom of the water
mass.

Factors Limiting the Productivity of

Aquatic Habitats

 Sunlight and oxygen are the most

important limiting factors of the aquatic
ecosystems.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Sunlight temperature. Oxygen is less soluble in

warm water. Warm water also enhances
 Sunlight penetration rapidly diminishes as decomposer activity. Therefore,
it passes down the column of water. increasing the temperature of a water body
 The depth to which light penetrates a lake increases the rate at which oxygen is
determines the extent of plant distribution. depleted from water.
 Suspended particulate matters such as  When the dissolved oxygen level falls below Page
clay, silt, phytoplankton, etc. make the 3-5 ppm, many aquatic organisms are
likely to die. | 81
water turbid.
 Turbidity limits the extent of light
penetration and the photosynthetic activity Winterkill
in a significant way.
 Based on light penetration and plant  An ice layer on the top of a water body can
distribution they are classified as photic effectively cut off light. Photosynthesis
and aphotic zones. stops but respiration continues in such
water body.
Photic zone  If the water body is shallow, the oxygen
gets depleted and the fish die. This
 Photic (or "euphotic") zone is the portion condition is known as winterkill.
that extends from the lake surface down to
where the light level is 1% of that at the Temperature
surface. The depth of this zone depends on
the transparency of water.  Since water temperatures are less subject
 It is the upper layer of the aquatic to change, the aquatic organisms
ecosystems within which photosynthetic have narrow temperature tolerance
activity is confined. Both photosynthesis limit.
and respiration activity takes place.  As a result, even small changes in water
temperature are a great threat to the
Aphotic zone survival of aquatic organisms when
compared to the changes in air
 The lower layers of the aquatic ecosystems, temperatures in the terrestrial organisms.
where light penetration and plant growth
are restricted forms the aphotic zone Lake Ecology
(profundal zone). Only respiration activity
takes place in this zone.  Any body of standing water, generally large
 Aphotic zone extends from the end of the enough in area and depth is known as
photic zones to bottom of the lake. lake.
 The largest lake in the world is lake
Dissolved oxygen Superior in North America. Lake Baikal in
Siberia is the deepest. Chilka lake of
 In fresh water the average concentration of Orissa is largest lake in India.
dissolved oxygen is 10 parts per million or  Three main zones can be differentiated in a
10 ppm by weight. This is 150 times lower lake:-
than the concentration of oxygen in an
equivalent volume of air. 1. Peripheral zone (littoral zone) with shallow
 Oxygen enters the aquatic ecosystem water.
through the air water interface and by the 2. Open water beyond the littoral zone where
photosynthetic activities of aquatic plants. water is quite deep.
 Dissolved oxygen escapes the water body 3. Benthic zone (bottom) or the floor of the
through air-water interface and through lake.
respiration of organisms (fish,
decomposers, zooplanktons, etc.). Ageing of Lakes
 The amount of dissolved oxygen retained in
water is also influenced by
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Lakes receive their water from surface the lakes), floodplains (areas lying adjacent
runoff (sometimes also groundwater to the river channels beyond the natural
discharge) and along with it various levees and periodically flooded during high
chemical substances and mineral matter discharge in the river) and other marshy or
eroded from the land. swampy areas.
 Over periods spanning millennia, ageing
occurs as the lakes accumulate mineral Page
and organic matter and gradually, get filled
up. | 82
 The nutrient-enrichment of the lakes
promotes the growth of algae, aquatic
plants and various fauna. This process is
known as natural ‘eutrophication’.
 Similar nutrient enrichment of lakes at an
accelerated rate is caused by human
activities (discharge of wastewaters or
agricultural runoff) and the consequent
ageing phenomenon is known as ‘cultural
eutrophication’.
 On the basis of their nutrient content,
lakes are categorized as Oligotrophic (very  These habitats experience periodic flooding
low nutrients), Mesotrophic (moderate from adjacent deep water habitats and
nutrients) and Eutrophic (highly nutrient therefore supports plants and animals
rich). specifically adapted to such shallow
 Vast majority of lakes in India are either flooding or water logging.
eutrophic or mesotrophic because of the  Waterlogged soil, adapted plant life
nutrients derived from their surroundings (hydrophytes) and hydric soils (not
or organic wastes entering them. enough O2) are the chief characteristics of
wetlands.
Parameter Oligotrophic Eutrophic  India has totally 27,403 wetlands, of which
23,444 are inland wetlands and 3,959 are
Oxygen in the Present Absent
coastal wetlands.
bottom layer
 Wetlands occupy 18.4% of the country's
Depth Tend to be Tend to be
area of which 70% are under paddy
deeper shallower
cultivation.
Water quality Good Poor
 Natural wetlands in India range from high
for domestic &
altitude wetlands in Himalayas; flood
industrial uses
plains of the major river systems; saline
Number of Many Fewer
and temporary wetlands of the arid and
plant
semi-arid regions; coastal wetlands such
and animal
as lagoons, backwaters, estuaries,
species
mangroves, swamps and coral reefs, and
Wetlands - Wetland Ecosystem so on.
Wetland Ecosystem
Distinction from Lakes
 Wetlands are areas of marsh or peatland
 Lakes are generally less important when
with water that is static or flowing, fresh,
compared to wetland from the viewpoint of
brackish or saline, including areas of
ecosystem and biodiversity conservation.
marine water the depth of which at low
 There is no clear distinction between lakes
tide does not exceed 6 m.
and wetlands. Wetlands are shallow water
 Wetlands are transition zones between
bodies whereas lakes can be deep or
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. E.g.
shallow.
Mangroves, lake littorals (marginal areas
between highest and lowest water level of

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 National Lake Conservation Programme Flood control Significant

(NLCP) considers lakes as standing water Waste No Yes
bodies which have a minimum water depth treatment
of 3 m, generally cover a water spread of Importance of Wetlands
more than ten hectares, and have no or
very little aquatic vegetation.
 Wetlands are indispensable for the
 Wetlands (generally less than 3 m deep Page
countless benefits or “ecosystem services”
over most of their area) are usually rich in
that they provide humanity, ranging from | 83
nutrients (derived from surroundings and
freshwater supply, food and building
their sediments) and have abundant
materials, and biodiversity, to flood
growth of aquatic macrophytes.
control, groundwater recharge, and climate
 They support high densities and diverse
change mitigation.
fauna, particularly birds, fish and macro
 Wetlands are habitat to aquatic flora and
invertebrates, and therefore, have high
fauna, numerous species of native and
value for biodiversity conservation.
migratory birds.
 Excessive growth of macrophytes (both
 Wetlands are an important resource for
submerged and free-floating; macrophytes
sustainable tourism.
–aquatic plant large enough to be seen by
 They carry out water purification, filtration
the naked eye) in wetlands affects the
of sediments and nutrients from surface
water quality adversely and interfere with
water.
the utilization of the water body.
 They help in nutrients recycling, ground
 However, marginal aquatic vegetation is
water recharging and stabilization of local
desirable as it checks erosion, serves
climate.
habitat for wildlife and helps improve
 Play an important role in flood mitigation
water quality.
by controlling rate of runoff.
 Buffer (act as riparian buffer) shorelines
Characteristic Lake Wetland against erosion and pollutants.
(shallow  They act as genetic reservoir for various
lake) species of plants (especially rice).
Origin Largest are Mostly
due to Fluvial,
tectonic Residual
forces: Fluvial, lakes
Geomorphic,
increase in
water table,
etc.
Water turnover Permanent Permanent
or
Temporary
Water level Relatively Relatively
changes small Large
Reasons for depletion
Thermal Yes No
stratification
Vertical mixing Thermally Wind  Excessive pollutants (Industrial effluents,
regulated regulated domestic waste, agricultural runoff etc.)
Dominant Phytoplankton Macrophytes are dumped into wetlands beyond the
Producer recycling capacity.
Food chain Grazing Detritus  Habitat destruction and deforestation
Pathway Pathway creates ecological imbalance by altering the
Productivity Low High population of wetland species.
Trophic status Oligotrophic Mostly  Conversion of wetlands for agriculture and
Eutrophic encroachment by public and mafia.
Functions- Less Significant

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Over fishing and fish farming (Aqua  It is also known as the Convention on
culture). Wetlands.
 Overgrazing in marshy soils.  It is named after the city of Ramsar in
 Removal of sand from beds near seas Iran.
makes the wetland vulnerable to wave  The Convention was signed on 2nd of
action and tidal bore. February, 1971.
 The 2nd of February each year is World Page
Mitigation Wetlands Day.
 Number of parties to the convention (COP) | 84
is169.
 Demarcation of wetlands using latest
 At the center of the Ramsar philosophy is
technology, proper enforcement of laws
the “wise use” of wetlands.
and stringent punishments for violators.
 Wise use: maintenance of ecological
 Preventing unsustainable aquaculture and
character within the context of sustainable
cultivation of shellfish.
development.
 Treating industrial effluents and water
from farm lands before discharging into
wetlands. Need for Such Convention
 Utilizing wetlands on a sustainable basis
by giving enough time for natural  Wetlands are indispensable for the
regeneration. Artificial regeneration for countless benefits or “ecosystem
quick recovery. services” that they provide humanity,
 Afforestation, weed control, preventing ranging from freshwater supply, food and
invasive species is the key to wetland building materials, and biodiversity, to
conservation. flood control, groundwater recharge, and
 Preventive measures to stop the climate change mitigation.
introduction of exotic invasive species like  64% of the world’s wetlands have
water hyacinth. disappeared in the last century.
 Soil conservation measures &
afforestation. Preventing grazing in What is wetland
peripherals of wetlands.
 Wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism,  The Convention uses a broad definition of
eco-tourism and sensitizing local populace. wetlands. It includes all lakes and rivers,
 Eutrophication abatement by processing underground aquifers, swamps and
nutrient rich discharge into the water marshes, wet grasslands, peatland, oases,
body. estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, mangroves
 Involving local population in the and other coastal areas, coral reefs, and all
conservation of wetlands. human-made sites such as fish ponds, rice
paddies, reservoirs and salt pans.
Ramsar Sites in India - Ramsar
Convention on Wetlands COP
Measures to Protect Wetlands
 Conference of the Parties (COP) is the
Convention's governing body consisting of
 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands all governments that have ratified the
 Ramsar Sites in India treaty.
 Wetlands International  Every three years, representatives of the
 National Wetlands Conservation Contracting Parties meet as the Conference
Programme (NWCP) of the Contracting Parties (COP)
 COP is the policy-making organ of the
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Convention which adopts decisions
(Resolutions and Recommendations) to
 International treaty for “the conservation administer the work of the Convention.
and sustainable use of wetlands”.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The most recent COP12 was held in Punta a. Changes in ecological character have
del Este, Uruguay in 2015. COP13 will occurred, are occurring or are likely to
take place in Dubai, United Arab occur in the wetland as a result of human
Emirates, in 2018. interference.
b. The country in which the wetland is
Under the Convention, the Contracting located should enact a law to prohibit any
Parties commit to: human activity within five kilo meters from Page
the edge of the wetland
 Work towards the wise use of all their c. The survival of the wetland depends on the | 85
wetlands; cultural practices and traditions of certain
 Designate suitable wetlands for the List of communities living in its vicinity and
Wetlands of International Importance (the therefore the cultural diversity therein
“Ramsar List”) and ensure their effective should not be destroyed
management; d. It is given the status of ‘World Heritage
 Cooperate internationally on trans Site’
boundary wetlands, shared wetland
systems and shared species. Answer: a)

Ramsar Site International Organization Partners

 At the time of joining the Convention, each  The Ramsar Convention works closely with
Contracting Party undertakes to designate six other organizations known as
at least one wetland site for inclusion in International Organization Partners (IOPs).
the List of Wetlands of International These are:
Importance.
 The inclusion of a “Ramsar Site” in the List 1. Birdlife International
embodies the government’s commitment to 2. International Union for Conservation of
take the steps necessary to ensure that its Nature (IUCN)
ecological character is maintained. 3. International Water Management
 The List of Wetlands of International Institute (IWMI)
Importance included 2,231 Ramsar Sites 4. Wetlands International
in March 2016. 5. WWF
 The country with the highest number of 6. International Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Sites is the United Kingdom with 170 (WWT)
 The country with the greatest area of listed
wetlands is Bolivia. Other Partners

The Montreux Record  Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

 Convention to Combat Desertification
 The Montreux Record is a register of (UNCCD),
wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of  Convention on the Conservation of
International Importance where changes in Migratory Species of Wild Animals
ecological character have occurred, are  Convention on Migratory Species (CMS),
occurring, or are likely to occur as a result  World Heritage Convention (WHC) and
of technological developments, pollution or  Convention on International Trade in
other human interference. It is maintained Endangered Species (CITES).
as part of the Ramsar List.
Project funding is done by various groups like
Q1. If a wetland of international multilateral development banks, bilateral
importance is brought under the ‘Montreux donors, UN agencies such as UNEP, UNDP,
Record’, what does it imply? Non-governmental organizations etc.

Transboundary Ramsar Sites

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Contracting Parties are designating their  If it supports plant and/or animal species
new and existing Ramsar Sites as at a critical stage in their life cycles, or
Transboundary Ramsar Sites. provides refuge during adverse conditions.
 These are ecologically coherent, shared  If it regularly supports 20,000 or more
wetlands extending across national water birds.
borders, which are managed  If it regularly supports 1% of the
collaboratively. individuals in a population of one species Page
or subspecies of water birds.
Criteria for Identification of Wetlands  If it supports a significant proportion of | 86
under Ramsar Convention indigenous fish subspecies
 If it is an important source of food for
fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or
 If it contains a representative, rare, or
migration path.
unique example of a natural or near-
 If it is an important source of food and
natural wetland type.
water resource, increased possibilities for
 if it supports vulnerable, endangered, or
recreation and eco-tourism, etc.
critically endangered species; or threatened
ecological communities.
 If it supports populations of plant and/or Ramsar Sites in India
animal species important for maintaining
the biological diversity of a particular  At present, there are 26 Ramsar Sites in
biogeographic region. India.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
| 87

Wetland State and Area

in km²
1 Ashtamudi Wetland Kerala  A natural backwater in Kollam district.
614  River Kallada and Pallichal drains into it.
 It forms an estuary with Sea at
Neendakara which is a famous fishing
harbour in Kerala.
 National Waterway 3 passes through it.

2 Bhitarkanika Mangroves Orissa  The core area of Bhitarkanika Wildlife

650 Sanctuary was declared Bhitarkanika
National Park.
 Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary includes
Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Bhitarkanika Mangroves, a part of

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary were
designated a Ramsar Wetland of
International Importance in 2002.
 It is famous for its salt water crocodiles
and Olive ridley sea turtle.
Page
3 Bhoj Wetland Madhya Pradesh  The Bhoj Wetland consists of two lakes
| 88
32 located in the city of Bhopal.
 The two lakes are the Bhojtal and the
Lower Lake.
 It is a manmade reservoir.
 A total of more than 20,000 birds are
observed annually.
 The largest bird of India, the sarus crane
(Grus antigone) is found here.

4 Chandra Taal Himachal

Pradesh
0.49
5 Chilika Lake Orissa  Chilka Lake is a brackish water lagoon at
the mouth of the Daya River
1165  It is spread over the Puri, Khurda and
Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the
east coast of India.
 It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and
the second largest lagoon in the world.
 The lagoon hosts
 over 160 species of birds in the peak
migratory season. Birds from as far as the
Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and
other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz
steppes of Mongolia, Central and
southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas
come here.
 In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the
first Indian wetland of international
importance under the Ramsar Convention.
 Birds: White bellied sea eagles, greylag
geese, purple moorhen, jacana, flamingos,
egrets, gray and purple herons, Indian
roller, storks, white ibis, spoonbills,
brahminy ducks, shovellers, pintails, and
more.
 Nalbana Island is the core area of the
Ramsar designated wetlands of Chilika
Lake.
 Nalbana was notified in 1987 and declared
a bird sanctuary in 1973 under the
Wildlife Protection Act.
 The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella
brevirostris) is the flagship species of
Chilika lake.
 Chilka is home to the only known

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

population of Irrawaddy dolphins in India.

 It is classified as critically endangered, in
five of the six other places it is known to
live.

6 Deepor Beel Assam

Page
40 | 89
7 East Calcutta Wetlands West Bengal  The wetland forms an urban facility for
treating the city's waste water
125  The wetland provides about 150 tons of
fresh vegetables daily, as well as some
10,500 tons of table fish per year.

8 Harike Wetland Punjab  An important site for breeding, wintering

and staging birds, supporting over
41 200,000 Anatidae (ducks, geese, swans,
etc.) during migration.

9 Hokera Wetland Jammu and  Hokera wetland is only 10 km away from

Kashmir Srinagar.
 68 waterfowl species like Large Egret,
13.75 Great Crested Grebe, Little Cormorant,
Common Shelduck, Tufted Duck and
endangered White-eyed Pochard, coming
from Siberia, China, Central Asia, and
Northern Europe.

10 Kanjli Wetland Punjab

1.83
11 Keoladeo National Park Rajasthan  A complex of ten artificial, seasonal
lagoons, varying in size, situated in a
28.73 densely populated region.
 Placed on the Montreux Record in 1990
due to "water shortage and an unbalanced
grazing regime".
 Additionally, the invasive growth of the
grass Paspalum distichum has changed
the ecological character of large areas of
the site, reducing its suitability for certain
waterbird species, notably the Siberian
crane.

12 Kolleru Lake Andhra Pradesh  Bird sanctury

901
13 Loktak Lake Manipur  Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake
in the north-eastern region.
266  Keibul Lamjao the only floating national
park in the world floats over it.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

14 Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Gujarat  A natural freshwater lake (a relict sea)

that is the largest natural wetland in the
[Declared as Ramsar site in 123 Thar Desert Biogeographic Province and
2012. Most recent Ramsar represents a dynamic environment with
Site in India] salinity and depth varying depending on
rainfall.
 Besides a few mammalian species Page
including the endangered wild ass and
the black buck, its migratory bird | 90
population includes rosy
pelicans, flamingoes, white
storks, brahminy ducks and herons.
Thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to
this sanctuary just after the Indian
monsoon season.
 The wetland is also a lifeline for a satellite
population of the endangered Indian Wild
Ass (Equus hemionus khur) which uses
this area in the dry season.

15 Point Calimere Wildlife and Tamil Nadu  One of the last remnants of Dry Evergreen
Bird Sanctuary Forests.
385  Habitat:Dry Evergreen Forests, Mangrove
& Wetlands.
 Winter Migrants : Spoon Billed Sandpiper,
Greater Flamingos.

16 Pong Dam Lake Himachal  A water storage reservoir created in 1975

Pradesh on the Beas River in the low foothills of
the Himalaya on the northern edge of the
156 Indo-Gangetic plain.

17 Renuka Lake Himachal  A natural wetland with freshwater springs

Pradesh and inland subterranean karst
formations, fed by a small stream flowing
0.2 from the lower Himalayan out to the Giri
river.
 There are 103 species of birds of which 66
are residents, e.g. Crimson-breasted
barbet, Mayna, Bulbul, Pheasants, Egrets,
Herons, Mallards and Lapwing.
 Among ungulates Sambhar, Barking deer
and Ghorals are also abundant in the
area.
 The lake has high religious significance
and is named after the mother of Hindu
sage Parshuram, and is thus visited by
thousands of pilgrims and tourists.

18 Ropar_Wetland Punjab  A humanmade wetland of lake and river

formed by the 1952 construction of a
13.65 barrage for diversion of water from the
Sutlej River for drinking and irrigation
supplies.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The site is an important breeding place for

the nationally protected Smooth Indian
Otter, Hog Deer, Sambar, and several
reptiles, and the endangered Indian
Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is thought
to be present.
 Some 35 species of fish play an important Page
role in the food chain, and about 150
species of local and migratory birds are | 91
supported.

19 Rudrasagar Lake Tripura

2.4
20 Sambhar Lake Rajasthan  The Sambhar Salt Lake, India's largest
inland salt lake.
240  Sambhar has been designated as a
Ramsar site (recognized wetland of
international importance) because the
wetland is a key wintering area for tens of
thousands of flamingos and other birds
that migrate from northern Asia.
 The specialized algae and bacteria growing
in the lake provide striking water colours
and support the lake ecology that, in turn,
sustains the migrating waterfowl. There is
other wildlife in the nearby forests, where
Nilgai move freely along with deer and
foxes.

21 Sasthamkotta Lake Kerala  It is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala,

situated inKollam district.
3.73
22 Surinsar-Mansar Lakes Jammu and
Kashmir

3.5
23 Tsomoriri Jammu and  A freshwater to brackish lake lying at
Kashmir 4,595m above sea level. The site is said to
represent the only breeding ground
120 outside of China for one of the most
endangered cranes, the Black-necked
crane (Grus nigricollis), and the only
breeding ground for Bar-headed geese in
India.
 The Great Tibetan Sheep or Argali (Ovis
ammon hodgsoni) and Tibetan Wild Ass
(Equus kiang) are endemic to the Tibetan
plateau, of which the Changthang is the
westernmost part.

24 Upper Ganga River (Brijghat Uttar Pradesh  The river provides habitat for IUCN Red
to Narora Stretch) listed Ganges River Dolphin, Gharial,
266 Crocodile, 6 species of turtles, otters, 82
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

species of fish and more than hundred

species of birds.

25 Vembanad-Kol Wetland Kerala  Largest lake of Kerala.

 Famous tourist locations like Alappuzha
1512 and Kumarakom, known for house boats
falls here. Page
 River mouths of Pamba-Achenkovil rivers
| 92
in Vembanad forms one of the unique
wetland topography of Kerala, the
Kuttanad. It is below sea level and is
famous for exotic fish varieties and Paddy
fields that are below sea level.

26 Wular Lake Jammu and  The largest freshwater lake in India.

Kashmir

189

[Link] [Link] [Link]

[Link] [Link] [Link]
Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
| 93

Wetlands International governments, corporate and international

policy fora and conventions.
 Wetlands International is a global
organization (NGO) that works to sustain Q1. With reference to a conservation
and restore wetlands and their resources organization called ‘Wetlands
for people and biodiversity. International’, which of the following
 It is an independent, not-for-profit statements is/are correct?
organization, supported by government
and NGO membership from around the 1. It is an intergovernmental organization
world. formed by the countries which are
 Wetlands International's work ranges from signatories to Ramsar Convention.
research, advocacy and engagement with

[Link] [Link] [Link]

Notes: [Link]
[Link] [Link] [Link]
Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

2. It works at the field level to develop and  It also provides guidelines, financial &
mobilize knowledge, and use the practical technical assistance to state govt.
experience to advocate for better policies.  Since the land resources belong to them,
the State Governments/UT Administration
Select the correct answer using the code given are responsible for management of
below. wetlands.
Page
a. 1 only Mangrove and Estuarine Ecosystems
| 94
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2 Estuarine Ecosystem
d. Neither 1 nor 2
 An estuary is a place where a river or a
Answer: b) 2 only. Wetlands International stream opens into the sea (mouth of the
is an NGO river).
 It is a partially enclosed coastal area of
National Wetlands Conservation brackish water (salinity varies between 0-
Programme (NWCP) 35 ppt) with one or more rivers or streams
flowing into it, and with a free connection
 NWCP was implemented in the year 1985- to the open sea.
86.  At the estuaries, fresh water carrying
 Under the programme, 115 wetlands have fertile silt and runoff from the land mixes
been identified by the MoEF which require with the salty sea water.
urgent conservation and management  Estuaries form a transition zone
interventions. (ecotone) between river environments and
 Criteria for identification of wetlands of maritime environments.
national importance under NWCP are same  Examples of estuaries are river mouths,
as those prescribed under the ‘Ramsar coastal bays, tidal marshes, lagoons and
Convention on Wetlands’. deltas.

Aim

 Conservation of wetlands to prevent their

further degradation and ensuring their
wise use for the benefit of local
communities and overall conservation of
biodiversity.

Objectives

 to lay down policy guidelines for

conservation and management of wetlands.
 to provide financial assistance for
undertaking intensive conservation
measures.  Estuaries are formed due to rise in sea
 to monitor implementation of the level, movement of sand and sandbars,
programme. glacial processes and tectonic processes.
 to prepare an inventory of Indian wetlands.  All the plants and animals in the estuaries
are subjected to variations in salinity to
Federal management which they are adapted (osmoregulation).
 Estuaries are greatly influenced by tidal
 The Central Government is responsible action. They are periodically washed by sea
for overall coordination of wetland water once or twice a day based on the
conservation programmes. number of tides.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

Notes: [Link]
[Link] [Link] [Link]
Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 In some narrow estuaries, tidal bores are ideal locations for the construction of ports
significant. Tidal bores cause great damage and harbours.
to the estuarine ecology.  The banks of estuarine channels form a
favored location for human settlements,
Importance of Estuaries which use the estuaries for fishing and
commerce, but nowadays also for dumping
 They are the most productive (more
civic and industrial waste. Page
productive than wetlands) water bodies in | 95
the world because of the mixing of fresh Differences between Lagoon and
water and saline water zone where marine Estuary
organisms of both the ecosystems meet.
 A lagoon is a stretch of salt water
Ecotone regions (transitional zones) separated from the sea by a low sandbank
like mangroves, wetlands, estuaries, or coral reef.
grasslands etc. have far greater productivity  Backwaters in Kerala are mostly lagoons
compared to natural ecosystems like forest where sea water flows inwards through a
ecosystem, ocean ecosystem, pond ecosystem, small inlet that is open towards the sea.
riverine ecosystem, desert ecosystem etc.. This  The main difference between lagoons and
is because of the wide ranging species from estuaries is in the flow dynamics of the
the adjacent ecosystems being present in the water bodies: in estuaries, the water flows
ecotone. fast and strong, while in lagoons the water
is more shallow and flows sluggishly.
 Also, an estuary has very little wave  Estuaries are usually deeper than lagoons.
action, so it provides a calm refuge from Also, lagoons mostly don’t have any fresh
the open sea and hence becomes ideal for water source while the estuaries have at
the survival of numerous aquatic species. least one. Lagoons more saline than
 Estuaries are most heavily populated areas estuaries.
throughout the world, with about 60% of  Lagoons are formed due to fall in sea levels
the world's population living along (coastline of emergence. E.g. Kerala Coast)
estuaries and the coast. whereas estuaries are mostly formed due
 The vast mangrove forests on the sea ward to rise in sea levels (coastline of
side of an estuary act as barrier for the submergence. E.g. Konkan coast)
costal habitat to check the wind speed
during cyclones and high velocity landward Estuarine Vegetation
winds.
 Mangroves act as a filter trapping  Only certain types of plants and animals
suspended mud and sand carried by rivers specially adapted to the "brackish"
which leads to delta formations around estuarine waters flourish in the estuaries.
estuaries.  Factors influencing the growth and
 Precipitation of clay and alluvium particles distribution of organism in an estuary are
in estuarine region is high because of the its salinity and the amount of flooding.
exposure to saline water (saline water  Estuaries support diverse habitats, such
precipitates fine alluvium). as mangroves, salt marshes, sea-grass,
 Estuaries store and recycle Nutrients, mudflats etc.
traps sediment and forms a buffer between  Estuaries are very dynamic and productive
coastal catchments and the marine ecosystems since the river flow, tidal range
environment. and sediment distribution is continuously
 They also absorb, trap and detoxify changing in them.
pollutants, acting as a natural water filter.  In general the phytoplanktons of estuaries
 Estuaries with their wetlands, creeks, are diatoms, dinoflagellates, green algae,
lagoons, mangroves and sea-grass beds are blue-green algae.
rich in natural resources including  Towards the sea coast of the estuaries
fisheries. there are large algae and sea grasses. Near
 They are deep and well protected from
marine transgressions and hence they are
[Link] [Link] [Link]
Notes: [Link]
[Link] [Link] [Link]
Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

the mouth of the rivers and deltas there  Destruction of biodiversity through prawn
are mangrove forests. seed collection and operation of small-
 Estuaries are homes to all kind of meshed nets (e.g., Hooghly, Chilka, Pulicat)
terrestrial or land-based plants and  Submergence of catchment areas due to
animals, such as wood storks, pelicans, rise in water level.
coniferous and deciduous trees and
butterflies. Mangroves Page
 Estuaries are also homes to unique aquatic
plants and animals, such as sea turtles, | 96
 Mangroves represent a characteristic
sea lions, sea catfish, saltworts, eelgrass,
littoral (near the sea shore) forest
saltgrasses, cordgrasses, sea grass, sedge,
ecosystem.
bulrush etc..
 These are mostly evergreen forests that
grow in sheltered low lying coasts,
India Estuarine Ecosystem estuaries, mudflats, tidal creeks
backwaters (coastal waters held back on
 The Country has 14 major, 44 medium land), marshes and lagoons of tropical and
and 162 minor rivers drains into the sea subtropical regions.
through various estuaries.  Mangroves grow below the high water level
 Major estuaries occur in the Bay of Bengal. of spring tides. The best locations are
Many estuaries are locations of some of the where abundant silt is brought down by
major seaports. rivers or on the backshore of accreting
 Most of the India's major estuaries occur sandy beaches.
on the east coast. In contrast, the  Mangroves are highly productive
estuaries on the west coast are smaller (In ecosystems and the trees may vary in
environmental studies, deltas are height from 8 to 20 m. They protect the
considered as sub sections of estuaries). shoreline from the effect of cyclones and
 Two typical examples of estuaries on the tsunamis.
west coast are the Mandovi and Zuari  They are breeding and spawning ground
estuaries. for many commercially important fishes.
 Since mangroves are located between the
Issues of Indian Estuarine Ecosystem land and sea they represent the best
example of ecotone.
 Mangroves are shrubs or small trees that
 Modifications of the estuarine catchments
grow in coastal saline or brackish water.
results in changes in water flow in various
 Mangroves are salt tolerant trees, also
estuaries, either far in excess or much
called halophytes, and are adapted to life
lower than required (Eg: Hooghly,
in harsh coastal conditions.
Narmada, Krishna, Godavari, Pulicat etc.)
 Mangrove vegetation facilitates more water
 Pollution through industries and combined
loss. Leaves are thick and contain salt
city sewage discharge.
secreting glands. Some block absorption of
 Recreational boating and fishing.
salt at their roots itself.
 Navigation, dredging and shipping (e.g.
 They contain a complex salt filtration
Hooghly)
system and complex root system to cope
 Expansion of urban and rural settlements,
with salt water immersion and wave
mining & industries, agriculture and
action.
dumping of solid wastes
 They are adapted to the low oxygen
 Over exploitation of target fish stock due to
(anoxic) conditions of waterlogged mud.
increased demand.
 They produces pneumatophores (blind
 Reclaiming the fringed areas for intensive
roots) to overcome respiration problem in
aquaculture in pens.
the anaerobic soil conditions.
 Obstructing the migratory routes of fish
 Mangroves occur worldwide in the tropics
and prawn recruitment (e.g., Chilka,
and subtropics, mainly between latitudes
Pulicat)
25° N and 25° S.
 Polluting the environment through feeding
 They require high solar radiation to filter
of stocked fish and prawn in pens (Chilka)
saline water through their roots. This
[Link] [Link] [Link]
Notes: [Link]
[Link] [Link] [Link]
Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

explains why mangroves are confined to

only tropical and sub-tropical coastal
waters.
 Mangroves occur in a variety of
configurations. Some species
(e.g. Rhizophora) send arching prop
roots down into the water. While other Page
(e.g. Avicennia) send vertical
“Pneumatophores” or air roots up from | 97
the mud.

Prop roots and pneumatophores

 The mangroves of Sundarbans are the

largest single block of tidal holophytic
mangroves of the world.
 The major species of this dense mangrove
forest include Herritiera fames, Rhizophora
spp., Bruguiera spp., Ceriops decandra,
Sonneratia spp. and Avicennia spp., Nypa
fruticans are found along the creeks.
 This mangrove forest is famous for the
Stilt roots Royal Bengal Tiger and crocodiles.
Mangrove areas here are being cleared for
 Adventitious roots which emerged from the agricultural use.
main trunk of a tree above ground level are  The mangroves of Bhitarkanika (Orissa),
called stilt roots. which is the second largest in the Indian
 Mangroves exhibit Viviparity mode of sub-continent, harbour high concentration
reproduction. i.e. seeds germinate in the of typical mangrove species and high
tree itself (before falling to the ground). genetic diversity.
 This is an adaptive mechanism to  Mangrove swamps occur in profusion in
overcome the problem of germination in the intertidal mudflats on both side of the
saline water. creeks in the Godavari-Krishna deltaic
regions of Andhra Pradesh.
Mangroves in India  Mangroves of Pichavaram and Vedaranyam
are degraded mainly due to construction of
aquaculture ponds and salt pans.
 On the west coast of India, mangroves,
mostly scrubby and degraded occur along
the intertidal region of estuaries and

[Link] [Link] [Link]

Notes: [Link]
[Link] [Link] [Link]
Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

creeks in Maharashtra, Goa and  They are destroyed for conversion of area
Karnataka. for agricultural purpose, fuel, fodder and,
 The mangrove vegetation in the coastal salinization, mining, oil spills, aqua
zone of Kerala is very sparse and thin. cultural (shrimp farming), use of chemical
 In Gujarat (north-west coast) mangroves pesticides & fertilizers, industrial
Avicennia marine, Avicennia officinalis and purposes.
Rhizophora mucronata are found mainly in Page
Gulf of Kachchh and the Kori creek. Q2. Which one of the following is the
 Mangroves are of scrubby type with correct sequence of ecosystems in the | 98
stunted growth, forming narrow, order of decreasing productivity?
discontinuous patches on soft clayey mud.
 The condition of the mangroves is a. Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
improving especially in the Kori creek b. Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
region, which is a paleodelta of the Indus c. Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
river. d. Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands
 In size, mangroves range from bushy
stands of dwarf mangroves found in Gulf of Explanation:
Kuchchh, to taller stands found in the
Sunderbans. Productivity = production/unit area/unit time
 On the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the
small tidal estuaries, neritic inlets and the Production/unit area depends on number and
lagoons support a dense and diverse diversity of producers.
undisturbed mangrove flora.
From the topics discussed in this post, we can
Importance of Mangroves say that transitional zones (Ecotones) have
very high productivity compared to normal
 Mangrove plants have (additional) special ecosystems. [Tropical Rainforests is an
roots such as prop roots, pneumatophores exception as it has productivity comparable to
which help to impede water flow and wetlands because of its rich diversity of
thereby enhance the deposition of primary producers]
sediment in areas (where it is already
occurring), stabilize the coastal shores, In the options, mangroves are transitional
provide breeding ground for fishes. ecosystems while the rest are normal
 Mangroves moderate monsoonal tidal ecosystems.
floods and reduce inundation of coastal
lowlands. Remember: Grasslands are not transitional all
 They prevents coastal soil erosion. the time. E.g. Steppe. Non transitional
 They protects coastal lands from tsunami, grasslands have very low productivity because
hurricanes and floods. of very limited diversity of primary producers.
 Mangroves enhance natural recycling of [Grasslands become transitional only when
nutrients. they are narrow]
 Mangrove supports numerous flora,
avifauna and wild life. So the order of decreasing productivity will be
 Provide a safe and favorable environment like
for breeding, spawning, rearing of several
fishes. Mangroves ,…… , …… , ……..
 They supplies woods, fire wood, medicinal
plants and edible plants to local people.
Oceans = very deep and hence productivity is
 They provides numerous employment
limited to surface only (Below in the aphotic
opportunities to local communities and
zone productivity is negligible. Aphotic zone in
augments their livelihood.
oceans is few kilometers).
Threats Also surface water in oceans are very poor in
nutrients. Nutrient rich cold water flows as a

[Link] [Link] [Link]

Notes: [Link]
[Link] [Link] [Link]
Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

sub-surface flow lying in the aphotic zone. So, the answer will look like Mangroves,
Sunlight and nutrients are far apart and ………., ………, Oceans.
hence primary productivity is very low except
in regions where there is upwelling of nutrient The only such option is c)
rich cold water [Cold and Warm current
mixing zones]. Answer: c) Mangroves, grasslands, lakes,
oceans. Page
So open ocean ecosystem has the least
productivity. [Desert ecosystem also has very | 99
Lakes just like oceans have low productivity.
low productivity, lesser than oceans]. But due to some plants in photic zone, lakes
have productivity slightly greater than that of
oceans.

Environmental Degradation & comforts have resulted in rapid

Himalayan Environment industrialization.
 Rapid industrialization in turn led to
Environmental Degradation overexploitation of natural resources.
 The consequences of such exploitation are
 Environmental degradation is making the evident in the form of soil erosion,
environment unfit or less suitable for the desertification, loss of biodiversity,
survival of different life forms thereby pollution of land, air and water bodies.
causing immense ecological damage.
 Population explosion, urbanization and Major Causes of Environmental
associated increase in human needs and Degradation

[Link] [Link] [Link]

Notes: [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Air/water/soil pollution: Gaseous Consequences of Environmental

pollutants: Oxides of carbon, nitrogen and Degradation
sulphur. [All types of pollution are
explained in detail in future posts]
 Increased sensitivity to
 Particulate matter: Fine metal dust, fly
diseases: Cultivated species of plants,
ash, soot, cotton dust and radioactive
fishes and other domesticated animals
have become increasingly sensitive to pest Page
substances.
 Burning of plastics: Emit poly chlorinated
and diseases. |
biphenyles (PCBs).
 Genetic resistance: An increased use of
 Industrial and domestic effluents:
insecticides, pesticides and antibiotics has 100
Pathogens, heavy metals in water bodies
speeded up directional natural selection
and soil.
and caused genetic resistance in
 Industrial catastrophes: Accidental release
pathogens.
of some poisonous gases
 Effect on nutrient recycling: Use of
like phosgene (COCl2) and methyl
fertilizers in agricultural fields interferes
isocynate (as it happened in Bhopal) were
with the natural biogeochemical cycles.
fatal.
 Loss of biodiversity: Habitat destruction
 Secondary air pollutants formed from
and habitat fragmentation are threatening
complex reactions between primary
the survival of many endangered species.
pollutants, such as smog and acid rain.
 Climate change/global warming: Air
 Habitat fragmentation and
pollution is making the plant inhospitable
destruction: Industrialization and
due to events like global warming, acid
associated infrastructure development has
rain, ocean acidification etc.
led to the destruction of habitats of many
 Melting of ice caps and glaciers/Sea
species.
level change: Global warming is posing
 Hazardous waste/Toxic substances: Use
serious threat to Himalayan and polar
of various type of chemicals today have
ecosystems by melting snow at a faster
serious health implications. Incidence of
rate. Rise in sea level in future is a serious
cancer, genetic mutations and damage to
threat to costal landforms.
nervous, immune and hormonal systems.
 Depletion of water resources: Water
 Invasive populations: Introduction of new
pollution has created tremendous scarcity
alien species or non-native species reduces
of quality water resources.
the populations growth of native species.
 Desertification: Lot of arable land is
 Stress due to over
converted to waste land due to erosion,
harvesting: Overgrazing by livestock
salinity and loss of fertility.
results in soil erosion and loss of
 Change in weather patterns: The
productivity. Similarly over harvesting of
incidence of extreme weather events and
edible fishes reduces population and may
change in weather patterns have become
become completely extinct if the over
common due to environmental
fishing continues for long.
degradation.
 Global warming: Increasing use of fossil
fuels is a leading cause of increasing levels
of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the Human Modified Ecosystems and
atmosphere. Environmental Degradation
 Over exploitation of natural resources:
Rapidly growing population results in over  Some examples of human modified
exploitation of resources. Over exploitation ecosystems are: agro-ecosystems,
and introduction of a new or genetically plantation forests, rural and urban
modified species reduce the productivity of ecosystems, aquaculture etc.
natural ecosystems.
 Deforestation, over grazing, intensive Characteristics of human modified
cultivation, over irrigation etc. results in ecosystems
the loss of top soil and fertility of the land.
Prolonged degradation of land leads to  Highly unstable, unsustainable and have a
desertification. devastating effect on the environment.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Highly simplified with a very low species  The aim is to grow fast growing trees which
diversity and poor nutrient cycling. are commercially valuable. E.g. Palm,
 Food chains are simple, small and undergo rubber, eucalyptus etc.
frequent changes.  Trees planted on barren land, private land,
 Depend on human (anthropogenic) support village panchayat land, roadsides, canal
for survival. banks, along with railway line and on land
 Species are highly susceptible to epidemic not suitable for agriculture. Page
diseases.
 Highly subjected to soil erosion and soil Characteristics of plantation forests |
degradation. 101
 Regeneration and recovery of the  Plantation forests are generally
environment is very slow. Some adverse monoculture, like oil palm plantation,
effects are irreversible for a very long time. rubber plantation, coffee
plantation, Jatropa curcare (biodiesel).
Agro ecosystems  Plantation forests have trees of
approximately same age.
 Agro ecosystems are large areas where  Plantation forests are highly susceptible to
commercial crops are cultivated. pathogens.
 Crops are mostly cultivated
as monoculture (growing only one type of Economic importance
crop) on the entire field.
 Tree plantation are raised for fruits, oil,
Characteristics of agro-ecosystems rubber, coffee, timber, fire wood, pulp
wood for making rayon and paper
 Attract weeds and susceptible to plant industries.
diseases.  Trees are also planted to serve as wind
 Soil are poor, deficient in nutrients, require breaks or shelter belts.
supplement of chemical or fertilizers.  Tree plantations are also raised for
 Need artificial irrigation and water controlling soil erosion and for increasing
management. soil fertility.

Disadvantages of agro-ecosystem Aquaculture

 Large scale monoculture of agricultural  Aquaculture is the artificial cultivation of

crops results in severe loss of native aquatic plants or animals.
biodiversity including genetic diversity of  It is primarily carried out for cultivating
crop plants. certain commercially important edible
 High yielding varieties of crop plants are species of fresh and marine water fishes,
more susceptible to disease. E.g. smut of molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants.
sugarcane, maize and sorghum and rust of  Fisheries include the extraction of food
wheat and bajra. from the sea and the fresh water whereas
 Protecting crops from pests and diseases aquaculture is rearing of the aquatic
requires large scale use of pesticides and organisms in artificially made water bodies
chemicals which pollute the environment. e.g. culture of fish like carps, tilapia (also
 Deplete ground water in many areas due to known as aquatic chicken.).
well irrigation.
 Run off water from agricultural field laden There are two types of aquaculture
with fertilizers and pesticides pollute river,
lakes and ponds (Eutrophication).  Fish farming is cultivation of fish in a
controlled environment often a coastal or
Plantation Forest inland pond, lake, reservoir or rice field
(paddy) and harvesting when they reach
 It is a manmade ecosystem consisting of the desired size.
individuals of a particular tree species.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Fish ranching is a practice of keeping Advantages of dams

fishes in captivity for the first few years in
floating cages in coastal lagoons and  Water released from dams is used to
releasing them from captivity into water generate electricity.
bodies. Adults are harvested when they  Hydroelectricity n reduces dependence on
return for spawning to the lagoons. E.g. coal and hence reduces CO2 emission.
Salmon and Hilsa which migrate to rivers  Reduces downstream flooding. Page
to spawn are cultivated by fish ranching  Reduces river silting below the dam.
method.  Supply irrigation water for croplands. |
102
Merits of aquaculture

 Ecological efficiency is high. 2 kg. of grains Disadvantages of dams

are required to add 1 kg live weight.
 High yield in small volume of water.
 Permanently submerge large areas of
 Improved qualities of fish obtained by
forests and crop lands.
selection and breeding and genetic
 Displace large number of native people.
engineering.
 Increase water pollution on account of
 Aquaculture reduces over harvesting of
reduced water flow.
fisheries.
 Reduce nutrients replenishment of
 High profit.
downstream flood plains.
 Disrupt spawning and migration of some
Demerits of aquaculture fish species.
 High costs and long gestation period.
 Large inputs of feed, water and land are
required. Large reservoirs increase the risk of
 Loss of native aquatic biodiversity. As it earthquakes (Killari Reservoir is speculated to
replaced by monoculture of a commercially have Induced Latur Earthquake of 1993 that
important fish species. has killed more than 9,000 people).
 Produces large amounts of fish wastes that
pollute water bodies.
 Destroys mangrove forests or coastal Environmental Issues in Himalayas
vegetation.
 Aquaculture fishes are very sensitive to Importance of Himalayan Region
pesticide runoff from croplands.
 In aquaculture ponds high population  The Indian Himalayan Region has wide
density is maintained that makes them ranging ecological and socioeconomic
highly vulnerable to diseases leading to significance.
total collapse of the crop.
 Aquaculture tanks or reservoirs are often Ecological Services
get contaminated after a few years.
 Natural water reservoir that feeds several
Dams, Reservoirs And Diversions perennial rivers.
 With wide ranging natural vegetation, it
 A dam is a structure built in order to store acts as a giant ‘carbon sink’.
river or tidal water. Dams, reservoirs and  It is one of the most important regions of
diversions capture and store runoff water rich biodiversity, especially the eastern
and release it as needed. They are used for: Himalayan region which is a global
 controlling or moderating floods, biodiversity hotspot. It is storehouse of
 producing hydroelectric power, and endemic species.
 supply water for irrigation, industry and
other uses to rural, suburban and urban Role in Indian climate
areas. Support recreational activities such
as swimming and boating.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The Himalayan region acts as a barrier to accumulation of debris along the water
the south-west monsoon winds causing courses which cause flash floods in wet
copious rainfall (orographic rainfall) in season.
the foothill and the Ganga-Brahmaputra
plain region. Without out Himalayas, this Hydroelectric power projects
region would have been a desert.
 It stops the cold waves from central Asia,  Hydroelectric power projects are a serious Page
China and Siberian Russia from entering cause of concern. Their construction has |
India. weakened the structural stability of the
steep slopes causing landslides. 103
Economic importance  Tunnel drilling has created new
unnatural water courses that cause more
 Himalayan region is ideal for soil erosion and makes the stratum
hydroelectric power generation. highly unstable increasing the risk of
 With the most beautiful landscapes on landslides.
earth, the Himalayan region is a great  Change of river courses causes
tourist destination. accumulation of debris in new sites which
 Himalayas are well known for their increase the chances of flash floods in the
cultural tourism. wet season.

Degradation of Himalayan Environment Urbanization to meet tourism demands

 The Himalayan region, with its young and  Thriving tourist industry has created
unstable topography, is one of the most great demand for lodging facilities.
fragile ecosystems on earth. Buildings are constructed
 It has recently gained notice for its indiscriminately by flouting rules.
‘vulnerability’ due to various General non-compliance with prescribed
unsustainable economic and norms and guidelines has become very
developmental activities such as common.
unchecked tourism and mountaineering,  The natural sites for these illegal
hydroelectric power projects, constructions are river banks, dried and
indiscriminate urbanization etc.. old river courses and moderately sloped
regions.
Biotic pressure  During wet seasons, landslides become
common along sloped regions that are
affected by construction. The debris from
 Population explosion has resulted in high
the construction sites block the river
biotic pressure by putting strain on
courses causing flash floods. All these
natural resources.
cause a great damage to the fragile
 Many species are now threatened due to
ecology.
habitat destruction and habitat
fragmentation caused by anthropogenic
activities. Infrastructure development
 Man-animal conflict: snow Leopards are
hunted to save livestock.  Growing population, thriving tourism,
military (security) needs have led to rapid
Pollution and solid waste construction of roads, and railways on
the Himalayan slopes.
 Instability caused by infrastructure
 Air pollution due to increase in vehicle
development is evident in numerous
density; water pollution and soil pollution
landslides that occur in along the slopes
due to domestic sewage are making the
in the region.
region more vulnerable.
 Indiscriminate solid waste dumping as a
result of urbanization and tourism Cultural/Pilgrimage Tourism
development have resulted in
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The Himalayas is known to be a home of Initiatives to save Himalayan

saints, destination of pilgrimage since Environment
time immemorial.
 For example, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Ban on Plastic in HP
Gangotri-Yamunotri and Hemkund Sahib
in Uttarakhand, Manimahesh, Jwala  State government enacted the Himachal
Devi, Chintpurni, Naina Devi in Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage Page
Pradesh and Vaishnav Devi and (Control) Act, 1995 in order to prevent |
Amarnath in Jammu & Kashmir, throwing or depositing non-biodegradable
Khecheopalri and other sacred lakes in garbage in public drains, roads. 104
Sikkim are particularly important  It has then increased the minimum
destinations. thickness of plastic carry bags to 70
 Unfortunately, most of these places lack microns of virgin material, which
adequate facilities of transport, exceeded the 20 micron thickness
accommodation, waste disposal and other recommended by Central Rules.
amenities for the ever growing number of  Further, the state Government has taken
pilgrims that visit them every year. a Cabinet decision to ban plastics
 Also, there is a gross lack of regulatory altogether in the entire state since 2009.
mechanism for infrastructure creation,
management, and for controlling the
Participatory Conservation of Lakes in the
tourist inflow in such sites.
Region
 As a result the sensitive ecosystems and
cultural values of these areas are facing
pressures far beyond their carrying  The Nainital Lake is the sole source of
capacities. drinking water for Nainital town, an
important tourist destination in
Deforestation Uttarakhand state.
 Increasing inflow of tourists, urban waste
making its way into the lake is adversely
 Deforestation in rampant all over India. affecting water quality.
In spite of their fragile ecosystem,  To conserve the water body, the residents
Himalayas are no exception. have switched on to a scientific garbage
 Trees are felled for their timber which find disposal system - under the project name
many domestic and industrial 'Mission Butterfly' by Nainital Lake
applications. Conservation Project.
 Deforestation leads to soil erosion and  The sweepers, on a small monthly charge,
slope instability. Landslides become collect waste from each household and
common. directly transfer it to the compost pits.
 Apart from the residents, schools and
Climate change/global warming hotel owners have extended full
cooperation to the authorities, to save its
 Climate change has evolved as the single precious eco-system.
biggest threat to the Himalayan  In addition, they are able to generate
ecosystem. Melting of glaciers, ice caps income and employment by converting it
and bursting of lakes create havoc to manure.
downstream.
 The receding snowline has threated the Assam Hill Land and Ecological Sites Act,
local biodiversity. Many species 2006
acclimatized to the cold environment are
moving further up the slopes. They lose  The Assam Hill Land and Ecological Sites
their normal pray and hence struggle to (Protection and Management) Act, 2006
survive. Their natural habitat turns to prevent indiscriminate cutting of trees
hostile leading to extinction of many and filling up of water bodies in urban
critical species. areas.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Under the Act, the state government can conservation-based community managed
bring any hill under its purview for tourism development in remote
protection. settlements, by gradually building local
capacity and ownership.
Sikkim's Ecotourism Policy
Promoting Ecotourism and Regulation of
 "Sikkim - the Ultimate Tourist Commercial Tourism Page
Destination" is the policy motto of the |
state.  Eco-tourism villages, parks, sanctuaries
 The state is employing a system of and other areas should be identified to 105
environmental fees, and permits for establish a primary base for ecotourism.
entries, and stay time restrictions in  Village communities, especially youths,
some environmentally sensitive high and rural women should be involved in
altitude/pristine areas. Ecotourism.
 Operationalization of tourism in various  Restrictions on the entry of vehicles and
modes, such as village tourism, nature visitors per day/ per group should be
tourism, wildlife tourism, imposed in sensitive ecological sites.
trekking/adventure tourism, and cultural  Local art, crafts, cuisines, and dishes
tourism in the state and should be promoted and made an integral
institutionalization of tourism part of tourist experience in order to
management at the community level. ensure economic benefits to the locals
 Promotion and use of local art & craft, and their cultural integrity/ entity is not
cuisines, etc., along with organizing lost.
tourism fairs and festivals.  Best practices on commercial trekking
 Imparting training in tourism related should be imposed on a mandatory basis
service industries.  Creation of log/bamboo huts should be
 The efforts made by Sikkim can be a promoted in busy mountain areas.
basis of responsible tourism in other
Himalayan states. Soil Erosion - Wind & Water Erosion |
Desertification
Measures That Can Be Taken to Protect
Himalayan Ecosystem Soil erosion

Harnessing Religious Sentiments for  Soil erosion is the loosening and

Conservation displacement of topsoil particles from the
land.
 Encouraging devotees and tribals to
undertake participatory plantation for Pace Of Soil Erosion
rehabilitation of degraded areas.
 Promoting the concept of eco-cultural  Soil erosion in nature may be
landscapes. Both landscapes are highly  a slow process (or geological erosion) or
evolved with high level of economic and  a fast process promoted by deforestation,
ecological efficiencies. floods, tornadoes or other human
 Involving them in maintenance and activities. These two processes are
strengthening of sacred groves/landscape explained below:
(e.g., Sacred Groves of Meghalaya: The
tribal communities - Khasis, Garos, and Water Erosion
Jaintias, have a tradition of
environmental conservation based on
religious beliefs and customary law and  Running water is one of the main agents,
are protected from any product which carries away soil particles.
extraction.  Soil erosion by water occurs by means of
 Himalayan Homestays: The Himalayan raindrops, waves or ice.
Homestays programme fosters

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Soil erosion by water is termed differently rills increase in size they are called
according to the intensity and nature of gullies. Ravines are deep gullies.
erosion.
 (i) Raindrop erosion (ii) Sheet erosion (iii)
Rill erosion (iv) Steam banks erosion (v)
Erosion due to landslides (vi) Coastal
erosion. Page

Raindrop erosion |
106
 Raindrops falling on land surface cause
detachment of the soil particles. The loose Stream bank erosion
soil particles are washed away by flowing
water.
 An average size of raindrop is  The erosion of soil from the banks (shores)
approximately 5 mm in diameter falling of the streams or rivers due to the flowing
through the air hits the soil at a velocity water is called bank erosion.
of 32 km/hr.  In certain areas where river changes its
 Larger raindrops and gusts of wind hit course, the river banks get eroded at a
the soil surface even at higher velocities. rapid rate. Stream bank erosion damages
 Raindrops behave like tiny bombs when the adjoining agricultural lands, highways
falling on exposed soil, displace soil and bridges.
particles and destroy soil structure.
 Presence of vegetation on land prevents
raindrops from falling directly on the soil
thus erosion of soil in areas covered by
vegetation is prevented.
 With continued rainfall the displaced soil
particles fill in the spaces between soil
particles and so prevent water from
seeping into the soil.
 After some time this result in
accumulation of water called ‘ponding’ on
the land. This water begins to flow. This Landslide
flowing water is called runoff. As the
water moves it erodes the soil surface.  Sudden mass movement of soil is called
landslide. Landslides occur due to
Sheet erosion instability or loss of balance of land mass
with respect to gravity.
 The detachment and transportation of  Loss in balance occurred mainly due to
soil particles by flowing rainwater is excessive water or moisture in the earth
called sheet or wash off erosion. This is mass.
very slow process and often remain  Gravity acts on such an unstable
unnoticed. landmass and causes the large chunks of
surface materials such as soil and rocks
Rill erosion slide down rapidly.

Coastal erosion
 In rill erosion finger like rills appear on
the cultivated land after it has undergone
sheet erosion. These rills are usually  Coastal erosion of soil occurs along sea
smoothened out every year while forming. shores. It is caused by the wave action of
Each year the rills slowly increase in the sea and the inward movement of the
number become wider and deeper. When sea into the land.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Consequences of water erosion  To prevent stream bank erosion runoff

water should be stored in the catchment
 The fine particles of the topsoil which for as possible by maintaining vegetation
contain the bulk of nutrients and organic cover and as by constructing dams for
matter needed by the plants are lost from storing water.
soil erosion. Erosion removes the most  For prevention or reduction of coastal
fertile part of soil. The less fertile subsoil is erosion, protective vegetation along the Page
left. beaches should be re-established.
 Erosion may result in removal of seeds or  The best method of controlling coastal |
seedlings so that the soil becomes bare. dune erosion is not to disturb the dunes 107
Bare soil is more vulnerable to erosion and the coastal system.
both by wind and water.  Further, construction of buildings and
 Removal of seeds and seedlings reduces other development should be located
the ability of soil to store water. behind the dune system.
 Sheet, rill, gully and stream bank erosion
also cause siltation of rivers, streams and Wind erosion
fields. Deposition of silt results in damage
of crops and pastures, and sedimentation  Soil erosion by wind is more common in
of water bodies like streams, dams, areas where the natural vegetation has
reservoirs etc. been destroyed. Such conditions occur
 Sedimentation of water bodies deteriorate mainly in arid and dry areas along the
water quality and damage aquatic habitats sandy shores of oceans, lakes and rivers.
and organisms.  The loose soil particles are blown and
 Gully erosion also results in loss of large transported from wind by following three
volumes of soil. Wider deep gullies ways: (i) Siltation: blown by wind in a
sometimes reach 30 m and thus severely series of short bounces. (ii) Suspension:
limit land use. transported over long distances in the form
 Large gullies disrupt normal farm of suspended particles. (iii) Surface creep:
operation. transported at ground level by high velocity
 Stream bank erosion not only causes loss winds.
of land, but also changes the course of a
river or stream. Consequences of wind erosion
 Stream banks erosion also damage public
roads.
 Wind erosion removes the finer soil
 Mass movement of land or landslides also
material including organic matter, clay and
inhibits farm production and land use.
slit, in a suspension (colloidal) form and
 It also causes mortality in animals and
leaving behind coarser, less fertile
humans.
material.
 Coastal erosion causes the adjourning land
 Productive capacity of the soil is lost as
to become covered by sand.
most of the plant nutrients which remain
attached smaller colloidal soil fraction are
Prevention of water erosion
lost.
 Wind erosion also damages roads and
 It is essential to retain vegetation cover fertile agricultural fields by depositing large
that soil is not exposed to rain. quantities of air blown soil particles.
 Plants intercept rainfall and protect soil
from direct impact of raindrops. Prevention of wind erosion
 Cattle grazing should be controlled.
 Crop rotation and keeping the land fallow
 The vegetation cover over sandy soils
(not planting anything in the soil for some
should be kept above 30%.Access of wind
time) should be adopted.
to the soil should be controlled by leaving
 Vegetation and soil management should be
the stubble or mulch on the soil. (Stubble
improved in order to increase soil organic
is the remains of crop left after harvesting).
matter.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Wind speed can be broken or controlled by  Deforestation includes cutting and felling
planting trees in form of a shelter belt. of trees, removal of forest litter.
 The practice of leaving the land fallow (i.e.  Browsing and trampling by livestock, forest
not planting anything in the field) and use fires, also leads to cause deforestation etc.
of machinery should be modified. This can  Deforestation leads to erosion.
be done by using direct- drilling techniques Deforestation further leads to land
(ploughing the field) and by using direct- degradation, nutrient and the disruption of Page
drilling techniques. the delicate soil plant relationship.
 Over grazing by cattle should be avoided. |
Farming 108

 Crops are grown,

harvested, land is
ploughed and is exposed
to wind. All this prevents
replenishment of
moisture.
 Agriculture also
causes the worst type of
soil erosion on farmland
in the form of wash-off or
sheet erosion.
 On the arid and
semiarid areas, sand
blows and sand shifts act
in a similar fashion as
sheet erosion does, where
water is the chief agent.
Consequently, a creeping
effect of desertification
sets in and the fertility of
the land is lost
progressively.

The following
agricultural practices
can lead to accelerated
soil erosion

Tilling
 or
ploughing increases the
chances of erosion
because it disturbs the
natural soil surface and
protective vegetation.
 Continuous
cropping: Continuous
cropping of the same
land and extending of
Soil Erosion Caused By Human cultivation of marginal and sub-marginal
Activities lands encourages soil erosion.
 Cultivation on mountain slopes:
Deforestation Cultivation on mountain slopes without
appropriate land treatment measures such
as bounding, terracing and trenching
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

cause soil erosion and loss of soil soil erosion and disruption of natural
nutrients. drainage system.
 Monoculture: Monoculture refers to the
practice of planting of the same variety of Soil degradation and soil conservation are
crop in the field. already explained under “Indian Geography”
 Monoculture practices can lead to soil
erosion in three ways. Desertification Page

1. A monoculture crop is harvested all at one |

 Desertification is diminution of the
time, which leaves the entire fields bare
biological potential of the land which 109
exposing it to both water and wind.
ultimately leads to the formation of desert.
2. Without vegetation natural rainfall is not
 The land that has lost its productivity
retained by the soil and flows rapidly over
(ability to grow plants) is called a desert.
the surface rather than into the ground. It
 A desert landscape supports a very limited
also carries away the top soil which results
growth of sparse vegetation and stunted
in soil erosion and degradation.
growth of plants.
3. In the event any disease or pest invades
 Substantial part of earth’s terrestrial area
the field , the entire crop is usually wiped
is facing desertification due to
out leaving the bare soil susceptible to
overexploitation and mismanage of land
water and wind.
resources for human activities. Some of the
principal causes, which promote
Overgrazing desertification, are: over cultivation,
overgrazing, deforestation, and salt
 It means too many animals are allowed to accumulation due to irrigation.
feed on a piece of grassland. Trampling
and grazing by cattle destroys the Over Cultivation
vegetation of the area.
 In the absence of adequate vegetative cover
 Every cycle of cultivation is preceded by
the land becomes highly susceptible to
ploughing to remove weeds. The ploughed
both wind and water erosion.
land turns soil upside down thus exposing
rich sub-soil to wind and water erosion.
Economic activities  Such land may remain barren for most
part of the year and in turn lose more soil
 Soil erosion also occurs due to economic due to erosion. Such erosion is most
activities. The extraction of useful natural pronounced on slopes.
resources such as metals, minerals and  Moreover, in regions where rainfall is low,
fossil fuels etc., from the land causes the soil is often dry and is more
serious disturbance to the land leading to susceptible to erosion. Ploughed soil loses
soil erosion and drastic changes in the more water by evaporation.
landscape.
Overgrazing
Developmental activities
 Deserts receive less rainfall. Deserts have
 Soil erosion may also occur because of sparse vegetation mostly consisting of
various developmental activities such as grasses and herbs less and best used for
housing, transport, communication, grazing.
recreation, etc.  Overgrazing by goats, domestic cattle
 Building construction also promotes soil remove the protective vegetation and
erosion because accelerated soil erosion expose the soil. Further the movement of
takes place during construction of houses, grazing animals loosen the soil surface by
roads, rail tracks etc. their hoofs.
 The construction of such facilities causes  Unprotected loose soil becomes highly
massive disturbance to land, resulting in susceptible to erosion by wind and water.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Such conditions leads to progressive  Pollution may be of the following types: Air
desertification. pollution, Noise pollution, Water pollution,
Soil pollution, Thermal pollution and
Deforestation Radiation pollution.
 In order to control environmental pollution,
 Forests and vegetation prevent soil erosion the Government of India has passed
and to hold water in soil. Plant roots the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to Page
absorb and recycle nutrients released from protect and improve the quality of our
environment (air, water and soil). |
the decaying organic matter.
 Forests are often cleared to agriculture, 110
timber, construction wood, firewood, raw Air Pollution
material for paper etc. All this leads to
barrenness of the land leading to  Air pollution may be defined as the presence
desertification. of any solid, liquid or gaseous substance
including noise and radioactive radiation in
Salting due to Irrigation the atmosphere in such concentration that
may be directly and/or indirectly injurious to
 With demand for more land for agriculture, humans or other living organisms, property or
crops are grown in areas that have little interferes with the normal environmental
access to natural water bodies. processes.
 The water is supplied to these growing  An ever increasing use of fossil fuels in power
areas by artificial means and improved plants, industries, transportation, mining,
irrigation methods. Such water brings salts construction of buildings, stone quarries had
dissolved in it. led to air pollution.
 Even the best quality of irrigation water  Fossil fuels contain small amounts
contain 200-500 ppm of salts. Water used of nitrogen and sulphur. Burning of fossil
for irrigation is lost from agriculture field fuels like coal (thermal power plants) and
through evaporation and transpiration by petroleum (petroleum refineries) release
crop plant. The water gets evaporated but different oxides of nitrogen and sulphur into
the dissolved salt keeps on accumulating the atmosphere.
which makes the soils more salty.  These gases react with the water vapour
 Saline accumulation retards plant growth. present in the atmosphere to form sulphuric
Land devoid of plant cover easily becomes acid and nitric acid. The acids drop down with
desertified. rain, making the rain acidic. This is
 Accumulation of excessive salt in soil or called acid rain.
salinization makes the soil unfit for  Acid rain corrodes the marble monuments like
agriculture. Taj Mahal. This phenomenon is called
as “Marble cancer”.
Air Pollution - Major Air Pollutants -  Other kinds of pollutants
Prevention & Control are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are
used in refrigerators, air conditioners and
Pollution as pressurizing agents in aerosol sprays.
CFCs damage the ozone layer of the
atmosphere.
 Pollution may be defined as addition of  The combustion of fossil fuels also increases
undesirable material into the environment as the amount of suspended particles in air.
a result of human activities. The agents which These suspended particles could be unburnt
cause environmental pollution are called carbon particles or substances called
pollutants. hydrocarbons.
 A pollutant may be defined as a physical,  Presence of high levels of all these pollutants
chemical or biological substance released into cause visibility to be lowered, especially in
the environment which is directly or indirectly cold weather when water also condenses out
harmful to humans and other living of air. This is known as smog and is a visible
organisms. indication of air pollution.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Classification of Pollutants  Fly ash is ejected mostly by thermal power

plants as byproducts of coal burning
operations.
According to the form in which they persist
after release into the environment.  Fly ash pollutes air and water and may cause
heavy metal pollution in water bodies.
 Fly ash affects vegetation as a result of its
 Primary pollutants: These persist in the form
direct deposition on leaf surfaces or indirectly Page
in which they are added to the environment
through its deposition on soil.
e.g. DDT, plastic.
 Fly ash in the air slowly settles on leaves and |
 Secondary Pollutants: These are formed by
crops in fields in areas near to thermal power 111
interaction among the primary pollutants. For
plants and lowers the plant yield.
example, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) is
 Fly ash is now being used for
formed by the interaction of nitrogen
making bricks and as a land fill
oxides and hydrocarbons.
Composition
According to their existence in nature
 Fly ash particles are oxide rich and consist of
 Quantitative Pollutants: These occur in
silica, alumina, oxides of iron, calcium, and
nature and become pollutant when their
magnesium and toxic heavy metals like lead,
concentration reaches beyond a threshold
arsenic, cobalt, and copper.
level. E.g. carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide.
 Major oxides are present are Aluminium
 Qualitative Pollutants: These do not occur in
silicate (in large amounts), silicon dioxide
nature and are man-made. E.g. fungicides,
(SiO2) and calcium oxide (CaO).
herbicides, DDT etc.
Advantages
Particulate pollutants
 Cement can be replaced by fly ash up to 35%,
 Particulate matter suspended in air are dust thus reducing the cost of construction,
and soot released from the industrial making roads, etc.
chimneys. Their size ranges from 0.001 to 500  Fly ash bricks are light in weight and offer
micrometers (µm) in diameter. high strength and durability.
 Particles less than 10 µm float and move freely  Fly ash is a better fill material for road
with the air current. Particles which are more embankments and in concrete roads.
than 10 µm in diameter settle down. Particles  Fly ash can be used in reclamation of
less than 0.02 µm form persistent aerosols. wastelands.
 Major source of SPM (suspended particulate  Abandoned mines can be filled up with fly
matter) are vehicles, power plants, ash.
construction activities, oil refinery, railway  Fly ash can increase the crop yield and it also
yard, market place, industries, etc. enhances water holding capacity of the land .
 According to Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB), particulate size 2.5 µm or less in Policy measures of MoEF
diameter (PM 2.5) are responsible for causing
the greatest harm to human health.  The Ministry of Environment and Forests has
 These fine particulates can be inhaled deep made it mandatory to use Fly Ash based
into the lungs and can cause breathing and products in all construction projects, road
respiratory symptoms, irritation, embankment works and low lying land filling
inflammations and pneumoconiosis – a works within 100 kms radius of Thermal
disease of the lungs due to inhalation of dust, Power Station and mine filling activities within
characterized by inflammation, coughing, and 50 kms radius of Thermal Power Station.
fibrosis..
Q1. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by
Fly ash the power plants using the coal as fuel,
which of the following statements is/are
correct?

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

1. Fly ash can be used in the production of Source:

bricks for building construction [Link]
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some /PMC3388445/
of the Portland cement contents of concrete
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and  Nanoparticles are particle with dimensions
calcium oxide only, and does not contain any comparable to 1/109 of a meter [1 divided by
toxic elements. 100 crores]. Page
 Major natural processes that release NPs in
Select the correct answer using the code given the atmosphere are forest fires, volcanic |
below eruptions, weathering, dust storms from 112
desert etc.
a. 1 and 2  Naturally occurring NPs are quite
b. 2 only heterogeneous in size and can be transported
c. 1 and 3 over thousands of kilometres and remain
d. 3 only suspended in the air for several days.
 Nanotechnology has a global socioeconomic
Fly ash does contain heavy toxic elements like value, with applications ranging from
arsenic, cobalt, lead etc. electronics to biomedical uses (delivering
drugs to target sites).
Answer: a) 1 and 2  Man-made NPs are unknowingly or purposely
released in the environment during various
Lead industrial and mechanical processes.

 It is present in petrol, diesel, lead batteries, Effects of Nanoparticles on the

paints, hair dye products, etc. environment
 It can cause nervous system damage and
digestive problems and, in some cases, cause  After release in the environment, NPs will
cancer. Lead affects children in particular. accumulate in various environmental matrices
 Tetraethyl lead (TEL) is used as an anti- such as air, water, soil and sediments
knock agent in petrol for smooth and easy including wastewater sludge.
running of vehicles.  NPs in the environment influences dust cloud
 The lead particles coming out from the formation, environmental hydroxyl radical
exhaust pipes of vehicles is mixed with air. If concentration, ozone depletion, or
inhaled it produces injurious effects stratospheric temperature change.
on kidney and liver and interferes with
development of red blood cells. Effect of NNPs on dust cloud formation
 Lead mixed with water and food can create
cumulative poisoning. It has long term effects  NNPs are thought to play an important role in
on children as it lowers intelligence. dust-clouds formation after being released
into the environment as they coagulate and
Metallic Oxides form dust cloud.
 Dust cloud formation decreases sun light
 Oxides of iron, aluminum, manganese, intensity.
magnesium, zinc and other metals have
adverse effect due to deposition of dust on Asian brown clouds impact on Himalayan
plants during mining operations and glaciers
metallurgical processes.
 They create physiological, biochemical and  Asian brown clouds carry large amounts of
developmental disorders in plants and also soot and black carbon (NPs) which are
contribute towards reproductive failure in deposited on the glaciers.
plants.  This could lead to higher absorption of the
sun's heat and potentially contributing to the
Nanoparticles – NPs increased melting of glaciers.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

NPs and ozone depletion less dense than air. It is short-lived (stay only
few months) in the atmosphere.
 The nanoparticles have greater chemical  Carbon monoxide is produced from the
reactivity. They can result in increased exhaust of internal combustion engines and
production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), from incomplete combustion of various other
including free radicals like Cl-. fuels. Iron smelting also produce carbon
 Radicals like Cl- destroy ozone. [Explained in monoxide as a byproduct. Page
“Ozone Depletion”]  It forms when there is not enough oxygen to
produce carbon dioxide (CO2). |
In chemistry, a radical (a free radical) is an  In the presence of oxygen, carbon monoxide 113
atom, molecule, or ion that has unpaired burns with a blue flame, producing carbon
valence electrons. dioxide.
 Worldwide, the largest source of carbon
Effect of NPs on stratospheric temperature monoxide is natural in origin, due to
photochemical reactions in the troposphere.
 NPs in the troposphere interact with molecular  Other natural sources of CO include
hydrogen accidentally released from hydrogen volcanoes, forest fires, and other forms of
fuel cells and other sources. combustion.
 Molecular hydrogen along with NPs moves up
to the stratosphere, resulting in the Health Effects
abundance of water vapour in the
stratosphere.  Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most
 This will cause stratospheric cooling due to common type of fatal air poisoning.
formation Stratospheric clouds (mostly ice  It is toxic to hemoglobic animals (including
crystals). humans) when encountered in concentrations
 Stratospheric clouds destroys ozone. above about 35 ppm.
[Explained in “Ozone Depletion”]  It is also produced in normal animal
metabolism in low quantities.
There is some concern regarding the  It combines with hemoglobin to
nanoparticles of some chemical elements produce carboxyhemoglobin, which usurps
that are used by the industry in the the space in hemoglobin that normally carries
manufacture of various products. Why? oxygen.

1. They can accumulate in the environment, and Environmental Effects

contaminate water and soil.
2. They can enter the food chains.  In the atmosphere, it is spatially variable and
3. They can trigger the production of free short lived, having a role in the formation
radicals. of ground-level ozone (tropospheric ozone)
and can elevate concentrations of methane.
Select the correct answer using the code given  Carbon monoxide reacts with hydroxyl radical
below. (-OH) to produce peroxy radical. Peroxy radical
reacts with nitrogen oxide (NO) to form
a. 1 and 2 only nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and hydroxyl
b. 3 only radical. NO2 gives O3 via
c. 1 and 3 only photolysis (separation of molecules by the
d. 1, 2 and 3 action of light).

Major Gaseous Air Pollutants, Their Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Sources & Effects
 Colorless and odorless gas vital to life on
Carbon monoxide (CO) Earth. It is heavier than air.
 Natural sources include volcanoes, hot
springs and geysers, and it is freed from
 Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless,
carbonate rocks by dissolution in water and
tasteless and highly toxic gas that is slightly
acids.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Because carbon dioxide is soluble in water, it  Ozone makes our eyes itchy, and watery. It
occurs naturally in groundwater, rivers and lowers our resistance to cold and pneumonia.
lakes, in ice caps and glaciers and also in
seawater. Nitrogen oxide (NOx)

Effects on Health  NOx is a generic term for the various nitrogen

oxides produced during combustion. Page
 CO2 is an asphyxiant gas (asphyxia → a  They are produced mainly in internal |
condition arising when the body is deprived of combustion engines and coal burning power
oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death.). plants. They are produced naturally 114
 Concentrations of 7% may cause suffocation, by lightening.
even in the presence of sufficient oxygen,
manifesting as dizziness, headache, and [Oxygen and nitrogen do not react at ambient
unconsciousness. temperatures. But at high temperatures they
produce various oxides of nitrogen. Such
Effects on Environment temperatures arise inside an internal
combustion engine or a power station boiler]
 Carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse
gas. Burning of carbon-based fuels since the  Agricultural fertilization and the use of
industrial revolution has led to global nitrogen fixing plants also contribute to
warming. atmospheric NOx, by promoting nitrogen
 It is also a major cause of ocean fixation by microorganisms.
acidification because it dissolves in water to  NOx (contributes to global cooling) should
form carbonic acid. not be confused with nitrous oxide (N2O),
which is a greenhouse gas and has many
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) uses as an oxidizer.

 Chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs) are used in Effects on Health and Environment

refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosol
sprays.  They are believed to aggravate asthmatic
 Since the late 1970s, the use of CFCs has conditions and create many respiratory
been heavily regulated because of their health issues, especially in children.
destructive effects on the ozone layer.  The reduction of NOx emissions is one of the
(Explained in a separate post on Ozone most important technical challenges
Depletion) facing biodiesel.
 The Montreal Protocol on Substances that  NOx gases react to form smog and acid
Deplete the Ozone Layer (a protocol to rain as well as being central to the formation
the Vienna Convention for the Protection of of tropospheric ozone.
the Ozone Layer) is an international  When NOx and volatile organic compounds
treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight, they
phasing out the production of numerous form photochemical smog.
substances including CFCs which are  Mono-nitrogen oxides eventually form nitric
responsible for ozone depletion. acid when dissolved in atmospheric moisture,
forming a component of acid rain.
Ozone (O3)  NOx emissions cause global cooling through
the formation of -OH radicals that destroy
 It occurs naturally in the stratosphere. Here it methane molecules, countering the effect of
absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. greenhouse gases.
 However, at the ground level, it is a pollutant
(Greenhouse gas) with highly toxic effects. Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
 Vehicles and industries are the major source
of ground-level ozone emissions.  It is a toxic gas with a pungent, irritating
 Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide play a smell. It contributes to acid rain
major role in converting O2 to O3.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 It is released naturally by volcanic activity. It containing polymer chains of ethylene units in

is abundantly available in the atmosphere various chain lengths.
of Venus.  Ethylene is also an important natural plant
 Sulfur dioxide is primarily produced for hormone, used in agriculture to force
sulfuric acid manufacture. the ripening of fruits.
 Inhaling sulfur dioxide is associated with  Ethylene is of low toxicity to humans and
increased respiratory symptoms and disease, exposure to excess ethylene cause adverse Page
difficulty in breathing, and premature death. health effects like headache, drowsiness,
It also weakens the functioning of certain dizziness and unconsciousness. |
nerves.  Ethylene is not but Ethylene oxide is a 115
carcinogen.
It is also produced by
Tobacco Smoke
 burning coal in thermal power
plants and diesel fuels.  Tobacco smoke generates a wide range of
 some industrial processes, such as production harmful chemicals and
of paper and smelting of metals. is carcinogenic (cancer causing).
 reactions involving Hydrogen Sulphide (H 2S)  Health effect - burning eyes, nose, and throat
and oxygen. irritation to cancer, bronchitis, severe asthma,
 The roasting of sulfide ores such as pyrite, and a decrease in lung function.
sphalerite, and cinnabar (mercury sulfide).
Pollutants Biological pollutants

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)  It includes pollen from plants, mite, and hair
from pets, fungi, parasites, and some bacteria.
 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a  Most of them are allergens and can cause
large group of carbon-based chemicals that asthma, hay fever, and other allergic diseases.
easily evaporate at room temperature.
 For example, formaldehyde, which evaporates Asbestos
from paint, has a boiling point of only –19 °C.
Formaldehyde causes irritation to the eyes
 Asbestos refers to a set of six naturally
and nose and allergies.
occurring silicate fibrous minerals ––
 The main indoor sources are perfumes, hair
chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite,
sprays, furniture polish, glues, air fresheners,
tremolite, and actinolite.
moth repellents, wood preservatives, and other
 It is now known that prolonged inhalation of
products.
asbestos fibers can cause serious and fatal
 Health effect - imitation of the eye, nose and
illnesses including lung cancer,
throat, headaches, nausea and loss of
mesothelioma, and asbestosis (a type of
coordination.
pneumoconiosis).
 Long term - suspected to damage the liver and
other parts of the body.
Radon
Benzene and Ethylene
 It is a gas that is emitted naturally by the soil.
Due to modern houses having poor
 Benzene is a natural constituent of crude oil
ventilation, it is confined inside the house and
and is one of the elementary petrochemicals.
causes lung cancers.
 Because benzene has a high octane number,
it is an important component of gasoline.
Smog - Photochemical smog – Sulfurous
 Benzene increases the risk of cancer and
smog
other illnesses. Benzene is a notorious cause
of bone marrow failure.
 Ethylene is widely used in the chemical Prevention and Control of air Pollution
industry. Much of this production goes
toward polyethylene, a widely used plastic Indoor Air Pollution

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Poor ventilation due to faulty design of 3. installing devices which reduce release of
buildings leads to pollution of the confined pollutants.
space.
 Paints, carpets, furniture, etc. in rooms may  Devices like filters, electrostatic precipitators,
give out volatile organic compounds (VOCs). inertial collectors, scrubbers, gravel bed filters
 Use of disinfectants, fumigants, etc. may or dry scrubbers are described below:
release hazardous gases. Page
 In hospitals, pathogens present in waste Filters
remain in the air in the form of spores. This |
can result in hospital acquired infections and  Filters remove particulate matter from the gas 116
is an occupational health hazard. stream. The medium of a filter may be made of
 In congested areas, slums and rural areas fibrous materials like cloth, granular material
burning of firewood and biomass results in lot like sand, a rigid material like screen, or any
of smoke. mat like felt pad.
 Children and ladies exposed to smoke may  Baghouse filtration system is the most
suffer from acute respiratory problems. common one and is made of cotton or
synthetic fibres (for low temperatures) or glass
Prevention and control of indoor air cloth fabrics (for higher temperature up to
pollution 2900 C).

 Use of wood and dung cakes should be Electrostatic precipitators (ESP)

replaced by cleaner fuels such as biogas,
kerosene, LPG or electricity. But supply of  There are several ways of removing particulate
electricity is limited. Similarly kerosene is also matter; the most widely used method is
limited. The use of solar cookers must be electrostatic precipitation, which can remove
encouraged. over 99 per cent particulate matter present in
 Old stoves must be replaced with improved the exhaust from a thermal power plant.
stoves with high thermal efficiency and  The emanating dust is charged with ions and
reduced emission of pollutants including the ionized particulate matter is collected on
smoke. an oppositely charged surface.
 The house designs should incorporate a well-  An electrostatic precipitator has electrode
ventilated kitchen. wires that are maintained at several thousand
 Those species of trees such as baval (Acacia volts, which produce a corona that
nilotica) which are least smoky should be releases electrons.
planted and used. Charcoal is a comparatively  These electrons attach to dust particles giving
cleaner fuel. them a net negative charge. The collecting
 Indoor pollution due to decay of exposed plates are grounded (relatively positive charge)
kitchen waste can be reduced by covering the and attract the charged dust particles.
waste properly.  The velocity of air between the plates must be
 Segregation of waste, pretreatment at source, low enough to allow the dust to fall.
sterilization of rooms will help in checking  The particles are removed from the collection
indoor air pollution. surface by occasional shaking or by rapping
the surface.
Control of Industrial Pollution  ESPs are used in boilers, furnaces, and many
other units of thermal power plants, cement
 Industrial pollution can be greatly reduced by: factories, steel plants, etc.

1. use of cleaner fuels such as liquefied natural

gas (LNG) in power plants, fertilizer plants etc.
which is cheaper in addition to being
environmentally friendly.
2. employing environment friendly industrial
processes so that emission of pollutants and
hazardous waste is minimized.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Motor vehicles equipped with catalytic

converter should use unleaded
petrol because lead in the petrol inactivates
the catalyst.

Apart from the use of above mentioned

devices, other control measures are - Page
|
 increasing the height of chimneys.
 closing industries which pollute the 117
environment.
 shifting of polluting industries away from
cities and heavily populated areas.
 development and maintenance of green belt of
Inertial collectors adequate width.

 It works on the principle that inertia of SPM Steps Taken to Control Vehicular
(suspended particulate matter) in a gas is Pollution
higher than its solvent and as inertia is a
function of the mass of the particulate matter,  The emission standards for automobiles have
this device collects heavier particles more been set which if followed will reduce the
efficiently (centrifugation is the technique). pollution. Standards have been set for the
 ‘Cyclone’ is a common inertial collector used durability of catalytic converters which reduce
in gas cleaning plants. vehicular emission.
 In cities like Delhi, motor vehicles need to
Scrubbers obtain Pollution Under Control (PUC)
certificate at regular intervals. This ensures
 Scrubbers are wet collectors. They that levels of pollutants emitted from vehicle
remove aerosols from a stream of gas either exhaust are not beyond the prescribed legal
by collecting wet particles on a surface limits.
followed by their removal, or else the particles  The price of diesel is much cheaper than
are wetted by a scrubbing liquid. petrol which promotes use of diesel. To reduce
 The particles get trapped as they travel from emission of sulphur dioxide, sulphur content
supporting gaseous medium across the in diesel has been reduced to 0.05%.
interface to the liquid scrubbing medium. (this  Earlier lead in the form of tetraethyl lead was
is just like mucus in trachea trapping dust) added in the petrol to raise octane
 A scrubber can remove gases like sulphur level for smooth running of engines. Addition
dioxide. of lead in petrol has been banned to prevent
emission of lead particles with the vehicular
Catalytic converter emission.
 Usage of alternate fuels like CNG in public
transport vehicles is made mandatory in cities
 Proper maintenance of automobiles along with like Delhi. All the buses of Delhi were
use of lead-free petrol or diesel can reduce the converted to run on CNG by the end of 2002.
pollutants they emit.
 Catalytic converters, having expensive metals
 CNG burns most efficiently, unlike petrol or
namely platinum-palladium and rhodium as
diesel, in the automobiles and very little of it is
the catalysts, are fitted into automobiles for
left unburnt. Moreover, CNG is cheaper than
reducing emission of poisonous gases.
petrol or diesel, cannot be siphoned off by
 As the exhaust passes through the catalytic
thieves and adulterated like petrol or diesel.
converter, unburnt hydrocarbons are
 The main problem with switching over to CNG
converted into carbon dioxide and water, and
is the difficulty of laying down pipelines to
carbon monoxide and nitric oxide are changed
deliver CNG through distribution
to carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas,
points/pumps and ensuring uninterrupted
respectively.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

supply. The National Air Quality Monitoring

Programme (NAMP) is undertaken

 Simultaneously parallel steps taken in Delhi  to determine status and trends of ambient air
for reducing vehicular pollution include quality;
phasing out of old vehicles, use of unleaded  to ascertain the compliance of NAAQS;
petrol, use of low-sulphur petrol and diesel,  to identify non-attainment cities; Page
use of catalytic converters in vehicles,  to understand the natural process of cleaning
in the atmosphere; and |
application of stringent pollution- level norms
for vehicles, etc.  to undertake preventive and corrective 118
 The Government of India through a new auto measures.
fuel policy has laid out a roadmap to cut down
vehicular pollution in Indian cities. National Ambient Air Quality Standards
 More stringent norms for fuels means steadily (NAAQS)
reducing the sulphur and aromatics content
in petrol and diesel fuels.  The NAAQS have been revisited and revised in
 The goal, according to the roadmap, is November 2009 for 12 pollutants, which
to reduce sulphur to 50 ppm in petrol and include
diesel and bring down the level of aromatic  sulphur dioxide (S02),
hydrocarbons to 35 per cent.  nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
 The Bharat Stage II (equivalent to Euro-II  particulate matter having micron (PM10),
norms), which is currently in place in Delhi,  particulate matter having size less than 2.5
Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and micron (PM2.5),
other major cities was made applicable to all  ozone,
automobiles throughout the country.  lead,
 All automobiles in major cities were expected  carbon monoxide (CO),
to meet the Euro III emission specifications by  arsenic,
2005 and Euro-IV norms by 2010.  nickel,
 The rest of the country was expected to meet  benzene,
Euro-III emission norm by 2010.  ammonia, and
 According to an estimate, a substantial fall in  benzopyrene.
CO2 and SO2 level has been found in Delhi
between 1997 and 2005. But still their levels National Air Quality Index (AQI)
are not under permissible levels.
 The recent odd-even formula is expected to  Launched by the Environment Ministry in
improve the worsening air quality in Delhi. April 2015.
 In India, the Air (Prevention and Control of  Initiative under ‘Swachh Bharat’.
Pollution) Act came into force in 1981, but
was amended in 1987 to include noise as an AQI
air pollutant. Noise is undesired high level of
sound.
 It helps the common man to judge the air
quality within his vicinity.
Government Initiative  Index constituted as a part of Government’s
mission to improve the culture of cleanliness.
National Air Quality Monitoring
Programme Old vs new

 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has  While the earlier measuring index was limited
been executing a nationwide programme of to three indicators, the current measurement
ambient air quality monitoring known as index had been made quite comprehensive by
National Air Quality Monitoring Programme the addition of more parameters.
(NAMP).
Previously who measured Air pollution

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Central Pollution Control Board along with Smog

State Pollution Control Boards has been
operating National Air Monitoring Program
(NAMP).

Why is AQI necessary

Page
 Quality of data from some cities remains weak
|
and the standards set for pollutants fall short
of World Health Organization 119
recommendations.
 The pollution related analysis using vast
number of complex parameters was
complicated for the common man to
understand.
[Link]
Categories of air pollution under AQI m2mI

 There are six AQI categories, namely Good,  Smog = smoke + fog (smoky fog) caused by
Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very the burning of large amounts of coal,
Poor, and Severe. vehicular emission and industrial
fumes (Primary pollutants).
Pollutants considered  Smog contains soot particulates like smoke,
sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and other
 The proposed AQI will consider eight components.
pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3,  At least two distinct types of smog are
NH3, and Pb). recognized: sulfurous
smog and photochemical smog.
Alternatives
Primary and secondary pollutants
 Government is disincentivising use of private
vehicles through congestion charging.  A primary pollutant is an air pollutant emitted
 The National Green Tribunal has ordered that directly from a source.
diesel vehicles over 10 years old not ply on  A secondary pollutant is not directly emitted
Delhi roads. as such, but forms when other pollutants
 Odd even formula. (primary pollutants) react in the atmosphere.
 Making city roads friendly to bicycle users.  Examples of a secondary pollutant
 Promoting rooftop solar power as an include ozone, which is formed when
alternative to coal power.
1. hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Photochemical smog - Sulfurous smog combine in the presence of sunlight;
2. NO combines with oxygen in the air; and
In this Post: Smog - Primary and secondary 3. acid rain, which is formed when sulfur dioxide
pollutants; Types of Smog: Sulfurous smog or nitrogen oxides react with water.
[London Smog] and Photochemical smog [Los
Angeles Smog]; Effects of Smog; Question Sulfurous smog
UPSC Mains 2015: Mumbai, Delhi and
Kolkata are the three mega cities of the
country but the air pollution is much more  Sulfurous smog is also called “London
serious problem in Delhi as compared to the smog,” (first formed in London).
other two. Why is this so?] [200 words]  Sulfurous smog results from a high
concentration of SULFUR OXIDES in the air
and is caused by the use of sulfur-bearing
Previous post: Must read post: Condensation –
fossil fuels, particularly coal (Coal was the
Forms of Condensation – Types of Clouds
mains source of power in London during
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

nineteenth century. The effects of coal burning Nitrogen

were observed in early twentieth century). Dioxide + Sunlight + Hydrocarbons = Oz
 This type of smog is aggravated one (Ozone in stratosphere it is beneficial,
by dampness and a high concentration of but near the earth’s surface it results in
suspended particulate matter in the air. global warming as it is a greenhouse gas)

 The resulting smog causes a light brownish Page

coloration of the atmosphere, reduced
visibility, plant damage, irritation of the eyes, |
and respiratory distress. 120

Photochemical smog Reactions involved

 Photochemical smog is also known as “Los

Angeles smog”.
 Photochemical smog occurs most prominently
in urban areas that have large numbers of
automobiles (Nitrogen oxides are the primary
emissions).
 Photochemical (summer smog) forms when
pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (primary
pollutant) and organic compounds (primary
pollutants) react together in the presence
of SUNLIGHT. A gas called OZONE (Secondary
pollutant) is formed.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
|
121

Haze  Smog is a combination of airborne particulate

matter, like soot, and invisible toxic gases
 Haze is traditionally an atmospheric including ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO),
phenomenon where dust, smoke and other dry sulfur dioxide (SO2), which are carcinogens
particles obscure the clarity of the sky (No (cancer causing agents).
condensation. Smog is similar to haze but  Temperature inversions are accentuated
there is condensation in smog). and precipitation is reduced.
 Sources for haze particles include farming  Smog related Haze lowers visibility.
(ploughing in dry weather), traffic, industry,
and wildfires. Question: UPSC Mains 2015

Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three

mega cities of the country but the air
pollution is much more serious problem in
Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is
this so?] [200 words]

 In spite of similar urbanization, air pollution is

much more severe in Delhi compared to that
in Mumbai and Kolkata. This is because of
Effects of Smog
Polluting Industry in close vicinity in
Delhi.
 The atmospheric pollution levels of Los
Angeles, Beijing, Delhi, Mexico City and other
cities are increased by inversion that traps  Delhi and its immediate neighborhood is the
pollution close to the ground. hot bed of polluting industries which are
primarily coal fueled. Burning coal releases
Oxides of sulphur which forms sulphurous
Temperature Inversion – Types – Effects on
smog. This type of smog is more pronounced
Weather
in Delhi than in the other two cities due to
geography and climate.
 It is usually highly toxic to humans and can
cause severe sickness, shortened life or death.
Vehicular Emissions
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 All the three cities contribute nearly equal degraded into molecular oxygen in the
vehicular emissions rich in CO2 and NO2. stratosphere.
NO2 results in phochemical smog. Here again,  There should be a balance between production
Delhi is worst hit due to its geography and and degradation of ozone in the stratosphere
climate. so that there is a continuous layer of ozone.
 Of late, the balance has been disrupted due to
Geography and Climate enhancement of ozone degradation by Page
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
 This the most detrimental factor. Delhi is [chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are halocarbons]. |
a continental city while the other two are There is a steady decline of about 4% in the 122
coastal. Land and See Breezes in Mumbai and total volume of ozone in Earth's stratosphere.
Kolkata carry pollutants away from the city.  Much larger decrease in stratospheric ozone is
There is no such advantage to Delhi as it is observed around Earth's polar regions.
land locked.
 Also, the duration of monsoon winds is short Halocarbon == a compound in which the
in Delhi compared to the other two. hydrogen of a hydrocarbon is replaced by
 Delhi faces severe cold wave in winter halogens like chlorine, bromine, iodine etc.
compared to the other two. Cold climate here
creates temperature inversion which traps the Halogen == group of reactive non-metallic
pollutants, mainly smog, for a longer duration. elements like fluorine, chlorine, bromine,
iodine, and astatine.
Farm Straw Burning
The thickness of the ozone in a column of air
 Delhi is at the heart of major agricultural from the ground to the top of the atmosphere
region. Burning of farm straw in the is measured in terms of Dobson units (DU).
surrounding regions also adds to Delhi’s
pollution levels. The ozone measurement instruments and
techniques are varied. Some of them are
226 words. Cutting those 26 words will be the Dobson spectrophotometer and
detrimental for success. the filter ozonometer called M83.

Ozone Depletion | Ozone Hole - Causes, Halogen atoms like chlorine destroy
Effects ozone

A layer of ozone preset in the atmosphere  Photodissociation (under the influence of

(stratosphere) protects the biosphere from the sunlight) of ozone-depleting substances
harmful effects of UV radiation by absorbing (ODS) like
them.
1. halocarbon refrigerants (CFCs),
Ozone depletion or ozone hole refer to the 2. halocarbon solvents (Methyl Chloroform,
damage suffered by the ozone layer due to carbon tetrachloride),
natural and anthropogenic causes. 3. propellants, and foam-blowing agents (CFCs,
HCFCs, carbon tetrachloride and
Each of the factors/causes responsible for trichloroethane, freons, halons [used in
ozone depletion are explained below. firefighting])

Ozone Hole – Ozone Depletion creates free chlorine atoms that destroy
ozone.
 Polar vortex and ozone depletion are two
distinct but related phenomena.  Bromine containing compounds
 Ozone gas is continuously formed by the called halons and HBFCs, i.e. hydrobromo
action of UV rays on molecular oxygen in the fluorocarbons [both used in fire
stratosphere. Also, ozone is simultaneously extinguishers and methyl bromide (a widely

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

used pesticide)] release bromine atoms similar

to CFCs that release chlorine atoms.
 Each bromine atom destroys hundred
times of more ozone molecules than what a
chlorine atom does.

Page
|
123

The ozone depletion is significant near poles

(especially south pole) than at any other place.
This is because of high altitude polar clouds
called Polar Stratospheric Clouds formed
during Polar Vortex events.

Q1. Consider the following statements:

Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-
depleting substances, are used

1. in the production of plastic foams

2. in the production of tubeless tyres
3. in cleaning certain electronic components
4. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans

Which of the statements given above is/are

correct?

a. 1, 2 and 3 only
b. 4 only Polar Vortex
c. 1, 3 and 4 only
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4
 Polar vortex (circumpolar vortex) is a polar
cyclone.
Answer: c) CFCs were used as refrigerants,  A polar vortex is a large pocket of very cold air,
pressurizing agents (foam and aerosol cans) typically the coldest air in the Northern
and for cleaning electronic equipment. Hemisphere, which sits over the polar region
during the winter season.
But how does a chlorine atom reach to  Polar vortex is closely associated with jet
such high levels of atmosphere? streams [Rossby waves].
 It is formed mainly in winter and gets weaker
 Methane (CH4), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), in summer.
nitrous oxide (N2O) and water are injected  It surrounds polar highs and lie within the
into the stratosphere through polar front (boundary separating the
towering tropical cumulus clouds. temperate and polar air masses).
 These compounds are broken down by the
ultraviolet radiation in the stratosphere.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 PSCs or nacreous clouds contain water,

nitric acid and/or sulfuric acid.
 They are formed mainly during the event
of polar vertex in winter; more intense
at south pole.
 The Cl-catalyzed ozone depletion is
dramatically enhanced in the presence of Page
polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) [Finally this
how polar vortex contributes to ozone |
depletion]. 124
 A number of naturally occurring substances
like Hydrogen oxide (HOx), Methane (CH4),
Hydrogen gas (H2), Nitrogen oxides
(NOx) aid the process of ozone depletion.

Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs)

 Extend from 12 km – 22 km above the

surface.
 They are nacreous clouds.

Nacreous clouds

 Nacreous clouds, sometimes called mother-of-

pearl clouds, are rare clouds.
 They are mostly visible within two hours after
sunset or before dawn.
 They form in frigid regions of the lower
stratosphere, some 15 - 25 km (9 -16 mile)
high and well above tropospheric clouds.  PSCs convert "reservoir" compounds into
 They are bright even after sunset and before reactive free radicals (Cl and ClO).
dawn because at those heights there is still  These free radicals deplete ozone as shown in
sunlight. the animation below.
 They are seen mostly during winter at high  So PSC accelerate ozone depletion.
latitudes like Scandinavia, Iceland, Alaska
and Northern Canada. Sometimes, however,
they occur as far south as England.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

b. Presence of prominent polar front and

stratospheric Clouds and inflow of
chlorofluorocarbons
c. Absence of polar front and stratospheric
clouds; and inflow of methane and
chlorofluorocarbons
d. Increased temperature at polar region due to Page
global warming
|
Answer: b) Presence of prominent polar front 125
and stratospheric clouds and inflow of
Gif Images: View in power point in full screen chlorofluorocarbons
mode.
Harmful Effects of Ozone Depletion

Effects on Humans

 UV rays are highly injurious to living

organisms since DNA and proteins of living
organisms preferentially absorb UV rays, and
its high energy breaks the chemical bonds
within these molecules.
 UV radiation of wavelengths shorter than UV-
B, are almost completely absorbed by Earth’s
atmosphere, given that the ozone layer is
intact.
 But if UV-B manages to reach the troposphere
due to ozone depletion, DNA and mutation
may occur. It causes aging of skin, damage to
skin cells and various types of skin cancers.
 In human eye, cornea absorbs UV-B radiation,
and a high dose of UV-B causes inflammation
of cornea, called snow-blindness cataract, etc.
Such exposure may permanently damage the
cornea.

In short

 Increased susceptibility to skin-cancer

 Increase cataract (a medical condition in
which the lens of the eye becomes
progressively opaque, resulting in blurred
vision)
 Damage DNA (DNA mutations)
 Damage to cornea and causes retinal diseases
 Suppresses human immune systems

Effects on terrestrial plants

Q2. The formation of ozone hole in the
Antarctic region has been a cause of
concern. What could be the reason for Psychological and developmental processes of
ozone depletion at poles? plants are affected by UV-B radiation.

a. Presence of prominent tropospheric  Inhibits photosynthesis

turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons  Inhibits metabolism

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Represses growth 3. Integrated Global Ocean Services Systems

 Destroys cells (IGOSS)
 Causes DNA mutations 4. Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)
 Decline in forest productivity
CFC substitutes
Effects on aquatic ecosystems
 Further, use of HCFCs (Hydrochloric Page
 Exposure to solar UV-B radiation has been fluorocarbons) as a substitute for CFCs is
|
shown to affect both orientation mechanisms being recommended on temporary basis
and motility in phytoplankton, resulting in because HCFCs are relatively less damaging to 126
reduced survival rates for plankton population ozone layer as compared to CFCs, but they are
adversely affecting marine food chain. not completely ozone safe.
 Marine/freshwater organisms are very
sensitive to UV-rays. E.g. Corals International Efforts

Effects on air quality  Recognizing the deleterious effects of ozone

depletion, an international treaty, known as
 Increase in UV-B radiation result in higher the Montreal Protocol, was signed at Montreal
photo dissociation rates of key trace gases (Canada) in 1987 (effective in 1989) to control
that control the chemical reactivity of the the emission of ozone depleting substances.
troposphere.
 This can increase both production and Vienna Convention for the Protection of
destruction of ozone (03) and related oxidants the Ozone Layer
such as hydrogen peroxide (H202), which are
known to have adverse effects on human  Multilateral Environmental Agreement.
health, terrestrial plants, and outdoor  It was agreed upon at the Vienna Conference
materials. of 1985 and entered into force in 1988.
 Changes in the atmospheric concentrations of  It acts as a framework for the international
the hydroxyl radical (OH) may change the efforts to protect the ozone layer.
atmospheric lifetimes of climatically important  However, it does not include legally binding
gases such as methane (CH4) and the CFC reduction goals for the use of CFCs, the main
substitutes. chemical agents causing ozone depletion.
 Increased tropospheric reactivity could also These are laid out in the accompanying
lead to increased production of particulates Montreal Protocol.
such as cloud condensation nuclei, from the
oxidation and subsequent nucleation of Montreal Protocol
sulphur.

Effects on materials  The Montreal Protocol on Substances that

Deplete the Ozone Layer (a protocol to the
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the
 Accelerate breakdown of paints Ozone Layer) is an international treaty
 Accelerate breakdown of plastics designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing
 Affect temperature gradient levels in the out the production of numerous substances
atmosphere that are responsible for ozone depletion.
 Affect atmospheric circulation pattern,  It was agreed in 1987, and entered into force
climatic changes. in 1989, followed by a first meeting in
Helsinki, May 1989. Since then, it has
Measures to Prevent Ozone (O3) Layer undergone eight revisions.
Depletion  As a result of the international agreement, the
ozone hole in Antarctica is slowly recovering.
Monitoring of ozone layer is taken up by  Climate projections indicate that the ozone
layer will return to 1980 levels between 2050
1. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and 2070.
2. World Weather Watch (WWW)
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 It is the single most successful international Answer: b)

agreement to date.
Acid Rain – Causes, Effects | Ocean
The two ozone treaties (Vienna Convention Acidification
and Montreal Protocol) have been ratified by
197 parties [196 UN states + European Union] Acid Rain – Acidification
making them the first universally ratified Page
treaties in United Nations history.  Acid rain refers to any precipitation (rain, fog, |
mist, snow) that is more acidic than normal
UN Framework Convention on Climate (pH of less than 5.6. [pH below 7 = acidic]). 127
Change is also ratified by 197 parties.  Acid rain is caused by atmospheric pollution
from acidic gases such as sulphur
Q3. Which one of the following is dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emitted from
associated with the issue of control and burning of fossil fuels.
phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting  It is also recognized that acidic smog, fog,
substances? mist, move out of the atmosphere and settle
on dust particles which in turn accumulate on
a. Bretton Woods Conference vegetation as acid depositions. When rain
b. Montreal Protocol falls, the acid from these depositions leak and
c. Kyoto Protocol form acid dews.
d. Nagoya Protocol
The pH scale
Bretton Woods Conference established the
International Bank for Reconstruction and
 The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or
Development (IBRD) and the International
basic (alkaline) a solution is.
Monetary Fund (IMF).
 It ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral.
 A pH less than 7 is acidic, and a pH greater
Montreal Protocol is an international treaty to than 7 is basic.
protect the ozone layer by phasing out the  It is based on hydrogen ion concentration in
production of ozone depleting substances. It is an aqueous solution.
legally binding.  pH values decreases as hydrogen ion levels
increases.
Kyoto Protocol implemented the objective of  A solution with pH 4 is ten times more acidic
the UNFCCC to fight global warming by than solution with pH 5, and a hundred times
reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in more acidic than solution with pH 6.
the atmosphere to “a level that would prevent  Whilst the pH range is usually given as 0 to
dangerous anthropogenic interference with the 14, lower and higher values are theoretically
climate system”. It is binding on the parties. possible.

Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement Acidic gases and their emission sources
to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity
(CBD) on “Access to Genetic Resources and
the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits
Arising from their Utilization”.
Acidic gases Source
CO2 (Carbon dioxide) Fossil fuel burning, industrial process, respiration.
CH4 (Methane) Paddy fields, wetlands, gas drilling, landfills, decomposition of animals
wastes and carcasses.
CO (Carbon monoxide) Biomass burning, Industrial sources: smelting of iron ore, Biogenesis,
Plant isoprene's.
SO. (Sulphur oxides) Fossil fuel burning, power plants, smelting of metal sulfide ores,
industrial sources, industrial production of sulfuric acid in metallurgical,
chemical and fertilizer industries volcanoes, seas and
oceans, decomposition of organic matter.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

NO. (nitrogen oxides) Fossil fuel burning, lightening, biomass burning, forest fires, oceans,
power plants.
Formic acid (HCOOH)  Biomass burning due to forest fires causes emission of formic acid
(HCOOH) and formaldehyde (HCHO) into the atmosphere.
 Large fraction formaldehyde gets photo — oxidation and forms formic acid
in the atmosphere.
Page
Carbonic acid (H2CO3) Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide dissolve in water (water vapor) to
|
form carbonic acid.
Q1. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of Dry Deposition 128
environment by
 In areas where the weather is dry, the acid
a) carbon dioxide and nitrogen chemicals may become incorporated into dust
b) carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide or smoke and fall to the ground through dry
c) ozone and carbon dioxide deposition, sticking to the ground, buildings,
d) nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide vegetation, cars, etc.
 Dry deposited gases and particles can be
Explanation: washed from these surfaces by rainstorms,
through runoff. This runoff water makes the
Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxides of resulting mixture more acidic.
nitrogen and oxides of sulphur in atmosphere  About half of the acidity in the atmosphere
can cause acid rains. falls back to earth through dry deposition.

Both b) and d) are correct. But d) has more Chemistry of Acid Rain
influence than b)
Six basic steps are involved in the formation of
Answer: d) nitrous oxide and sulphur acid rain:
dioxide
 The atmosphere receives oxides of sulfur and
Types Of Acid Deposition
nitrogen from natural and man-made sources.
 Some of these oxides fall back directly to the
 "Acid rain" is a broad term referring to a ground as dry deposition, either close to the
mixture of wet and dry deposition (form of place of origin or some distance away.
deposition material) from the atmosphere.  Sunlight stimulates the formation of photo-
oxidants (such as ozone) in the atmosphere.
Wet Deposition  These photo-oxidants interact with the oxides
of sulfur and nitrogen and other gases (like
 If the acid chemicals in the air are blown into NH3) to produce H2SO4 (sulphuric acid) and
areas where the weather is wet, the acids can HNO3 (nitric acid) by oxidation.
fall to the ground in the form of rain, snow,  Acid rain containing ions of sulfate, nitrate,
fog, or mist. ammonium and hydrogen falls as wet
 As this acidic water flows over and through deposition.
the ground, it affects a variety of plants and
animals.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
|
129

Harmful effects of acid rain magnesium in the soil cause leaching of the
nutrients, making the soil infertile. This is
 Acid precipitation affects both aquatic and accompanied by a decrease in the respiration
terrestrial organisms. It also damages of soil organisms.
buildings and monuments.  An increase in ammonia in the soil due to a
decrease in other nutrients decrease the rate
of decomposition. The nitrate level of the soil
Effects on humans
is also found to decrease.
 The impact of acid rain on soil is less in India;
 Acid rain affects human health is a number of
because Indian soils are mostly alkaline, with
ways.
good buffering ability.
 The obvious ones are bad smells, reduced
visibility; irritation of the skin, eyes and the
Effects on aquatic life
respiratory tract.
 Some direct effects include chronic bronchitis,
pulmonary emphysema and cancer.  The pH of the medium is very important for
 Some indirect effects include food poisoning metabolic processes of aquatic organisms.
vis a vis drinking water and food.  Eggs or sperms of fish, frogs and other aquatic
 An increase in the levels of toxic heavy-metals organisms are sensitive to pH changes.
like manganese, copper, cadmium and  Acid rain kills their gametes affecting the life
aluminium also contribute to the detrimental cycles and productivity. Death or their
effects on human health. inability to increase in numbers causes severe
ecosystem imbalances.
 Acidic lake waters may kill
Effects on soil
bacteria/microbes/planktons and the acidic
lakes become unproductive and life less. Such
 The exchange between hydrogen ions and the
acidic and lifeless ponds/lakes adversely
nutrient cations like potassium and
affect fisheries and livelihood.
Naturally acidic lakes Anthropogenically acidified lakes
Brown to yellow colour Very clear water caused by reduced primary productivity
caused by humic substances
Concentrations of dissolved Dissolved organic carbon concentrations are low. Whereas the
organic carbon are high transparency is high.
while transparency is low
Low pH but well buffered. Poorly buffered
Abound with aquatic life. Some of the more sensitive taxa, such as blue-green algae, some
bacteria, snails, mussels crustaceans, mayflies and fish either
decrease or /are eliminated.
Effect on terrestrial life  Acid rain damage cuticle of plant leaves
resulting etiolation (pale and weak) of foliage.
This in turn reduces photosynthesis.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Reduced photosynthesis accompanied by leaf an acidic environment, most blue-green

fall reduces plant and crop productivity. bacteria prefer an alkaline environment.
 Acidic medium promotes leaching of heavy  So after a long run of acid rain, microbial
metals like aluminum, lead and mercury. species in the soil and water shift from
Such metals when percolate into ground water bacteria-bound to fungi-bound and cause an
affect soil micro flora/fauna. imbalance in the micro flora.
 Absorption of these toxic metal ions by  This causes a delay in the decomposition of Page
plants/microorganisms affect their soil organic material, and an increase in
metabolism. fungal disease in aquatic life and forests. |
 Acid rain can directly affect the eggs and 130
tadpoles of frogs and salamanders that breed Effects on forests
in small forest ponds.
 It has been postulated that acid rain can  Acid rains kill vegetation and causes severe
indirectly affect wildlife by allowing metals damage to the forest landscape.
bound on soils and sediments to be released
into the aquatic environment, where toxic Effect on buildings, monuments and
substances may be ingested by animals, like materials
birds, that feed in such an environment.
 Other indirect effects of acid rain on wildlife  Many old, historic, ancient buildings and
are loss or alteration of food and habitat works of art/textile etc. are adversely affected
resources. by acid rain.
 Limestone and marble are destroyed by acid
Effects on micro organisms rain. Smoke and soot cover such objects. They
slowly dissolve/flake away the surfaces
 pH determines the proliferation of any because of acid fumes in the air. Many
microbial species in a particular environment buildings/monuments such as Taj Mahal in
and the rate at which it can produce. Agra have suffered from acid rain.
 The optimum pH of most bacteria and
protozoa is near neutrality; most fungi prefer
Material Type of Impact Principal Air Pollutants
Metals Corrosion, tarnishing Sulphur Oxides and other acid gases
Paints and organic Surface erosion, discoloration, Sulphur dioxides, hydrogen sulphide
coatings soiling
Textiles Fading, colour change Nitrogen oxides, ozone
Leather Weakening, powdered surface Sulphur oxides
Rubber Cracking Ozone
Trigger Effect of Acid Rain on  The use of lime has helped in reducing the
Pollutants mercury levels in fish.

 A low pH of the rainwater and subsequent Aluminium

increased acidity in the environment can
trigger off or aggravate the effects of certain  Acidified waters are known to leach
harmful pollutants. substantial amounts of aluminium from
watersheds.
Mercury  Even at relatively low levels, aluminium has
been implicated in dialysis dementia, a
disorder of the central nervous system, which
 Methyl mercury and related short chain alkyl
may be toxic to individuals with impaired
mercurial compounds are most dangerous to
kidney function.
humans, as they accumulate in edible fish
tissue.
 Although acid deposition may not increase the Cadmium
production of methyl mercury, it may increase
the partitioning of methyl mercury into the  Cadmium can enter the drinking water supply
water column. through corrosion of galvanized pipe or from

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

the copper-zinc solder used in the distribution  Lowering of soil pH is reported from north-
systems. eastern India, coastal Karnataka and Kerala,
 A decrease in water pH from 6.5 to 4.5 can parts of Orissa, West Bengal and Bihar.
result in a fivefold increase in cadmium and
could cause renal tubular damage. Indicators

Lead  Lichens serve as good bio-indicators for air Page

pollution.
|
 Foetuses and infants are highly susceptible to  In the variety of pH around 6.0, several
drinking water lead contamination. animals, those are important food items for 131
 High blood lead levels in children (>30 mug/ fish decline. These include the freshwater
Ml) are believed to induce biochemical and shrimp, crayfish, snails and some small
neurophysiological dysfunction. mussels.
 However, lower than normal blood levels of
lead can cause mental deficiencies and Acid Rain Control
behavioural problems.
 Any procedure that shall reduce, minimize, or
Asbestos halt emission of sulphur and nitrogen oxides
into the atmosphere shall control acid rain.
 Asbestos in natural rock can be released by  Use of low sulphur fuel or natural gas or
acidic waters. washed coal (chemical washing of pulverized
coal) in thermal plants can reduce incidences
Acid Rain Areas of acid rain.
 Buffering - the practice of adding a
 They are concentrated in the industrialized neutralizing agent to the acidified water to
belt of the northern hemisphere. increase the pH is one of the important control
 They are often upland and/or mountainous measures. Usually lime in the form of calcium
areas, which are well-watered by rain and oxide and calcium carbonate is used.
snow.
 Due to the abundance of water, they possess Ocean Acidification
numerous lakes and streams and also have
more land covered with vegetation. Being  Ocean acidification has been called the “evil
upland, they often have thin soils and twin of global warming” and “the other CO2
glaciated bedrock. problem”.
 Many parts of Scandinavia, Canada, the North  Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in
and Northeast United States and Northern the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the
Europe (particularly West Germany and uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the
upland Britain) share these features. atmosphere.
 Across the Atlantic there are number of acid  An estimated 30–40% of the carbon dioxide
rain hot spots including Nova Scotia, from human activity released into the
Southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada, the atmosphere dissolves into oceans, rivers and
Adirondack Mountains in New York, Great lakes.
Smoky mountains, parts of Wisconsin,  To achieve chemical equilibrium, some of it
Minnesota, and the Colorado Rockies of the reacts with the water to form carbonic acid.
US.  Some of these extra carbonic acid molecules
react with a water molecule to give a
In India bicarbonate ion and a hydronium ion, thus
increasing ocean acidity (H+ ion
 In India, the first report of acid rain came from concentration).
Bombay in 1974. Instances of acid rain are  Checking CO and CO2 emissions and
being reported from metropolitan cities. controlling pollution are the only means to
 In India, the annual SO2 emission has almost reduce ocean acidification.
doubled in the last decade due to increased
fossil fuel consumption. Other contributors

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Acid rain can have a pH between 1 and 6 and crustaceans, sea urchins, certain types of
has impact on surface ocean chemistry. It has plankton, lobsters, etc.).
major effect on ocean acidification locally and  However, increase in atmospheric CO2 levels
regionally but very small globally. lead to decrease in pH level, increase in the
 Eutrophication leads to large plankton concentration of carbonic acid and
blooms, and when these blooms collapse and bicarbonate ions, causing a decrease in the
sink to the sea bed the subsequent respiration concentration of carbonate ions. Page
of bacteria decomposing the algae leads to a  Thus carbonate ions are less available and
decrease in sea water oxygen and an increase calcification is therefore harder to achieve, |
in CO2 (a decline in pH). and may be prevented altogether. 132
Effects of Ocean Acidification Saturation horizons

 Oceans are an important reservoir for CO2,  Deep, cold ocean waters are naturally under
absorbing a significant quantity of it (one- saturated with carbonate ions causing the
third) produced by anthropogenic activities shells of most calcifying organisms to dissolve.
and effectively buffering climate change.  Surface waters are oversaturated with
 The uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide is carbonate ions and do not readily dissolve
occurring at a rate exceeding the natural shells of calcifying organisms.
buffering capacity of the oceans creating new  The saturation horizon is the level below
problems in the form of ocean acidification. which calcium carbonate minerals undergo
dissolution.
1. Increasing acidity depresses metabolic rates  Those organisms that can survive below the
and immune responses in some organisms. saturation horizon do so due to special
2. Other chemical reactions are triggered which mechanisms to protect their calcium
result in a net decrease in the amount of carbonate from dissolving.
carbonate ions available. This makes it more  As ocean acidification causes this horizon to
difficult for marine calcifying organisms, such rise vertically (upwelling) in the water column
as coral (calcareous corals) and some so more and more calcifying organisms will be
plankton (calcareous plankton), to form exposed to under saturated water and thus
biogenic calcium carbonate. vulnerable to dissolution of their shells and
3. Commercial fisheries are threatened because skeletons.
acidification harms calcifying organisms
which form the base of the Arctic food webs. Impact of Ocean Acidification on Cloud
4. Acidification could damage the Arctic tourism Formation
economy and affect the way of life of
indigenous peoples. A major pillar of Arctic
 The majority of sulfur in the atmosphere is
tourism is the sport fishing and hunting
emitted from the ocean, often in the form
industry.
of dimethylsulfide (DMS) produced by
5. Increasing acidity accentuates coral bleaching
phytoplankton.
as corals are very sensitive to changes in
 Some of DMS produced
water composition.
by phytoplankton enters the atmosphere and
reacts to make sulphuric acid, which clumps
How ocean acidification effects into aerosols, or microscopic airborne
calcifying ability particles.
 Aerosols seed the formation of clouds,
 Seawater absorbs CO2 to produce carbonic which help cool the Earth by reflecting
acid, bicarbonate and carbonate ions. sunlight.
 The carbonate ions are essential to the  But, in acidified ocean water,
calcification process that allows certain phytoplankton produce less DMS. This
marine organisms to build their calcium reduction of sulfur may lead to decreased
carbonate shells and skeletons (e.g. hard cloud formation, raising global
tropical corals, cold water corals, molluscs, temperatures.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Artificial Cloud seeding heat, which degrades the quality of water so

that it becomes unfit for use’.
 Cloud seeding is the process of spreading  Water pollution is caused by a variety of
either dry ice, or more commonly, silver human activities such as industrial,
iodide aerosols, into the upper part of clouds agricultural and domestic.
to try to stimulate the precipitation process  Natural sources of pollution of water are soil
and form rain. erosion, leaching of minerals from rocks and Page
 Since most rainfall starts through the growth decaying of organic matter.
of ice crystals from super-cooled cloud |
droplets in the upper parts of clouds, Point and non-point sources of 133
the silver iodide particles are meant to pollution
encourage the growth of new ice particles.
 Rivers, lakes, seas, oceans, estuaries and
Q2. The acidification of oceans is ground water sources may be polluted by
increasing. Why is this phenomenon a point or non-point sources.
cause of concern?  When pollutants are discharged from a
specific location such as a drain pipe carrying
1. The growth and survival of calcareous industrial effluents discharged directly into a
phytoplankton will be adversely affected. water body it represents point source
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be pollution.
adversely affected.  In contrast non-point sources include
3. The survival of some animals that have discharge of pollutants from diffused sources
phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely or from a larger area such as run off from
affected. agricultural fields, grazing lands, construction
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will sites, abandoned mines and pits, roads and
be adversely affected. streets.

Which of statements given above is / are Causes of Water Pollution

correct?
Sewage Water
a. 1, 2 and 3 only
b. 2 only
c. 1 and 3 only  Sewage water include discharges from houses,
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4 commercial and industrial establishments
connected to public sewerage system.
Explanation:  The sewage contains human and animal
excreta, food residues, cleaning agents,
detergents and other wastes.
We have already learnt that ocean
 Domestic and hospital sewage contain many
acidification decreases the calcifying ability of
undesirable pathogenic microorganisms, and
corals, calcareous plankton, crustaceans etc.
its disposal into a water without proper
It also adversely affects cloud formation and
treatment.
cloud seeding. So Options 1, 2 and 4 are
correct.
Putrescibility is the process of decomposition
of organic matter present in water by
Answer: d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
microorganisms using oxygen.
Water Pollution - Causes, Control Dissolved Oxygen (DO) – Biological Oxygen
Measures Demand (BOD) – Chemical oxygen demand
(COD)
Water Pollution
DO
 Water pollution is the addition/presence of
undesirable substances to/in water such as
organic, inorganic, biological, radiological,

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Presence of organic and inorganic wastes in  The higher value of BOD indicates low DO
water decreases the dissolved Oxygen (DO) content of water. Since BOD is limited to
content of the water. biodegradable materials Therefore, it is not a
 Water having DO content below 8.0 mg/L may reliable method of measuring pollution load in
be considered as contaminated. Water having water.
DO content below. 4.0 mg/L is considered to
be highly polluted. COD Page
 DO content of water is important for the
survival of aquatic organisms. A number of |
 Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a slightly
factors like surface turbulence, photosynthetic better mode used to measure pollution load in 134
activity, O2 consumption by organisms and water.
decomposition of organic matter are the  COD measures the amount of oxygen in parts
factors which determine the amount of DO per million required to oxidize organic
present in water. (biodegradable and non-
 The higher amounts of waste increases the biodegradable) and oxidizable
rates of decomposition and O2 consumption, inorganic compounds in the water sample.
thereby decreases the DO content of water.
Industrial Wastes
BOD
 The industries discharge several inorganic and
 The demand for O2 is directly related to
organic pollutants, which may prove highly
increasing input of organic wastes and is
toxic to the living beings.
expressed as biological oxygen demand (BOD)
 Discharge of waste water from industries like
of water.
petroleum, paper manufacturing, metal
 Water pollution by organic wastes is measured
extraction and processing, chemical
in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand
manufacturing, etc., that often contain toxic
(BOD).
substances, notably, heavy metals (defined as
 BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen
elements with density > 5 g/cm3 such
needed by bacteria in decomposing the
as mercury, cadmium, copper, lead,
organic wastes present in water. It is
arsenic) and a variety of organic compounds.
expressed in milligrams of oxygen per litre of
water.
Type of Industry Inorganic pollutants Organic pollutant
Mining Chlorides, ferrous sulphate, sulphuric acid,
hydrogen sulphide, ferric hydroxide and heavy
metals.
Iron and Steel Iron cyanide, thiocyanates, sulphides, oxides Oil, phenol and naptha
of copper, chromium, cadmium, and mercury.
Chemical Plants Various acids and alkalies, chlorides, sulphates, Aromatic compounds
nitrates of metals, phosphorus, fluorine, silica and solvents, organic acids,
suspended particles. nitro compound dyes,
etc.
Pharmaceutical Proteins,
carbohydrates, organic
solvent intermediate
products, drugs and
antibiotics
Soap and Detergent Tertiary ammonium compounds, alkalies (e.g. Flats and fatty acids,
lime or caustic soda) glycerol,
polyphosphates,
sulphonated
hydrocarbons.
Food processing pathogens
Paper and Pulp Sulphides, bleaching liquors. organic acids.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Agricultural sources ponds, allow the water to cool before releasing

into any receiving water body
 Agricultural runoff contains dissolved salts  Nuclear accidents near water bodies or during
such as nitrates, phosphates, ammonia and natural calamities like tsunami and
other nutrients, and toxic metal ions and earthquakes poses the risk of radiation
organic compounds. leakage (radiation exposure) into water bodies.
 Fertilizers contain major plant nutrients such E.g. Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Page
as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
 Excess fertilizers may reach the ground water Radiation exposure causes mutations in |
by leaching or may be mixed with surface DNA of marine organisms. If those mutations 135
water of rivers, lakes and ponds by runoff and are not repaired, the cell may turn cancerous.
drainage.
 Pesticides include insecticides, fungicides, Radioactive iodine tends to be absorbed by
herbicides, nematicides, rodenticides and soil the thyroid gland and can cause thyroid
fumigants. They contain a wide range of cancer.
chemicals such as chlorinated hydrocarbons
(CHCs. E.g. DDT, Endosulfan etc.), Oil Spills
organophosphates, metallic salts,
carbonates, thiocarbonates, derivatives of  Oil spills are most glaring of all oceanic
acetic acid Many of the pesticides are non- pollution.
degradable and their residues have long life.  The most common cause of oil spill is leakage
 The animal excreta such as dung, wastes from during marine transport and leakage form
poultry farms, piggeries and slaughter houses underground storage tanks. Oil spill could
etc. reach the water though run off and occur during off shore oil production as well.
surface leaching during rainy season.
Impact of oil spill on marine life
Thermal and Radiation Pollution
 Oil being lighter than water covers the water
 Power plants – thermal and nuclear, chemical surface as a thin film cutting off oxygen to
and other industries use lot of water for floating plants and other producers.
cooling purposes and the used hot water is  Within hours of oil spill, the fishes, shellfish,
discharged into rivers, streams or oceans. plankton die due to suffocation and metabolic
 Discharge of hot water may increase the disorders.
temperature of the receiving water by 10 to 15  Birds and sea mammals that consume dead
°C above the ambient water temperature. This fishes and plankton die due to poisoning.
is thermal pollution. Death of these organisms severely damages
 Increase in water temperature decreases marine ecosystems.
dissolved oxygen in water which adversely
affects aquatic life. Impact of oil spills on terrestrial life
 Unlike terrestrial organisms, aquatic
organisms are adopted to a uniform steady  Bays, estuaries, shores, reefs, beaches
temperature of environment. Sudden rise in particularly near large coastal cities or at the
temperature kills fishes and other aquatic mouth of rivers are relatively more susceptible
animals. to the hazards of oil spills.
 Discharge of hot water in water body affects  A number of coastal activities, especially
feeding in fishes, increases their metabolism recreational such as bathing, boating, angling,
and affects their growth. Their swimming diving, rafting are affected. As a result tourism
efficiency declines. Running away from and hotel business in the coastal areas suffers
predators or chasing prey becomes difficult. seriously.
Their resistance to diseases and parasites
decreases. Invasive species
 One of the best methods of reducing thermal
pollution is to store the hot water in cooling

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Plants of water hyacinth are the world’s most Next easiest option is Arsenic (Heavy metal).
problematic aquatic weed, also called ‘Terror Damn!
of Bengal’.
Nest easiest option is Uranium. Many columns
are written on uranium mining and its ill-
effects. So, (a) also can be elevated. (a) and (b)
eliminated. (c) and (d) remains. Page
|
The knowledge of either “Sorbitol” or
“Formaldehyde” will tell us the answer. 136

Formaldehyde is more known than sorbitol.

Googling didn’t give me any authentic source
that called formaldehyde a water pollutant. It
is used a preservative to preserve human
organs. It finds some application in textile,
 They grow abundantly in eutrophic water resign and wood industry.
bodies, and lead to an imbalance in the
ecosystem dynamics of the water body. Answer: c) 1, 3 and 5 only
 They cause havoc by their excessive growth
leading to stagnation of polluted water.
Sorbitol (glucitol) is a sugar alcohol with a
sweet taste which the human body
Underground water pollution metabolizes slowly.

 In India at many places, the ground water is Marine pollution

threatened with contamination due to seepage
from industrial and municipal wastes and
 Oceans are the ultimate sink of all natural
effluents, sewage channels and agricultural
and manmade pollutants.
runoff.
 Rivers discharge their pollutants into the sea.
 Pollutants like fluorides, uranium, heavy
 The sewerage and garbage of coastal cities are
metals and nutrients like nitrates and
also dumped into the sea.
phosphates are common in many parts of
 The other sources of oceanic pollution are
India.
navigational discharge of oil, grease,
detergents, sewage, garbage and radioactive
Q1. Which of the following can be found as wastes, off shore oil mining, oil spills.
pollutants in the drinking water in some
parts of India?
Ground Water
1. Arsenic
2. Sorbitol Titbit: 22 March is celebrated as the world
3. Fluoride water day.
4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium General Assembly of the United Nations
proclaimed the period 2005 – 2015 as the
Select the correct answer using the codes International Decade for action on “Water
given below. for life”

a. 1 and 3 only Natural stores of water in the global

b. 2, 4 and 5 only hydrological cycle
c. 1, 3 and 5 only
d. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Stores Percentage (%)
Oceans 97.71
Easiest option is 3) Fluoride. So, (b) can be Ice caps 1.9
eliminated. Ground water 0.5
Soil moisture 0.01
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Lakes and rivers 0.009 waste dumps and municipal drains may also
Atmosphere 0.0001 cause pathogenic contamination.

 The moisture in the soil indicates the presence Trace metals

of water underground.
 If we dig deeper and deeper, we would reach a  Include lead, mercury, cadmium, copper,
level where all the space between particles of chromium and nickel. These metals can be Page
soil and gaps between rocks are filled with toxic and carcinogenic.
|
water. The upper limit of this layer is called
the water table. Arsenic 137
 The water table may be at a depth of less than
a metre or may be several metres below the  Seepage of industrial and mine discharges, fly
ground. The water found below the water table ash ponds of thermal power plants can lead to
is called groundwater. metals in groundwater.
 The process of seeping of water into the  In India and Bangladesh [Ganges Delta],
ground is called infiltration. millions of people are exposed to groundwater
 At places the groundwater is stored between contaminated with high levels of arsenic, a
layers of hard rock below the water table. This highly toxic and dangerous pollutant.
is known as an aquifer.  Chronic exposure to arsenic causes black foot
 The rainwater can be used to recharge the disease. It also causes diarrhoea, peripheral
groundwater. This is referred to as water neuritis, hyperkeratosis and also lung and
harvesting. skin cancer.

Mahatma Gandhi said: “No one need to wait Organic compounds

for anyone else to adopt a humane and
enlightened course of action.”  Seepage of agricultural runoff loaded with
organic compounds like pesticides and may
Groundwater Contaminants and Their cause pesticide pollution of ground water.
Effects
Fluoride
Nitrates
 Excess fluoride in drinking water
 Dissolved nitrates commonly contaminate causes neuromuscular disorders, gastro-
groundwater. intestinal problems, teeth deformity,
 Excess nitrate in drinking water reacts with hardening of bones and stiff and painful
hemoglobin to form non- joints (skeletal fluorosis).
functional methaemoglobin, and impairs  Fluorisis is a common problem in several
oxygen transport. This condition is states of the country due to intake of high
called methaemoglobinemia or blue baby fluoride content water.
syndrome.  Fluorides cause dental fluorisis, stiffness of
joints (particularly spinal cord) causing
Methemoglobin is a form of the oxygen- humped back.
carrying metalloprotein hemoglobin.  Pain in bones and joint and outward bending
Methemoglobin cannot bind oxygen, unlike of legs from the knees is called Knock-Knee
oxyhemoglobin. syndrome.
 High concentration of fluoride ions is present
 High level of nitrates may form carcinogens in drinking water in 13 states of India. The
and can accelerate eutrophication in surface maximum level of fluoride, which the human
waters. body can tolerate is 1.5 parts per million
(mg/L of water). Long term ingestion of
Pathogens fluoride ions causes fluorosis.

 Poor hygiene of wells may cause pathogenic Major Water Issues Of India
contamination. Water seepage from solid

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Water scarcity therefore, ecologically very sensitive. They

need special protection.
 Due to un-even distribution of rainfall in time
and space and ever-increasing demand of Water Pollution Control Measures
water for agricultural, industrial and domestic
activities, the water resources are over-  Realizing the importance of maintaining the
exploited. This is resulting in shrinking or Page
cleanliness of the water bodies, the
even drying up of many water bodies for Government of India has passed the Water |
considerable periods in a year. (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
 Reducing demands by optimum use, 1974 to safeguard our water resources. 138
minimization of wastage, efforts to reduce the  An ambitious plan to save the river, called
percolation and evaporation losses, the Ganga Action Plan was launched in 1985.
conservation efforts in domestic uses, It aimed to reduce the pollution levels in the
groundwater recharging, rain water river. However, the increasing population and
harvesting, afforestation, recycling and reuse industrialization have already damaged this
are important to combat this problem. mighty river beyond repair.
 In India, the Central Pollution Control Board
Pathogenic pollution (CPCB), an apex body in the field of water
quality management, has developed a concept
 Water borne diseases are the most important of “designated best use”.
water quality issues in India. This is mainly  Accordingly the water body is designated as A,
due to inadequate arrangements for transport B, C, D, E on the basis of
and treatment of wastewaters.  pH,
 dissolved oxygen, mg/1
Oxygen depletion  BOD, (200C) mg/l
 total coliform (MPN/100ml)
 Eutrophication [oxygen depletion due to algal  free ammonia mg/l,
blooms] is a common problem in most of the  electrical conductivity etc.
India lakes and rivers due to discharge of  The CPCB, in collaboration with the concerned
untreated sewage and industrial effluents. State Pollution Control Boards, has classified
all the water bodies including coastal waters
Salinity in the country according to their “designated
best uses”.
 There are number of cases where salinity is  This classification helps the water quality
increasing in both surface water and managers and planners to set water quality
groundwater. targets and identify needs and priority for
 The increase in groundwater salinity is mainly water quality restoration programmes for
due to increased irrigation activities or sea various water bodies in the country.
water intrusion in coastal areas.  The famous Ganga Action Plan and
subsequently the National River Action
Toxic pollution Plan are results of such exercise.
 Riparian buffers: A riparian buffer is a
 Due to discharge of toxic effluents from many vegetated area (a "buffer strip") near a stream,
industries and increased use of chemicals in usually forested, which helps shade and
agriculture and their subsequent contribution partially protect a stream from the impact of
to the water bodies, many water bodies in the adjacent land uses. It plays a key role in
country are polluted due to presence of toxic increasing water quality in associated
substances. streams, rivers, and lakes, thus providing
environmental benefits.
Ecological health  Treatment of sewage water and the industrial
effluents before releasing it into water bodies.
 A large number of areas in our aquatic Hot water should be cooled before release from
environment support rare species of aquatic the power plants.
and amphibious plants and animals and are,  Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides
should be avoided. Organic farming and
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

efficient use of animal residues as fertilizers Using bioremediation techniques, TERI has
can replace chemical fertilizers. developed a mixture of bacteria called
 Water hyacinth (an aquatic weed, invasive ‘Oilzapper and Oilivorous-S’ which degrades
specie) can purify water by taking some toxic the pollutants of oil-contaminated sites,
materials and a number of heavy metals from leaving behind no harmful residues. This
water. technique is not only environment friendly,
 Oil spills in water can be cleaned with the help but also highly cost-effective. Page
of bregoli — a by-product of paper industry
resembling saw dust, oil zapper, Q2. Recently, ‘oilzapper’ was in the news. |
microorganisms. What is it? 139
 It has been suggested that we should
plant eucalyptus trees all along sewage 1. It is an eco-friendly technology for the
ponds. These trees absorb all surplus remediation of oil sludge and oil spills.
wastewater rapidly and release pure water 2. It is the latest technology developed for under-
vapor into the atmosphere. sea oil exploration.
3. It is a genetically engineered high biofuel
Bioremediation yielding maize variety.
4. It is the latest technology to control the
 Bioremediation is the use of microorganisms accidentally caused flames from oil wells.
(bacteria and fungi) to degrade the
environmental contaminants into less toxic Answer: a) Current Affairs based question.
forms. Keep track of latest developments.
 The microorganisms may be indigenous to a
contaminated area or they may be isolated Ex situ bioremediation
from elsewhere and brought to the
contaminated site.  Ex situ — involves the removal of the
 The process of bioremediation can be contaminated material to be treated
monitored indirectly by measuring elsewhere.
the Oxidation Reduction Potential or  Land farming: contaminated soil is excavated
redox in soil and groundwater, together with and spread over a prepared bed and
pH, temperature, oxygen content, electron periodically tilled until pollutants are
acceptor/donor concentrations, and degraded. The goal is to stimulate indigenous
concentration of breakdown products (e.g. biodegradative microorganisms and facilitate
carbon dioxide) their aerobic degradation of contaminants.
 Biopiles: it is a hybrid of land farming and
In situ bioremediation composting. Essentially, engineered cells are
constructed as aerated composted piles.
 In situ — It involves treatment of the Typically used for treatment of surface
contaminated material at the site. contamination with petroleum hydrocarbons.
 Bioventing: supply of air and nutrients  Bioreactors: it involves the processing of
through wells to contaminated soil to contaminated solid material (soil, sediment,
stimulate the growth of indigenous bacteria. It sludge) or water through an engineered
is used for simple hydrocarbons and can be containment system.
used where the contamination is deep under  Composting: Composting is nature's process
the surface. of recycling decomposed organic materials into
 Biosparging: Injection of air under pressure a rich soil known as compost.
below the water table to increase groundwater
oxygen concentrations and enhance the rate of Advantages and Disadvantages of
biological degradation of contaminants by bioremediation
naturally occurring bacteria
 Bioaugmentation: Microorganisms are Advantages of bioremediation
imported to a contaminated site to enhance
degradation process.  Useful for the complete destruction of a wide
variety of contaminants.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The complete destruction of target pollutants mercury which are released from radioactive
is possible. nuclear waste.
 Less expensive.
 Environment friendly. Effects of Water Pollution on Health
and Environment
Disadvantages of bioremediation
Effects of Water Pollution Page
 Bioremediation is limited to those compounds
|
that are biodegradable. Not all compounds Effects of Water Pollution on Human
are susceptible to rapid and complete Health 140
degradation.
 Biological processes are often highly specific.
 Domestic and hospital sewage contain many
 It is difficult to extrapolate from bench and
undesirable pathogenic microorganisms, and
pilot-scale studies to full-scale field
its disposal into a water without proper
operations.
treatment may cause outbreak of serious
 Bioremediation often takes longer time than
diseases, such as, amoebiasis dysentery,
other treatment process.
typhoid, jaundice, cholera, etc.
 Metals like lead, zinc, arsenic, copper,
Phytoremediation mercury and cadmium in industrial waste
waters adversely affect humans and other
 Phytoremediation is use of plants to remove animals.
contaminants from soil and water. Natural  Arsenic pollution of ground water has been
phytoremediation is carried out by mangroves, reported from West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar,
estuarine vegetation and other wetland Western U.P. Consumption of such arsenic
vegetation. polluted water leads to accumulation of
 Phytoextraction/phytoaccumulation: plants arsenic in the body parts like blood, nails and
accumulate contaminants into the roots and hairs causing skin lesions, rough skin, dry
aboveground shoots or leaves. and thickening of skin and ultimately skin
 Phytotransformation/phytodegradation: cancer.
uptake of organic contaminants from soil, and  Mercury compounds in waste water are
their transformation to more stable, less toxic, converted by bacterial action into extremely
less mobile form. toxic methyl mercury, which can cause
 Phytostabilization: plants reduce the numbness of limbs, lips and tongue, deafness,
mobility and migration of contaminated soil. blurring of vision and mental derangement.
Leachable constituents are adsorbed and  Pollution of water bodies by mercury
bound into the plant structure. causes Minamata (neurological syndrome)
 Rhizodegradation: breakdown of disease in humans and dropsy in fishes.
contaminants through the activity existing in  Lead causes lead poisoning (Lead interferes
the rhizosphere (region of soil in the vicinity of with a variety of body processes and is toxic to
plant roots). This activity is due to the many organs and tissues). The compounds of
presence of proteins and enzymes produced by lead cause anaemia, headache, loss of muscle
the plants or by soil organisms such as power and bluish line around the gum.
bacteria, yeast, and fungi.  Cadmium poisoning causes cancer of lungs
 Rhizofiltration: water remediation technique and liverand Itai – Itai disease (a painful
that involves the uptake of contaminants by disease of bones and joints, causes softening
plant roots. Rhizofiltration is used to reduce of the bones and kidney failure) etc.
contamination in natural wetlands and  Water contaminated with cadmium can cause
estuary areas (E.g. Mangroves). itai itai disease also called ouch-ouch disease
 Mycoremediation: fungi are used to (a painful disease of bones and joints) and
decontaminate the area. cancer of lungs and liver.
 Mycofiltration: using fungal mycelia to filter
toxic waste and microorganisms. Water Borne Diseases
 The bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans has
been used to detoxify toluene and ionic
Bacterial diseases

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Disease Causative organism Mode of spread Symptoms

Typhoid Salmonella typhi Contaminated food, water, Continuous fever which increases day by
milk, unwashed raw day Temperature higher in evening than
vegetables and flies morning, body ache, headache and
constipation. Haemorrhage from an
ulceration in small intestine
Cholera Vibrio cholerae Water or food con- Painless diarrhoea , vomiting, 30-40 stools
taminated by bacteria per day which soon becomes typically Page
from stools of cholera watery and colourless with flakes of
patient mucous floating in them
|
Bacterial Shigella spp. Contaminated food, water Diarrhoea, with blood and dysentry mucous
Diaorhoea and by direct personal in the stools along with severe gripping pain 141
contact in the abdomen. Stools not too frequent (4-
10 per day), faecal matter scanty. Patient
looks ill
Leptospirosis Leptospira Rodents primary hosts- Fever, pain in legs, nausea, vomiting are
carry organisms in common, congestion of the conjunctival
kidneys. Infection by blood vessels around corneas of the eyes
wading or swimming in
water contaminated with
rodent urine
Viral diseases
Infective Hepatitis Hepatitis virus Food and water Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and
contaminated with virus diarrhoea, accompanied with fever. Urine
in stools dark coloured. Eye and skin appear yellow
Protozoan diseases
Amoebic Entamoeba histolytica Ingestion of cysts in food Abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea, with
dysentery and water or without blood or mucous in stools, fever,
chills and gripping pain in abdomen
Diarrhoea Giardia (=Lamblia) Food or water con- Intestinal disorders leading to epigastric
taminated with faeces pain, abdominal discomfort, loss of
intestinalis having cysts appetite, headache and loose bowels
Bilharzia Schistosoma spp Cercaria larvae of flukes Allergy-like itch, rash, aches, fever,
in water penetrate skin of eosinophilia etc.
persons wading in water
When infection becomes heavy, eggs may
block arterioles of lungs cardio-pulmonary
water causing schistosomiasis and may
lead to congestive heart failure.
Guinea worm Dracunculus medinensis Unfiltered water Blister near the ankle, causing allergy and
aches
Vector borne diseases related with water

Disease Causative Vector Hosts Symptoms

organisms
Malaria Plasmodium sp Female Anopheles Man (intermediate Shivering, chills and sweating. As
hosts) chills subside body temperature
(primary or final rises as high as 106° F. When
hosts) temperature comes down patient
sweats profusely and becomes
comfortable until next attack which
takes place at regular intervals
Filaria Wuchereria Culex fatigans Man (final hosts) Enlargement of limbs and scrotum
(Elephantiasis) (=filaria)
Dengue Barbo-virus Aedes aegypti Man (reservoir) Sudden onset of moderately high
fever, excruciating joint pain,
intense pain behind eyes, a second
rise in temp following brief
remission, reduction in neutrophilic
white blood cells
Effects of Water Pollution on  Micro-organisms involved in biodegradation of
Environment organic matter in sewage waste consume lot of
oxygen, and make water oxygen deficient
killing fish and other aquatic creatures.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Presence of large amounts of nutrients in Algal Blooms and Eutrophication are

water results in algal bloom [excessive growth explained in the previous post]. This leads
of planktonic (free-floating) algae [Harmful to ageing of lakes.

Page
|
142

 A few toxic substances, often present in

industrial waste waters, can undergo
biological magnification (Biomagnification) in
the aquatic food chain. This phenomenon is
well-known for mercury and DDT.
 High concentrations of DDT disturb calcium
metabolism in birds, which causes thinning of
eggshell and their premature breaking,
eventually causing decline in bird populations.
 Thermal wastewater eliminates or reduces the
number of organisms sensitive to high
temperature, and may enhance the growth of
plants and fish in extremely cold areas but,
only after causing damage to the indigenous
flora and fauna.
 Aquatic organisms take up pesticides from
water which get into the food chain and move
up the food chain. At higher trophic level they
get concentrated and may reach the upper
end of the food chain
[Biomagnification explained in ‘Trophic
Levels’].

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Effects of Water Pollution on Aquatic

Ecosystem

 Polluted water reduces Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

content, thereby, eliminates sensitive
organisms like plankton, molluscs and fish
etc. Page
 However a few tolerant species like Tubifex |
(annelid worm) and some insect larvae may
survive in highly polluted water with low DO 143
content. Such species are recognized
as indicator species for polluted water.
 Biocides, polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) and heavy metals directly eliminate
sensitive aquatic organisms.
 Hot waters discharged from industries, when
added to water bodies, lowers its DO content.

Water Conservation and Management

Water Conservation and Management

 Primary source of water in India is south-west

and north-east monsoons. Monsoon, however,
is erratic and amount of rain fall is highly
variable in different parts of our country.
Hence, surface runoff needs be conserved.

EcoSan toilets

 Can you imagine the amount of water that one

can save if one didn’t have to flush the toilet?
Well, this is already a reality. Ecological
sanitation is a sustainable system for
handling human excreta, using dry
composting toilets.
 This is a practical, hygienic, efficient and cost-
effective solution to human waste disposal.
 With this composting method, human excreta
can be recycled into a resource (as natural
fertilizer), which reduces the need for chemical
fertilizers. There are working ‘EcoSan’ toilets
in many areas of Kerala and Sri Lanka.

Bio-Toilets

Designed by

 Railways along with DRDO.

Why Bio Toilets in Rail?

 Direct discharge of human waste from the

existing toilet system in trains causes
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

corrosion of the tracks, costing crores to The final waste are Methane and Carbon
replace the rail tracks. Dioxide.
 The bio-toilets are fitted underneath the
lavatories and the human waste discharged Aerobic biodegradation Vs Anaerobic
into them is acted upon by a particular kind biodegradation
of bacteria that converts it into non-
corrosive neutral water. Aerobic biodegradation Page

Terms associated with Bio-Toilets  Forced aeration is essential which is energy |

intensive. 144
 Bio-digesters: The term bio digester is used  Incomplete aeration (partial aerobic condition)
for the shells made up of steel for leads to foul smell.
the anaerobic digestion of human waste.  Less effective pathogen inactivation.
 Bio tank: The term bio tank is used for the  Cannot tolerate detergents
tanks made up of concrete for the anaerobic  Generate large amount of sludge.
digestion of human waste.  Repeated addition of bacteria/enzyme is
 Aerobic Bacteria: Aerobic bacteria are those required for the process.
which flourish in the presence of free  Maintenance & recurring cost is high.
dissolved oxygen in the waste water and
consume organic matter for their food, and Anaerobic biodegradation
thereby oxidizing it to stable end products.
 Anaerobic Bacteria: Anaerobic bacteria  No aeration is required.
flourish in the absence of free dissolved  Complete anaerobic conditions.
oxygen, and survive by utilizing the bounded  More than 99% pathogen inactivation.
molecular oxygen in compounds like nitrates  Anaerobes can even degrade
(NO3) and sulphates (SO4) etc. thereby detergents/phenyl
reducing them to stable end products along  Sludge generation is very less.
with evolution of foul smelling gases like H2S  One time bacterial inoculation is enough.
(hydrogen sulphide), CH4 (methane)  Minimal maintenance and no recurring cost.
 Facultative Bacteria: Facultative bacteria
can operate either as aerobically or as With reference to bio-toilets used by the
anaerobically. Indian Railways, consider the following
 Anaerobic Microbial inoculums: mixture of statements:
different types of bacteria (hydrolytic,
Acidogenic, acetogenic and methanogenic 1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-
groups) responsible for breakdown of complex toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
polymers into simple sugars which are further 2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end
broken down into low chain fatty acids and products in this decomposition which are
finally into biogas. released into the atmosphere.

Anaerobic biodegradation system Which of the statements given above is/are

correct?
 Anaerobic digestion is a collection of processes
by which microorganisms break down 1. 1 only
biodegradable material in the absence of 2. 2 only
oxygen. 3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Decomposition of human waste in bio-toilets

is carried out by anaerobic bacteria.

The final waste is CO2 and CH4.

Answer: d) Neither 1 nor 2

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Contour farming running out to sea, to west and south west

India.
 Contour farming is an example of harvesting  The transfer of the surplus Ganga water would
technique involving water and moisture make up for the periodical shortage in Son,
control at a very simple level. Narmada, Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery.
 It often consists of rows of rocks placed along
the contour of steps. Runoff captured by these Adoption of drip sprinkler irrigation Page
barriers also allows for retention of soil, |
thereby serving as erosion control measure on  Surface irrigation methods leads to water loss
gentle slopes. due to evaporation and percolation. 145
 This technique is especially suitable for areas  Drip irrigation is an efficient method of
having rainfall of considerable intensity, irrigation in which a limited area near the
spread over large part i.e. in Himalayan area, plant is irrigated by dripping water. This
north east states and Andaman and Nicobar method is particularly useful in row crop.
islands.  Similarly sprinkler method is also suitable for
 In areas where rainfall is scanty and for a such water scarce areas. About 80% water
short duration, it is worth attempting these consumption can be reduced by this method,
techniques, which will induce surface runoff, whereas the drip irrigation can reduce water
which can then be stored. consumption by 50 to 70 %.

Ground water conservation Management of growing pattern of

crops
Artificial recharge
 In water scarce areas, the crop selection
 Increasing the surface area for percolation, should be based on efficiency of the crop to
percolation tank construction etc. are some utilize the water. Some of the plants suitable
artificial recharge methods. for water scarce areas are:
Catchment area protection (CAP) 1. plants with shorter growth period;
2. high yielding plants that require no increase
 It helps in withholding runoff water albeit in water supply;
temporarily by a check bund constructed 3. plants with deep and well trenched roots and
across the streams in hilly terrains to delay 4. plants which cannot tolerate surface
the run off so that greater time is available for irrigation.
water to seep underground.
 Such methods are in use in north-east states,
Selection of crop varieties
in hilly areas of tribal belts. This technique
also helps in soil conservation. Afforestation in
the catchment area is also adopted for water  Crop performance and yield are the results of
and soil conservation. genotype expression as modulated by
continuous interactions with the environment.
Inter-basin transfer of water  Generally, the new varieties of crop do not
require more water than the older ones.
However, they require timely supply of water
 Western and peninsular regions have because their productivity is high.
comparatively low water resources/cultivable  Frequent light irrigation is more conductive
land ratio. Northern and eastern region which than heavy irrigation at large intervals for
are drained by Ganga and Brahmaputra have obtaining high yields.
substantial water resources.
 Hence, the scheme of diverting water from
Nutritional management
region with surplus water to water deficit
region can be adopted.
 Ganga-Cauvery link would enable the transfer  Potassium plays a major role under stress
of vast quantities of Ganga basin flood water conditions. It improves the tissue water

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

potential by osmoregulation, ultimately municipal waste water can be easily used for
increasing the water use efficiency. irrigation.
 Experiments conducted at the Water
Technology Centre, Coimbatore, indicated that Reuse of wastewater
foliar application of 0.5% potassium chloride
can reduce the moisture stress in soyabean,
 Wastewater contains lots of nutrients. Its use
for irrigation saves these nutrients. It Page
sorghum and groundnut.
improves the productivity of crops and soil |
Role of antitranspirants fertility.
 Wastewater is a resource rather than a waste 146
 Application of antitranspirants reduces since it contains appreciable amount of
transpiration maintaining thereby the tissue nitrogen, phosphorus and potash.
water potential. Plants then take up less water  Stabilization ponds can be used for fish
from soil. aquaculture. The effluent can also be used for
 Antitranspirants can prolong the irrigation cultivation of short-term and long term,
intervals by slowing down soil water depletion. ornamental, commercial and fodder crops.
Application of Kaolin (3%) and lime wash (2%)
was found to maintain the water balance of The potential applications of reusing of treated
plant and resulted in normal yield of sorghum wastewater are in the following fields or areas:
under moisture stress conditions.
 Certain growth regulators reduce the plants  Agricultural use through irrigation of crops as
susceptibility to water stress. Application well as for improving river amenity;
of cycoel, a growth retardant increases the  Industrial cooling especially in large industrial
ability to withstand drought. enterprises;
 Cycoel application also reduces production  Reuse in municipal public areas such as
of gibberellic acid which leads to closing of watering lawns, parks, play grounds and
stomata. Transpiration loss of water gets trees;
reduced.  Flushing toilets in hotels and residential
districts;
Reducing evapotranspiration  Reuse of the treated wastewater for urban
landscape purposes.
 Evapotranspiration losses can be reduced by  Treated waste water can also be used for
reducing the evaporation from soil surface and groundwater recharging.
transpiration from the plants, in arid zones,
considerable amount of water is lost in Grey water reuse
evaporation from soil surface.
 This can be prevented by placing water tight  Grey water is defined as untreated household
moisture barriers or water tight mulches on wastewater, which has not come into contact
the soil surface. Non-porous materials like with toilet waste. It can originate from the
papers, asphalt, plastic foils or metal foils can shower, bath, bathroom, washing basin,
also be used for preventing evaporation losses. clothes washing machine and laundry trough.
 Transpiration losses can be reduced by Grey water can be used in agriculture and
reducing air movement over a crop by putting many industries.
wind breaks and evolving such types of crops
which possess xerophytic adaptations. Reduce the loss of water due to
evaporation
Recycling of water
 The methods that reduce evaporation from
 The wastewater from industrial or domestic water bodies are - installing wind breaks,
sources can be used after proper treatment, reducing energy available for evaporation,
for irrigation, recharging ground water, and constructing artificial aquifers, minimizing
even for industrial or municipal use. If exposed surface through reservoir regulation,
agricultural lands are available close to cities, reducing ratio of area/volume of water bodies,

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

locating reservoirs at higher altitudes and biological processes such as slow sand
applying monomolecular firms. filtration.
 There are numerous methods to reduce losses
due to evaporation and to improve soil Coagulation / Flocculation
moisture. Some of them are listed below:
 Mulching i.e. the application of organic or  Aluminium sulphate (alum) is the most
inorganic materials such as plant debris, common coagulant used for water Page
compost, etc., slows down the surface run-off, purification. Other chemicals, such as ferric
improves soil moisture, reduces evaporation |
sulphate or sodium aluminate, may also be
losses and improves soil fertility. used. 147
 Soil covered by crops, slow down run-off and  During coagulation, liquid aluminium sulfate
minimize evaporation losses, hence, fields (alum) is added to untreated water.
should not be left bare for long periods of  This causes the tiny particles of dirt in the
time. water to stick together or coagulate.
 Ploughing helps to move the soil around. As a  Next, groups of dirt particles stick together to
consequence it retains more water thereby form larger particles called flocs.
reducing evaporation.  Flocs are easier to remove by settling or
 Shelter belt of trees and bushes along the edge filtration.
of agricultural fields slow down the wind
speed and reduce evaporation and erosion. Sedimentation
 Planting of trees, grass, and bushes breaks
the force of rain and helps rainwater penetrate  As the water and the floc particles progress
the soil. through the treatment process, they move into
 Fog and dew contain substantial amounts of sedimentation basins where the water moves
water that can be used directly by adapted slowly, causing the heavy floc particles to
plant species. Artificial surfaces such as settle to the bottom.
netting-surface traps or polythene sheets can  Floc which collects on the bottom of the basin
be exposed to fog and dew; the resulting water is called sludge, and is piped to drying
can be used for crops. lagoons.
 Contour farming is adopted in hilly areas and  In Direct Filtration, the sedimentation step is
in lowland areas for paddy fields. Farmers not included, and the floc is removed by
recognize the efficiently of contour based filtration only.
systems for conserving soil and water.
 Salt-resistant varieties of crops have been also Filtration
developed recently. Because these grow in
saline areas, overall agricultural productivity
 Water flows through a filter designed to
is increased without making additional
remove particles in the water. The filters are
demands on fresh water sources. Thus, this is
made of layers of sand and gravel, and in
a good water conservation strategy.
some cases, crushed anthracite.
 Desalination technologies such as distillation,
 Filtration collects the suspended impurities in
electro-dialysis and reverse osmosis are
water and enhances the effectiveness of
available.
disinfection. The filters are routinely cleaned
by backwashing.
Water Treatment for Domestic Use
Disinfection
 Substances that are removed during the
process of drinking water treatment include  Water is disinfected before it enters the
suspended solids, bacteria, algae, viruses, distribution system to ensure that any
fungi, and minerals such as iron and disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and
manganese. parasites are destroyed.
 The processes involved in removing the  Chlorine is used because it is a very effective
contaminants include physical processes such disinfectant, and residual concentrations can
as settling and filtration, chemical processes be maintained to guard against possible
such as disinfection and coagulation and biological contamination in the water
distribution system.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The addition of chlorine or chlorine  Lime is added to the filtered water to adjust
compounds to drinking water is called the pH and stabilize the naturally soft water in
chlorination. order to minimise corrosion in the distribution
 Chlorine can combine with certain naturally system, and within customers’ plumbing.
occurring organic compounds in water to
produce chloroform and other potentially Titbit: National Environmental Engineering
harmful byproducts. The risk of this is very Research Institute (NEERI) is at Nagpur. Page
small, however, when chlorine is applied after
coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration. |
Removal of iron
 Ozone gas may also be used for disinfection of 148
drinking water. However, since ozone is  In many parts of our country we have problem
unstable, it cannot be stored and must be of excess iron in drinking water especially in
produced on-site, making the process more North-East regions. Iron causes bad taste and
expensive than chlorination. odour to the drinking water. Bureau of Indian
 Ozone has the advantage of not causing taste Standards prescribes desirable limit for iron
or odour problems. It also leaves no residue in as 0.3 mg/l.
the disinfected water.  A major part of iron is oxidized. Then the
 The lack of an ozone residue, however, makes water is made to react with oxidizing media
it difficult to monitor its continued (lime stone). By aeration and further oxidation
effectiveness as water flows through the the dissolved iron is converted to insoluble
distribution system. ferric hydroxide. The insoluble iron can thus
be easily removed through filtration.
Sludge Drying
Removal of arsenic
 Solids that are collected and settled out of the
water by sedimentation and filtration are  Arsenic is found in ground water in some
removed to drying lagoons. parts of West Bengal. Arsenic is highly toxic in
nature. It may cause a number of skin
Fluoridation disorders or even cancer. Bureau of Indian
Standards prescribes desirable limit for
 Water fluoridation is the treatment of arsenic as 0.05 mg/l.
community water supplies for the purpose of  Removal of arsenic is essential.
adjusting the concentration of the free fluoride  Bleaching powder and alum are used for
ion to the optimum level sufficient to reduce removal of arsenic.
dental caries.
 Fluoride is generally present in all natural Watershed Management
water. Its concentration up to certain level is
not harmful. Beyond that level, the bones
 Watershed is an area that contribute water to
start disintegrating. This disease is
a stream or a water body through run-off or
called fluorosis.
underground path.
 We have fluoride problem in many parts of our
 That is the region from which surface water
country. Bureau of Indian Standards
draws into a river, a lake, wet land or other
prescribes 1.0 mg/l as desirable and 1.5 mg/l
body of water is called its watershed or
as maximum permissible limit for drinking
drainage basin.
water.
 Watershed management is a technique for
 Defluoridation at domestic level can be carried
conservation of water and soil in a watershed.
out by mixing water for treatment with
 The presence of water in soil is essential for
adequate amount of aluminum sulphate
the growth of plants and vegetation. Forests
(alum) solution, lime or sodium carbonate and
and their associated soils and litter layers are
bleaching powder depending upon its
excellent filters as well as sponges, and water
alkalinity (concentration of bicarbonates and
that passes through this system is relatively
carbonates in water) and fluoride contents.
pure.
 Various kinds of forest disturbances can
pH Correction
speed up the movement of water from the

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

system and in effect, reduce the filtering  Roof top rain water collection for drinking
action. purposes. [2/3rds of water is wasted in RO –
 In mountainous terrain the forests play a reverse osmosis filtration]
prominent role in prevention of soil erosion.
 Erosion threat can be tackled by the Government’s efforts on water
maintenance of continual cover. Ideally, this is conservation
achieved by single stem harvesting; only one Page
tree is felled at any one point, and the small
 National Water Policy 2002 strongly |
gap so created is soon sealed by the outward
emphasize conservation of water.
growth of its neighbors.
 Construction of large number of dams on 149
 Despite the uncertain balance of water gain
various river systems.
and loss, forests offer the most desirable cover
 Interlinking of rivers (proposed).
for water management strategies.
 Promotion of bunds at village level.
 In contrast to the rapid flows of short duration
 Promotion of rain water harvesting.
characteristics of sparsely vegetated land
 Promotion of reuse and recycling of
water yields are gradual, reliable and uniform
wastewater.
in forests. Deforested land sheds water swiftly,
 Steps to protect water quality.
causing sudden rises in the rivers below.
 Drought-proofing the future.
 Over a large river system, such as that of the
Ganga and the Yamuna, forests are a definite
advantage since they lessen the risk of floods. Permanent conservation measures may
They also provide conditions more favourable include:
to fishing and navigation than does un-
forested land.  Subsidizing use of water-efficient faucets,
 All natural streams contain varying amounts toilets and showerheads
of dissolved and suspended matter, although  Public education and voluntary use reduction.
streams contain varying amounts of dissolved  Billing practices that impose higher rates for
and suspended matter, although streams higher amounts of water use
issuing from undisturbed watershed are  Building codes that require water-efficient
ordinarily of high quality. fixtures or appliances
 Waters from forested areas are not only low in  Leak detection surveys and meter testing,
foreign substances, but they also are relatively repair and replacement
high in oxygen and low in unwanted  Reduction in use and increase in recycling of
chemicals. industrial water
 The belief that forests increase rainfall has not
been substantiated by scientific inquiry. Local Temporary cutbacks may include:
effects can, however, prove substantial,
particularly in semiarid regions where every  Reduction of system-wide operating pressure
millimeter of rain counts.  Water use bans, restrictions, and rationing
 The air above a forest, as contrasted with  Strengthening of local or municipal bodies
grassland, remains relatively cool and humid could help addressing the issue of water
on hot days, so that showers are more shortage and its management in cities.
frequent.
 Many areas in India used to get significant Q3. Which one among the following
rainfall when they were forested are now industries is the maximum consumer of
facing severe draught due to denudation water in India?
(example Rajasthan desert).
a. Engineering
Individual And Community Role b. Paper and pulp
c. Textiles
 Building check dams on seasonal rivers. d. Thermal power
 Micro-watershed management project.
 Constructing percolation tanks in every Water consumption by various industries
residential and industrial complex.
1. Thermal power

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

2. Textile industry after sufficient pre-treatment, should be done

3. Paper and Pulp in suitably shielded containers buried within
4. Iron and Steel industry the rocks, about 500 m deep below the earth’s
5. Fertilizer Industry surface. However, this method of disposal is
meeting stiff opposition from the public.
Radioactive Pollution - Ionizing and
Non-Ionizing Radiation Effects  The quick devastating and immediate effects Page
of nuclear radiations are well known as
Radioactive Pollution witnessed following Hiroshima and Nagasaki |
in Japan during world war II. 150
Sources  Continued small dose exposure to nuclear
radiation can cause childhood leukemia,
Artificial Sources of Radioactive pollution miscarriage, underweight babies, infant
deaths, increased susceptibility to AIDS
 Accidents in nuclear power plants and nuclear and other immune disorders and increased
waste. criminalities.
 Nuclear weapon testing and explosion  Underground bomb testing releases radiations
(Nuclear fallout). The fall Out contains in very small doses of radicals that pollutes
radioactive substances such as strontium-90, water and soil.
cesium-137, iodine-131, etc.  This radioactive water is taken by plants
 Uranium mining and mining of other through roots. The radioactivity enters food
radioactive material like thorium Uranium chain when such plants are eaten by animals
contamination is well observed in India. and humans. Such radioactivity has been
 Radiation therapy and direct exposures to detected even in the milk.
radiation for diagnostic purposes (e.g. X-rays),  Radiation, that is given off by nuclear waste is
chemotherapy etc. extremely damaging to biological organisms,
 The slow nuclear radiations can emanate from because it causes mutations to occur at a very
a variety of sources viz. nuclear reactors, high rate.
laboratories, hospitals, and direct exposures  At high doses, nuclear radiation is lethal but
to X-rays etc. at lower doses, it creates various disorders,
the most frequent of all being cancer.
Natural Sources
Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation
 They include cosmic rays from space and
terrestrial radiations from radio-nuclides  Radioactivity is a phenomenon of spontaneous
present in earth's crust such as radium-224, emission of proton (alpha-
uranium-238, thorium-232, potassium-40, particles), electrons (beta-
carbon-14, etc. particles) and gamma rays (short wave
 Some species of animals and plants electromagnetic waves) due
preferentially accumulate specific radioactive, to disintegration of atomic nuclei of some
materials. For example, oysters deposit 65Zn, elements. These cause radioactive pollution.
fish accumulate 55Fe, marine animals  Radiations can be categorized into two groups
selectively deposit 90Sr. namely the non-ionizing radiations and the
ionizing radiations.
Effects of Radioactive pollution
Non-ionizing radiations
 The use of nuclear energy has two very
serious inherent problems.  Non-ionizing radiations are constituted by the
electromagnetic waves at the longer
1. accidental leakage, as occurred in the Three wavelength of the spectrum ranging from
Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima near infra-red rays to radio
incidents and waves [include higher wavelength
2. safe disposal of radioactive wastes. It has been ultraviolet rays, microwaves].
recommended that storage of nuclear waste,  These waves have energies enough to excite
the atoms and molecules of the medium
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

through which they pass, causing them to  They may damage eyes which may be caused
vibrate faster but not strong enough to by reflections from coastal sand, snow
ionize them. (snow blindness) directly looking towards sun
 In a microwave oven the radiation causes during eclipse.
water molecules in the cooking medium to  They injure the cells of skin and blood
vibrate faster and thus raising its capillaries producing blisters and reddening
temperature. called sunburns. Page
|
151

Ionizing radiations molecules of the medium, thereby producing

ions.
 Ionizing radiations cause ionization (one or  The ions produced in water molecules, for
more electrons are pealed out from the outer example, can induce reactions that can break
shells of an atom) of atoms and molecules of bonds in proteins and other important
the medium through which they pass. molecules.
 An example of this would be when a gamma
Ionization is the process by which an atom or ray passes through a cell, the water molecules
a molecule acquires a negative or positive near the DNA might be ionized and the ions
charge by gaining or losing electrons to form might react with the DNA causing it to break.
ions, often in conjunction with other chemical  They can also cause chemical changes by
changes. breaking the chemical bonds, which can
damage living tissues.
 Electromagnetic radiations such as short  Short range effects include burns, impaired
wavelength ultra violet radiations (UV), X- metabolism, dead tissues and death of the
rays and gamma rays and energetic particles organisms.
produced in nuclear processes, electrically  Long range effects are mutations increased
charged particles like alpha and beta incidence of tumors and cancer, shortening
particles produced in radioactive decay of life-span and developmental changes.
and neutrons produced in nuclear fission, are
highly damaging to living organisms. Non-ionizing radiations affect only those
 Electrically charged particles produced in the components which absorb them and have
nuclear processes can have sufficient energy low penetrability.
to knock electrons out of the atoms or

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Ionizing radiations have high penetration the cells may either be changed permanently
power and cause breakage of macro or die.
molecules.  Cells changed permanently may go on to
produce abnormal cells when they divide and
Biological Damage Due to Ionizing may become cancerous.
Radiations  At even higher doses, the cells cannot be
replaced fast enough and tissues fail to Page
 The biological damage resulting from ionizing function. An example of this would be
radiations is generally termed as radiation “radiation sickness.” This is a condition that |
damage. results after high doses is given to the whole 152
 Large amounts of radiation can kill cells that body (>100 rem).
can dramatically affect the exposed organism
as well as possibly its offspring. Damage due to radiation particles
 Affected cells can mutate and result in cancer.
A large enough dose of radiation can kill the  Alpha particles, can be blocked by a piece of
organism. paper and human skin.
 Radiation damage can be divided into two  Beta particles can penetrate through skin,
types: (a) somatic damage (also while can be blocked by some pieces of glass
called radiation sickness) and (b) genetic and metal.
damage.  Gamma rays can penetrate easily to human
 Somatic damage refers to damage to cells that skin and damage cells on its way through,
are not associated with reproduction. reaching far, and can only be blocked by a
 Effects of somatic radiation damage include very thick, strong, massive piece of concrete.
reddening of the skin, loss of hair,
ulceration, fibrosis of the lungs, the Half-Life - Period of Radioactivity
formation of holes in tissue, a reduction of
white blood cells, and the induction  Each radioactive material has a constant
of cataract in the eyes. This damage can also decay rate. Half-life is the time needed for half
result in cancer and death. of its atoms to decay.
 Genetic damage refers to damage to cells  Half-life of a radio nuclide refers to its period
associated with reproduction. This damage of radioactivity. The half-life may vary from a
can subsequently cause genetic damage fraction of a second to thousands of years.
from gene mutation resulting in  The radio nuclides with long half-time are the
abnormalities. Genetic damages are passed on chief source of environmental radioactive
to next generation. pollution.

Radiation dose Accidents at nuclear power plants

 The biological damage caused by the radiation
 Nuclear fission in the reactor core produces
is determined by the intensity of radiation and
lot of heat which if not controlled can lead to a
duration of the exposure.
meltdown of fuel rods in the reactor core.
 It depends on the amount of energy deposited
 If a meltdown happens by accident, it will
by the radiation in the biological system.
release large quantities of highly dangerous
 For example, alpha particles (protons) do
radioactive materials in the environment with
much more damage per unit energy deposited
disastrous consequences to the humans,
than do beta particles (electrons).
animals and plants.
 A traditional unit of human-equivalent dose is
 To prevent this type of accidents and reactor
the rem, which stands for radiation equivalent
blow up, the reactors are designed to have a
in man.
number of safety features. Inspire of these
 At low doses, such as what we receive every
safety measures three disasters in the nuclear
day from background radiation (<1 m rem),
power plants are noteworthy – Three Mile
the cells repair the damage rapidly.
Island’ in Middletown (U.S.A.) in 1979,
 At higher doses (up to 100 rem), the cells
Chernobyl (U.S.S.R.) in 1986 and
might not be able to repair the damage, and

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in  change it into harmless or less harmful

2011. isotopes. Currently no method is known to do
 In the first two cases a series of mishaps and that and the method would be too costly.
errors resulted in over heating of the reactor  presently waste fuel rods are being stored in
core and lot of radiation was released into the special storage ponds at reactor sites or sent
environment. to reprocessing plants. Even though
 The leakage from Three Mile Island reactor reprocessing is more expensive but some Page
was apparently low and no one was injured countries use reprocessing as an alternative to
immediately. However, in case of Chernobyl waste storage. |
the leakage was very heavy causing death of 153
some workers and radiation spread over large Preventive/Control Measures
areas scattered all over Europe.
 The latest one – Fukushima Daiichi nuclear
 Prevention is the best control measure as
accident was triggered by an earthquake.
there is no cure available for radiation
 Other important nuclear power plant disasters
damage.
include Chalk river, Canada, Windscale
 All safety measures should be strictly
Plutonium Production Center, U.K and Monju,
enforced. UN should have more powers to
Japan.
perform safety checks in various nuclear
 Accidents with nuclear submarines and
establishments across the world.
nuclear warships is a possibility.
 Worldwide monitoring of radiation leakage
should be a priority.
Safe Disposal Of Nuclear Wastes  Proper technologies should be developed to
prevent contamination of water and soil by
 Radioactive wastes are of two types radioactive waste and radioactive materials.
 More avenues for safe disposal of radioactive
1. low level radioactive wastes (LLW) which must be worked out.
include civilian applications of radionuclides  Regular monitoring through frequent sampling
in medicine, research and industry, materials and quantitative analysis in domestic nuclear
from decommissioned reactors, protection establishments.
clothing worn by persons working with  Appropriate steps should be taken to protect
radioactive materials or working in nuclear from occupational exposure.
establishments.  Gradually decreasing the share of nuclear
2. High level radioactive wastes (HLW) results power is a necessity.
from spent nuclear fuel rods and obsolete  World must unite to ban production and use
nuclear weapons. of nuclear weapons.

Some proposed methods of disposing nuclear Impact Of Radiation From Mobile

waste are: Phone Towers

 bury it deep underground in insulated  The radiation that comes from mobile tower
containers. This is a strategy being pursued in radiation is non-ionizing radiation.
United States.
 shoot it into the space or into the sun. The
Health Impacts
cost would be very high and a launch accident
should be disastrous.
 bury it under the ice sheet of Antarctica or  Every antenna on cell phone tower radiates
Greenland ice cap. The ice could be electro-magnetic radiation (power).
destabilized by heat from the waste. The  One cell phone tower is being used by a
method has been prohibited by international number of operators, more the number of
law. antennas more is the power intensity in the
 dump it into deep oceans by keeping the nearby area.
waste into glass and steel cases. But the  The power level near towers is higher and
containers might leak and contaminate the reduces as we move away.
ocean.  EMR may cause cellular and psychological
changes in human beings due to thermal
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

effects that are generated due to absorption of towers in wildlife and ecologically important
microwave radiation. areas.
 The exposure can lead to genetic defects,
effects on reproduction and development, State Environment and Forest Department
Central Nervous System behavior etc.
 EMR can also cause non thermal effects which  State Environment and Forest Department are
are caused by radio frequency fields at levels entrusted with the task of providing regular Page
too low to produce significant heating and are awareness among the people about the norms |
due to movement of calcium and other ions on cell phone towers and dangers of EMR from
across cell membranes. them. 154
 Such exposure is known to be responsible for
fatigue, nausea, irritability, headaches, loss of Department of Telecommunications
appetite and other psychological disorders.
 The current exposure safety standards are
purely based on the thermal effects  Avoid overlapping of high radiation fields. New
considering few evidences from exposure to towers should not be permitted within a
non-thermal effects. radius of one kilometer of the existing tower.
 The location and frequencies of cell phone
towers and other towers emitting EMR should
Impact on birds
be made available in the public domain GIS
mapping of all the cell phone towers to be
 The surface area of bird is relatively larger maintained to monitor the population of bird
than their body weight in comparison to and bees in and around the wildlife protected
human body so they absorb more radiation. area and the mobile towers.
 Also the fluid content in the body of the bird is  Need to refine the Indian standard on safe
less due to small body weight so it gets heated limits of exposure to EMR, keeping in view the
up very fast. available literature on impacts on various life
 Magnetic field from the towers disturbs birds' forms.
navigation skills hence when birds are  To undertake Precautionary approaches to
exposed to EMR they disorient and begin to fly minimize the exposure levels and adopt
in all directions. stricter norms perennial, that live longer than
 A large number of birds die each year from agricultural crops.
collisions with telecommunication masts.  Any study conducted on impact of EMF
radiation on wildlife needs to be shared to
What are the responsibilities of facilitate appropriate policy formulations.
Stakeholders?
Soil Pollution
MoEF
 Soil pollution is defined as the 'addition of
 The MoEF has to notify the impacts of substances to the soil, which adversely affect
communication towers on wildlife and human physical, chemical and biological properties of
health to the concerned agencies for soil and reduces its productivity.
regulating the norms for notification of  It is build-up of persistent toxic compounds,
standards for safe limit of EMR. chemicals, salts, radioactive materials, or
disease causing agents in soil which have
State/Local Bodies: adverse effects on plant growth, human and
animal health.
 Regular monitoring and auditing in urban
localities/educational/hospital/industrial/ Causes and Sources of Soil Pollution
residential/recreational premises including
the Protected Areas and ecologically sensitive Plastic bags
areas.
 Carry out an 'Ecological Impact Assessment'  They accumulate in soil and prevents
before giving permission for construction of germination of seeds. They stay in soil for

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

centuries without decomposing (non- Other pollutants

biodegradable).
 Burning of plastic in garbage dumps release  Many air pollutants (acid rain) and water
highly toxic and poisonous gases like carbon pollutants ultimately become part of the soil
monoxide, carbon dioxide, phosgene, and the soil also receives some toxic chemicals
dioxins and other poisonous chlorinated during weathering of certain rocks.
compounds. Page
 Toxic solid residue left after burning remains Effects of soil pollution
in soil. The harmful gases enters soils through |
chemical cycles. Agriculture 155
Industrial sources  Reduced soil fertility due to increase in
alkalinity, salinity or pH.
 They includes fly ash, metallic residues,  Reduced crop yield due to reduced fertility.
mercury, lead, copper, zinc, cadmium,  Reduced nitrogen fixation due to the reduced
cynides, thiocynates, chromates, acids, number of nitrogen fixers.
alkalies, organic substances, nuclear wastes  Increased erosion due to loss of forests and
 Large number of industrial chemicals, dyes, other vegetation.
acids, etc. find their way into the soil and are  Run off due to deforestation cause loss of soil
known to create many health hazards and nutrients.
including cancer.  Deposition of silt in tanks and reservoirs due
to soil erosion.
Pesticides
Health
 Pesticides are chemicals that include
insecticides, fungicides, algicides,  Health effects are similar to effects of water
rodenticides, weedicides sprayed in order to pollution.
improve productivity of agriculture, forestry
and horticulture. Environment
 Chlorohydrocarbons (CHCs) like DDT,
endosulfan, heptachlor accumulate in soil  Ecological imbalance.
and cause biomagnification. Some of these  Foul smell and release of gases.
pesticides like DDT and endosulfan are  Waste management problems.
banned by most of the countries.
Control measures
Fertilizers and manures

 Excessive use of chemical fertilizers reduces More or less same as for water pollution
the population of soil borne organisms and
the crumb structure of the soil, productivity of  Indiscriminate disposal of solid waste should
the soil and increases salt content of the soil. be avoided.
 To control soil pollution, it is essential to stop
Discarded materials the use of plastic bags and instead use bags of
degradable materials like paper and cloth.
 Sewage should be treated properly before
 It includes concrete, asphalt, rungs, leather,
using as fertilizer and as landfills.
cans, plastics, glass, discarded food, paper
 The organic matter from domestic,
and carcasses.
agricultural and other waste should be
segregated and subjected to vermicomposting
Radioactive wastes which generates useful manure as a
byproduct.
 Radioactive elements from mining and nuclear  The industrial wastes prior to disposal should
power plants, find their way into water and be properly treated for removing hazardous
then into the soil. materials.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Biomedical waste should be separately should not be permitted at night. Use of

collected and incinerated in proper horns, alarms, refrigeration units, etc. is to be
incinerators. restricted. Use of fire crackers which are noisy
 Use of bio pesticides, bio fertilizers. Organic and cause air pollution should be restricted.
farming.  A green belt of trees is an efficient noise
 Four R's: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. absorber.
 Afforestation and Reforestation. Page
 Solid waste treatment. Ambient Noise Level Monitoring
 Reduction of waste from construction areas. |
 Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) 156
Noise Pollution Rules, 2000 define ambient noise levels for
various areas as follows:
 Noise by definition is “sound without value” or
“any noise that is unwanted by the recipient”. Category of Limits in dB(A) Leq
 Noise level is measured in terms of decibels Area/Zone
(dB). An increase of about 10 dB is Day Time Night Time
approximately double the increase in 6 a.m. to 10 p.m to 6
loudness. 10 p.m. a.m
 H.O. (World Health Organization) has Industrial Area 75 70
prescribed optimum noise level as 45 dB by Commercial Area 65 55
day and 35 dB by night. Anything above 80 Residential Area 55 45
dB is hazardous. Silence Zone 50 40

Effects of noise pollution  The Government of India on Mar 2011

launched a Real time Ambient Noise
 Noise pollution leads to irritation, increased Monitoring Network.
blood pressure, loss of temper, mental  Under this network, in phase-I, five Remote
depression and annoyance, decrease in work Noise Monitoring Terminals each have been
efficiency, loss of hearing which may be first installed in different noise zones in seven
temporary but can become permanent in the metros (Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai,
noise stress continues. Bangalore, Chennai and Lucknow).
 In Phase II another 35 monitoring stations will
Prevention and control of noise be installed in the same seven cities. Phase III
pollution will cover installing 90 stations in 18 other
cities.
 Road traffic noise can be reduced by better  Phase-III cities are Kanpur, Pune, Surat,
designing and proper maintenance of vehicles. Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Jaipur, Indore, Bhopal,
 Noise abatement measures include creating Ludhiana, Guwahati, Dehradun,
noise mounds, noise attenuation walls and Thiruvananthpuram, Bhubaneswar, Patna,
well maintained roads and smooth surfacing Gandhinagar, Ranchi, Amritsar and Raipur.
of roads.  Silence Zone is an area comprising not less
 Retrofitting of locomotives, continuously than 100 metres around hospitals,
welded rail track, use of electric locomotives or educational institutions, courts, religious
deployment of quieter rolling stock will reduce places or any other area declared as such by a
noises emanating from trains. competent authority.
 Air traffic noise can be reduced by appropriate
insulation and introduction of noise Solid Hazardous E - Waste & Heavy
regulations for takeoff and landing of aircrafts Metal Toxicity
at the airport.
 Industrial noises can be reduced by sound Solid Wastes
proofing equipment like generators and areas
producing lot of noise.  Solid wastes or municipal solid wastes
 Power tools, very loud music and land movers, generally comprise paper, food wastes,
public functions using loudspeakers, etc.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

plastics, glass, metals, rubber, leather, textile, plastic garbage as food items, swallow them
etc. and die.
 Open-burning reduces the volume of the  Plastic bags deteriorates soil fertility as it
wastes, although it is generally not burnt to forms part of manure and remains in the soil
completion and open dumps often serve as the for years.
breeding ground for rats and flies.
 Sanitary landfills were adopted as the Designing eco-friendly, biodegradable plastics Page
substitute for open-burning dumps. In a is the need of the hour.
sanitary landfill, wastes are dumped in a |
depression or trench after compaction, and Remedy for Plastic Waste 157
covered with dirt every day.
 Landfills are also not really much of a solution  Polyblend is a fine powder of recycled and
since the amount of garbage generation modified plastic waste. This mixture is mixed
specially in the metros has increased so much with the bitumen that is used to lay roads.
that these sites are getting filled too.  Blends of Polyblend and bitumen, when used
 Also there is danger of seepage of chemicals, to lay roads, enhanced the bitumen’s water
etc. from these landfills polluting the repellant properties, and helped to increase
underground water resources. road life by a factor of three.

Effects of Plastic Waste Industrial solid waste

 Conventional plastics, right from their  Thermal power plants producing coal ash/fly
manufacture to their disposal are a major ash;
problem to the environment.  The integrated iron and steel mills producing
 The land gets littered by plastic bag garbage blast furnace slag;
and becomes ugly and unhygienic.  Non-ferrous industries like aluminium, copper
 Conventional plastics have been associated and zinc producing red mud and tailings;
with reproductive problems in both humans  Sugar industries generating press mud;
and wildlife.  Pulp and paper industries producing lime
 Dioxin (highly carcinogenic and toxic) mud;
byproduct of the manufacturing process is one  Fertilizer and allied industries
of the chemicals believed to be passed on producing gypsum;
through breast milk to the nursing infant.
 Burning of plastics, especially PVC releases
Recoverable Matter
dioxin and also furan into the atmosphere.

Dioxins are environmental pollutants. They  Pulp and paper: Ligno-sulphate, sodium salts.
belong to the so-called “dirty dozen” - a group  Textile: Caustic soda.
of dangerous chemicals known as persistent  Distillery: Potassium salts, yeast Fertilizer
organic pollutants (POPs). (phosphatic) Calcium sulphate, fluoride.
 Coke oven: Ammonia, ammonium sulphate,
tar, naphthalene, phenol.
The name "dioxins" is often used for the family
of structurally and chemically
related polychlorinated dibenzo para Concept Of Cleaner Technologies
dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated
dibenzofurans (PCDFs).  One way to emulate nature is to recycle and
reuse the chemicals used in industries instead
 Plastic bags can also contaminate foodstuffs of dumping them into the environment.
due to leaching of toxic dyes and transfer of  Industries may interact in such a way that
pathogens. they establish a “resource exchange”
 Careless disposal of plastic bags chokes programme in which waste of one industry or
drains, blocks the porosity of the soil and manufacturer is utilized as raw material by
causes problems for groundwater recharge. another-industry- similar to food web in
 Plastic disturbs the soil microbe activity. The nature.
terrestrial and aquatic animals misunderstand
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Use of CNG by automobiles instead of petrol, characteristics: toxicity, ignitability,

as an automobile fuel, is an example of corrosivity or reactivity (explosive). Thus,
cleaner technology which has reduced any waste that contains hazardous or very
pollution of the environment. hazardous substance is called hazardous
 Instead of throw away economy which creates waste.
huge amount of waste, the manufacturers can  Hazardous wastes can originate from various
make more money if their product is sources such as: house-hold, local areas, Page
redesigned so that it uses minimum amount urban, industry, agriculture, construction
of raw materials lasts longer, easy to activity, hospitals and laboratories, power |
maintain, repair, remanufacture, reuse or plants and other sources. 158
recycle.  The hazardous waste when disposed of release
a number of environmentally unfriendly
Hazardous Waste substance(s).
 Hospitals generate hazardous wastes that
contain disinfectants and other harmful
 Any substance that is present in the
chemicals, and also pathogenic micro-
environment or released into the environment
organisms. Such wastes also require careful
causing substantial damage to public health
treatment and disposal. The use
and welfare of the environment is called
of incinerators (destroy, especially waste
hazardous substance.
material, by burning) is crucial to disposal of
 Any hazardous substance could exhibit any
hospital waste.
one or more of the following
Source Disposed/used Polluting agent Effect
as
Industrial Incineration of Toxic fumes e.g. Chlorine, polyvinylchloride Chlorine could cause acid
waste waste rain
Incomplete Dioxins/organochlorides Carcinogenic
combustion
Release into Chlorophenol, fluorine Cause environmental
water bodies compounds, aldehydes, SO2, CO pollution
Plastic Polythene, poly propylene, polyesters etc. on Toxic, ecological pollution
burning release gases
Nuclear Hospitals Slow/sustained in medical/agriculture use Health hazard,
waste Laboratories
carcinogenic, mutation
Agricultural Forms of Manure/Dung rich in NO3/N022 Accumulate in vegetables,
waste Nitrogen cause methanoglobenemia
wastes cyanosis
Nitrosamines/ NO3/NO i Carcinogenic contribute to
acid rain
N2O – Nitrous Oxide Greenhouse effect

[NOx – NO, NO2 are global

coolers, N2O is greenhouse
gas]
NH3+ (from livestock breeding) Affect aquatic life;
stimulate fungal growth;
epiphytes; cause
weathering of forests
Phosphates Eutrophication of aquatic
environment
Phytosanitary Insecticides/pesticides/fungicides/herbicides Enter soil as run off,
product polluter water table affect
aquatic life, carcinogenic,
renal failure
Methane Ruminating cattle, fermentation of organic Powerful greenhouse effect
matter

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Stockholm Convention on Persistent  International treaty that was designed to

Organic Pollutants reduce the movements of hazardous waste
between nations.
 Main goal is to prevent transfer of hazardous
 Stockholm Convention is an international
waste from developed to less developed
environmental treaty
countries (LDCs).
 Came into effective in 2004
 It does not address the movement Page
 Aims to eliminate or restrict the production
of radioactive waste.
and use of persistent organic pollutants
 182 states and the European Union are |
(POPs).
parties to the Convention 159
 POPs are defined as "chemical substances
 Location è Basel, Switzerland
that persist in the environment, bio-
accumulate through the food web, and pose a
risk of causing adverse effects to human Rotterdam Convention
health and the environment".
 Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed
Important Listed substances Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous
Chemicals and Pesticides in International
 Aldrin: Used as a local ectoparasiticide and Trade.
insecticide  Multilateral treaty to promote shared
 Heptachlor: Uses as a termiticide (including responsibilities in relation to importation of
in the structure of houses and underground), hazardous chemicals.
for organic treatment and in underground  The convention promotes open exchange of
cable boxes information and calls on exporters of
 Hexachlorobenzene: Use as a chemical hazardous chemicals to use proper labeling,
intermediate and a solvent for pesticides safe handling, and inform purchasers of any
 Endrin: Endrin has been used primarily as an known restrictions or bans.
agricultural insecticide on tobacco, apple  Signatory nations can decide whether to allow
trees, cotton, sugar cane, rice, cereal, and or ban the importation of chemicals listed in
grains. the treaty..
 Polychlorinated biphenyl: PCB's commercial
utility was based largely on their chemical Electronic waste | E – WASTE
stability, including low flammability, and
physical properties, including electrical  The discarded and end-of-life electronic
insulating properties. They are highly toxic. products ranging from computers, equipment,
 DDT: DDT is the best-known of several home appliances, audio and video products
chlorine-containing pesticides used in the and all of their peripherals are popularly
1940s and 1950s. known as Electronic waste (E-waste).
 E-waste is not hazardous if it is stocked in
Basel Convention safe storage or recycled by scientific methods
or transported from one place to the other in
 Basel Convention on the Control of parts or in totality in the formal sector. The e-
Transboundary Movements of Hazardous waste can, however, be considered hazardous
Wastes and Their Disposal. if recycled by primitive methods.

Source and health effects

Particulars Source Health Effects
Lead Used in glass panels and gaskets in computer Lead causes damage to the central and peripheral
monitors nervous systems, blood systems, kidney and
reproductive system in humans. It also effects the
Solder in printed circuit boards and other endocrine system, and impedes brain development
Components among children.

Lead tends to accumulate in the environment and has

high acute and chronic effects on plants, animals and
microorganisms.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Cadmium Occurs in SMD chip resistors, infra-red Toxic cadmium compounds accumulate in the human
detectors, and semiconductor chips body, especially the kidneys.

Some older cathode ray tubes contain cadmium

Mercury It is estimated that 22 % of the yearly world Mercury can cause damage to organs including the
consumption of mercury is used in electrical and brain and kidneys, as well as the foetus. The
electronic equipment developing foetus is highly vulnerable to mercury
exposure. When inorganic mercury spreads out in the Page
Mercury is used in thermostats, sensors, relays, water, it is transformed to methylated mercury which
switches, medical equipment, lamps, mobile bio-accumulates in living organisms and concentrates |
phones and in batteries through the food chain, particularly via fish.
160
Mercury, used in flat panel displays, will likely
increase as their use replaces cathode ray tubes
Hexavalent Chromium VI is used as corrosion Chromium VI can cause damage to DNA and is
Chromium/ protector of untreated and galvanized steel plates extremely toxic in the environment.
Chromium and as a decorative or hardener for steel
VI 29 housings Plastics (including PVC): Dioxin is
released when PVC is burned.

The largest volume of plastics (26%) used in

electronics has been PVC. PVC elements are
found in cabling and computer housings.

Many computer moldings are now made with the

somewhat more benign ABS plastics
Brominated BFRs are used in the plastic
flame
retardants housings of electronic
(BFRs): equipment and in circuit boards to prevent
flammability
Barium Barium is a soft silvery-white metal that is used Studies have shown that short-term exposure to
in computers in the front panel of a CRT, to barium causes brain swelling, muscle weakness,
protect users from radiation damage to the heart, liver, and spleen.
Beryllium Beryllium is commonly found on motherboards Exposure to beryllium can cause lung cancer.
and finger clips Beryllium also causes a skin disease that is
characterized by poor wound healing and wart like
It is used as a copper- beryllium alloy to bumps. Studies have shown that people can develop
strengthen connectors and tiny plugs while beryllium disease many years following the last
maintaining electrical conductivity exposure.
Toners Found in the plastic printer cartridge containing Inhalation is the primary exposure pathway, and acute
black and color toners. exposure may lead to respiratory tract irritation.
Carbon black has been classified as a class 2B
carcinogen, possibly carcinogenic to humans. Reports
indicate that colour toners (cyan, magenta and yellow)
contain heavy metals.
Phosphor Phosphor is an inorganic The phosphor coating on cathode ray tubes
and
chemical compound that is applied as a coat on contains heavy metals, such as cadmium, and other
additives the interior of the CRT faceplate. rare earth metals, for example, zinc, vanadium as
additives. These metals and their compounds are very
toxic. This is a serious hazard posed for those who
dismantle CRTs by hand.
Q1: Due to improper/indiscriminate 5. Mercury
disposal of old and used computers or their 6. Lead
parts, which of the following are released 7. Plutonium
into the environment as e-waste?
Select the correct answer using the codes
1. Beryllium given below.
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium 1. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
4. Heptachlor 2. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

3. 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Explanation:

Heptachlor is a Chlorohydrocarbon (CHC)

which is used as an insecticide. Page
|
Plutonium is a radioactive metal and hence
not used in computers. 161

So, answer should not contain either 4) or 7).

 Over half of the e-wastes generated in the
Answer: b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only developed world are exported to developing
countries, mainly to China, India and
E — Waste in India Pakistan, where metals like copper, iron,
silicon, nickel and gold are recovered during
 India generates about 18.5 lakh metric tonnes recycling process.
(MT) of electronic waste every year, with  Unlike developed countries, which have
Mumbai and Delhi-NCR accounting for the specifically built facilities for recycling of e-
biggest chunk. The figure is likely to reach up wastes, recycling in developing countries often
to 30 lakh MT per year by 2018. involves manual participation thus exposing
 Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmadabad, workers to toxic substances present in e-
Hyderabad, Pune, Surat and Nagpur are other wastes.
important cities generating substantial
amount of e-waste. Heavy Metal Toxicity And Methods Of
 Among the eight largest e-waste generating Their Prevention
states, Maharashtra ranks first followed
by Tamil Nadu (2nd), Andhra Pradesh (3rd),
 Toxic metals are dispersed in the environment
Uttar Pradesh (4th), Delhi (5th), Gujarat (6th),
through metal smelting industrial emissions,
Karnataka (7th) and West Bengal (8th).
burning of organic wastes, automobiles and
coal based power generation.
 Heavy metals can be carried to places far away
from their source of origin by winds when they
are emitted in gaseous form or in form of fine
particulates.
 Rain ultimately washes the air having metallic
pollutants and brings them to the land and to
water bodies.
 Heavy metals may endanger public health
after being incorporated in food chain.
 Heavy metals cannot be destroyed by
biological degradation.
 Incidence of heavy metal accumulation in fish,
oysters, mussels, sediments and other
components of aquatic ecosystems have been
reported from all over the world.
 The heavy metals often encountered in the
environment include lead, mercury, arsenic,
chromium. These are known to cause toxic
effects in living organisms.

Lead

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Lead enters the atmosphere from automobile  Ground water contamination with arsenic is
exhaust. Tetraethyl lead (TEL) was added to very common in areas where it is present.
petrol as an anti-knock agent for smooth  Chronic arsenic poisoning causes melanosis
running of automobile engines. and keratosis (dark spots on the upper chest,
 TEL has now been replaced by other anti- back and arms are known as melanosis. The
knock compounds to prevent emission of lead next stage is keratosis in which palms become
by automobiles. Lead in petrol is being phased hard) and leads to loss of appetite, weight, Page
out by introduction of lead free petrol. diarrhoea, gastrointestinal disturbances and
 Many industrial processes use lead and it is skin cancer. |
often released as a pollutant. Battery scrap  Surface waters are generally free from arsenic 162
also contain lead. It can get mixed up with pollution and should be preferred for drinking
water and food and create cumulative and cooking.
poisoning.  Alternatively the tube well/ hand pump water
 Lead can cause irreversible behavioral should be purified to remove arsenic before
disturbances, neurological damage and other consumption. Techniques for removing
developmental problems in young children arsenic from water are available.
and babies. It is a carcinogen of the lungs and
kidneys. Cadmium

Mercury  Mining especially of zinc and metallurgical

operations, electroplating industries, etc.
 In Japan, mass mercury poisoning (Minamata release cadmium in the environment.
disease) was observed in 1960s, caused by  It may enter the human body by inhalation or
eating fish from Minamata Bay which were from aquatic sources including fish, etc.
contaminated with methyl mercury.  It may cause hypertension, liver cirrhosis,
 Largest source of mercury pollution is through brittle bones, kidney damage and lung cancer.
aquatic animals such as fish which  Itai-itai disease first reported from Japan in
accumulate mercury as methyl mercury. 1965 was attributed to cadmium
 Mercury kills cells in the body and damages contamination in water and rice caused by
organs which come in contact with mercury discharge of effluents from a zinc smelter into
and thus impairs their functioning. a river.
 Inhalation of mercury vapours is more
dangerous than its ingestion. Other Heavy Metals
 Chronic exposure causes lesions in the mouth
and skin and neurological problems.
 Metals such as zinc, chromium,
 Typical symptoms of mercury poisoning are
antimony and tin enter food from cheap
irritability, excitability, loss of memory,
cooking utensils.
insomnia, tremor and gingivitis.
 Preserved foods stored in tin cans also cause
 Exposure to mercury can be prevented by
contamination by tin.
taking care that mercury is not released in the
 Zinc is a skin irritant and affects pulmonary
environment as well as by replacing mercury
system.
by other materials.
 Problems of heavy metal toxicity can be
 Mercury thermometers used earlier are getting
prevented by avoiding the use of utensils
replaced by mercury free thermometer.
made from materials containing these heavy
metals or use of drinking water and
Arsenic consuming fish having these heavy metals.

 Arsenic is associated with copper, iron and Occupational Health Hazards

silver ores.
 Arsenic is also emitted from fossil fuel Black lung disease
burning.
 Liquid effluents from fertilizer plants also
 In coal mining areas coal dust is the main air
contain arsenic.
pollutant. The deposits of coal dust makes

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

miners lungs look black instead of a healthy  Efficiency: High level of noise at the work
pink and hence the name black lung disease. place reduces working efficiency. Quiet
 Black lung disease is the common name environment helps in increasing efficiency.
for pneumoconiosis (CWP) or anthracosis, a  General change in the body: Exposure to noise
lung disease of older workers in the coal increases blood pressure, pulse rate,
industry, caused by inhalation over many breathing and sweating or headache.
years, of small amounts of coal dust. Page
 The particles of fine coal dust accumulate in Chemicals and Biological Agents
lungs. Eventually this build-up causes |
thickening and scarring making the lungs less
 Workers in many industries are exposed to 163
efficient in supplying oxygen to the blood.
chemicals which are hazardous and may be
 In some cases a progressive massive fibrosis
even carcinogenic such as in textiles, cement
develops, in which damage continues in the
and construction industries.
upper parts of the lungs even after exposure
 Substances such as benzene, chromium,
to dust has ended.
nitrosamines and asbestos may cause
 X-rays can detect black lung disease before it
cancers of lung, bladder, skin, mesothelium,
causes any symptoms.
liver, etc.
 Occupational asthma is caused due to
Noise exposure to organic dusts, microorganisms,
bacteria, fungi and moulds and several
 Workers in mining, manufacturing and chemicals.
construction industries are exposed to high  Silicosis first reported from Kolar gold mines
levels of noise which is a very important stress in 1947 is a common disease among miners,
factor. pottery and ceramic industry workers.
 Sound levels higher than 80 to 90 dB for more  Pneumoconiosis and byssinosis are common
than eight hours are harmful to human ear. among mica and textile industry workers
Some of the adverse effects of sound are – respectively.

Psychological Treatment and disposal of solid waste

 Noise leads to emotional disturbances such as Open dumps

annoyance, disturbed sleep, lack of
concentration and reduced efficiency.  Open dumps refer to uncovered areas that are
used to dump solid waste of all kinds.
Auditory effects  The waste is untreated, uncovered, and not
segregated. It is the breeding ground for flies,
 Auditory fatigue – Occurs when noise level is rats, and other insects that spread disease.
in the range of 85 to 90 dB e.g. noise of a food  The rainwater runoff from these dumps
blender. contaminates nearby land and water thereby
 Deafness or impaired hearing – It may be spreading disease. Treatment by open dumps
temporary or permanent. Temporary hearing is to be phased out.
loss occurs on continuous exposure to noise
as in case of telephone operators. Landfills
 Repeated or continuous exposure to noise
more than 90 dB may result in permanent  It is a pit that is dug in the ground. The
loss of hearing. garbage is dumped and the pit is covered with
soil everyday thus preventing the breeding of
Non-auditory effects flies and rats.
 After the landfill is full, the area is covered
 Interference with speech and communication. with a thick layer of mud and the site can
 Annoyance: Most people are annoyed by noise thereafter be developed as a parking lot or a
and some may become neurotic. Neurotic park.
people lose their temper quickly and become  Problems - All types of waste are dumped in
irritable. landfills and when water seeps through them

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

it gets contaminated and in turn pollutes the  This finished product, which looks like soil, is
surrounding area. This contamination of high in carbon and nitrogen and is an
groundwater and soil through landfills is excellent medium for growing plants.
known as leaching.  It increases the soil's ability to hold water and
makes the soil easier to cultivate. It helps the
Sanitary landfills soil retain more plant nutrients.
 It recycles the nutrients and returns them Page
 Sanitary landfill is more hygienic and built in back to soil as nutrients.
a methodical manner to solve the problem of  Apart from being clean, cheap, and safe, |
leaching. composting can significantly reduce the 164
 These are lined with materials that are amount of disposable garbage.
impermeable such as plastics and clay, and
are also built over impermeable soil. Vermiculture
Constructing sanitary landfills is very costly.
 It is also known as earthworm farming. In this
Incineration plants method, Earth worms are added to the
compost. These worms break the waste and
 The process of burning waste in large furnaces the added excreta of the worms makes the
at high temperature is known as incineration. compost very rich in nutrients.
 In these plants the recyclable material is  Four R's – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and
segregated and the rest of the material is Recover.
burnt and ash is produced.
 Burning garbage is not a clean process as it Waste Minimization Circles (WMC)
produces tonnes of toxic ash and pollutes the
air and water.  WMC helps Small and Medium Industrial
 A large amount of the waste that is burnt here Clusters in waste minimization in their
can be recovered and recycled. In fact, at industrial plants.
present, incineration is kept as the last resort  This is assisted by the World Bank with the
and is used mainly for treating the infectious Ministry of Environment and Forests acting as
waste. the nodal ministry.
 The project is being implemented with the
Pyrolysis assistance of National Productivity Council
(NPC), New Delhi.
 It is a process of combustion in absence of  The initiative also aims to realize the
oxygen or the material burnt under controlled objectives of the Policy Statement for
atmosphere of oxygen. It is an alternative to Abatement of Pollution (1992), which states
incineration. that the government should educate citizens
 The gas and liquid thus obtained can be used about environmental risks, the economic and
as fuels. health dangers of resource degradation and
 Pyrolysis of carbonaceous wastes like the real economic cost of natural resources.
firewood, coconut, palm waste, corn combs,  The policy also recognizes that citizens and
cashew shell, rice husk paddy straw and saw non-governmental organizations play a role in
dust, yields charcoal along with products environmental monitoring, therefore, enabling
like tar, methyl alcohol, acetic acid, them to supplement the regulatory system
acetone and fuel gas. and recognizing their expertise where such
exists and where their commitments and
Composting vigilance would be cost effective.

 Composting is a biological process in which Leave a review

micro-organisms, mainly fungi and bacteria,
decompose degradable organic waste into [Link]
humus like substance in the presence of t-upsc-ias#reviews
oxygen.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Also, if you liked our services you can leave a 3. Thermal power plants
review on [Link] Facebook page. 4. River valley projects
5. Infrastructure and CRZ (Coastal Regulation
Zone)
[Link] appreciates your support. Thank 6. Nuclear power projects.
you in advance. All the best :)
Individual projects that need require Page
Environmental Impact Assessment clearance from central government
|
(EIA)
 Nuclear power and related projects such as 165
Environmental Impact Assessment heavy water plants, nuclear fuel complex, rare
earths.
 Development projects in the past were  River valley projects including hydel power,
undertaken without any consideration to their major irrigation and their combination
environmental consequences. As a result the including flood control.
whole environment got polluted and degraded.  Ports, harbours, airports (except minor ports
 In view of the colossal damage to the and harbours).
environment, governments and public are now  Petroleum refineries including crude and
concerned about the environmental impacts of product pipelines.
developmental activities. So, to assess the  Chemical fertilizers (nitrogenous and
environmental impacts, the mechanism of EIA phosphatic other than single superphosphate).
was introduced.  Pesticides (technical).
 EIA is a tool to anticipate the likely  Petrochemical complexes (both olefinic and
environmental impacts that may arise out of aromatic) and petrochemical intermediates
the proposed developmental activities and such as DMT, Caprolactam, LAB etc., and
suggest mitigation measures and strategies. production of basic plastics such as LDPE,
 EIA was introduced in India in 1978, with HDPE, PP, PVC.
respect to river valley projects. Later the EIA  Bulk drugs and pharmaceuticals
legislation was enhanced to include other  Exploration for oil and gas and their
developmental sections since 1941. production, transportation and storage
 EIA comes under Notification on  Synthetic rubber
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of  Asbestos and asbestos products
developmental projects 1994 under the  Hydrocyanic acid and its derivatives
provisions of Environment (Protection) Act,  Primary metallurgical industries (such as
1986. production of iron and steel, aluminium,
 Besides EIA, the Government of India under copper, zinc, lead, and ferro-alloys)
Environment (Protection) Act 1986 issued a  Chlor alkali industry
number of other notifications, which are  Integrated paint complex including
related to environmental impact assessment. manufacture of resins and basic raw materials
 EIA is now mandatory for 30 categories of required in the manufacture of paints
projects, and these projects  Viscose staple fibre and filament yarn
get Environmental Clearance (EC) only after  Storage batteries integrated with manufacture
the EIA requirements are fulfilled. of oxides of lead and lead antimony alloy
 Environmental clearance or the ‘go  All tourism projects between 200m-500
ahead’ signal is granted by the Impact metres of High Water Line and at locations
Assessment Agency in the Ministry of with an elevation of more than 1000 metres
Environment and Forests, Government of with investment of more than Rs. 5 crore
India.  Thermal power plants
 Mining projects (with lease more than 5
All projects that require clearance from hectares)
central government can be broadly  Highway projects except projects relating to
categorized into the following improvement work including widening and
strengthening of roads with marginal land
acquisition along the existing alignments
1. Industries
provided it does not pass through
2. Mining
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

ecologically sensitive areas such as National  EIA provides a cost effective method to
Parks, Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, Reserve eliminate or minimize the adverse impact of
Forests developmental projects.
 Tarred roads in the Himalayas and forest  EIA enables the decision makers to analyses
areas the effect of developmental activities on the
 Distilleries environment well before the developmental
 Raw skins and hide project is implemented. Page
 Pulp, paper and newsprint  EIA encourages the adaptation of mitigation
 Dyes strategies in the developmental plan. |
 Cement  EIA makes sure that the developmental plan is 166
 Foundries (Individual) environmentally sound and within limits of
 Electroplating the capacity of assimilation and regeneration
 Meta aminophenol of the ecosystem.
 EIA links environment with development. The
The important aspects of EIA are goal is to ensure environmentally safe and
sustainable development.
1. risk assessment,
2. environmental management and Environmental Components Of EIA
3. post product monitoring.
 The EIA process looks into the following
EIA is to components of the environment.

1. serve as a primary environmental tool with Air environment

clear provisions.
2. apply consistently to all proposals with  Quality of ambient air present and predicted.
potential environmental impacts.  Meteorological data: Wind speed, direction,
3. use scientific practice and suggest strategies humidity etc.
for mitigation.  Quantity of emission likely from project.
4. address all possible factors such as short  Impact of the emission on the area.
term, long term, small scale and large scale  Pollution control desires/air quality
effects. standards.
5. consider sustainable aspects such as capacity
for assimilation, carrying capacity, biodiversity Noise
protection.
6. lay down a flexible approach for public
 Levels of noise present and predicted
involvement.
 Strategies for reducing noise pollution.
7. have in built mechanism of follow up and
feedback.
Water environment
8. include mechanisms for monitoring, auditing
and evaluation.
 Existing ground and surface water resources,
their quality and quantity within the zone.
In order to carry out an environmental
 Impact of proposed project on water
impact assessment, the following are
resources.
essential:
Biological environment
1. assessment of existing environmental status.
2. assessment of various factors of ecosystem
(air, water, land, biological).  Flora and fauna in impact zone.
3. analysis of adverse environmental impacts of  Potential damage (likely) due to project, due to
the proposed project to be started. effluents, emissions and landscaping.
4. impact on people in the neighborhood.  Biological stress (prediction).

Land environment
Benefits of EIA

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Study of soil characteristics, land use, and  Mitigation measures and EIA report: The
drainage pattern, and the likely adverse EIA report should include the actions and
impact of the project. steps for preventing, minimizing or by passing
 Impact on historical monuments and heritage the impacts or else the level of compensation
site. for probable environmental damage or loss.
 Assessment of expected economic benefits  Public hearing: On completion of the EIA
arising out of the project have to be compared report, public and environmental groups living Page
to the all the above mentioned factors. Thus close to project site may be informed and
we can say that environmental concerns have consulted. |
to be made a part of the decision to set up a  Decision making: Impact Assessment 167
project. (IA)Authority along with the experts consult
the project-in-charge along with consultant to
EIA Process And Procedures take the final decision, keeping mind EIA and
EMP (Environment Management Plan).
Steps in Preparation of EIA report  Monitoring and implementation of
environmental management plan: The
 Collection of baseline data from primary and various phases of implementation of the
secondary sources; project are monitored.
 Prediction of impacts based on past  Assessment of Alternatives, Delineation of
experience and mathematical modelling; Mitigation Measures and Environmental
 Evolution of impacts versus evaluation of net Impact Assessment Report: For every
cost benefit; project, possible alternatives should be
 Preparation of environmental management identified and environmental attributes
plans to reduce the impacts to the minimum; compared. Alternatives should cover both
 Quantitative estimation of financial cost of project location and process technologies.
monitoring plan and the mitigation measures.  Once alternatives have been reviewed, a
mitigation plan should be drawn up for the
Environment Management Plan selected option and is supplemented with an
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to
 Delineation of mitigation measures including guide the proponent towards environmental
prevention and control for each environmental improvements.
component and rehabilitation and  Risk assessment: Inventory analysis and
resettlement plan. hazard probability and index also form part of
EIA procedures.
Steps in EIA process
Composition of the expert committees
for EIA
EIA involves the steps mentioned below.
However, EIA process is cyclical with
interaction between the various steps.  The Committees will consist of experts in the
following disciplines:
 Screening: The project plan is screened for  Eco-system management
scale of investment, location and type of  Air/water pollution control
development and if the project needs statutory  Water resource management
clearance.  Flora/fauna conservation and management
 Scoping: The project’s potential impacts, zone  Land use planning
of impacts, mitigation possibilities and need  Social Sciences/Rehabilitation
for monitoring.  Project appraisal
 Collection of baseline data: Baseline data is  Ecology
the environmental status of study area.  Environmental Health
 Impact prediction: Positive and negative,  Subject Area Specialists
reversible and irreversible and temporary and  Representatives of NGOs/persons concerned
permanent impacts need to be predicted with environmental issues
which presupposes a good understanding of  The Chairman will be an outstanding and
the project by the assessment agency. experienced ecologist or environmentalist or

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

technical professional with wide managerial Environmental Clearance/Rejection

experience in the relevant development. Letter
 The representative of Impact Assessment
Agency will act as a Member-Secretary. Single window clearance
 Chairman and members will serve in their
individual capacities except those specifically Environmental clearance + Forestry
nominated as representatives. clearance. Page
 The membership of a committee shall not
exceed 15 members. |
 When a project requires both environmental
clearance as well as approval under the Forest 168
Environmental Appraisal Procedure In (Conservation) Act, 1980, proposals for both
India are required to be given simultaneously to the
concerned divisions of the Ministry.
 An Appraisal Committee constituted by the  The processing is done simultaneously for
Ministry of Environment and Forests to first clearance or rejection. If the project does not
scrutinized a project based on the data involve diversion of forestland, the case is
presented by the project authorities. processed only for environmental clearance.
 If necessary, the Ministry of Environment and
Forests may also hold consultations with the Time frame
investors and experts on specific issues as
and when necessary.  Once all the requisite documents and data
 After considering all the facets of a projects, from the project authorities are received and
environmental clearance is accorded subject public hearings (where required) have been
to implementation of the stipulated held, assessment and evaluation of the project
environmental safeguards. from the environment angle is completed
 In case of projects where the project within 90 days and the decision of the
proponents have submitted complete ministry shall be conveyed within 30 days
information, a decision is taken within 90 thereafter [120 days for final decision].
days.
 The six regional offices of the Ministry Post project monitoring
functioning at Shillong, Bhubaneshwar,
Chandigarh, Bangalore,  Whenever a project is given environment
Lucknow and Bhopal undertake monitoring clearance, a set of conditions are stipulated by
of cleared projects. the Appraisal Committee on a case to case
 The primary objectives of this procedure is to basis, which have to be complied with by the
ensure adequacy of the suggested safeguards project proponent.
and also to undertake mid-course corrections  The project authorities are required to submit
if required. a half-yearly compliance report to the Ministry
 Sometimes one or more natural resources about the compliance of conditions stipulated.
becomes limiting resource in a given region  Cases of non-compliance of the
and that restrict the scopes of development recommendations and conditions by cleared
projects. projects/ units are brought to the notice of the
Ministry, which may then initiate action
EIA of Coasts against the project authorities.

 Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) The Main Participants Of EIA

are prepared by coastal states or Union
Territories as per rules set by CRZ notification EIA applies to public and private sections. The
1991. six main players are:
 CZMPs are prepared based on identification
and categorization of coastal areas for
1. Those who propose the project
different activities and then submitted to the
2. The environmental consultant who prepare
MoEF for approval.
EIA on behalf of project proponent.
 The ministry then forms a task force for
3. Pollution Control Board (State or National).
examining their plans.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

4. Public has the right to express their opinion.  The State Pollution Control Board issues a
5. The Impact Assessment Agency. notice for environmental public hearing which
6. Regional center of the Ministry of Environment will be published in at least two newspapers
and Forest. widely circulated in the region around the
project, one of which will be in the vernacular
Salient Features of 2006 Amendment to language of the locality concerned.
EIA Notification  State Pollution Control Board mentions the Page
date, time and place of public hearing.
 Suggestions, views, comments and objections |
 Environment Impact Assessment Notification
of the public will be invited within thirty days 169
of 2006 has decentralized the environmental
from the date of publication of the notification.
clearance projects by categorizing the
 All persons including the residents,
developmental projects in two categories, i.e.,
environmental groups and others located at
Category A (national level appraisal) and
the project site/sites of displacement/sites
Category B (state level appraisal).
likely to be affected can participate in the
 'Category A' projects are appraised at national
public hearing. They can also make
level by Impact Assessment Agency (IAA) and
oral/written suggestions to the State Pollution
the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) and
Control Board.
Category B projects are apprised at state level.
 State Level Environment Impact Assessment
Composition of public hearing panel
Authority (SEIAA) and State Level Expert
Appraisal Committee (SEAC) are constituted
to provide clearance to Category B process. The composition of Public Hearing Panel may
consist of the following, namely:
After 2006 Amendment the EIA cycle
comprises of four stages  Representative of State Pollution Control
Board;
 District Collector or his nominee;
1. Screening
 Representative of State Government dealing
2. Scoping
with the subject;
3. Public hearing
 Representative of Department of the State
4. Appraisal
Government dealing with Environment;
 Not more than three representatives of the
 Category A projects require mandatory
local bodies such as Municipalities or
environmental clearance and thus they do not
panchayats;
undergo the screening process.
 Not more than three senior citizens of the area
 Category B projects undergoes screening
nominated by the District Collector.
process and they are classified into two types.
Shortcomings of Environmental Impact
1. Category B, projects (Mandatory requires EIA).
2. Category B2 projects (Do not require EIA). Assessment

Applicability
 Thus Category A projects and Category B,
projects undergo the complete EIA process
whereas Category B2 projects are excluded  There are several projects with significant
from complete EIA process. environmental impacts that are exempted
from the notification either because they are
not listed in schedule I, or their investments
Procedure For Public Hearing are less than what is provided for in the
notification.
Notice of Public Hearing
Composition of expert committees and
 Whoever applies for environmental clearance
standards
of projects, should request the concerned
State Pollution Control Board to initiate a
 It is being found that the team formed for
public hearing.
conducting EIA studies is lacking the
expertise in various fields such as
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

environmentalists, wild life experts,  There is no accreditation of EIA consultants,

Anthropologists and Social Scientists (to study therefore any such consultant with a track
the social impact of the project). record of fraudulent cases cannot be held
 For example for the preparation of EIA report liable for discrepancies.
of the proposed oil exploration in coast of  It is hard to imagine any consultant after
Orissa by the reliance group has been given to being paid lakh of rupees, preparing a report
the life science Dept of Berhampur university for the project proponents, indicating that the Page
which has no expertise on the study of turtles project is not viable.
and its life cycle. |
Case Study 170
Public hearing
 The MoEF constituted the Western Ghats
 Public comments are not taken into account Experts Ecology Panel (WGEEP) in 2010 under
at the early stage, which often leads to conflict the Chairmanship of Prof. Madhav Gadgil.
at the later stage of project clearance.  The Panel submitted its report in 2011 but it
 A number of projects with significant was not made public immediately due to its
environmental and social impacts have been stringent assessment of the condition of
excluded from the mandatory public hearing Western Ghats.
process.  The report suggested many radical changes
 The documents which the public are entitled that needs to be brought to conserve Western
to are seldom available on time. Ghats. The recommendation if implemented
 The data collectors do not pay respect to the would adversely affect mining mafia, sand
indigenous knowledge of local people. mafia and local encroachers.
 Under pressure from various stakeholders,
Quality of EIA MoEF set up the High Level Working Group
(HLWG) under the Chairmanship of Dr. K.
 One of the biggest concerns with the Kasturirangan to study recommendations of
environmental clearance process is related to WGEEP.
the quality of EIA report that are being carried  The very constitution of the HLWG raised
out. suspicions that this has been formed to dilute
 The reports are generally incomplete and the recommendations of the WGEEP.
provided with false data.  The HLWG had indeed diluted many
 Many EIA report are based on single season recommendations of WGEEP to satisfy the
data. interests of various mafia.
 The EIA document in itself is so bulky and
technical, which makes it very difficult to Monitoring, compliance and institutional
decipher so as to aid in the decision making arrangements
process.
 Often, and more so for strategic industries
Lack of Credibility such as nuclear energy projected, the EMPs
are kept confidential for political and
 It is the responsibility of the project administrative reasons.
proponent to commission the preparation of  Details regarding the effectiveness and
the EIA for its project. implementation of mitigation measures are
 The EIA is actually funded by an agency or often not provided.
individual whose primary interest is to  Emergency preparedness plans are not
procure clearance for the project proposed. discussed in sufficient details and the
 There is little chance that the final assessment information not disseminated to the
presented is un biased, even if the consultant communities.
may provide an unbiased assessment that is
critical of the proposed project. Recommendations to improve EIA
 There are so many cases of fraudulent EIA process
studies where erroneous data has been used,
same facts used for two totally different places  Independent EIA Authority.
etc.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Sector wide EIAs needed.  A national level accreditation to environment

 Creation of a centralized baseline data bank. consultancy should be adopted
 Dissemination of all information related to
projects from notification to clearance to local Grant of clearance
communities and general public.
 The notification needs to make it clear that
Applicability the provision for site clearance does not imply Page
any commitment on the part of the impact
|
 All those projects where there is likely to be a Assessment agency to grant full
significant alternation of ecosystems need to environmental clearance. 171
go through the process of environmental  The prior informed consent of local
clearance, without exception. communities and urban wards or residents
 No industrial developmental activity should be association needs to be made mandatory
permitted in ecologically sensitive areas. before the grant of environmental clearance.
The consent should be from the full general
Public hearing body.
 The language used for specifying conditions of
 Public hearings should be applicable to all clearance must be clear and specific.
hitherto exempt categories of projects which
have environmental impacts. Composition of expert committees

Quality  The present executive committees should be

replaced by expert's people from various
 The focus of EIA needs to shift from utilization stakeholder groups, who are reputed in
and exploitation of natural resources to environmental and other relevant fields.
conservation of natural resources.  The process of selection of those committees
 At present EIA reports are extremely weak should be open and transparent. The minutes,
when it comes to assessment of biological decisions and advice by these committee
diversity of a project area and the consequent should be open to public.
impacts on it. This gap needs to be plugged.
 All EIA reports should clearly state what are Monitoring, compliance and institutional
the adverse impacts that a proposed projects arrangements
will have. This should be a separate chapter
and not hidden within technical details.  The EIA notification needs to build within it
 The sub components or subsidiary reports of an automatic withdrawal of clearance if the
EIA reports (e.g. Assessments of Biodiversity conditions of clearance are being violated, and
impacts done by a sub consultant) should be introduce more stringent punishment for
made publicly accessible as standalone noncompliance. At present the EIA notification
reports with the EIA. This should be available limits itself to the stage when environmental
on the websites of the MOEF. clearance is granted.
 EIAs should be based on full studies carried  The MOEF should set up more regional offices
out over at least one year. Single season data with advisory Expert committees, each with
on environmental parameters like biodiversity, smaller areas of jurisdiction, to effectively
as is being done for several rapid assessments monitor the compliance of clearance
is not adequate to gain understanding of the conditions.
full impact of the proposed project.
 It is critical that the preparation of an EIA is Redressal
completely independent of the project
proponent.  The composition of the NGT needs to be
 State and central governments should changed to include more judicials from the
maintain a list of credible, independent and field of environment.
competent agencies that can carry out EIAs.  Citizen should be able to access the authority
similarly the EIA consultant those are making for redressal of all violation of the EIA
false reports should be black listed. notification as well as issues relating to non-
compliance.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Capacity building  Genetic diversity is the total number of genetic

characteristics in the genetic makeup of a
 NGOs, civil society groups and local species.
communities need to build their capacities to  A single species might show high diversity at
use the EIA notification towards better the genetic level [E.g. Man: Chinese, Indian
decision making on projects. American, African etc.]. India has more than
50,000 genetically different strains of rice, and Page
Biodiversity - Biodiversity of India 1,000 varieties of mango.
 Genetic diversity allows species to adapt to |
Biodiversity changing environments. This diversity aims to 172
ensure that some species survive drastic
changes and thus carry on desirable genes.
 Biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal
life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Species diversity
Measurement of Biodiversity
 It is the ratio of one species population over
 Biodiversity is measured by two major total number of organisms across all species
components: in the given biome. ‘Zero’ would be infinite
diversity, and ‘one’ represents only one species
1. species richness, and present.
2. species evenness.  Species diversity is a measure of
the diversity within an ecological community
Species richness that incorporates both species richness (the
number of species in a community) and
 It is the measure of number of species found the evenness of species.
 For example, the Western Ghats have a
in a community
greater amphibian species diversity than the
Eastern Ghats. There are more than 200000
Alpha diversity
species in India of which several are confined
to India (endemic).
 It refers to the diversity within a particular  Endemism is the ecological state of a species
area or ecosystem, and is usually expressed being unique to a defined geographic location,
by the number of species (i.e., species such as an island, nation, country or other
richness) in that ecosystem. defined zone, or habitat type; organisms that
are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it
Beta diversity if they are also found elsewhere. A particular
type of animal or plant may be endemic to a
 It is a comparison of diversity between zone, a state or a country. The extreme
ecosystems, usually measured as the change opposite of endemism is cosmopolitan
in amount of species between the ecosystems. distribution.
 Species differ from one another, markedly in
Gamma diversity their genetic makeup, do not inter-breed in
nature. Closely-related species however have
 It is a measure of the overall diversity for the in common much of their hereditary
different ecosystems within a region. characteristics. For instance, about 98.4 per
cent of the genes of humans and chimpanzees
Species evenness are the same.
 According to the IUCN (2004), the total
 It measures the proportion of species at a number of plant and animal species described
given site, e.g. low evenness indicates that a so far is slightly more than 1.5 million, but we
few species dominate the site. have no clear idea of how many species are yet
to be discovered and described. A large
Genetic diversity proportion of the species waiting to be
discovered are in the tropics. Estimate place
the global species diversity at about 7 million.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 More than 70 per cent of all the species Why tropics have greater biological
recorded are animals, while plants (including diversity?
algae, fungi, bryophytes, gymnosperms and
angiosperms) comprise no more than 22 per  Speciation is generally a function of time,
cent of the total. unlike temperate regions subjected to frequent
 Among animals, insects are the most species- glaciations in the past, tropical latitudes have
rich taxonomic group, making up more than remained relatively undisturbed for millions of Page
70 per cent of the total. That means, out of years and thus, had a long evolutionary time
every 10 animals on this planet, 7 are insects. |
for species diversification.
 Tropical environments, unlike temperate ones, 173
are less seasonal, relatively more constant and
predictable. Such constant environments
promote niche specialization and lead to a
greater species diversity.
 There is more solar energy available in the
tropics, which contributes to higher
productivity; this in turn might contribute
indirectly to greater diversity.

The importance of Species Diversity to the

Ecosystem

 For many decades, ecologists believed that

communities with more species, generally,
tend to be more stable than those with less
species.
 What exactly is stability for a biological
community? A stable community should not
show too much variation in productivity from
year to year; it must be either resistant or
resilient to occasional disturbances (natural or
 The number of fungi species in the world is man-made), and it must also be resistant to
more than the combined total of the species of invasions by alien species.
fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.  Although, we may not understand completely
 It should be noted that these estimates do not how species richness contributes to the well-
give any figures for prokaryotes. Biologists are being of an ecosystem, we know enough to
not sure about how many prokaryotic species realize that rich biodiversity is not only
there might be. essential for ecosystem health but imperative
 In general, species diversity decreases as we for the very survival of the human race on this
move away from the equator towards the planet.
poles. With very few exceptions, tropics
(latitudinal range of 23.5° N to 23.5° S) Bioprospecting: nations endowed with rich
harbour more species than temperate or polar biodiversity explore molecular, genetic and
areas. species-level diversity to derive products of
 India, with much of its land area in the economic importance.
tropical latitudes, has more than 1,200
species of birds.
Keystone species and Foundation Species
 The largely tropical Amazonian rain forest in
South America has the greatest biodiversity on
earth- it is home to more than 40,000 species  Keystone species is a species whose addition
of plants, 3,000 of fishes, 1,300 of birds, 427 to or loss from an ecosystem leads to major
of mammals, 427 of amphibians, 378 of changes in occurrence of at least one other
reptiles and of more than 1,25,000 species.
invertebrates.  Certain species in an ecosystem is considered
more important in determining the presence of

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

many other species in that ecosystem.  Contribution to climate stability.

 All top predators (Tiger, Lion, Crocodile,  Maintenance of ecosystems.
Elephant) are considered as keystone species  Recovery from unpredictable events.
because it regulates all other animal
population indirectly. Hence top predators are Biological services
given much consideration in conservation.
 If keystone species is lost, it will result in the  Food and shelter. Page
degradation of whole ecosystem. For example  Medicinal resources.
certain plant species (ebony tree, Indian- |
 Wood products.
laurel) exclusively depends upon bats for its  Ornamental plants. 174
pollination. If the bat population is reduced  Breeding stocks, population reservoirs.
then regeneration of particular plants  Future resources.
becomes more difficult.  Diversity in genes, species and ecosystems.
 Foundation species is a dominant primary
producer in an ecosystem both in terms of Social services
abundance and influence. Example: kelp in
kelp forests and corals in coral reefs.  Research, education and monitoring.
 Recreation and tourism.
Flagship species  Cultural values.

 A flagship species is a species chosen to Biodiversity of India

represent an environmental cause, such as an
ecosystem in need of conservation.
 India is a recognized as one of the mega-
 These species are chosen for their
diverse countries, rich in biodiversity and
vulnerability, attractiveness or distinctiveness
associated traditional knowledge.
in order to engender support and
 India has 23.39% of its geographical area
acknowledgement from the public at large.
under forest and tree cover.
 Example: Indian tiger, African elephant, giant
 With just 2.4% of the land area, India
panda of China, mountain gorilla of Central
accounts for nearly 7% of the recorded species
Africa, orangutan of Southeast Asia and the
even while supporting almost 18% of human
leatherback sea turtle.
population.
 In terms of species richness, India
Ecological diversity ranks seventh in mammals, ninth in birds
and fifth in reptiles.
 Ecological diversity refers to the different types  In terms of endemism of vertebrate groups,
of habitats. A habitat is the cumulative factor India's position is tenth in birds with 69
of the climate, vegetation and geography of a species, fifth in reptiles with 156 species
region. and seventh in amphibians with 110 species.
 It includes various biological zones, like lake,  India's share of crops is 44% as compared to
desert, coast, estuaries, wetlands, mangroves, the world average of 11%.
coral reefs etc.
 At the ecosystem level, India, for instance, India Represents
with its deserts, rain forests, mangroves, coral
reefs, wetlands, estuaries, and alpine  Two ‘Realms’
meadows has a greater ecosystem diversity  Five Biomes
than a Scandinavian country like Norway.  Ten Bio-geographic Zones
 Twenty five Bio-geographic provinces
Services provided by Biodiversity
Realms
 Ecosystem services.
 Protection of water resources.  Biogeographic realms are large spatial regions
 Soils formation and protection. within which ecosystems share a broadly
 Nutrient storage and recycling. similar biota.
 Pollution breakdown and absorption.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Realm is a continent or sub-continent sized  An extension of the Tibetan plateau, harboring

area with unifying features of geography and high-altitude cold desert in Laddakh (J&K)
fauna & flora. and Lahaul Spiti (H.P) comprising 5.7 % of the
 The Indian region is composed of two realms. country's landmass.
They are:
Himalayas
1. the Himalayan region represented by Page
Palearctic Realm and  The entire mountain chain running from
2. the rest of the sub-continent represented by |
north-western to northeastern India,
Malayan Realm comprising a diverse range of biotic provinces 175
and biomes, 7.2 % of the country's landmass.
 In world Eight terrestrial biogeographic realms
are typically recognized. They are Desert

1. Nearctic Realm  The extremely arid area west of the Aravalli

2. Palaearctic Realm hill range, comprising both the salty desert of
3. Africotropical Realm Gujarat and the sand desert of Rajasthan.
4. Indomalayan Realm 6.9% of the country's landmass.
5. Ocenaia Realm
6. Australian Realm Semi-arid
7. Antarctic Realm
8. Neotropical Realm  The zone between the desert and the Deccan
plateau, including the Aravalli hill range. 15.6
Biomes of India % of the country's landmass.

 The term biome means the main groups of Western Ghats

plants and animals living in areas of certain
climate patterns.  The hill ranges and plains running along the
 It includes the way in which animals, western coastline, south of the Tapti river,
vegetation and soil interact together. The covering an extremely diverse range of biotic
plants and animals of that area have adapted provinces and biomes. 5.8% of the country's
to that environment. landmass.

The five biomes of India are: Deccan Peninsula

1. Tropical Humid Forests  The largest of the zones, covering much of the
2. Tropical Dry or Deciduous Forests (including southern and southcentral plateau with a
Monsoon Forests) predominantly deciduous vegetation. 4.3 % of
3. Warm deserts and semi-deserts the country's landmass.
4. Coniferous forests and
5. Alpine meadows. Gangetic plain

Bio-geographic Zones  Defined by the Ganges river system, these

plains are relatively homogenous. 11% of the
 Biogeography deals with the geographical country's landmass.
distribution of plants and animals.
 Biogeographic zones were used as a basis for North-east India
planning wildlife protected areas in India.
 There are 10 biogeographic zones which are  The plains and non-Himalayan hill ranges of
distinguished clearly in India. They are as northeastern India, with a wide variation of
follows: vegetation. 5.2% of the country's landmass.

Trans-Himalayas Islands

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay two; Lakshadweep islands are included in this
of Bengal, with a highly diverse set of biomes. with the percent area being negligible.
0.03% of the country's landmass.
Bio-geographic provinces
Coasts
 Bio-geographic Province is a ecosystematic or
 A large coastline distributed both to the west biotic subdivision of realms. India is divided Page
and east, with distinct differences between the into 25 bio geographic zones. |
Biogeographic Zones (10) Biogeographic Provinces (25) 176
Trans Himalaya 1A: Himalaya – Ladakh Mountains

1B: Himalaya – Tibetan Plateau

1C: Trans – Himalaya Sikkim

The Himalaya 2A: Himalaya - North West Himalaya

2B: Himalaya - West Himalaya

2C: Himalaya - Central Himalaya

2D: Himalaya - East Himalaya

The Indian Desert 3A: Desert - Thar

3B: Desert - Katchchh

The Semi-Arid 4A: Semi - Arid - Punjab Plains

4B: Semi - Arid - Gujarat Rajputana

The Western Ghats 5A: Western Ghats - Malabar Plains

5B: Western Ghats - Western Ghats Mountains

The Deccan Peninsula 6A: Deccan Peninsular - Central Highlands

6B: Deccan Peninsular - Chotta Nagpur

6C: Deccan Peninsular - Eastern Highlands

6D: Deccan Peninsular - Central Plateau

6E: Deccan Peninsular - Deccan South

The Gangetic Plains 7A: Gangetic Plain - Upper Gangetic Plains

7B: Gangetic Plain - Lower Gangetic Plains

The Coasts 8A: Coasts - West Coast

8B: Coasts - East Coast

8C: Coasts - Lakshadweep

Northeast India 9A: North - East - Brahmaputra Valley

9B: North - East - North East Hills

Islands 10A: Islands - Andaman

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

10B: Islands - Nicobars

Wildlife Diversity Of India 3. Oryx exists in western India only whereas
Chiru exists in north-east India only.
Himalayan mountain system 4. None of the statements a, b, and c given above
is correct.
 The west Himalayas have low rainfall, heavy
They are both antelopes. Page
snowfall (temperate conditions), whereas in
east Himalayas, there is heavy rainfall, |
snowfall only at very high altitudes, whereas
at lower altitudes conditions are similar to the 177
tropical rain forests. Flora and fauna of both
Himalayas differ.

Himalayan foothills

 Flora: Natural monsoon evergreen and semi- Answer: a)

evergreen forests; dominant species are sal,
silk-cotton trees, giant bamboos; tall grassy Eastern Himalayas
meadow with savannahs in terai.
 Fauna: Includes big mammals of like  Flora: Oaks, magnolias, laurels and birches
elephant, sambar, swamp deer, cheetal, hog covered with moss and ferns; coniferous
deer, barking deer, wild boar tiger, panther, forests of pine, fir, yew and junipers with
hyena, black bear, sloth bear, Great Indian undergrowth of scrubby rhododendrons and
one-horned rhinoceros, wild buffalo, Gangetic dwarf bamboos; lichens, mosses, orchids, and
gharial, golden langur. other epiphytes dominant (due to high
humidity and high rainfall).
[Some of these which are threatened are  Fauna: Red panda, hog badgers, forest
explained in the next post: Red Data Book] badgers, crestless porcupines, takins etc.

Western Himalayas (High altitude region) Peninsular - Indian sub-region

 Flora: Natural monsoon evergreen and semi-  It has two zones.

evergreen forests; rhododendrons; dwarf hill
bamboo and birch forests mixed with alpine 1. peninsular India and its extension into the
pastures. drainage basin of the Ganges river system,
 Fauna: Tibetan wild ass (kiang) [Don’t confuse and
this with Asiatic wild ass which in found in 2. desert region of Rajasthan-the Thar of Indian
Kutch region], wild goats (thar, ibex) and blue desert region.
sheep; antelopes (Chiru and Tibetan gazelle),
deers (hangul of Kashmir stag and shou or Peninsular India
Sikkim stag, musk deer); golden eagle, snow
cocks, snow partridges; snow leopard, black  It is home to tropical moist deciduous to
and brown bears; birds like Griffon vultures. tropical dry deciduous and scrub vegetation
depending upon the variation in rainfall and
What is the difference between the humidity.
antelopes Oryx and Chiru?  Flora: Sal in north and east extensions (higher
rainfall) and teak in southern plateau are
1. Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas dominant trees.
whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes  West Ghats have evergreen vegetation (flora
and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains. and fauna similar to evergreen rainforests of
. north eastern of India. In dry areas of
2. Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru Rajasthan and Aravalli hills, trees are
is poached for its musk. scattered and thorny scrub species

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

predominate. The forests give way to more  Flora: These are home for tropical rain forests.
open savannah habit. Mangroves are distributed in the coastal
 Fauna: Elephant, wild boar, deers (cheetal or areas.
axis deer), hog deer swamp deer or barasinga,  Fauna: Among mammals, bats and rats;
sambar, muntjak or barking deer, antelopes Andaman pig, crab-eating macaque, palm
(four-hourned antelope, nilgiri, blackbuck, civet and deers (spotted deer, barking deer,
chinkara gazelle), wild dog or dhole, tiger, hog deer, sambar). Page
leopard, cheetah, lion, wild pig, monkey,  Among marine mammals there are dugong,
striped hyena, jackal, gaur. false killer whale, dolphin. |
 Among birds are rare one is Narcondum 178
Indian desert hornbill, white-bellied sea-eagle.
 Salt-water crocodile, a number of marine
 Thar desert of Rajasthan has unique flora and turtles, coconut crab, lizards (the largest being
fauna. water monitor), 40 species of snakes including
 Flora: Thorny trees with reduced leaves; cacti, cobra, viper, voral and sea snake, python, etc.
other succulents are the main plants. are present.
 Fauna: Animals are mostly burrowing ones.
Among mammals rodents are the largest Mangrove swamps of Sunderbans
group. The Indian desert gerbils are mouse
like, rodents, other animals are, Asiatic wild  Sunderbans are delta of the Ganges where
ass, black buck, desert cat, caracal, red fox; both the Brahmaputra and Ganges join and
reptiles (snackes, lizards and tortoise) well drain into the Bay of Bengal.
represented. Desert lizards include agamids,  Flora: Various species of mangroves.
and geckos. Among birds the most discussed  Fauna. In the higher regions of mangroves,
is Great Indian bustard. there are spotted deer, pigs, monitor lizard,
monkeys. The most interesting animal of
Tropical rain forest region Sunderbans is the Royal Bengal Tiger.

 Distributed in areas of western Ghats and Loss of Biodiversity - Man Animal

north east India. Conflict – Culling
 Flora: Extensive grass lands interspersed with
densely forested gorges of evergreen vegetation Loss of Biodiversity
known as sholas occur in the Nilgiris (an
offshoot of Western Ghats). Sholas also occur  The IUCN Red List (2004) documents the
in Anamalai and Palani hills. extinction of 784 species in the last 500 years.
 The rain forests of the Western Ghats have Some examples of recent extinctions include
dense and lofty trees with much species the three subspecies (Bali, Javan, Caspian) of
diversity. Mosses, ferns, epiphytes, orchids, tiger.
lianas and vines, herbs, shrubs make diverse  During the long period (> 3 billion years) since
habitat. Ebony trees predominate in these the origin and diversification of life on earth
forests. there were five episodes of mass extinction of
 Fauna: It is very rich with all kinds of species.
animals. There are wild elephants, gaur and  Sixth Extinction, presently is in progress with
other larger animals. Most species are tree current species extinction rates estimated to
dwellers. The most prominent are hoolock be 100 to 1,000 times faster than in the pre-
gibbon (only ape found in India), golden human times.
langur, capped langur or leaf monkey, Assam  Ecologists warn that if the present trends
macaque and the pig-tailed macaque, lion- continue, nearly half of all the species on
tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur slender loris, earth might be wiped out within the next 100
bats, gaint squirrel, civets, flying squirrels, years.
Nilgiri mongoose, spiny mouse.  In general, loss of biodiversity in a region may
lead to
Andaman and Nicobar Islands  decline in plant production,

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 lowered resistance to environmental  Humans have always depended on nature for

perturbations such as drought and food and shelter, but when ‘need’ turns to
 increased variability in certain ecosystem ‘greed’, it leads to over-exploitation of natural
processes such as plant productivity, water resources.
use, and pest and disease cycles.  In the last 500 years, many species
extinctions (Steller’s sea cow, passenger
Cause for the loss of biodiversity pigeon) were due to over exploitation by Page
humans.
 Presently many marine fish populations |
 There are four major causes ‘The Evil Quartet’
around the world are over harvested, 179
are:
endangering the continued existence of some
commercially important species.
Habitat loss and fragmentation
 Whales for oil, fish for food, trees for wood,
plants for medicines etc. are being removed by
 This is the most important cause driving humans at higher rates than they can be
animals and plants to extinction. replaced.
 Due to the growing human population,  Excessive cutting of trees, overgrazing,
wetlands are being made dry through landfills, collection of fire-wood, hunting of wild animals
as the demand for land increases. for skin (for example tigers from reserve
 Natural forests are cleared for industry, forests of India), ivory etc. all result in gradual
agriculture, dams, habitation, recreational loss of species.
sports, etc.
 The most dramatic examples of habitat loss Alien species invasions
come from tropical rain forests.
 Once covering more than 14 per cent of the
 When alien species are introduced
earth’s land surface, these rain forests now
unintentionally or deliberately for whatever
cover no more than 6 per cent. They are being
purpose, some of them turn invasive, and
destroyed fast.
cause decline or extinction of indigenous
 The Amazon rain forest (it is so huge that it is
species.
called the ‘lungs of the planet’) harboring
 The Nile perch introduced into Lake Victoria
probably millions of species is being cut and
in east Africa led eventually to the extinction
cleared for cultivating soya beans or for
of an ecologically unique assemblage of more
conversion to grasslands for raising beef
than 200 species of cichlid fish in the lake.
cattle.
 You must be familiar with the environmental
 Besides total loss, the degradation of many
damage caused and threat posed to our native
habitats by pollution also threatens the
species by invasive weed species like carrot
survival of many species.
grass (Parthenium), Argemone,
 For example, pollution that leads to
Lantana and water hyacinth (Eicchornia).
greenhouse effect results in global warming.
 The recent illegal introduction of the African
All those species that are slow to adjust to the
catfish Clarias gariepinus for aquaculture
changed environment are eventually lost.
purposes is posing a threat to the indigenous
 A vast array of factors causing environmental
catfishes in our rivers.
degradation may result in the loss of
 The colonization of tropical Pacific Islands by
biodiversity.
humans is said to have led to the extinction of
 Some of these factors are: global warming,
more than 2,000 species of native birds.
increased CO2 concentration in atmosphere,
nuclear radiation; UV-exposure; oil spills, etc.
 When large habitats are broken up into small Co-extinctions
fragments due to various human activities,
mammals and birds requiring large territories  When a species becomes extinct, the plant
and certain animals with migratory habits are and animal species associated with it in an
badly affected, leading to population declines. obligatory way also become extinct.
 When a host fish species becomes extinct, its
Over-exploitation unique assemblage of parasites also meets the
same fate.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Another example is the case of a coevolved  Species habitat loss, degradation and
plant-pollinator mutualism where extinction of fragmentation due to above mentioned
one invariably leads to the extinction of the reasons.
other.  Increasing livestock populations and
competitive exclusion of wild herbivores.
Poaching  Growing interest in ecotourism and increasing
access to nature reserves. Page
 Large mammals such as the tiger, rhinoceros  Abundant distribution of prey in the form of
livestock on the periphery of forest lands. |
and the elephant once faced the distinct
possibility of complete extinction due to  Increasing wildlife population as a result of 180
rampant hunting and poaching. conservation programmes.
 Global warming (Climate change), natural  Climatic factors – climate change induced
calamities are other reasons for loss of habitat destruction.
biodiversity.  Stochastic events (e.g. fire, floods etc.)

Diseases that spread from cattle to wild Impacts

animals
 Crop damage and damage to property –
Diseases Causative Animal susceptible elephants damage crops and villages.
organism  Livestock depredation – Himalayan snow
Tubercul Mycobacter Deer, cat, primates, leopard preys on goats in the Himalayan
osis ium spp elephant region. Farmers trap and kill snow leopards to
Anthrax Bacillus an Gaur, chetal, wild save their livestock.
thraxis pig, barking deer  Injuries and deaths – Man eater tigers are
Rabies Rabies Tiger, lion, reported to have injured and killed villagers
virus bear, mongoose, living on the periphery.
squirrel  Injuries to wildlife – leopards and other wild
Foot and FMD virus Gaur, nilgai, chetal, animals are hacked to death by mobs.
mouth sambar, yak, mithun
disease Preventive and Mitigation strategies
Rieder Microbilli Deer, wild pig, wild
pest virus buffalo  Artificial and natural barriers (physical and
Trypanos Trypanoso Tiger, elephant, samb biological) – very expensive.
omia mia virus ar, macaque  Guarding – very expensive.
Taxoplas Taxoplasm Rhesus macaque, civ  Alternative high-cost livestock husbandry
mosis a gondii et cat practices
Man - Animal Conflict  Relocation: voluntary human population
resettlement.
 It refers to the interaction between wild  Waste management systems that restrict
animals and people and the resultant negative wildlife access to refuse.
impact on people or their resources, or wild  Community based natural resource
animals or their habitat. management schemes (CBNRMS)
 It occurs when wildlife needs overlap with
those of human populations, creating costs to Culling of animals – Conservation or
residents and wild animals. Biodiversity loss?

Causes Natural culling

 Human population growth and encroachment  Culling means ‘Selection’.

into forest lands.  In the wild, it is the process of weeding out of
 Land use transformation – industrialization, the weak.
infrastructure development, commercial  A population boom makes individuals compete
farming etc. for food and safety, and the weaker ones lose

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

out, leaving a smaller population of more able rich crops like wheat and maize are other
individuals. major reasons for man-animal conflict.
 Culling naturally occurs by starvation, disease
and predation. It is nature’s way of Reasons for wild herbivore population
controlling population. boom

Culling by humans – controlled culling  bans or restrictions on hunting, Page

 loss of natural predators,
|
 In the post-conservation era, human  availability of non-forest food sources
intervention became necessary for the (cropland, garbage dumps), etc. 181
management of wildlife populations through
controlled hunting, which is now referred to as The practice of Culling worldwide
culling.
 In the US, some areas require seasonal culling
Why did controlled culling become to ease pressure on livestock feed.
necessary?  In parts of Africa, culling has been used for
commercial harvesting.
 Man-Animal conflict – too many wild animals  Australia culls feral cats to protect native
compete with humans for resources. species.
 Threat to life and livelihood (crop, property  Australia also culls kangaroos.
damage) makes culling necessary.
 Loss of forestland to mines, industry, Animal welfare activists vs. Pro culling
agriculture, etc. is the primary reason behind lobby
man-animal conflict.
 Crop-raiding by smaller herbivores due to a Culling lobby: Affected farmers and
population boom & animals raiding nutrient government administration.

Arguments by animal welfare activists Arguments by Culling lobby

against culling
Ethical grounds: if we don’t consider culling They support practical and realistic approach.
overpopulated humans, we do not have the right
to cull other species.
Animal welfare activists believe that every Conservationists are concerned about the
individual animal is ethically indispensable, integrity of the ecosystem and the future of
even at the cost of putting entire species at risk. entire species.
Culling is against animal conservation. Culling is for conservation

 By law, wildlife are protected because they are

too few and require protection.
 But when certain pockets see a population
boom in herbivores, farmers cannot wait for
predators to reoccupy such areas.
 The absence of lawful intervention often

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

triggers retaliation by illegal means.

 In anger, farmers may indiscriminately target
wildlife, including those that may not be
causing any problem.

Culling drives are often not well monitored Can be monitored easily using strict
frequently leads to free-for-all shooting sprees. guidelines and law enforcement. Page
Culling can increase peoples apathy (lack of No concrete evidence to prove that
|
interest or enthusiasm) for conservation of other culling increases insensitivity among people.
forms of life. 182
[But practically it does. Lot of people enjoy
hunting animals and others might take
inspiration from culling]

[Some people recruited to cull animals post their

pictures along with their prey on social media.
This is totally unprofessional as it glorifies
killing an animal.]
Culling creates a conducive atmosphere for the It is specious (misleading) to claim that time-
poaching mafia to move in. bound, limited permissions to cull create an
atmosphere for poaching.

This is because most of the cropland areas

may not host commercially lucrative wildlife
species.
They argue that man-animal conflict can be  Fencing merely shifts conflict to the next
controlled through non-invasive means, accessible cropland.
including  Fencing is expensive and its maintenance is
not effective.
 fencing crop fields,  Even selection of crops that traditionally
 planting chilli around cropland, repelled animals does not seem to work any
 creating buffer areas between croplands and the longer. For example, farmers in Sirmour,
forest’s edge, Himachal Pradesh, now complain that
 selecting non-edible crops, monkeys raid garlic fields that they avoided
 providing adequate and regular compensation until recently.
for crop loss, etc.  Other measures are mostly long-term and can
keep a check on conflict only in situations
where crop damage is still reasonable.
 But in pockets where the situation is already
out of hand, the only option is often to reduce
the number of habitual crop-raiders.

Source: [Link] Invasive Alien Species

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Purposely or accidentally, people often bring  Leptocybe invasa - a new insect pest detected
non-native species into new areas where the from few pockets of coastal Tamil Nadu and it
species have few or no natural predators to has spread to peninsular India.
keep their populations in check.  It is a tiny wasp that forms leaf and stem galls
 Aliens are species that occur outside their in Eucalyptus.
natural range. Alien species that threaten  Crazy ant
native plants and animals or other aspects of  Giant African snail Page
biodiversity are called alien invasive species.  Myna
They occur in all groups of plants and  Gold Fish |
animals, as competitors, predators, pathogens  Pigeon 183
and parasites, and they have invaded almost  Donkey
every type of native ecosystem.  House Gecko
 Biological invasion by alien species is  Tilapia
recognized as one of the major threats to
native species and ecosystems. The effects on Some Invasive Alien Flora Of India
biodiversity are enormous and often
irreversible. Needle Bush

Invasion and Species Richness?  Nativity: Trop. South America

 Distribution in India: Throughout
 The invasions potentially lead to an increase  A shrub or small tree.
in species richness, as invasive species are  Remarks: Occasional in thorny scrub and dry
added to the existing species pool. degraded forests and often creates close
 But it also leads to extinction of native thickets.
species, resulting in decrease of species
richness. Black Wattle
 The negative interactions are primarily the
competition with natives for food and  Nativity: South East Australia
sustenance, which may not allow coexistence  Distribution in India: Western Ghats
and also by predation.  Remarks: Introduced for afforestation in
Western Ghats. Regenerates rapidly after fire
Effects and forms dense thickets. It is distributed in
forests and grazing lands in high altitude
 Loss of Biodiversity areas.
 Decline of Native Species (Endemics).
 Habitat Loss Goat weed
 Introduced pathogens reduce crop and stock
yields  Nativity: Trop. America
 Degradation of marine and freshwater  Distribution in India: Throughout
ecosystems  Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Troublesome
 This biological invasion constitutes the weed in gardens, cultivated fields and forests.
greatest threat to biodiversity, and it has
already shad devastating consequences for the Alternanthera paronychioides
planet and challenges for the conservation
managers.
 Nativity: Trop. America
 About 235 invasive alien species (both flora
 Distribution in India: Throughout
and fauna) are reported in India by Global
 Remarks: Occasional weed along edges of
Invasive Alien Species Database.
tanks, ditches and in marshy lands.

Some Invasive fauna in India are Prickly Poppy

 A new invasive gall forming insect of  Nativity: Trop. Central & South America
Eucalyptus in Southern India.  Distribution in India: Throughout

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Common  Nativity: Trop. America

winter season weed in cultivated fields, scrub  Distribution in India: Throughout
lands and fringes of forests.  Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Common weed
of marhsy lands and along the edges of tanks
Blumea eriantha and ditches.

 Nativity: Trop. America Lantana camara / Lantana, Wild Sage Page

 Distribution in India: Throughout |
 Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Abundant  Nativity: Trop. America
along railway tracks, road sides and degraded  Distribution in India: Throughout 184
forest lands.  Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Common weed
of forests, plantations, habitation, waste lands
Palmyra, Toddy Palm and scrub lands.

 Nativity: Trop. Africa Black Mimosa

 Distribution in India: Throughout
 Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Cultivated and  Nativity: Trop. North America
self-sown, occasionally found to be gregarious  Distribution in India: Himalaya, Western
nearby cultivated fields, scrub lands and Ghats
waste lands.  Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. It invades
water courses and seasonally flooded
Calotropis / Madar, Swallo Wort wetlands.

 Nativity: Trop. Africa Touch-Me-Not, Sleeping Grass

 Distribution in India: Throughout
 Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Common in  Nativity: Brazil
cultivated fields, scrub lands and waste lands.  Distribution in India: Throughout
 Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Common weed
Datura, Mad Plant, Thorn Apple of cultivated fields, scrub lands and degraded
forests.
 Nativity: Trop. America
 Distribution in India: Throughout 4 '0' clock plant.
 Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Occasional
weed on disturbed ground.  Nativity: Peru
 Distribution in India: Throughout
Water Hyacinth  Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Runs wild in
gardens and near habitation.
 Nativity: Trop. America
 Distribution in India: Throughout Parthenium / Congress grass, Parthenium
 Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Abundant in
still or slow floating waters. Nuisance for  Nativity: Trop. North America
aquatic ecosystems.  Distribution in India: Throughout
 Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Common weed
Impatiens, Balsam of cultivated fields, forests, overgrazed
pastures, waste lands and gardens.
 Nativity: Trop. America
 Distribution in India: Throughout Prosopis juliflora / Mesquite
 Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Common along
streams of moist forests and occasionally  Mesquite
along railway tracks; also runs wild in  Nativity: Mexico
gardens.  Distribution in India: Throughout

Ipomoea / the pink morning glory

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Remarks: Aggressive colonizer. Common weed  The late Cretaceous extinction assumed to be
of waste lands, scrub lands and degraded associated with an extra-terrestrial impact.
forests.  Extinction in vascular plants has been more
gradual compared with the loss of animals. It
Townsend grass is believed that extinction among this group
was due more to competitive displacement by
 Nativity: Trop. W. Asia more advanced plant forms, or due to a Page
 Distribution in India: Throughout  gradual climate change, than due to any
sudden catastrophic event. |
 Remarks: Very common along streams and
banks of rivers. 185
Artificial Extinction
Species Extinction
 Even though species extinction is a natural
Extinction is caused through various process which can happen without the
processes: intervention of humans, extinctions caused by
humans is now happening over and above the
reasonable estimate of natural extinction
 Deterministic processes that have a cause and
rates.
effect. E.g. glaciations, human interference
 Species are threatened with extinction by the
such as deforestation.
intervention of humans due to:
 Stochastic processes (chance and random
 Direct causes - such as hunting, collection or
events) that effect the survival and
capture and persecution
reproduction of individuals. E.g. unexpected
 Indirect causes - such as habitat loss,
changes of weather patterns, decreased food
modification and fragmentation and the
supply, disease, increase of competitors,
introduction of invasive species.
predators or parasites, etc. that may act
independently or add to deterministic effects.
 The impact of these processes will of course Biodiversity Conservation - In Situ & Ex
depend on the size and degree of genetic Situ Conservation
diversity and resilience of populations.
 Traits that adversely affect or increase a Biodiversity Conservation
species vulnerability to extinction due to
habitat fragmentation have been identified.  When we conserve and protect the whole
These are: ecosystem, its biodiversity at all levels is
protected. E.g. we save the entire forest to
1. rarity or low abundance save the tiger. This approach is called in situ
2. poor dispersal ability (on site) conservation.
3. high trophic status - as animals occupying a  However, when there are situations where an
higher trophic level (i.e. the position of a animal or plant is endangered or threatened
species in a food chain) usually have smaller and needs urgent measures to save it from
populations than those at lower levels (e.g. extinction, ex situ (off site) conservation is
carnivores are fewer in number than the desirable approach.
herbivores)
4. low adult survival rates Benefits of Biodiversity conservation

Natural extinctions  Conservation of biological diversity leads to

conservation of essential ecological diversity to
Have been caused due to several factors: preserve the continuity of food chains.
 The genetic diversity of plants and animals is
 continent drifting, preserved.
 climate change,  It ensures the sustainable utilization of life
 tectonic activity, support systems on earth.
 increased volcanic activity,  It provides a vast knowledge of potential use
 The late Ordovician global glaciations (439 to the community.
Mya).
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 A reservoir of wild animals and plants is policy framework for wildlife conservation in
preserved, thus enabling them to be the country.
introduced, if need be, in the surrounding  The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-
areas. 2016) was adopted in 2002, emphasizing the
 Biodiversity conservation assures sustainable people’s participation and their support for
utilization of potential resources. wildlife conservation.
Page
In situ conservation Reserved & Protected Forests
|
 Faced with the conflict between development  As of present, reserved forests and protected 186
and conservation, many nations find it forests differ in one important way:
unrealistic and economically not feasible to
conserve all their biological wealth. 1. Rights to all activities like hunting, grazing,
 On a global basis, this problem has been etc. in reserved forests are banned unless
addressed by eminent conservationists. They specific orders are issued otherwise.
identified for maximum protection certain 2. In protected areas, rights to activities like
‘biodiversity hotspots’ regions with very hunting and grazing are sometimes given to
high levels of species richness and high communities living on the fringes of the forest,
degree of endemism (that is, species confined who sustain their livelihood partially or wholly
to that region and not found anywhere else). from forest resources or products.
 Initially 25 biodiversity hotspots were
identified but subsequently nine more have  The first reserve forest in India was Satpura
been added to the list, bringing the total National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
number of biodiversity hotspots in the world  Typically, reserved forests are often upgraded
to 34. to the status of wildlife sanctuaries, which in
 These hotspots are also regions of accelerated turn may be upgraded to the status of
habitat loss. Three of these hotspots - Western national parks, with each category receiving a
Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma and higher degree of protection and government
Eastern Himalayas cover our country’s funding.
exceptionally high biodiversity regions.
 Although all the biodiversity hotspots put Wildlife Sanctuaries or wildlife refuges
together cover less than 2 percent of the
earth’s land area, the number of species they  Wildlife Sanctuaries or wildlife refuges are
collectively harbour is extremely high and home to various endangered species.
strict protection of these hotspots could  They are safe from hunting, predation or
reduce the ongoing mass extinctions by competition.
almost 30 per cent.  They are safeguarded from extinction in their
 In India, ecologically unique and biodiversity- natural habitat.
rich regions are legally protected as biosphere  Certain rights of people living inside the
reserves, national parks, sanctuaries, Sanctuary could be permitted.
reserved forests, protected  Grazing, firewood collection by tribals is
forests and nature reserves. allowed but strictly regulated.
 India now has 14 biosphere reserves, 90  Settlements not allowed (few exceptions: tribal
national parks and 448 wildlife sanctuaries. settlements do exist constant; efforts are made
 Plantation, cultivation, grazing, felling to relocate them).
trees, hunting and poaching are prohibited  A Sanctuary can be promoted to a National
in biosphere reserves, national parks and Park.
sanctuaries.  There are more than 500 wildlife sanctuaries
in India.
Protected Area Network in India
National Park
 National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired
by the Prime Minister of India provides for

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 National parks are areas reserved for wild life 4. Neither 1 nor 2
where they can freely use the habitats and
natural resources. Answer: d) Neither
 The difference between a Sanctuary and a
National Park mainly lies in the vesting of Biosphere Reserve
rights of people living inside.
 Unlike a Sanctuary, where certain rights can  Large areas of protected land for conservation Page
be allowed, in a National Park, no rights are of wild life, plant and animal resources and |
allowed. traditional life of the tribals living in the area.
 No grazing of any livestock shall also be  May have one more national parks or wildlife 187
permitted inside a National Park while in a sanctuaries in it.
Sanctuary, the Chief Wildlife Warden may
regulate, control or prohibit it.
Core area
Eco-Sensitive Zones
 Comprises a strictly protected ecosystem for
conserving ecosystems, species and genetic
 The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002– variation. In core or natural zone human
2016) of MoEFCC stipulated that state activity is not allowed.
governments should declare land falling
within 10 km of the boundaries of national Buffer zone
parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco fragile
zones or ESZs under the Environmental  Used for scientific research, monitoring,
(Protection) Act, 1986. training and education.
 The purpose of the ESZ was to provide more
protection to the parks by acting as a shock
Transition area
absorber or transition zone.
 Eco-Sensitive Zones would minimise forest
depletion and man-animal conflict.  Ecologically sustainable human settlements
 The protected areas are based on the core and and economic activities (tourism) are
buffer model of management. permitted.
 The core area has the legal status of being a  With the cooperation of reserve management
national park. and local people several human activities like
 The buffer area, however, does not have legal settlements, cropping, recreation, and forestry
status of being a national park and could be a are carried out without disturbing the
reserved forest, wildlife sanctuary or tiger environment.
reserve.

With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’,

which of the following statements is/are
correct?

 Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are

declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972.
 The purpose of the declaration of Eco-
Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of
human activities, in those zones except
agriculture.

Select the correct answer using the code given

below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only Credits: [Link]
3. Both 1 and 2
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Biosphere Reserves in India

Name Location State Type Key fauna

Nilgiri Waynad, Nagarhole, Bandipu Tamil Nadu, Western Ghats Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque
Biosphere r and Kerala and
Reserve Mudumalai, Nilambur, Silent Karnataka
Valley and Anaimalai Hills
Nanda Devi Parts of Chamoli Uttarakhand Western Snow Leopard , Himalayan Black Page
National Park & District, Pithoragarh Himalayas Bear
Biosphere District & Bageshwar District |
Reserve
Gulf of Mannar Indian part of Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu Coasts Dugong or sea cow 188
extending from Rameswaram
island in the North to
Kanyakumari in the South of
Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka
Nokrek Part of Garo Hills Meghalaya East Red panda
Himalayas
Sundarbans Part of delta West Bengal Gangetic Delta Royal Bengal tiger
of Ganges and Brahmaputra
river system
Manas Part Assam East Golden langur, red panda
of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Ba Himalayas
rpeta, Nalbari,Kamrup and D
arrang Districts
Simlipal Part of Mayurbhanj district Odisha Deccan Gaur, royal Bengal tiger, elephant
Peninsula
Dihang-Dibang Part of Siang and Dibang Arunachal Eastern
Valley Pradesh Himalaya
Pachmarhi Parts of Betul Madhya Pradesh Semi-Arid Giant squirrel, flying squirrel
Biosphere District, Hoshangabad
Reserve District andChhindwara
District
Achanakmar- Part Madhya Maikala Hills Four-horned antelope, Indian wild
Amarkantak of Annupur, Dindori and Bila Pradesh, dog, Sarus crane, White-rumped
Biosphere spur districts Chhattisgarh vulture, Philautus
Reserve sanctisilvaticus (Sacred grove
bush frog)
Great Rann of Part Gujarat Desert Indian wild ass
Kutch of Kutch, Rajkot, Surendrana
gar and Patan Districts
Cold Desert Pin Valley National Park and Himachal Western Snow leopard
surroundings;Chandratal Pradesh Himalayas
and Sarchu & Kibber Wildlife
Sancturary
Khangchendzon Parts of Kangchenjunga Sikkim East Snow leopard, red panda
ga Himalayas
Agasthyamalai Neyyar, Peppara and Shendu Kerala, Tamil Western Ghats Nilgiri tahr, elephants
Biosphere runy Wildlife Sanctuary and Nadu
Reserve their adjoining areas
Great Nicobar Southern most islands Andaman and Islands Saltwater crocodile
Biosphere of Andaman and Nicobar Nicobar Islands
Reserve Islands
Dibru-Saikhowa Part Assam East Golden langur
of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia Himalayas
districts
Seshachalam Seshachalam Hill Ranges Andhra Pradesh Eastern Ghats
Hills covering parts of Chittoor
and Kadapa districts
Panna Part of Panna Madhya Pradesh Catchment Tiger, chital, chinkara, sambhar a
District and Chhatarpur Area of the nd sloth bear
District Ken River
Conserving Biodiversity The most important strategy for the
conservation of biodiversity together with
traditional human life is the establishment of

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

1. biosphere reserves 1. providing habitat supplement to spillover

2. botanical gardens population of wild animals from core area.
3. national parks 2. provide site specific co-developmental inputs
4. wildlife sanctuaries to surrounding villages for relieving their
impact on core area.
Answer: a)
 Collection of minor forest produce and grazing Page
Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB by tribals is allowed on a sustainable basis.
programme)  The Forest Rights Act passed by the Indian |
government in 2006 recognizes the rights of 189
 It was first started by UNESCO in 1971. some forest dwelling communities in forest
 Later introduced in India in 1986. areas.

Aim Conservation Reserves

1. Studying the effects of human interference  Conservation Reserves can be declared by the
and pollution on the biotic and abiotic State Governments in any area owned by the
components of ecosystems. Government, particularly the areas adjacent to
2. Conservation the ecosystems for the present National Parks and Sanctuaries and those
as well as future. areas which link one Protected Area with
another.
The main objects of MAB programme are to:  Such declaration should be made after having
consultations with the local communities.
1. Conserve representative samples of ecosystem.  The rights of people living inside a
2. Provide long term in situ conservation of Conservation Reserve are not affected.
genetic diversity.
3. Provide opportunities for education and Community Reserves
training.
4. Provide appropriate sustainable managements  Community Reserves can be declared by the
of the living resources. State Government in any private or
5. Promote infer national co-operation. community land, not comprised within a
National Park, Sanctuary or a Conservation
Tiger Reserves Reserve, where an individual or a community
has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its
 Same as sanctuaries. But they are monitored habitat.
by NTCA under Project tiger.  As in the case of a Conservation Reserve, the
 The various tiger reserves were created in the rights of people living inside a Community
country based on 'core-buffer' strategy. Reserve are not affected.

Core area Sacred Groves

 The core areas are freed of all human  India has a history of religious/cultural
activities. traditions that emphasised protection of
 It has the legal status of a national park or nature.
wildlife sanctuary.  In many cultures, tracts of forest were set
 Collection of minor forest produce, grazing, aside, and all the trees and wildlife within
and other human disturbances are not were venerated and given total protection.
allowed.  Such sacred groves are found in Khasi and
Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, Aravalli Hills of
Buffer areas Rajasthan, Western Ghat regions of
Karnataka and Maharashtra and the
 Twin objectives: Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar areas of
Madhya Pradesh.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 In Meghalaya, the sacred groves are the last Zoo

refuges for a large number of rare and
threatened plants.  Zoo is an establishment, whether stationary or
mobile, where captive animals are kept for
Ex situ Conservation exhibition to the public and includes a circus
and rescue centers but does not include an
 In this approach, threatened animals and establishment of a licensed dealer in captive Page
plants are taken out from their natural habitat animals.
|
and placed in special setting where they can  The initial purpose of zoos was entertainment,
be protected and given special care. over the decades, zoos have got transformed 190
 Zoological parks, botanical gardens, wildlife into centers for wildlife conservation and
safari parks and seed banks serve this environmental education.
purpose.  Apart from saving individual animals, zoos
 There are many animals that have become have a role to play in species conservation too
extinct in the wild but continue to be (through captive breeding).
maintained in zoological parks.  Zoos provide an opportunity to open up a
 In recent years ex situ conservation has whole new world, and this could be used in
advanced beyond keeping threatened species. sensitizing visitors regarding the value and
Now gametes of threatened species can be need for conservation of wildlife.
preserved in viable and fertile condition for
long periods using cryopreservation Which one of the following is not a site for
techniques, eggs can be fertilized in vitro, and in-situ method of conservation of flora?
plants can be propagated using tissue culture
methods. 1. Biosphere Reserves
 Seeds of different genetic strains of 2. Botanical Garden
commercially important plants can be kept for 3. National Park
long periods in seed banks. 4. Wildlife Sanctuary
 The national gene bank at National Bureau
Of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), In situ conservation = on the site conservation
Delhi is primarily responsible for conservation without displacing the affected organism.
of unique accessions on long-term basis, as
base collections for posterity, predominantly Ex situ conservation = conserving the
in the form of seeds. organism in an artificial habitat by displacing
it from its natural habitat.
Botanical garden
Botanical Garden = Plants are bred in a
 Botanical garden refers to the scientifically protected environment far from their natural
planned collection of living trees, shrubs, home, especially for research purposes. So its
herbs, climbers and other plants from various Ex situ conservation.
parts of the globe.
Rest all along with protected forests and
Purpose of botanical gardens reserved forests are In situ conservation
methods.
 To study the taxonomy as well as growth of
plants. Answer: b) Botanical Garden
 To study the introduction and acclimatization
process of exotic plants. Constraints in biodiversity conservation
 It acts as a germplasm collection.
 It helps development of new hybrids.  Low priority for conservation of living natural
 It augments conserving rare and threatened resources.
species.  Exploitation of living natural resources for
 It facilitates training of staff. monetary gain.
 It acts as a source of recreation.  Values and knowledge about the species and
ecosystem inadequately known.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Unplanned urbanization and uncontrolled  In September 1983, men, women and children
industrialization. of Salkani ‘hugged the trees’ in Kalase forest.
(The local term for ‘hugging’ in Kannada is
Historic Citizen Movements to appiko.)
Conserve Biodiversity  Appiko movement gave birth to a new
awareness all over southern India.
Chipko Movement Page
Biodiversity Hot Spots Across India and
|
 It is a social-ecological movement that World
practiced the Gandhian methods of 191
Biodiversity Hot Spots
satyagraha and nonviolent resistance, through
the act of hugging trees to protect them from
falling.  Hot spots are the richest and most threatened
 The modern Chipko movement started in the reservoirs of plant and animal life of the earth.
early 1970s in the Garhwal Himalayas of They have maximum number of endemic
Uttarakhand, with growing awareness towards species.
rapid deforestation.  25 terrestrial hot spots have been identified
 The landmark event in this struggle took place for the conservation of biodiversity. They
on March 26, 1974, when a group of peasant occupy 1.4% of the earth’s surface and 20% of
women in Reni village, Hemwalghati, in worlds the human population lives in these
Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India, acted to areas. Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas
prevent the cutting of trees and reclaim their (Includes some parts of Indo-Burma or
traditional forest rights that were threatened Purvanchal Hills) are two hot spots of India.
by the contractor system of the state Forest
Department. To qualify as a hot spot, a region must meet
 Their actions inspired hundreds of such two strict criteria:
actions at the grassroots level throughout the
region. 1. Species endemism: the region must contain
 By the 1980s the movement had spread at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (>
throughout India and led to formulation of 0.5% of the world's total) as endemics, and
people-sensitive forest policies, which put a 2. Degree of threat: the region has to have lost
stop to the open felling of trees in regions as at least 70% of its original habitat.
far reaching as Vindhyas and the Western
Ghats.  Each biodiversity hot spot represents a
 The first recorded event of Chipko however, remarkable universe of extraordinary floral
took place in village Khejarli, Jodhpur district, and faunal endemism struggling to survive in
in 1730 AD, when 363 Bishnois, led by Amrita rapidly shrinking ecosystems.
Devi sacrificed their lives while protecting  Over 50 percent of the world's plant species
green Khejri trees, considered sacred by the and 42 percent of all terrestrial vertebrate
community, by hugging them, and braved the species are endemic to the 34 biodiversity hot
axes of loggers sent by the local ruler, today it spots.
is seen an inspiration and a precursor for  Some hot spots are much richer than others
Chipko movement of Garhwal. in terms of their numbers of endemics. Five
key factors have been taken into consideration
Appiko Movement and those biodiversity hot spot that tops the
list with respect to these five factors are
 Appiko movement was a revolutionary considered as hottest hot spots.
movement based on environmental
conservation in India. Factors
 The Chipko movement in Uttarakhand in the
Himalayas inspired the villagers of the district 1. Endemic plants,
of Karnataka province in southern India to 2. Endemic vertebrates,
launch a similar movement to save their 3. Endemic plants/area ratio (species per
forests. 100km2),

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

4. Endemic vertebrates/area ratio (species per 2. Philippines

100km2) and 3. Sundaland [South East Asia]
5. Remaining primary vegetation as % of original 4. Brazil's Atlantic Forest
extent. 5. Caribbean
6. Indo-Burma
Biodiversity Hotspots Across the World 7. Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
8. Eastern Arc and Coastal Forests of Page
Tanzania/Kenya
The eight hottest hot spots in terms of the |
above five factors are:
These eight ‘hottest hot spots’, appear at least 192
three times in the top ten listings for each
1. Madagascar
factor.

Indian Biodiversity Hot Spots Lao People's Democratic Republic, Cambodia,

Vietnam and Thailand.
There are 3 biodiversity hot spots present in  The Indo-Burma region is spread over 2
India. They are: million sq. km of tropical Asia.
 Since this hotspot is spread over such a large
area and across several major landforms,
1. The Eastern Himalayas [Arunachal Pradesh,
there is a wide diversity of climate and habitat
Bhutan, Eastern Nepal]
patterns in this region.
2. Indo-Burma and [Purvanchal Hills, Arakan
Yoma, Eastern Bangladesh]
3. The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka Biodiversity of Indo-Burma Region

Indo-Burma Region  Much of this region has been deteriorating

rapidly in the past few decades.
 This region is home to several primate species
 The Indo-Burma region encompasses several such as monkeys, langurs and gibbons with
countries. populations numbering only in the hundreds.
 It is spread out from Eastern Bangladesh to  Many of the species, especially some
Malaysia and includes North-Eastern India freshwater turtle species, are endemic.
south of Brahmaputra river, Myanmar, the  Almost 1,300 bird species exist in this region
southern part of China's Yunnan province, including the threatened white-eared night-

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

heron [Endangered], the grey-crowned crocias  The entire extent of hotspot was originally
[Endangered], and the orange-necked about 1,82,500 square kms, but due to
partridge [Near Threatened]. tremendous population pressure, now only
 It is estimated that there are about 13,500 12,445 square Km or 6.8% is in pristine
plant species in this hotspot, with over half of condition.
them endemic. Ginger, for example, is native  The wide variation of rainfall patterns in the
to this region. Western Ghats, coupled with the region's Page
complex geography, produces a great variety
of vegetation types. |
The Eastern Himalayas
 These include scrub forests in the low-lying 193
rainshadow areas and the plains, deciduous
 The Eastern Himalayas is the region
and tropical rainforests up to about 1,500
encompassing Bhutan, northeastern India,
meters, and a unique mosaic of montane
and southern, central, and eastern Nepal.
forests and rolling grasslands above 1,500
 The abrupt rise of the Himalayan Mountains
meters.
from less than 500 meters to more than 8,000
 In Sri Lanka diversity includes dry evergreen
meters results in a diversity of ecosystems
forests to dipterocarpus dominated rainforests
that range from alluvial grasslands and
to tropical montane cloud forest.
subtropical broad leaf forests along the
 The important populations include Asian
foothills to temperate broad leaf forests in the
elephant, Niligiri tahr, Indian tigers, lion tailed
mid hills, mixed conifer and conifer forests in
macaque [All Endangered], Indian Giant
the higher hills, and alpine meadows above
squirrel [Least Concern], etc.
the tree line.

Biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas World Heritage Sites

 The Eastern Himalayan hotspot has nearly  World Heritage Sites means “Sites any of
163 globally threatened species (both flora and various areas or objects inscribed on the
fauna) including the One-horned Rhinoceros United Nations Educational, Scientific, and
[Vulnerable], the Wild Asian Water buffalo Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World
[Endangered]. Heritage List”.
 There are an estimated 10,000 species of  The sites are designated as having
plants in the Himalayas, of which one-third outstanding universal value under the
are endemic and found nowhere else in the Convention concerning the Protection of the
world. World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
 A few threatened endemic bird species such as  This Convention, which was adopted by the
the Himalayan Quail, Cheer pheasant, UNESCO in 1972 (and enforced in 1975)
Western tragopan are found here, along with provides a framework for international
some of Asia’s largest and most endangered cooperation in preserving and protecting
birds such as the Himalayan vulture and cultural treasures and natural areas
White-bellied heron. throughout the world. The first list of World
 Mammals like the Golden langur, The Heritage state was published in 1978.
Himalayan tahr, the pygmy hog, Lang-urs,  The convention defines the kind of sites which
Asiatic wild dogs, sloth bears, Gaurs, Muntjac, can be considered for inscription of the World
Sambar, Snow leopard, Black bear, Blue heritage list (ancient monuments,
sheep, Takin, the Gangetic dolphin, wild water museums, biodiversity and geological
buffalo, swamp deer call the Himalayan heritage,), and sets out the duties of the State
ranged their home. Parties in identifying potential sites and their
role in protecting them.
Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
"Natural heritage sites are restricted to
those natural areas that
 Western Ghats, also known as the "Sahyadri
Hills" encompasses the mountain forests in
 furnish outstanding examples of the Earth's
the southwestern parts of India and highlands
record of life or its geologic processes.
of southwestern Sri Lanka.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 provide excellent examples of ongoing  Sites subject to unusual levels of pollution,

ecological and biological evolutionary natural hazards, or other problems may be
processes. placed for restoration. Such designated sites
 contain natural phenomena that are rare, facilitate promotion of tourism.
unique, superlative, or of outstanding beauty
International Year of Biodiversity
or Page
 The United Nations declared 2010 to be the
|
 furnish habitats or rare endangered animals International Year of Biodiversity. It is a
or plants or are sites of exceptional celebration of life on earth and of the value of 194
biodiversity”. biodiversity for our lives.
 There are ten criteria for cultural heritage and
natural heritage. Slogan
 Nominated sites must be of "outstanding
universal value" and meet at least one of the "Biodiversity is variety of life on earth
ten criteria. The criteria are given below.
Biodiversity is life.
Criteria Biodiversity is our life".

1. to represent a masterpiece of human creative IUCN Red List India - Red Data List -
genius; Red Book
2. to exhibit an important interchange of human
values, over a span of time or within a cultural International Union for Conservation of
area of the world; Nature
3. to bear a unique or at least exceptional
testimony to a cultural tradition or to a  (IUCN) is an international organization (NGO)
civilization which is living or which has working in the field of nature conservation
disappeared; and sustainable use of natural resources.
4. to be an outstanding example of a type of  It is involved in data gathering and analysis,
building, architectural or technological research, field projects, advocacy, lobbying
ensemble or landscape which illustrates a and education.
significant stage(s) in human history;  The organization is best known for compiling
5. to be an outstanding example of a traditional and publishing the IUCN Red List, which
human settlement, land-use, or sea-use,; assesses the conservation status of species
6. to contain superlative natural phenomena or worldwide.
areas of exceptional natural beauty and  Its headquarters are in Gland, Switzerland.
aesthetic importance;
7. to be outstanding examples representing
BirdLife International
major stages of Earth's history;
8. to contain the most important and significant
natural habitats for insists conservation of  BirdLife International is the world’s largest
biological diversity, including those containing nature conservation Partnership.
threatened species of outstanding universal  Together they are 120 BirdLife Partners
value from the point of view of science or worldwide.
conservation.  BirdLife International strives to
conserve birds, their habitats and global
 The UNESCO funds numerous efforts to biodiversity, working with people towards
preserve and restore World Heritage Sites in sustainability in the use of natural resources.
developing nations.  BirdLife International is the official Red
 It maintains also a List of World Heritage Sites List authority for birds, for the International
in developing nations. Union for Conservation of Nature.
 It maintains also a List of World Heritage in  It identifies the sites known/referred to
danger facing threat of pollution and other as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.
natural hazards.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

With reference to an organization known as Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on

‘Birdlife International’ which of the International Trade in Endangered Species
following statements is/are correct? of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of
the following statements is/are correct?
 It is a Global Partnership of Conservation
Organizations.  IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and
 The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ CITES is an international agreement between Page
originated from this organization. governments
 It identifies the sites known/referred to as  IUCN runs thousands of field projects around |
‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’. the world to better manage natural 195
environments.
Select the correct answer using the code given  CITES is legally binding on the States that
below. have joined it, but this Convention does not
take the place of national laws.
1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only Select the correct using the code given below.
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3 1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
BirdLife International has nothing to do with 3. 1 and 3 only
the concept “biodiversity hotspots”. 4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c) 1 and 3 only IUCN is an NGO. CITES is an international

agreement between governments (multilateral
CITES treaty).

 CITES (the Convention on International Trade Answer: b) 2 and 3 only

in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora) is also known as the Washington TRAFFIC
Convention)
 It is a multilateral treaty drafted as a result  The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network
of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of (TRAFFIC)
members of the International Union for  TRAFFIC is a non-governmental
Conservation of Nature (IUCN). organization working globally on trade in wild
 CITES entered into force in 1975. animals and plants in the context of both
 Its aim is to ensure that international trade in biodiversity conservation and sustainable
specimens of wild animals and plants does not development.
threaten the survival of the species in the  TRAFFIC is a joint programme of World Wide
wild, and it accords varying degrees of Fund for Nature (WWF) and IUCN.
protection to more than 35,000 species of  Traffic is complimentary to Convention on
animals and plants. International Trade in Endangered Species of
 Although CITES is legally binding on the Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Parties – in other words they have to  The programme was founded in 1976, with
implement the Convention – it does not take headquarters now located in Cambridge,
the place of national laws. United Kingdom.
 Rather it provides a framework to be respected  TRAFFIC’s mission is to ensure that trade in
by each Party, which has to adopt its own wild plants and animals is not a threat to the
domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is conservation of nature.
implemented at the national level.  It investigates and analyses wildlife trade
 Parties = 181 trends, patterns, impacts and drivers to
 Similar treaty: Monitoring the Illegal Killing of provide the leading knowledge base on trade
Elephants – MIKE in wild animals and plants.

With reference to the International Union

for Conservation of Nature and Natural
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

IUCN Red List or Red Data List or Red comprehensive inventory of the global
Book conservation status of biological species.
 When discussing the IUCN Red List, the
official term “threatened” is a grouping of
 The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species,
three categories: Critically Endangered,
founded in 1964, is the world's most
Endangered, and Vulnerable.
Page
|
196

 The pink pages in this publication include the  With passing time, the number of pink pages
critically endangered species. As the status of continue to increase. There are pitifully few
the species changes, new pages are sent to the green pages.
subscribers.
 Green pages are used for those species that Species are classified by the IUCN Red List
were formerly endangered, but have now into nine groups
recovered to a point where they are no longer
threatened.

Picture Credits: [Link]  Critically endangered (CR) – Extremely high

[Link]/ risk of extinction in the wild.

 Extinct (EX) – No known individuals Criteria

remaining.
 Extinct in the wild (EW) – Known only to  reduction in population (> 90% over the last
survive in captivity, or as a naturalized 10 years),
population outside its historic range.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 population size (number less than 50 mature  Near threatened (NT) – Likely to become
individuals), endangered in the near future.
 quantitative analysis showing the probability  Least concern (LC) – Lowest risk. Does not
of extinction in wild in at least 50% in their 10 qualify for a more at-risk category.
years) and Widespread and abundant taxa are included
 it is therefore considered to be facing an in this category.
extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.  Data deficient (DD) – Not enough data to Page
 Endangered (EN) – High risk of extinction in make an assessment of its risk of extinction.
the wild.  Not evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been |
 Vulnerable (VU) – High risk of endangerment evaluated against the criteria. 197
in the wild.

Pic Credits: [Link]  India has 988 species on IUCN ‘Red List’ as of
2015.
The ‘Red Data Books’ published by the  India has added 15 more species to the “Red
International Union for Conservation of List” of threatened species [973 in 2014].
Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)  The list contains critically endangered,
contain lists of endangered and vulnerable species.

 Endemic plant and animal species present in ‘Critically Endangered’ Mammals

the biodiversity hotspots.
 Threatened plant and animal species. Himalayan Brown/Red Bear (Ursus arctos
 Protected sites for conservation of nature & isabellinus)
natural resources in various countries.

Which of the statement given above is/are

correct ?

1. 1 &3
2. 2 only
3. 2 &3
4. 3 only

IUCN is an NGO. It publishes Red data book

which contains a list of ‘Threatened species’
(vulnerable, endangered and critically
endangered).
 Distribution: Nepal, Tibet, north India, and
Answer: b) 2 only north Pakistan.
 Threats: loss of suitable habitat and
2015 IUCN Red List India [As of April persecution by humans.
24, 2016]
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania)  Threats: Habitat loss due to selective logging,
natural disasters such as tsunami and drastic
weather change are thought to contribute to
current population declines.

Kondana Rat (Millardia kondana)

Page
|
198

 Is the world's smallest wild pig. This species

constructs a nest throughout the year.
 It is one of the most useful indicators of the  Distribution: Known only from the small
management status of grassland habitats. Sinhagarh Plateau (about one km2), near
 The grasslands where the pygmy hog resides Pune in Maharashtra.
are crucial for the survival of other threatened  It is a nocturnal burrowing rodent that is
species such as Indian Rhinoceros, Swamp found only in India.
Deer, Wild Buffalo, Hispid Hare, Bengal  Habitat: Tropical and subtropical dry
Florican and Swamp Francolin. deciduous forests and tropical scrub.
 Habitat: Relatively undisturbed, tall 'terai'  Threats: Major threats are habitat loss,
grasslands. overgrazing of vegetation and disturbance
 Distribution: Previously spread across India, from tourism and recreational activities.
Nepal, and Bhutan. Now only found in Assam
(Manas Wildlife Sanctuary and its buffer Large Rock Rat or Elvira Rat (Cremnomys
reserves). elvira)
 Pygmy hog-sucking Louse (Haematopinus
oliveri), a parasite that feeds only on Pygmy
Hogs will also fall in the same risk category of
critically endangered as its survival is linked
to that of the host species.
 Threats: The main threats are loss and
degradation of grasslands, dry-season
burning, livestock grazing and afforestation of
grasslands. Hunting is also a threat.

Andaman White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura

andamanensis)  It is a medium sized, nocturnal and burrowing
rodent endemic to India.
 Habitat: Tropical dry deciduous shrub land
forest, seen in rocky areas.
 Habitat/distribution: Known only from
Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Recorded from
an elevation of about 600 m above mean sea
level.
 Threats: Major threats are habitat loss,
conversion of forests and fuel wood collection.
 Distribution: It is endemic to the South
Andaman Island of India. Namdapha Flying Squirrel
 They are usually active by twilight or in the (Biswamoyopterus biswasi)
night.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
|
 It is the smallest and most endangered of the 199
five rhinoceros species.
 It is now thought to be regionally extinct in
 It is a unique (the only one in its genus) flying India, though it once occurred in the foothills
squirrel that is restricted to a single valley in of the Himalayas and north-east India.
the Namdapha N.P. (or) W.L.S. in Arunachal  The Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
Pradesh. is also believed to be extinct in India and only
 Habitat: Tropical forest. a small number survive in Java and Vietnam.
 Habitat/distribution: Found only in  Threat: Poaching, loss of habitat.
Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal
Pradesh. Kashmir stag/hangul (Cervus elaphus
 Threats: Hunted for food. hanglu)

Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina)

 It subspecies of Red Deer which is native to

India.
 It is endemic to India and was first reported  Habitat: Dense riverine forests, high valleys,
from Travancore, Kerala. and mountains of the Kashmir valley and
 It is nocturnal in nature and found exclusively northern Chamba in Himachal Pradesh.
in the Western Ghats.  State animal of Jammu and Kashmir.
 Habitat: Wooded plains and hill slopes of  Threat: habitat destruction, over-grazing by
evergreen rainforests. domestic livestock, and poaching.
 Habitat/distribution: Western Ghats.
 Threats: Deforestation and commercial ‘Endangered’ Mammals
plantations are major threats.
Red Panda
Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus
sumatrensis)

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Sandy saline area = Kutch region

Indian wild buffalo = Terai region

Indian wild boar = can survive in different

types of habitat: grasslands,
taiga, tropical rainforests, but they prefer life Page
in deciduous forests.
|
Chinkara (Indian gazelle) = Thar desert 200

 Status: Moved from Vulnerable to Endangered Answer: b) Indian wild ass

recently.
 Red panda is endemic to the temperate forests Dhole/ Asiatic wild dog or Indian wild dog
of the Himalayas. (Cuon alpinus)
 Habitat: Sikkim and Assam, northern
Arunachal Pradesh.
 Threats: habitat loss and fragmentation,
poaching, and inbreeding depression.

Wild ass/ khur (Equus hemionus khur)

 Distribution: They occur in most of India

south of the Ganges, particularly in the
Central Indian Highlands and the Western
and Eastern Ghats of the southern states.
 In north-east India, they inhabit Arunachal
Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal.
 Threats: Habitat loss, depletion of its prey
base, competition from other predators,
persecution and possibly diseases from
 Distribution: Mostly occurs in Rann of Kutch
domestic and feral dogs.
region.
 Population steadily increasing.
 Today, its last refuge lies in the Indian Wild Eld's deer/ thamin or brow-antlered deer
Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch. (Panolia eldii)
 Threat – Diseases, habitat degradation due to
salt activities, Invasive species Prosopis
juliflora shrub, and encroachment and grazing
by the Maldhari.

A sandy and saline area is the natural

habitat of an Indian animal species. The
animal has no predators in that area but its
existence is threatened due to the
destruction of its habitat. Which one of the
following could be that animal?

1. Indian wild buffalo

2. Indian wild ass  Distribution: Keibul Lamjao National Park
3. Indian wild boar (KLNP), Manipur.
4. Indian Gazelle

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Threats: Overgrazing, loss of grassland  Habitat: Southern foothills of the central

habitat. Himalayas.
 Threats: The habitat of hispid hares is highly
Golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) fragmented due to increasing agriculture,
flood control, and human development.

Hog deer Page

|
201

 Primate, is an Old World monkey

 Distribution - small region of western Assam
and in the neighboring foothills of the Black
Mountains of Bhutan.
 Threats: Deforestation, human
encroachments.

Himalayan / White-bellied Musk Deer

 Habitat: Terai region and grasslands in
northern India.
 Threats: Hunting, habitat loss, habitat
fragmentation, human encroachments.

Lion-tailed macaque/ wanderoo (Macaca

silenus)

 Habitat: Kashmir, Kumaon and Sikkim.

 Threat: poaching & illegal trade for its musk.
Only males produce the musk.  Endemic to the Western Ghats.
 Avoid human presence and they do not live,
Hispid hare/ Assam rabbit (Caprolagus feed or travel through plantations.
hispidus)  Habitat: Evergreen forests in the Western
Ghats range.
 Threat: Habitat fragmentation due to spread of
agriculture and tea, coffee, teak and cinchona,
construction of water reservoirs and human
settlements to support such activities.

In which of the following States is lion-

tailed macaque found in its natural
habitat?

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

1. Tamil Nadu  Habitat: Hilly areas of Western Ghats in Tamil

2. Kerala Nadu and Kerala.
3. Karnataka  Threats: Habitat degradation, development
4. Andhra Pradesh activities, introduction of exotic tree species.

Select the correct answer using the codes Nilgiri tahr

given below. Page
|
1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2 only 202
3. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Lion-tailed macaque is found in Western

Ghats. So AP is the odd option.

Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only

 The Nilgiri tahr is the largest of the three tahr
Chita / Tibetian Antelope species, inhabit montane grasslands of
Western Ghats. It is the state animal of Tamil
Nadu.
 Threats: Habitat loss, overgrazing, illegal
hunting.

‘Endangered’ Marine Mammals

Freshwater / river dolphin

 Status – Moved from Vulnerable to

Endangered recently.
 Habitat : Tibet cold desert.
 Threat : The chiru is threatened by hunting
for its fine wool which is used to make the
shahtoosh scarves, meat, magnificent horns.  Distribution: India, Bangladesh, Nepal and
Pakistan which is split into two subspecies,
Nilgiri langur/ Nilgiri leaf monkey the Ganges river dolphin and Indus river
(Trachypithecus johnii) dolphin.
 Threats: Unintentional killing through
entanglement in fishing gear; habitat loss and
degradation – water development projects
(barrages, high dams, and embankments),
pollution – industrial waste and pesticides,
municipal sewage discharge and noise from
vessel traffic.

Ganges river dolphin

 Habitat: Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers and

their tributaries in Bangladesh, India and
Nepal.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The Ganges river dolphin has been recognized  A huge population is present within
by the government of India as its National the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary of
Aquatic Animal. Odisha and they are known to be present in
smaller numbers throughout the Indian and
Indus river dolphin Bangladeshi portions of the Sunderbans.

 Habitat: Indus River in Pakistan and its Beas Which one of the following is the national Page
and Sutlej tributaries. aquatic animal of India?
|
Other than poaching, what are the possible 1. Saltwater crocodile 203
reasons for the decline in the population of 2. Olive ridley turtle
Ganges River Dolphins? 3. Gangetic dolphin
4. Gharial
1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in ‘Vulnerable’ Mammals
rivers
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally Great Indian one horn Rhinoceros
4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other
agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the
vicinity of rivers

Select the correct answer using the code given

below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4  Habitat: Found only in the tall grasslands and
forests in the foothills of the Himalayas [Terai
‘Susu’ shares its habitat with crocodiles, region].
freshwater turtles and wetland birds, many of  National Parks: Kaziranga National Park,
which are fish eaters and are potential Pabitora wildlife sanctuary, Manas National
competitors with dolphins. Park, Assam.
 Status in the Wild: Moved from Endangered to
[Link] Vulnerable.
 Threat – Oriental belief that its horn, among
Crocodile species in India other parts, has medicinal properties, habitat
loss, habitat fragmentation.
 The Mugger (or marsh) crocodile, gharial and
the estuarine (coast) crocodile. Gaur/Indian Bison
 Gharials (Critically Endangered) once
thrived in all the major river systems of the
Indian Subcontinent. Today, they are extinct
in the Indus River, in the Brahmaputra of
Bhutan and Bangladesh, and in the Irrawaddy
River. Their distribution is now limited to only
2% of their former range.
 The mugger (Vulnerable) crocodile is a
freshwater species found sparsely in various
lakes, rivers and marshes in the Indian
subcontinent.
 Apart from the eastern coast of India,  The gaur (Bos gaurus), also called Indian
the saltwater crocodile (Least concern) is bison, is a large bovine native to South Asia
extremely rare on the Indian subcontinent. and Southeast Asia.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Gaur are largely confined to evergreen forests

or semi-evergreen and moist deciduous
forests, but also occur in deciduous forest
areas at the periphery of their range.
 The domesticated form of the gaur, Bos
frontalis, is called gayal or mithun.
 Threats: Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation. Page

Four-horned antelope, Chousingha |

 Endemic to the Western Ghats. Inhabits areas 204

that are far from human disturbance.
 Threat: habitat loss and fragmentation,
hunting for its fur.
 Only species of marten found in southern
India.

Barasingha or swamp deer (Rucervus

duvaucelii)

 The four-horned antelope must drink water

regularly in order to survive.
 Distribution: Presently it is confined to the
Indian subcontinent. Scattered between the
foothills of the Himalayas in the north to the
Deccan Plateau in the south. Gir National
Park has 1000 of these animals.
 Threats: Loss of its natural habitat due to
agricultural expansion. Four-horned skull and
horns have made it a popular target for
hunters.  Habitat: Isolated localities in northern and
central India, and southwestern Nepal.
Takin  Threats: Hunting for horns, habitat
fragmentation and habitat loss.

Oriental small-clawed otter/ Asian small-

clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea)

 Distribution: Mountainous regions in the

Himalayan Mountains and western China.
 Threats: Largely due to overhunting and the
destruction of their natural habitat, takin are
considered Endangered in China and  Semiaquatic mammals which feed on fish and
Vulnerable per the IUCN. shellfish, and also other invertebrates,
amphibians, birds and small mammals.
Nilgiri marten  It is a smallest otter species in the world.
 Habitat: It lives in mangrove swamps and
freshwater wetlands.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Threat: habitat loss, pollution and hunting. Dugong/Sea Cow

Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

Page
|
205

 Threat: hunting (meat and oil), habitat

degradation, and fishing-related fatalities.
 Habitat: Himalayan foothills through
mainland Southeast Asia into China. They
Manatees Species
occur in northern West Bengal, Sikkim,
Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.  Dugong belongs to manatees species.
 Threat: deforestation and poaching.  Habitat: India seas [near shore waters of Gulf
of Mannar, Gulf of Kachchh and Andaman
and Nicobar Islands], Caribbean Sea, Gulf of
Asian black bear/ moon bear or white-
Mexico, the Amazon Basin, and West Africa
chested bear (Ursus thibetanus)
 Threat: Coastal development, red tide,
hunting.

With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal

found in India, which of the following
statements is/are correct?

 It is a herbivorous marine animal.

 It is found along the entire coast of India
 It is given legal protection under Schedule 1 of
the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Select the correct answer using the code given

below.

1. 1 and 2
 Habitat: Seen across much of the Himalayas, 2. 2 only
Korea, northeastern China, the Russian far 3. 1 and 3
east and the Honshu and Shikoku islands of 4. 3 only
Japan.
 Threats: deforestation and active hunting for Explanation:
its body parts.
 Dugong is an herbivorous animal. It eats sea
‘Vulnerable’ Herbivorous Marine grass and aquatic plants found in shallow
oceans (At depths sea grass and aquatic
Mammals
plants don’t grow due to absence of sunlight).

 Include dugong and manatees and they Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
inhabit swamps, rivers, estuaries, marine
wetlands, and coastal marine waters.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Harming endangered (vulnerable,  Threat: excessive hunting for meat and

endangered, critically endangered) species sporting trophies, as well as habitat loss.
listed in Schedule 1 of the Act is prohibited
throughout India. Himalayan tahr
 Hunting species, like those requiring special
protection (Schedule II), big game (Schedule
III), and small game (Schedule IV), is regulated Page
through licensing.
 A few species classified as vermin (Schedule |
V), may be hunted without restrictions. 206
Answer: c) 1 and 3

‘Near Threatened’ Mammals

Marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata)  Habitat: Himalayas.

 Threats: The major threats in China
are uncontrolled hunting and deforestation. In
India, Himalayan tahr is sometimes hunted
for meat, and there is apparently significant
competition with livestock for summer grazing
in some areas.

Markhor (Capra falconeri)

 Habitat: northern India and Nepal, through

south-eastern Asia to Borneo and Sumatra. In
India - Sikkim, Darjeeling, moist tropical
forest.
 Threats: hunting, habitat destruction for
marbled cat and its prey.

Blackbuck (Salman Khan)

 The markhor is the national animal of

Pakistan.
 Habitat: Mountains of central Asia. In India -
some parts of Jammu and Kashmir .
 Status: Moved from endangered to Near
Threatened in 2015
 Threats: Hunting (both for meat and for its
twisted horns), armed conflict and habitat
loss.

‘Not Evaluated’ Mammals

 Distribution: In the Indian subcontinent, the
blackbuck can also be found in deserts (in the Himalayan wolf
northwestern region), coastal areas,
mountains (in the northern-northeastern
region) Habitat: Grass land.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
|
 Conservation Status is ‘Not Evaluated’. 207
Several biologists feel that it needs be in the
‘Critically Endangered List’.
 Distribution – Trans-Himalayan region of
Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir.
 Threats – Climate Change, Prey by humans to
protect their cattle.  Habitat: Dry deciduous forest.
 Habitat: South Madhya Pradesh, in north-
‘Critically Endangered’ Birds west Maharashtra and north-central
Maharashtra.
The Jerdon's Courser (Rhinoptilus  Threats: Logging operations, burning and
bitorquatus) cutting of trees damage roosting and nesting
trees of the Forest Owlet.

White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis)

 It is a nocturnal bird found only in the

northern part of the state of Andhra Pradesh
in peninsular India [Sri Lankamaleswara
Wildlife Sanctuary].
 Habitat: Undisturbed scrub jungle with open
areas.
 Distribution: Jerdon's Courser is endemic to  Distribution: Extremely rare bird found in five
Andhra Pradesh. or six sites in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh,
 Threats: Clearing of scrub jungle, creation of one or two sites in Bhutan, and a few in
new pastures, growing of dry land crops, Myanmar.
Illegal trapping of birds, plantations of exotic  Habitat: Rivers with sand or gravel bars or
trees, quarrying and the construction of the inland lakes.
River Canals.  Threats: Loss and degradation of lowland
forests and wetlands through direct
Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti) exploitation and disturbance by humans.

Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis)

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
|
208

 A rare bustard species that is very well known

for its mating dance.  Males have a deep pink head and neck from
 Habitat: Grasslands occasionally interspersed which the bird derives its name.
with scrublands.  Habitat: Overgrown still-water pools, marshes
 Distribution: Native to only 3 countries in the and swamps in lowland forests and tall
world - Cambodia, India and Nepal. In India, it grasslands.
occurs in 3 states, namely Uttar Pradesh,  Distribution: Recorded in India, Bangladesh
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. and Myanmar. Maximum records are from
 Threats: Ongoing conversion of the bird's north-east India.
grassland habitat for various purposes  Threats: Wetland degradation and loss of
including agriculture is mainly responsible for habitat, along with hunting are the main
its population decline. causes of its decline.

Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa) Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius)

 Habitat: Tall grass and scrub on steep

hillsides.
 Distribution: Western Himalayas.
 Threats: Indiscriminate hunting during the  It is a winter migrant to India.
 Habitat: Fallow fields and scrub desert.
colonial period along with habitat
modification.  Distribution: central Asia, Asia Minor, Russia,
Egypt, India, Pakistan. In India, habitat /
distribution is restricted to the north and
Pink- headed Duck (Rhodonessa
north-west of the country.
caryophyllacea)
 Threats: Conversion of habitat to arable land,
illegal hunting and proximity to human
settlements.

Spoon Billed Sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus

pygmeus)

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
|
209

 India is home to some of the last existing  It is the most uniquely evolved crocodilian in
wintering grounds of this species. the world, a specialized, river-dwelling, fish-
 Habitat: Coastal areas with sparse vegetation. eater.
No breeding records further inland than 7 km  Habitat: Clean rivers with sand banks.
from the seashore.  Distribution: Only viable population in the
 Distribution: Has been recorded in West National Chambal Sanctuary, spread across
Bengal, Orissa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. three states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and
 Threats: Habitat degradation and land Madhya Pradesh in India.
reclamation. Human disturbance also leads to  Small non-breeding populations exist in Son,
high incidence of nest desertion. Gandak, Hoogly and Ghagra rivers. Now
extinct in Myanmar, Pakistan, Bhutan and
Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus) Bangladesh.
 Threats: The combined effects of dams,
barrages, artificial embankments, change in
river course, pollution, sand-mining, riparian
agriculture and ingress of domestic and feral
livestock caused irreversible loss of riverine
habitat and consequently of the gharial.

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

 It is a large, strikingly majestic migratory bird

that breeds and winters in wetlands.
 They are known to winter at Keoladeo National
Park, Rajasthan.
 Habitat: Wetland areas.
 Located distribution: Keoladeo National Park  The species is migratory in nature and nesting
in Rajasthan. occurs in about 70 countries across the world.
 Threats: Pesticide pollution, wetland drainage, Maturation is slow and is estimated between
development of prime habitat into agricultural 25 — 40 years.
fields, and to some extent, hunting.  Habitat: Nesting occurs on insular, sandy
beaches.
‘Critically Endangered’ Reptiles  Distribution: In India they are found in the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the coast of
Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) Tamil Nadu and Orissa.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Threats: Turtle shell trade, egg collection, disorients hatchlings and adults and causes
slaughter for meat, oil pollution and them to migrate inland rather than towards
destruction of nesting and foraging habitats. the sea. Threats to habitat include
construction, mining and plantation of
Leatherbadc Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) exotics.

Consider the following fauna of India: Page

|
1. Gharial
2. Leatherback turtle 210
3. Swamp deer

Which of the above is/are endangered?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None
 It is the largest of the living sea turtles,
weighing as much as 900 kg.
1 and 2 are ‘Critically Endangered’ 3 is
 Jellyfish is their primary food.
‘Vulnerable’.
 Habitat: Tropical and subtropical oceans.
 Distribution: Found in tropical and temperate
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and into Indian
Oceans.
 Threats: High sea fishing operations, Four-toed River Terrapin or River Terrapin
harvesting of eggs, destruction of nests by wild (Batagur baska)
predators and domesticated species such as
cats, dogs and pigs. Artificial lighting

 Habitat: Freshwater rivers and lakes.  Threats: Use of flesh for medicinal purposes,
 Distribution: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, demand for eggs, which are considered a
Indonesia and Malaysia. delicacy

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Red-crowned Roofed Turtle or the Bengal  Olive ridley turtles are best known for their
Roof Turtle (Batagur kachuga) behavior of synchronized nesting in mass
numbers
 Habitat: Deep, flowing rivers but with  In the Indian Ocean, the majority of olive
terrestrial nest sites. ridleys nest near Gahirmatha in Odisha. The
 Distribution: Found in India, Bangladesh and coast of Odisha in India is the largest mass
Nepal. In India it resides basically in the nesting site for the olive ridleys. Page
watershed of the Ganga.  Threats: unsustainable egg collection,
 Threats: Water development projects, water slaughtering nesting females on the beach, |
pollution, human disturbance and poaching and direct harvesting adults at sea for 211
for the illegal wildlife market. commercial sale of both the meat and hides.
 Coastal development, natural disasters,
‘Near Threatened’ Reptiles climate change, and other sources of beach
erosion have also been cited as potential
Sispara day gecko (Cnemaspis sisparensis) threats to nesting grounds.

What’s the difference between turtles and

tortoises?

Turtle Tortoise
Lives in water Lives on land
Come to land to lay Everything happens
eggs on land
Good swimmers Bad swimmers
Carnivores (flesh Herbivores (plant
eating) eating)
Terrapins are almost a combination of turtles
and tortoises. They live in water, mostly small
dams or ponds, however they can also live on
 Distribution: Endemic to Western Ghats, and land.
found in Sispara, Nilgiris, Kavalai near ‘Critically Endangered’ Fish
Cochin.
 Threats: Habitat conversion and modification. The Pondicherry Shark (Carcharhinus
hemiodon)
Vulnerable Reptiles

Olive ridley sea turtle

 Distribution: Indian Ocean - from Gulf of

Oman to Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.
 In scattered localities spanning India to New
Guinea. Also been recorded at the mouth of
the Hooghly river.
 Threats: Large, expanding, and unregulated
 Also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle. commercial fisheries in inshore localities and
 Distribution: found in warm and tropical habitats.
waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian
Oceans. The Ganges Shark (Glyphis gangeticus)

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Major habitat changes include construction of

dams over rivers, siltation, pollution from
industries and mining operations.

Long-comb Sawfish or Narrow-snout

Sawfish (Pristis zijsron)
Page
|
212
 It occurs in the turbid waters of the Ganga
river and the Bay of Bengal.
 The small eyes suggest that it is adapted to
living in turbid water, while the slender teeth
of the species suggests that it is primarily a
fish-eater.
 Distribution: It occurs in India and possibly in
 This species was reported as frequently found
Pakistan. The Ganga river system and
in shallow water. It inhabits muddy bottoms
Hooghly river mouth are its known habitats.
and also enters estuaries.
 Threats: Major fisheries targeting sharks.
 Distribution: Indo-Pacific region including
Other probable threats include overfishing,
Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia
pollution, increasing river use and
and Malaysia.
construction of dams and barrages. A few jaws
 Threats: This species has been damaged
of the species were found to have been traded
intensively, both as a target species and as
in the international market during recent
incidental by catch in commercial, sport or
years, which testifies that the species is not
shark-control net fisheries, as well as for
extinct.
aquarium display. As a result, it has become
severely depleted in recent decades, and now
Large-tooth Sawfish (Pristis microdon) appears to have been extirpated from many
parts of its range.

‘Endangered’ Fishes

Knife-tooth Sawfish (Anoxypristis

cuspidata)

 Distribution: Western part of the Indo-Pacific

(East Africa to New Guinea, Philippines and
Vietnam to Australia).
 In India, it is known to enter the Mahanadi
river, up to 64 km inland, and also is very
common in the estuaries of the Ganga and
Brahmaputra.  Distribution: Widespread in western part of
 Threats: The principal threat to all sawfish are the Indo-Pacific region, including Red Sea.
fisheries. Their long tooth-studded saw, makes  Threats: The principal threat to all sawfish are
them extraordinarily vulnerable to fisheries. Their long tooth-studded saw, makes
entanglement in any sort of net gear. them extraordinarily vulnerable to
 When sawfish are caught in by catch, they entanglement in any sort of net gear.
often end up being traded because of the very  When sawfish are caught in by catch, they
high value of their products (meat is high often end up being traded because of the very
quality and fins and saws extremely valuable high value of their products (meat is high
in international trade). quality and fins and saws extremely valuable
in international trade).
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

‘Critically Endangered’ Spiders ‘Critically Endangered’ Corals

Rameshwaram Ornamental or Fire corals (Millepora boschmai)

Rameshwaram Parachute Spider
(Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica)

Page
|
213

 They are more closely related to jellyfish than

 It was recently described in 2004, and is only
corals.
found in India.
 Distribution: Indonesia, Gulf of Chiriqui,
 The species is semi-social, which means they
Panama Pacific Province. Possibly extinct from
live partly in groups.
Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Panama,
 Habitat: Arboreal and tend to live in hiding.
Singapore and Thailand.
 Distribution: Endemic to India. Spread along
 Threats: Collected for decoration and jewellery
the coastal savannah, tropical lowland rain
trade. This group is also sensitive to
forests and montane forests up to an altitude
temperature rise, and is thought to have
of 2000 m above mean sea level.
completely disappeared from the majority of
 Threats: Major threats causing the
marine areas possibly because of growing
disappearance of this species is habitat
global warming related bleaching effects.
alteration and degradation.

Gooty Tarantula, Metallic Tarantula or In News

Peacock Tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica)
Flying squirrel

 It was first found in Gooty

(Ooty/Udagamandalam).  Flying squirrels are mammals too, but they
 Habitat: Wooded mountain area. don't really fly.
 Distribution: Endemic to South India.  They jump from high in a trees glide through
 Threats: They are one of the most expensive the air like a kite.
spiders in the illegal pet trade. Large areas  Flying squirrels are a tribe of 44 species of
where the species occurs have been squirrels.
deforested, or subjected to habitat degradation  Their conservation status varies from Near
due to local fuel wood collection, leading to Threatened to Endangered.
decline in its population.  Indian giant flying squirrel is included under
‘Least Concerned’.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Consider the following:

1. Black-necked crane
2. Cheetah
3. Flying squirrel
4. Snow leopard
Page
Which of the above are naturally found in
|
India ?
214
a. 1, 2 and 3 only
b. 1, 3 and 4 only
c. 2 and 4 only
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Black-necked crane is commonly found in  Moved from the "critically endangered" to the
Tibetan and trans-Himalayan region. In "endangered" category.
winters they migrate to less colder regions of  Found in Iberian Peninsula [Western Europe].
Indian Himalayas.
Lion
Cheetah is an extinct species. They have gone
extinct during pre-independence era. Reason:
They were hunted down by various Indian  Placed in Vulnerable category.
kings and British officers.  Threats: Trade in bones is the major reason
for their dwindling numbers.
Flying Squirrels are found in many Indian
forests. Tiger and Bengal Tiger

Snow leopard is an ‘endangered’ specie found  Placed in Endangered category.

in the Himalayan ranges.  2015: International Union for Conversation of
Nature (IUCN), said that tiger numbers have
Answer: b) 1, 3 and 4 only grown to 3,890—a marked increase from
estimates in 2010 that put the number at “as
Guadalupe Fur Seal few as 3,200.”
 The general observation is that the population
of tigers in India has increased while that of
the rest of the world has decreased.

Black-Necked Crane (Grus nigricollis)

 Distribution: west coast of California and off

the Guadalupe islands of Mexico
 Moved from the "near threatened" to the "least
concern" category in 2015.
 Black-necked crane
Iberian Lynx  Status: Vulnerable.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The threat to the future of a vulnerable bird Pigeon, Black Tailed Bee-Eater,
species has halted the Rs. 6,400-crore hydro Godwit, Spotted Cuckoos.
power project in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Redshank Starling
 The species breeds on the Tibetan plateau and Bluethroat, Long Billed
migrates to Tawang for the winter. Pipit.
 The bird, most commonly found in China, is Steps Taken by the Government for
legally protected in Bhutan and India and is Wildlife Protection Page
considered sacred to certain Buddhist
traditions. |
 All the states, excluding Jammu and Kashmir
(it has its own Act), adopted Wildlife 215
Which one of the following groups of
(Protection) Act in 1972 which prohibits any
animals belongs to the category of
type of trade for endangered and rare species.
endangered species?
 The Central Government provides every type
of financial assistance to the State
1. Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda
Governments for the conservation and
and Asiatic Wild Ass protection of the endangered species.
2. Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great  National ban was imposed on tiger hunting in
Indian Bustard 1970 and Wildlife Protection Act became
3. Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey effective in 1972.
and Saras (Crane)  Innumerable numbers of National Parks,
4. Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Wildlife Sanctuaries, Parks etc. have been
Langur and Cheetal established by the government.
 In 1992, Central Zoo Authority (CZA) was
As of 2016, the status of many of these initiated for the supervision of the
animals has changed. Outdated question. management of zoological parks in the
country.
Migratory Birds  In 1996, the Wildlife Advisory Committee and
Wildlife Institute were established for seeking
 Migration refers to the cyclical seasonal advice on different features of Wildlife
movement of birds from one place to other. conservation and matters related to it.
The distance of migration ranged from short  India is part of five main International
distance to thousands of kilometers. But at Conventions which are associated to wildlife
the end of period, birds will eventually return conservation. They are
to the original place.  Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES),
Reasons for migration  Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT),
 International Whaling Commission (IWC),
 To avoid adverse factors (extreme climatic  United Nations Educational, Scientific and
condition) Cultural Organization – World Heritage
 To manage food shortage Committee (UNESCO – WHC) and
 To manage shortage of water  Convention on Migratory Species (CHS).
 To have a better breeding conditions
 Less competition for safe nesting places Misc

Migratory birds of India Egg Laying Mammals

Winter birds Summer birds  The unique feature of monotremes, a sub

Siberian Cranes, Greater Asian Koel, Black division of mammal, is that monotremes lay
Flamingo, Common Teal, Crowned Night eggs rather than giving birth to their young.
Yellow Wagtail, White Heron, Eurasian  There are only five living Monotreme/egg
Wagtail, Northern Golden Oriole, laying Mammals species: they are – the duck-
Shoveler, Rosy Pelican, Comb Duck, Blue billed platypus and four species of spiny
Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Cheeked Bee anteaters (also known as echidna).
Sandpiper, Eurasian Eater, Blue Tailed

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 All of them are found only  Tasmanian Wolf /Tiger

in Australia and New Guinea.
 In echidnas, the egg is carried in a pouch on
the female's belly until the young hatches, at
which point the barely-developed young must
find a mammary gland and latch onto it for
nourishment. Page
|
216

Insectivorous Plants of India

Insectivorous Plants

 These plants are specialized in trapping

insects and are popularly known as
insectivorous plants.
 They are very different from normal plants in
their mode of nutrition. They, however, never
prey upon humans or large animals.
Marsupials  Insectivorous plants can broadly be divided
into active and passive types based on their
 Marsupials are the group of mammals method of trapping their prey.
commonly thought of as pouched mammals  The active ones can close their leaf traps the
(like the wallaby and kangaroo). moment insects land on them.
 Marsupial mammals have placenta but it is  The passive plants have a 'pitfall' mechanism,
very short-lived and does not make as much having some kind of jar or pitcher-like
of a contribution to fetal nourishment. structure into which the insect slips and falls,
 They give birth very early and the young to eventually be digested.
animal, essentially a helpless embryo, climbs  The insectivorous plants often have several
from the mother's birth canal to the nipples. attractions such as brilliant colors, sweet
 There it grabs on with its mouth and secretions and other curios to lure their
continues to develop, often for weeks or innocent victims.
months depending on the species.
Why do they hunt despite having normal
List of Marsupials roots and photosynthetic leaves?

 Kola  These plants are usually associated with rain-

 Kangaroo washed, nutrient-poor soils, or wet and
 Wallaby acidic areas that are ill-drained.
 Wombats  Such wetlands are acidic due to anaerobic
 Opossum conditions, which cause partial
 Tasmanian devils decomposition of organic matter releasing
 Mursupial Mole (4 foot) acidic compounds into the surroundings.
 Bandi coot

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 As a result, most microorganisms necessary  When an insect lured by these glistening

for complete decomposition of organic matter drops alights on the leaf surface it gets stuck
cannot survive in such poorly oxygenated in this fluid and are absorbed and digested.
conditions.
 Normal plants find it difficult to survive in Insect trapping mechanism of Aldrovanda
such nutrient poor habitats. The hunter
plants are successful in such places because Page
they supplement their photosynthetic food
production by trapping insects and digesting |
their nitrogen rich bodies. 217
Insectivorous plants of India

Insectivorous plants of India belong mainly to

three families:

1. Droseraceae (3 species),
2. Nepenthaceae (1 species) and
3. Lentibulariaceae (36 species).
 On the leaf midrib are found some sensitive
Drosera and Aldrovanda trigger hairs. The two halves of the leaf blade
of Aldrovanda close along the midrib the
 Drosera and Aldrovanda belong to family moment an insect comes into contact with the
Droseraceae. leaf, trapping the victim inside.
 Drosera or Sundew inhabit wet infertile soils
or marshy places. Pitcher Plants Family: Nepenthaceae
 Aldrovanda is a free-floating, rootless aquatic
plant, the only species found in India, occurs
 Pitcher plants belong to family nepenthaceae.
in the salt marshes of Sunderbans, south of
The members of the family are commonly
Calcutta. It also grows in fresh water bodies
known as ‘pitcher plants’ because their leaves
like ponds, tanks and lakes.
bear jar-like structures.
 Distribution: Confined to the high rainfall hills
Insect trapping mechanism of Drosera and plateaus of north-eastern region, at
altitudes ranging from 100 —1500 m,
particularly in Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills of
Meghalaya.

Insect trapping mechanism of pitcher plant

 The tentacles on the leaves secrete a sticky

fluid that shines in the sun like dew-drops.
Therefore the Drosera are commonly known as
‘sundews’.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Nepenthes conforms to the pitfall type of trap.  It grows in the alpine heights of Himalayas,
A honey like substance is secreted from from Kashmir to Sikkim, along stream-sides in
glands at the entrance of the pitcher. Once the cool boggy places.
insect enters into the pitcher, it falls down  Insect trapping mechanism: In Pinguicula, an
because of the slipperiness. entire leaf works as trap. When an insect
 The inner wall, towards its lower half, bears lands on the leaf surface, it gets stuck in the
numerous glands, which secrete a proteolytic sticky exudate. the leaf margins roll up thus Page
enzyme. This enzyme digests the body of the trapping the victim.
trapped insects and nutrients are absorbed. |
Medicinal Properties of Insectivorous 218
Utricularia and Pinguicula Plants

 Utricularia and Pinguicula belong to family  Drosera are capable of curdling milk, its
Lentibulariaceae. bruised leaves are applied on blisters and
used for dyeing silk.
Utricularia or Bladderworts  Nepenthes in local medicine to treat cholera
patients, the liquid inside the pitcher is useful
for urinary troubles, it is also used as eye
drops.
 Utricularia is useful against cough, for
dressing of wounds, as a remedy for urinary
disease.

Conservation Status of Indian

Insectivores

 In India, species like Drosera peltata,

Aldrovanda vesiculosa and Nepenthes
 The Bladderworts generally inhabit freshwater
khasiana have been included in the Red Data
wetlands and waterlogged areas. Some species
Book as endangered plants.
are associated with moist moss covered rock
surfaces, and damp soils during rains.
 Insect trapping: Utricularia in its bladders Threats
mouth, has sensitive bristles or hairs. When
an insect happens to contact these hairs the  Gardening trading for medicinal properties is
door opens, carrying the insect into the one of the main causes for their decline.
bladder along with a little current of water.  Habitat destruction is also rampant, the
The door is shut when water fills the bladder, wetlands harboring such plants being the
The enzymes produced by the inner wall of the main casualties during the expansion of
bladder digest the insect. urban and rural habitation.
 Pollution caused by effluents containing
Pinguicula or Butterwort detergents, fertilizers, pesticides, sewage etc.
into the wetlands is yet another major cause
for their decline (Since insectivorous plants do
not tolerate high nutrient levels).
 Moreover, polluted water bodies are
dominated by prolific water weeds which
cause elimination of the delicate insectivorous
plants.

Diclofenac - Indian Vulture Crisis

Indian Vulture Crisis

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 India is most favourable region for Vultures:  The carcasses formerly eaten by vultures rot
Hindus do not eat cows, which they consider in village fields leading to contaminated
sacred, and when a cow dies, it is left to be fed drinking water.
on by vultures. India has a high species  These newly abundant scavengers are not as
diversity and hence vultures get lot of food. efficient as vultures. A vulture’s metabolism is
 Nine species of vulture can be found living in a true “dead-end” for pathogens, but dogs and
India. But today, most are in danger of rats become carriers of the pathogens. Page
extinction due to a veterinary drug called  The mammals also carry diseases from rotting
diclofenac (vultures do not have a particular carcasses such as rabies, anthrax, plague etc. |
enzyme to break down diclofenac). and are indirectly responsible for thousands of 219
human deaths.
Diclofenac
Diclofenac Alternative
 Diclofenac is a common anti-inflammatory
drug administered to livestock and is used to  The drug was banned for veterinary use in
treat the symptoms of inflammation, fevers India in March, 2006; Nepal and Pakistan
and/or pain associated with disease or followed suit shortly thereafter.
wounds.  A replacement drug was quickly developed
 Diclofenac leads to renal failure in vultures and proposed after tests on vultures in
damaging their excretory system [direct captivity: meloxicam.
inhibition of uric acid secretion in vultures].  Meloxicam affects cattle the same way as
 Gyps species were the most affected by diclofenac, but is harmless for vultures.
diclofenac.  Diclofenac for human use was still being
 The population of the White-rumped vulture diverted into veterinary uses through black
(Gyps bengalensis) fell 99.7% between 1993 markets in certain parts of India.
and 2002.
 The populations of the Indian vulture (Gyps Conservation Status of India Vultures
indicus) and the slender-billed vulture (Gyps [As of April-2016]
tenuirostris) fell 97.4%.
 The percentages differ slightly because the Critically Endangered
white-rumped vulture is more sensitive to
diclofenac than the other two species, but all  White-Rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
three were in danger of extinction.  White-Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)
 Two other species of Gyps, the Himalayan  Ruppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppellii)
vulture (Gyps himalayensis) and the Eurasian  Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus)
griffon (Gyps fulvus) were less affected  Slender-Billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)
because they come to India only in winters
 They are exclusively mountain-dwelling and Endangered
hence less vulnerable to diclofenac
contamination.
 Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres)
 Vulture populations have continued to decline
in India at a rate of between 20% and 40%
each year since 2007. Near Threatened

 Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis)

Consequences of Depopulation of
Vultures
Least Concern

 Vultures previously played an important role  Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)

in public sanitation in India and their
disappearance has resulted in an explosion of Critically Endangered
rats and wild dogs and the spread of diseases
resulting in an estimated costs of up to ₹1700
billion (US$25 billion) (as of 2015).  White-Rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
|
220
 White-Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)

Endangered

 Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres)

 Ruppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppellii)

Near Threatened

 Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis)

 Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus)

Least Concern

 Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)

 Slender-Billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Vulture Safety Zones also be conserved as a vulture safe zone where

slender-billed and white-backed species of
 The concept of a VSZ is unique for the Asian vultures are found.
continent but similar VSZ are in operation in  The third zone would be in central India,
both Europe and Africa. covering Chhatisgarh, where white-backed
 Aim of developing VSZs is to establish targeted and long-billed vultures are found.
awareness activities surrounding 150 km Page
radius of vultures' colonies so that no What have to be done?
|
diclofenac or the veterinary toxic drugs are
found in cattle carcasses, the main food of  Diclofenac free zones' (DFZ) meant the 221
vultures(to provide safe food). complete removal of diclofenac in the
 The VSZ is spread around in several hundred identified vulture safe zones i.e. places where
kilometers covering the Jim Corbett in vulture colonies have been identified.
Uttarakhand, Dudhwa and Kartamiaghat
forest reserves in UP which is adjoining the Vulture Restaurants
Indo-Nepal border. Nepal has already set up
VSZ on the Indian borders.  At this restaurant, tables are reserved only for
the unique and rare vultures by Maharashtra
VSZ's provide and Punjab forest departments.

 A safe source of food that is free of Aim

contamination from veterinary drugs, poisons
and other agricultural chemicals.  Conserve the fast dwindling vulture
 A place where vultures can feed free from population.
human disturbances.  As uncontaminated food shortage is one of the
 Supplement the ever decreasing food base for reasons for vultures' decline, these scavengers
vultures. will be fed by serving diclofenac free carcasses
 Extra food close to breeding colonies, this of cattle through restaurants.
helps to increase their breeding success by  VR includes involvement of local communities
improving the survival chances of the young in in-situ conservation, is having dual benefits
vultures. to vultures and to our society.
 Additional food, such as bone fragments,  People inform the forest department in case of
which can be supplied to breeding birds. the death of an animal in their village and the
 An economical and practical way of disposing department tests the dead animal for the
of old and unproductive cattle. presence of diclofenac.
 Help to reduce the risk of spreading diseases.  In their absence the department pays
 A place for scientists to study the biology and monetary benefits to the owner of the animal
ecology of these threatened species. and informer, transports it to the vulture
 An opportunity to raise public awareness on restaurant.
vulture conservation and to raise funds.  Apart from this, whenever a vulture nesting is
 An excellent opportunity for eco-tourists to found, conservation measures like providing
observe these magnificent birds. safe food near nesting trees, constant
protection from all sorts of disturbances, etc.,
Zones are put in place without delay.

 The zone between Uttarkhand to Nepal, which Benefits

spans from Corbett to Katriya Ghat, a Tarai
belt, covering 30,000 square kilometers will be  Conservation of vulture from extinction
earmarked as Vulture Safe zone. Slender-  Community participation in conservation
billed vulture and white-backed vulture are  Economic incentive to local cattle breeders
found in this area, which is marshy grassland,  Phasing out the use of diclofenac
savannas and forests.
 Similarly, a belt between Dibrugarh in Assam Greenhouse Effect & Global Warming |
to North Lakhimpur in Arunachal Pradesh will Carbon Sink
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Major Global Environmental Issues contents, which become warmer and re-emit
the energy as longer-wavelength infrared
radiation (heat radiation).
 Increased human activity, urbanization,
industrialization have led to rapid  Glass and other materials used for greenhouse
deterioration of the environment. This has walls do not transmit infrared radiation, so
severely affected the life supporting system. the infrared cannot escape via radiative
transfer. Page
 As the structure is not open to the
The important global environmental issues
atmosphere, heat also cannot escape via |
are:
convection, so the temperature inside the 222
greenhouse rises. This is known as the
 biodiversity loss ‘greenhouse effect’.
 desertification
 depletion of ozone layer
 acid rain
Importance of Natural Greenhouse
 oil spills Effect
 dumping of hazardous wastes
 Climate change due to greenhouse effect and  The green-house effect is a natural
global warming phenomenon and has been occurring for
millions of years on the earth.
Climate Change  Life on the earth has been possible because of
this natural greenhouse effect which is due
to water vapour and small particles of water
 Climate is the long-term average of a region's
present in the atmosphere.
weather events. The Earth's climate is not
 Together, these produce more than 95 percent
static. Over the billions of years of earth's
of total greenhouse warming.
existence, it has changed many times in
 Average global temperatures is maintained at
response to natural causes like sun spot, ice
about 15°C due to natural greenhouse effect.
age glaciations, etc.
 Without this phenomenon, average global
 “Climate change” means a change of climate
temperatures might have been around –17°C
which is attributed directly or indirectly to
and at such low temperature life would not be
human activity that alters the composition of
able to exist.
the global atmosphere and which is in
addition to natural climate variability observed
over comparable time periods (100 years). Greenhouse Effect And Global Warming
 Climate change is usually measured in major Due to Greenhouse Gases
shifts in temperature, rainfall, snow, and wind
patterns lasting decades or more.  Atmospheric gases like carbondioxide,
 Humans are creating climate change by methane, nitrous oxide (N2O), water vapour,
burning large amounts of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and chlorofluorocarbons are capable
natural gas), deforestation (when forests are of trapping the out-going infrared
cut down or burned, they can no longer store radiation from the earth’s surface. Thus, the
carbon, and the carbon is released to the temperature of the global atmosphere is
atmosphere). increased.

Greenhouse Effect [Oxides of Nitrogen with general formula NOx –

NO, NO2 – Nitrogen oxide, Nitrogen dioxide
 A greenhouse is a structure with walls and etc. are global cooling gasses while Nitrous
roof made chiefly of transparent material, oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas]
such as glass, in which plants requiring
regulated climatic conditions are grown.  As this phenomenon of increase in
 In a greenhouse, the incident solar radiation temperature is observed in green houses, in
(the visible and adjacent portions of the the botanical gardens these gases are known
infrared and ultraviolet ranges of the as greenhouse gases and the heating effect is
spectrum) passes through the glass roof and known as greenhouse effect.
walls and is absorbed by the floor, earth, and
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 If greenhouse gases are not checked, by the  Over many years, this will result in a rise in
turn of the century the temperature may rise sea level that can submerge many coastal
by 5°C. areas and lead to loss of coastal areas and
 Scientists believe that this rise in temperature ecosystems like swamps and marshes (most
will lead to deleterious changes in the important ecosystems from the point of
environment and resulting in odd climatic ecological services), etc.
changes (e.g. El Nino effect), thus leading to Page
increased melting of polar ice caps as well as Greenhouse Gases
of other places like the Himalayan snow caps. |
223

Gas Sources and Causes

Carbon dioxide (CO2) Burning of fossil fuels, deforestation
Chlorofluorocarbons Refrigeration, solvents, insulation foams, aero propellants, industrial
(CFCs) and commercial uses
Methane (CH4) Growing paddy, excreta of cattle and other livestock, termites, burning
of fossil fuel, wood, landfills, wetlands, fertilizer factories.
Nitrogen oxides (N20) Burning of fossil fuels, fertilizers; burning of wood and crop residue.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Iron ore smelting, burning of fossil fuels, burning e-waste.
Carbon dioxide  Ozone is another important greenhouse gas.
But it is in very small proportions at the
 Carbon dioxide is meteorologically a very surface.
important gas as it is transparent to the  Most of it is confined to
incoming solar radiation but opaque to the the stratosphere where it absorbs the
outgoing terrestrial radiation. harmful UV radiation.
 It absorbs a part of terrestrial radiation and  At ground level, pollutants like NO2 react with
reflects back some part of it towards the volatile organic compounds in the presence of
earth’s surface. It is largely responsible for the sunlight to produce ozone (tropospheric
greenhouse effect. ozone).
 Its concentration is greater close to the earth’s
surface as it is denser than air. Water vapour

Ozone  Water vapour is also a variable gas in the

atmosphere, which decreases with altitude.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Water vapour also decreases from the equator Hydrofluorocarbons

towards the poles.
 In the warm and wet tropics, it may account  Hydrofluorocarbons are used as refrigerants,
for four per cent of the air by volume, while in aerosol propellants, solvents, and fire
the dry and cold areas of desert and polar retardants.
regions, it may be less than one per cent of  These chemicals were developed as a
the air. replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Page
 One unique feature about this greenhouse gas  Unfortunately, HFCs are potent greenhouse
is that it absorbs both incoming (a part of gases with long atmospheric lifetimes. |
incoming) and outgoing solar radiation. 224
Perfluorocarbons
Methane
 Perfluorocarbons are compounds produced as
 Methane is the most important greenhouse a by-product in aluminum production and the
gas after carbon dioxide. manufacturing of semiconductors.
 It is produced from decomposition of animal  Like HFCs, PFCs generally have long
wastes and biological matter. atmospheric lifetimes and high global warming
 The emission of this gas can be restricted by potential.
using animal wastes and biological matter to
produce gobar gas (methane). Sulfur hexafluoride

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)  Sulfur hexafluoride is also a greenhouse gas.

 Sulfur hexafluoride is used in magnesium
processing and semiconductor manufacturing,
 NOx and N2O are Different. N2O or Nitrous
as well as a tracer gas for leak detection.
Oxide is a greenhouse gas.
 Sulfur hexafluoride is used in electrical
 NOx[NO and NO2 (nitric oxide or nitrogen oxide
transmission equipment, including circuit
and nitrogen dioxide)] emissions cause global
breakers.
cooling through the formation of (OH) radicals
that destroy methane molecules, countering
the effect of greenhouse gases. Black Carbon or Soot

Carbon Monoxide  Black carbon (BC) is a solid particle or

aerosol, (though not a gas) contributes to
warming of the atmosphere. Black carbon,
 Carbon monoxide is a short-lived greenhouse
commonly known as soot
gas (it is less denser than air).
 Soot is a form of particulate air pollutant,
 It has an indirect radiative forcing effect by
produced from incomplete combustion.
elevating concentrations of methane and
 Black carbon warms the Earth by absorbing
tropospheric ozone through chemical
heat in the atmosphere and by reducing
reactions with other atmospheric constituents
albedo, (the ability to reflect sunlight) when
(e.g., the hydroxyl radical, OH.) that would
deposited on snow and ice.
otherwise destroy them.
 BC is the strongest absorber of sunlight and
 Through natural processes in the atmosphere,
heats the air directly.
it is eventually oxidized to carbon dioxide.
 In addition, it darkens snow packs and
glaciers through deposition and leads to
Fluorinated gases melting of ice and snow.
 Regionally, BC disrupts cloudiness and
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) monsoon rainfall.
 Black carbon stays in the atmosphere for only
 CFCs were phased out via the Montreal several days to weeks. Thus the effects of BC
Protocol due to their part in ozone depletion. on the atmospheric warming and glacier
 This anthropogenic compound is also a retreat disappear within months of reducing
greenhouse gas, with a much higher emissions.
potential to enhance the greenhouse effect
than CO2.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Brown Carbon 1. the water vapour of the air and retains its
heat.
 Brown carbon is a ubiquitous and 2. the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation.
unidentified component of organic aerosol. 3. all the solar radiations.
 Biomass burning (possibly domestic wood 4. the infrared part of the solar radiation
burning) is shown to be a major source of
brown carbon Answer: d) the infrared part of the solar Page
 "Brown carbon" is generally referred for radiation (outgoing radiation).
greenhouse gases and "black carbon" for |
particles resulting from impure combustion, Among GHGs, only water vapor has the ability 225
such as soot and dust. to absorb both incoming (UV) and outgoing
(infrared) radiation.
The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in
the air is slowly raising the temperature of Global Warming Potential (GWP) &
the atmosphere, because it absorbs Lifetime of Green House Gases

Gas GWP (100-year) Lifetime (years)

Carbon di oxide 1 50-200
Methane 21 12
Nitrous oxide 310 120
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) 140 -11,700 1-270
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) 6,500-9,200 800-50,000
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) 23,900 3,200
Global Warming – Impacts Extreme Climatic Events

Melting of the ice caps  Increased likelihood of extreme events such as

heat wave, flooding, hurricanes, etc. will offset
 Melting of the ice caps and glaciers will lead to all the economic advancements made.
rise in sea level. Thermal expansion also  Changes in rainfall patterns (E.g. Chennai
contributes to sea level rise. floods) will severely impact agriculture.
 Fertile agricultural lands on the coast will be
submerged and saline water intrusions will Environmental Degradation
degrade the neighboring land. Ground water
in such regions will become useless.  Reduced hydroelectric power generation due
 Populous cities lying on the coasts will be to abnormal behavior of glaciers will further
submerged under the sea. increase dependence on fossil fuels.
 The Himalayan glaciers are a source of fresh  Widespread vanishing of animal populations
water for perennial rivers, in particular the due to habitat loss will add more species to
Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river the ‘threatened’ and ‘extinct’ list.
systems.
 There is evidence that some Himalayan
Rising Health Related Issues
glaciers have retreated significantly since the
19th century.
 Flooding in Himalayas and Ganga plains in  Spread of diseases (like malaria, etc.) in
wet season and drought in dry season will tropics will put more pressure on the health
severely affect the country. care sector.
 As a result of thawing of snow, the amount of  It is anticipated that there will be an increase
arable land in high-latitude region is likely to in the number of deaths due to greater
increase by reduction of the amount of frozen frequency and severity of heat waves and
lands. other extreme weather events.
 At the same time arable land along the coast  Lack of freshwater during droughts and
lines are bound to be reduced as a result of contamination of freshwater supplies during
rising sea level and saline water inundations. floods compromise hygiene, thus increasing
rates diseases like cholera, diarrhoea etc..

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Biodiversity Loss Clean coal technology

 Loss of Plankton due to warming of seas will Current Scenario

adversely affects marine food chain.
 Bleaching of Coral Reefs [Rain forests of the  Half of the world’s electricity is generated by
ocean] will cause great loss of marine burning coal.
biodiversity.  Coal will remain a dominant energy source for Page
 Rising temperature would increase fertilizer years to come.
 Since CO2 contributes to global warming,
|
requirement for the same production targets
and result in higher GHG emissions, ammonia reducing its release into the atmosphere has 226
volatilization and cost of crop production. become a major international concern.
 Rising temperatures will further affect the  CO2 and CO (carbon monoxide) are the major
physical, chemical and biological properties of greenhouse gas which are released during
fresh water lakes and rivers, with adverse burning of coal.
impacts on many individual fresh water  Along with the above gases, nitrogen
species. oxides (destroys ozone) and sulphur oxides
(acid rains) are also released.
No Food Security
Clean coal technology
 Climate Change affects crops by impacting
 Clean coal technology seeks to reduce harsh
irrigation, insolation as well as the prevalence
environmental effects by using multiple
of pests.
technologies to clean coal and contain its
 Increased frequencies of droughts, floods,
emissions.
storms and cyclones are likely to increase
 Some clean coal technologies purify the coal
agricultural production variability.
before it burns.
 Moderate warming (increase of 1 to 3°C in
 One type of coal preparation, coal washing,
mean temperature) is expected to benefit crop
removes unwanted minerals by mixing
yields in temperate regions, while in lower
crushed coal with a liquid and allowing the
latitudes the crops will take a hit. However,
impurities to separate and settle.
the natural calamities due to global warming
 Other systems control the coal burn to
can offset the benefits in temperature regions.
minimize emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
 In coastal areas, sea level rise will exacerbate
oxides and particulates.
water resource constraints due to increased
 Electrostatic precipitators remove particulates
salinization of groundwater supplies.
that aggravate asthma and cause respiratory
ailments by charging particles with an
Deterioration of Carbon sinks electrical field and then capturing them on
collection plates.
 High latitude forests store more carbon than  Gasification avoids burning coal altogether.
tropical rainforests. With gasification, steam and hot pressurized
 One third of the world's soil-bound carbon is air or oxygen combine with coal in a reaction
in taiga and tundra areas. that forces carbon molecules apart. The
 When the permafrost melts due to global resulting syngas, a mixture of carbon
warming, it releases carbon in the form monoxide and hydrogen, is then cleaned and
of carbon dioxide and methane (Both are burned in a gas turbine to make electricity.
GHGs).  Wet scrubbers, or flue
 In the 1970s the tundra was a carbon sink, gas desulfurization systems, remove sulfur
but today, it is a carbon source, thanks to dioxide, a major cause of acid rain, by
global warming. [global warming leads to more spraying flue gas with limestone and water.
global warming]  Low-NOx (nitrogen oxide) burners reduce the
creation of nitrogen oxides, a cause of ground-
Some methods to reduce CO2 in level ozone, by restricting oxygen and
atmosphere manipulating the combustion process.

India’s coal
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Coal mined in India is a poor quality coal  To improve efficiency and

with less carbon, high ash (hard to dispose) reduce adverse effects, India should do away
and high moisture content (more gases; less with its present sub-critical coal power plants
fuel efficiency) [India’s coal is not and build more super-critical and ultra-super-
Carboniferous Coal]. critical ones (15-20% increase in efficiency).
 Should employ clean coal technology.
Page
|
227

Carbon capture and storage  Depleted oil or gas fields and deep saline
aquifers safely store CO2 while coal seams
 Carbon capture and storage catches and absorb it.
sequesters (hide) carbon dioxide (CO2) from  Ocean storage, a technology still in its early
stationary sources like power plants. stages, involves injecting liquid CO2 into
 Capture: Flue-gas separation removes CO2 waters 500 to 3,000 meters deep, where it
and condenses it into a concentrated CO2 dissolves under pressure. However, this
stream. method would slightly decrease pH and
 After capture, secure containers sequester the potentially harm marine habitats.
collected CO2 to prevent or stall its reentry
into the atmosphere. Carbon Sink
 The two storage options are geologic and
oceanic (must hide the CO2 until peak  A carbon sink is a natural or artificial
emissions subside hundreds of years from reservoir that accumulates and stores some
now). carbon-containing chemical compound for an
 Geologic storage involves injecting CO2 into indefinite period.
the earth.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The process by which carbon sinks remove  Because of this increase in atmospheric
carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is carbon, a lot of emphasis and hope has been
known as carbon sequestration. put into the ability of trees, other plants and
the soil to temporarily sink the carbon that
Carbon Sink vs Carbon Source fossil fuel burning releases into the
atmosphere.
 A carbon sink is anything that absorbs more  Indeed, the Kyoto Protocol, the international Page
carbon that it releases, whilst a carbon source communities’ main instrument for halting
is anything that releases more carbon than is global warming suggests that the absorption |
absorb. of carbon dioxide by trees and the soil is just 228
 Forests, soils, oceans and the atmosphere all as valid a means to achieve emission
store carbon and this carbon moves between reduction commitments as cutting carbon
them in a continuous cycle. dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.
 This constant movement of carbon means that
forests act as sources or sinks at different The scientific view is that the increase in
times. global temperature should not exceed 2 °C
above pre-industrial level. If the global
Carbon sequestration temperature increases beyond 3°C above
the pre-industrial level, what can be its
possible impact/impacts on the world?
 Carbon sequestration is the process of capture
and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon  Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net
dioxide (CO2) carbon source
 It has been proposed as a way to slow the  Widespread coral mortality will occur.
atmospheric and marine accumulation of  All the global wetlands will permanently
greenhouse gases disappear.
 Carbon dioxide is naturally captured from the  Cultivation of cereals will not be possible
atmosphere through biological, chemical, or anywhere in the world.
physical processes.
Select the correct answer using the code given
Forests as carbon Sinks below.

 Forests are carbon stores, and they 1. 1 only

are carbon dioxide sinks when they are 2. 1 and 2 only
increasing in density or area. 3. 2, 3 and 4 only
 In Canada's boreal forests as much as 80% of 4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
the total carbon is stored in the soils as dead
organic matter. Explanation:
 Tropical forests absorb about 18% of all
carbon dioxide added by fossil fuels. Taiga and temperate forests act as an
 In the context of climate change, the most important carbon sink. Global warming by 3°C
important carbon stores are fossil fuel will turn these forests into carbon source.
deposits as they have the unique benefit of
being buried deep inside the earth, naturally Corals are very sensitive to temperature
separated from the carbon cycling in the changes. 3°C rise in global temperature will
atmosphere. lead to widespread coral mortality.
 This separation ends when humans burn coal,
oil and natural gas, turning fossil carbon
3°C rise in global temperature will lead to
stores into atmospheric carbon.
submergence of many low lying coastal
 This release of carbon from fossil fuel has
wetlands (not all) due to rise in sea levels.
caused greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations
Inland wetlands like Keoladeo Ghana National
in the atmosphere to soar to levels more than
Park will not be effected (it is 100s of
30 per cent higher than at the beginning of
kilometers away from coast).
the industrial revolution.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Because of the slow inertia, long response  Vienna convention and Montreal Protocol
time for parts of the climate system, it has [Explained in “Ozone Depletion”]
been estimated that we are already committed  United Nations Framework Convention on
to a sea-level rise of approximately 2.3 metres Climate Change (UNFCCC) [Next Post]
(7.5 ft) for each degree Celsius of temperature  Kyoto Protocol [Next Post]
rise within the next 2,000 years.
UNCED - Earth Summit 1992, Rio De Page
[Link] janeiro Brazil |
Cultivation of cereals in tropics will take a hit.  Earth Summit 1992 is also known as 229
But in temperate regions their production
The United Nations Conference on
increases in the short run. Environment and Development (UNCED).
 As a follow-up, the World Summit on
Earth Summit 1992 - UNCED | CBD | Sustainable Development (Rio+10) was held
UNCCD in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
 190 countries pledged their commitment to
Major International Conventions to achieve by 2010, a significant reduction in the
Protect Environment current rate of biodiversity loss at global,
regional and local levels.
Nature conservation  In 2012, the United Nations Conference on
Sustainable Development was also held in
 United Nations Conference On Environment Rio, and is also commonly called Rio+20 or
And Development (UNCED) [This post] Rio Earth Summit 2012.
 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) [This
post] What is Rio+20 Conference, often
 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands [Given in mentioned in the news?
“Wetland Ecosystem”]
 Convention on International Trade in a. It is the United nations Conference on
Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora Sustainable Development
(CITES) [Given in "IUCN Red List"] b. It is a Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade
 The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network Organization
(TRAFFIC) [Given in "IUCN Red List"] c. It is a Conference of the Inter-governmental
 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Panel on Climate Change
Species (CMS) d. It is a Conference of the Member Countries of
 Global Tiger Forum (GTF) the Convention on Biological Diversity

Hazardous material [Given in “Solid Answer: a) United nations Conference on

Waste”] Sustainable Development

 Stockholm Convention The issues touched included

 Basel Convention
 Rotterdam Convention  checking production of toxic components,
such as lead in gasoline, or poisonous waste
Land including radioactive chemicals,
 alternative sources of energy to replace the
 United Nations Convention to Combat use of fossil fuels,
Desertification (UNCCD) [This Post]  new reliance on public transportation systems
in order to reduce vehicle emissions,
Marine environment congestion in cities,
 the health problems caused by polluted air
 International Whaling Commission (IWC) and smoke, and
 the growing usage and limited supply of water.
Atmosphere
Agenda 21

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Agenda 21 is an action plan of the United  It is often seen as the key document regarding
Nations (UN) related to sustainable sustainable development.
development.  The Convention is legally binding; countries
 It was an outcome of the United Nations that join it ('Parties') are obliged to implement
Conference on Environment and Development its provisions.
(UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in  195 UN states and the European Union are
1992. parties to the convention. Page
 The number 21 refers to an agenda for the  All UN member states—with the exception of
21st century. the United States—have ratified the treaty. |
230
Landmark Agreements

 An important achievement of the summit was

an agreement on the Climate Change
Convention which in turn led to the Kyoto
Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
 Important legally binding agreements (Rio
Convention) were opened for signature:

1. Convention on Biological Diversity [This

Post]
2. United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification [This Post]
3. Framework Convention on Climate Change  At the 2010 10th Conference of Parties (COP)
(UNFCCC) [Next Post] to the Convention on Biological Diversity in
October in Nagoya, Japan, the Nagoya
Protocol was adopted.
Biodiversity Related:
Cartagena Protocol
Convention on Biological Diversity
 CBD covers the rapidly expanding field
 Biodiversity knows no political boundaries
of biotechnology through its Cartagena
and its conservation is therefore a collective
Protocol on Biosafety.
responsibility of all nations.
 It addresses technology development and
 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a
transfer, benefit-sharing and biosafety issues.
step towards conserving biological diversity or
 The Biosafety Protocol seeks to protect
biodiversity with the involvement of the entire
biological diversity from the potential risks
world.
posed by living modified organisms resulting
 The historic Convention on Biological Diversity
from modern biotechnology.
(Biodiversity Convention - a multilateral
treaty) was opened for signature at the Earth
Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and Nagoya Protocol
entered into in 1993.
 The convention called upon all nations to take  The Nagoya Protocol is a 2010 supplementary
appropriate measures for conservation of agreement to the 1992 Convention on
biodiversity and sustainable utilisation of its Biological Diversity (CBD).
benefits.  The Nagoya Protocol is about “Access to
 The Convention has three main goals: Genetic Resources and the Fair and
Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from
1. conservation of biological diversity (or their Utilization”, one of the three objectives
biodiversity); of the CBD.
2. sustainable use of its components; and  It is the second Protocol to the CBD; the first
3. fair and equitable sharing of benefits is the 2000 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
arising from genetic resources.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

International Treaty on Plant Genetic  The Convention is based on the principles of

Resources for Food and Agriculture participation, partnership and
decentralization—the backbone of Good
Governance and Sustainable Development.
 Popularly known as the International Seed
 It has 196 parties, making it truly global in
Treaty.
reach.
 International agreement in harmony with the
 To help publicize the Convention, 2006 was Page
Convention on Biological Diversity.
declared "International Year of Deserts and
 Aims at guaranteeing food security through |
Desertification".
the conservation, exchange and sustainable
 The UN Convention to Combat Desertification 231
use of the world's plant genetic resources for
has established a Committee on Science and
food and agriculture (PGRFA), as well as the
Technology (CST).
fair and equitable benefit sharing arising from
 CST is composed of government
its use.
representatives competent in the fields of
expertise relevant to combating desertification
Consider the following international
and mitigating the effects of drought.
agreements:
 UNCCD collaborates closely with Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD).
 The International Treaty on Plant Genetic
Resources for Food and Agriculture
UNFCCC - Kyoto Protocol - Carbon
 The United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification Credits Trading
 The World Heritage Convention
UNFCCC: United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the
biodiversity?
 International environmental treaty that came
1. 1 and 2 only into existence under the aegis of UN.
2. 3 only,  Signed ==> May 1992.
3. 1 and 3 only  Location ==> New York City, USA.
4. 1, 2. and 3  As of March 2014, UNFCCC has 196 parties
(almost all countries).
World Heritage Convention explained in  UNFCCC is negotiated at the United Nations
“Biodiversity”, Rest two in this section. Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED).
 UNCED is informally known as the Earth
United Nations Convention to Combat
Summit 1992, held in Rio de Janeiro,
Desertification (UNCCD) Brazil.
 Role: UNFCCC provides a framework for
 UNCCD is a Convention to combat negotiating specific international treaties
desertification and mitigate the effects of (called "protocols") that aim to set binding
drought through national action programs limits on greenhouse gases.
(NAP).  Objective of UNFCCC: Stabilize greenhouse
 NAP incorporate long-term strategies gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a
supported by international cooperation and level that would prevent dangerous
partnership arrangements. consequences.
 The Convention stemmed from a direct  Legal Effect: Treaty is considered legally non-
recommendation of the Rio Conference's binding: The treaty itself set no binding limits
Agenda 21, was adopted in Paris, France in on greenhouse gas emissions for individual
1994 and entered into force in 1996. countries.
 It is the only internationally legally
binding framework set up to address the
problem of desertification.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
|
232

Conferences of the Parties (COP) – 3. 1997: COP 3, The Kyoto Protocol on

UNFCCC Climate Change
4. 1998: COP 4. Buenos Aires, Argentina
5. 1999: COP 5, Bonn, Germany
 The COP is the supreme decision-making body
6. 2000: COP 6. The Hague. Netherlands
of UNFCCC.
7. 2001: COP 6, Bonn. Germany
 All States that are Parties to the Convention
8. 2001: COP 7. Marrakech, Morocco
are represented at the COP.
9. 2002: COP 8, New Delhi, India
 They review the implementation of any legal
10. 2003: COP 9, Milan, Italy
instruments that the COP adopts.
11. 2004: COP 10. Buenos Aires. Argentina
 They promote the effective implementation of
12. 2005: COP 11/CMP 1. Montreal, Canada
the Convention.
13. 2006: COP 12/CMP 2, Nairobi. Kenya
 The first COP meeting was held in Berlin,
14. 2007: COP 13/CMP 3, Bali, Indonesia
Germany in March, 1995.
15. 2008: COP 14/CMP 4, Poznan. Poland
 The parties to the convention have
16. 2009: COP 15/CMP 5, Copenhagen, Denmark
met annually since 1995.
17. 2010: COP 16/CMP 6, Canciin, Mexico
 In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol (3rd COP) was
18. 2011: COP 17/CMP 7, Durban, South Africa
concluded and established legally
19. 2012: COP 18/CMP 8, Doha, Qatar
binding obligations for developed countries to
20. 2013: COP 19/CMP 9, Warsaw, Poland
reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
21. 2014: COP 20/CMP 10. Lima, Peru
 The 2010 Cancun agreementsstated that
22. 2015: COP 21/CMP 11, Paris, France
future global warming should be limited to
23. 2016: COP 22/CMP 12, Marrakech,
below 0 °C (3.6 °F) relative to the pre-
Morocco
industrial level.
 The 21st COP (2015) was held in Paris in 2015.
 The 22nd COP (2016) will be held at Criticisms of the UNFCCC
Marrakesh, Morocco.
 Nothing except Kyoto Protocol made any
List of UNFCCC Summits binding limits on GHG emissions.
 Never achieved its stated goals of reducing the
emission of carbon dioxide.
1. 1995: COP 1, The Berlin Mandate
2. 1996: COP 2, Geneva, Switzerland

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Negotiations are governed by consensus and What is Common But Differentiated

small group of countries often block the Responsibilities – Kyoto Protocol?
negotiations.
 It is easy for the developed countries to escape
 It puts the obligation to reduce current
from their responsibility: United States, one
emissions on developed countries on the
of the biggest polluters never ratified Kyoto
basis that they are historically responsible for
the current levels of greenhouse gases in the Page
Protocol. Canada pulled out of Kyoto Protocol
citing wealth transfers out the country due to
atmosphere. |
binding limits.
 CBDR divides countries into two categories.
 Treaty doesn’t cover developing countries who
 Historically biggest polluting developed 233
now include the largest CO2 emitters (India
countries like US, UK, France, Japan, Russia
and China).
etc. (they are polluting the earth since
 Japan, Russia didn’t sign second Kyoto term
Industrial Revolution).
because it would impose restrictions on it not
 Recently polluting developing countries like
faced by its main economic competitors,
China, India, Brazil, etc. (polluting since
China, India and Indonesia.
1950s).
 “Common” = Every country (both developing
Important UNFCCC (COP) Summits are and developed) must take part in the fight
discussed below. against climate change.
 “But differentiated responsibilities” =
Kyoto Protocol Historically biggest polluters should do more
compared to the recent polluters =
 The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Responsibilities proportional to pollution
Japan, in 1997. caused.
 India ratified Kyoto Protocol in 2002.  So under CBDR, developed countries like US,
 The Kyoto Protocol came into force in UK, Russia etc. must contribute more to
February 2005. reduce GHGs (greenhouse gases).
 There are currently 192 Parties.  They must accept to certain binding
 USA never ratified Kyoto Protocol. limits on GHG emissions.
 Canada withdrew in 2012.  They must contribute funds towards reducing
 Goal: Fight global warming by reducing GHG emissions in developing and least
greenhouse gas concentrations in the developed countries.
atmosphere to “a level that would prevent  On the other hand, developing and least
dangerous anthropogenic interference with the developed countries should do everything
climate system.” possible to cut down their GHG emissions.
 Kyoto protocol aimed to cut emissions of But nothing is binding and every initiative is
greenhouse gases across the developed world voluntary.
by about 5 per cent by 2012 compared with
1990 levels. Classification of Parties and their
 The Protocol is based on the principle commitments – Kyoto Protocol
of common but differentiated
responsibilities.
 Kyoto Protocol is the only global treaty with
binding limits on GHG emissions.
Annex I  Developed countries [US, UK, Russia etc.] + Economies in transition (EIT) [Ukraine,
Turkey, some eastern European countries etc.]

Annex II  Developed countries.

 Annex II is a subset of Annex I.
 Required to provide financial and technical support to the EITs and developing
countries to assist them in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Annex B  Annex I Parties with first or second-round Kyoto greenhouse gas emissions targets.
 The first-round targets apply over the years 2008–2012 and the second-round

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Kyoto targets, which apply from 2013–2020.

 Compulsory binding targets to reduce GHG emissions.

Non-Annex I Parties to the UNFCCC not listed in Annex I of the Convention are mostly low-
income developing countries.
 No binding targets to reduce GHG emissions.
Page
LDCs  Least-developed countries |
 No binding targets to reduce GHG emissions.
234
 Developing countries may volunteer to become
Annex I countries when they are sufficiently
developed.

 Each commitment period has its own binding

targets set for developed countries to reduce
their GHG emissions.
 Nations that miss their Kyoto target in 2012
will incur a penalty of an additional third
added to whatever cut they agree under a new
treaty in Copenhagen.
 During first commitment period (2008-12),
more than 35 countries had binding targets.
 Canada withdrew in 2012 after the first
commitment period.
What is commitment period – Kyoto  Japan, New Zealand and Russia have
Protocol? participated in Kyoto's first-round but have
not taken on new targets in the second
 Under Kyoto Protocol, there are two commitment period.
commitment periods:  As of November 2015, 55 states have accepted
the Doha Amendment, while entry into force
1. 2008 – 2012 and requires the acceptances of 144 states.
2. 2013 – 2020.  So second commitment period is an epic
failure.
 The second commitment period was agreed on  Negotiations were held in Lima in 2014 to
in 2012, known as the Doha Amendment to agree on a post-Kyoto legal framework that
the protocol.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

would obligate all major polluters to pay for Flexible Market Mechanisms – Kyoto
CO2 emissions. Protocol
 China, India, and the United States (three big
villains) have all signaled that they will not
 Countries bound to Kyoto targets have to meet
ratify any treaty that will commit them legally
them largely through domestic action— that
to reduce CO2 emissions.
is, to reduce their emissions onshore.
Page
 But they can meet part of their targets
The Kyoto Protocol emission target through three “market-based mechanisms”. |
gases include
The Kyoto Flexible Market Protocol 235
 Carbon dioxide (CO2), mechanisms:
 Methane (CH4),
 Nitrous oxide (N2O), 1. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
 Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), 2. Emission Trading
 groups of hydro fluorocarbons (HCFs) and 3. Joint Implementation (JI)
 groups of Per fluorocarbons (PFCs).

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) – carbon credits to the world and tells them how
Kyoto Protocol it is working towards meeting its Kyoto
targets.]
 The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM),
defined in the Kyoto Protocol, allows a country  Such projects can earn saleable certified
with an emission-reduction or emission- emission reduction (CER) credits, each
limitation commitment under the Kyoto equivalent to one tonne of CO2, which can be
Protocol (Annex B Party) to implement an counted towards meeting Kyoto targets.
emission-reduction project in developing  In simple terms: Developed countries emit
countries. more and lose carbon credits. They provide
financial assistance to developing and least
developed countries to create clean energy
[Hypothetical E.g. of CDM: Australia takes up
(solar, wind energy etc.) and gain some carbon
or finances some environment benefitting
credits = meet their Kyoto Quota (Kyoto units)
project in India (solar power projects, wind
of emissions without violations.
power projects, afforestation etc.) and earns
 Suppose a developed country has a Kyoto
some carbon credits (certified emission
Quota of 100 Carbon Credits ==> It can emit
reduction credits). Now it shows these earned
100 tonnes of CO2.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Due to negligence it emits 110 tonnes of CO2  Multi-Commodity Exchange of India

= 10 carbon credits lost = Kyoto Quota (MCX) launched futures trading in carbon
violation. credits in 2009.
 Now the country has to make up for its lost
carbon credits to avoid penalty. Types of Carbon trading
 So it invests some money (equal to 10 carbon
credits) in developing and LDCs to build clean 1. Emission trading and Page
energy infrastructure like solar plants, wind 2. Offset trading.
farms etc. and will make up for its 10 lost |
carbon credits and avoid penalty. Emission trading/'cap-and-trade' 236
Carbon Credits Trading [Carbon  Emissions trading allows countries that have
Trading] – Kyoto Protocol emission units to spare - emissions permitted
them but not “used” - to sell this excess
Carbon credit – Kyoto Protocol capacity to countries that are over their
targets.
 A carbon credit (often called a carbon offset) is  Carbon is now tracked and traded like any
a tradable certificate or permit. other commodity. This is known as the
 One carbon credit is equal to one tonne of "carbon market."
carbon dioxide.
 Carbon credits are a part of attempts to Other trading units in the carbon market
mitigate the growth in concentrations of
GHGs. 1. A removal unit (RMU) by reforestation.
 Carbon credits or carbon offsets can be 2. An emission reduction unit (ERU) generated
acquired through afforestation, renewable by a joint implementation project (explained
energy, CO2 sequestration, methane capture, below).
buying from an exchange (carbon credits 3. A certified emission reduction (CER) generated
trading) etc.. from a clean development mechanism project
activity.

 Carbon trading is the name given to the Offset Trading/Carbon Project/'baseline-

exchange of emission permits. and credit' trading
 This exchange may take place within the
economy or may take the form of international  Another variant of carbon credit is to be
transaction. earned by a country by investing some
 Under Carbon Credits Trading mechanism amount of money in such projects, known as
countries that emit more carbon than the carbon projects, which will emit lesser amount
quota allotted to them buy carbon credits from of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
those that emit less.  For example, suppose a thermal plant of 800
 In Carbon trading, one credit gives the megawatt capacity emit 400 carbon-equivalent
country or a company right to emit one in the atmosphere. Now a country builds up a
tonne of CO2. 800 megawatt wind energy plant which does
 A country having more emissions of carbon not generate any amount of emission as an
(less carbon credits) is able to purchase the alternative of the thermal plant. Then by
right to emit more from a country having less investing in this project the country will earn
emissions (more carbon credits). 400 carbon-equivalent.
 More carbon emitting countries, by this way
try to keep the limit of carbon emission Offset Trading is a variant of Emission Trading
specified to them. or Carbon Trading.
 A developing nation such as India, turns out
to be a seller of such credits, which eventually
Carbon tax (related concept but not related
provides them with monetary gains.
to Kyoto Protocol)
 Carbon credits are traded at various
exchanges across the world.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 It is a tax on all fossil fuels in proportion to 2. Carbon credits are awarded to countries or
carbon dioxide emissions. groups that have reduced greenhouse gases
 Proposed in may developed and developing below their emission quota
countries. 3. The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit
 The proposal faced political resistance the increase of carbon emission quota
(politician – corporate nexus, people feared 4. Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from
more burden). time to time by the United Nations Page
 India has a carbon tax of sorts. Budget of Environment Programme.
2010-11 introduced a cess of Rs. 50 per tonne |
of both domestically produced and imported Answer d) Carbon credit prices are traded 237
coal. Later it was increased to Rs. 100. on an exchange. So their prices are never
 This cess is used to raise revenues for fixed.
the National Clean Energy Fund.
Benefits of Flexible Market Mechanisms
Non-Compliance of Kyoto And Penalties
 Stimulating green investment in developing
 Like most things in life, failure to comply with countries.
the Protocol carries penalties.  Including the private sector in this endeavor to
 If a country does not meet the requirements cut and hold steady GHG emissions at a safe
for measurements and reporting said country level.
loses the privilege of gaining credit through  It also makes "leap-frogging" –– possibility to
joint implementation projects. skip older, dirtier technology for newer,
 If a country goes above its emissions cap, and cleaner infrastructure and systems, with
does not try to make up the difference through obvious longer-term benefits.
any of the mechanisms available, then said  Strengthen the Protocol's environmental
country must make up the difference plus an integrity, support the carbon market's
additional thirty percent during the next credibility and ensures transparency of
period. accounting by Parties.
 The country could also be banned from
participating in the 'cap and trade' program. Criticism of Kyoto Protocol

Joint Implementation (JI) – Kyoto  Under Kyoto Protocol, Annex 1 countries can
Protocol meet their targets by cutting emissions or
buying unused allowances (carbon credits,
 The mechanism known as “joint carbon trading) from other countries.
implementation,” allows a country with an  This kind of approach ignores long term social
emission reduction commitment under the and economic costs. It is like committing only
Kyoto Protocol (Annex B Party) to earn half of what one needs to commit.
emission reduction units (ERUs) from an  Kyoto Protocol is based on the “common but
emission-reduction project in another Annex differentiated responsibility” approach to
B Party, each equivalent to one tonne of CO2, global warming. Under CBDR, many countries
which can be counted towards meeting its were allowed to increase pollution.
Kyoto target.  It excluded most polluting countries like
 Joint implementation offers Parties a flexible China and India, which have since become the
and cost-efficient means of fulfilling a part of world's largest and fourth largest polluters.
their Kyoto commitments, while the host Party
benefits from foreign investment and Important Summits Post Kyoto
technology transfer.
After the Kyoto Protocol, parties to the
Regarding "carbon credits", which one of Convention have agreed to further
the following statements is not correct? commitments. These include the Bali Action
Plan (2007), the Copenhagen Accord (2009),
1. The carbon credit system was ratified in the Cancún agreements (2010), and the
conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (2011)  Copenhagen Accord also laid the groundwork
etc. for financial commitments from developed
countries to developing countries.
Bali Summit, 2007  Agrees a "goal" for the world to raise $100
billion per year by 2020. New multilateral
funding for adaptation will be delivered, with a
 COP 13, CMP 3.
 Adopted Bali Road Map that included
governance structure. Page
 The Accord states that global warming should
be limited to below 2.0 °C (3.6 °F) to the pre- |
1. The Bali Action Plan (BAP) [BAP: launch a
industrial level. 238
comprehensive process to enable the
implementation of the Convention through
long-term cooperative action up to and beyond Cancún Summit, 2010
2012.]
2. Launch of the Adaptation Fund,  COP 16, CMP 6.
3. Decisions on technology transfer and  An agreement adopted by the COP called for a
4. On reducing emissions from deforestation. large “Green Climate Fund”, and
an “Adaptation Committee” at global level to
 All developed country Parties have agreed to support developing countries in mitigation of
“quantified emission limitation taking into GHGs.
account differences in their national  It looked forward to a second commitment
circumstances.” period for the Kyoto Protocol.
 So they will fix emission limits according to  As per the Cancun Agreements, all Parties to
their convenience and try to achieve them. the Convention (including the developed and
 Developed countries stressed developing developing countries) have agreed to report
countries like India and China, which are their voluntary mitigation goals for
increasing their emissions as they grow implementation.
economically, also undertake some kind of
emission cuts. Durban Summit, 2011

CMP: Conference of the Parties serving as  COP 17, CPM 7.

the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto  In 2011, parties adopted the “Durban
Protocol. Platform for Enhanced Action”.
 Parties have agreed to “develop a protocol,
COP11 / CMP 1 was held in Montreal, another legal instrument or an agreed
Canada in 2005 (Kyoto Protocol was outcome with legal force”. This new treaty is
ratified in 2005) due to be adopted at the 21st COP, and
implemented in 2020.
Copenhagen Summit, 2009  Second phase of Kyoto Protocol was secured.
 India’s insisted Common but differentiated
 COP 15, CMP 5. responsibility retained.
 UNFCCC meet in Copenhagen, capital city of
Denmark. Doha Summit, 2012
 Produced the Copenhagen Accord.
 This accord is an agreement between  COP 18, CPM 8
developing nations block called BASIC (Brazil,  Kyoto Extended: It established a second
South Africa, India and China). commitment period (2013 – 2020) of the
 According to this accord, all countries should Kyoto Protocol.
pledge voluntary limits (no binding  Japan, Russia and Canada refused to join the
obligations) to reduce GHG emissions. second commitment period under the Kyoto
 Binding obligations could not be reached due Protocol.
to discord between developed and developing  It finalized Green Climate Fund.
countries.
Green Climate Fund

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The Fund will start operating from 2013.  It is the

 The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a fund  20th yearly session of the Conference of the
within the framework of the UNFCCC. Parties (COP 20) to the 1992 United Nations
 The GCF is based in Incheon, South Korea. Framework Convention on Climate Change
 It is a mechanism to redistribute money from (UNFCCC) and
the developed to the developing world.  the 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties
 GCF will help developing countries financially (CMP 10) to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. Page
in adapting mitigation practices to counter  The overarching goal of the conference is to
climate change. reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) to |
 It is intended to be the centerpiece of efforts to limit the global temperature increase by 2030 239
raise Climate Finance of $100 billion by 2020. to 2 degrees Celsius above 1850 baseline or
Pre Industrial era.
Which of the following statements  No agreement was reached due to lack of
regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are consensus between developed and developing
correct? countries.
 There was no clarity on the burden that each
 It is intended to assist the developing country has to bear and the summit ended in
countries in adaptation and mitigation mere symbolism.
practices to counter climate change.
 It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Last-minute deal to end the impasse at
Asian Development Bank and World Bank Lima Summit

Select the correct answer using the code given  The last minute deal urged developed
below. countries to provide financial support to
developing countries to meet their “ambitious
1. 1 only mitigation” goals (Slightly in favor of Common
2. 2 only But Differentiated Responsibility).
3. Both 1 and 2  The agreement urges parties to take national
4. Neither 1 nor 2 pledges by finalizing their Intended
Nationally Determined Contributions
Answer: a) 1 only (INDC) by November 2015 (Before Paris
Summit).
Warsaw Summit, 2013  The agreement was severely criticized for
being too shallow in its commitments.
 COP19, CMP9.
 2013 United Nations Climate Change Developed vs. Developing
Conference.
 The G77 and China bloc led 132 poor  Wealthy nations like the U.S, EU argued that
countries in a walk out during talks about emissions from developing countries are
“loss and damage” compensation for the consistently rising and they need to commit to
consequences of global warming. more serious emission cuts.
 Poor countries have demanded that the  But India accused them of watering down the
developed world give them $100 billion CDR principle envisaged in earlier agreements
annually by 2020. (Kyoto Protocol).
 India stuck to its conventional position that
Paris Summit 2015 - Lima Summit the developed countries should shoulder a
2014 – INDC bigger burden as they are responsible for the
problem in the first place.
Lima Summit, 2014  India confirmed that poverty alleviation would
continue to be its primary concern and hence
 COP20 or CMP10 or Lima Summit was held in it will not compromise with its share of carbon
Lima, Peru, in December 2014. credits.
 2014 United Nations Climate Change
Conference. India’s position

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 China agreed a deal in 2014 under which its  All agreements and decisions were reserved for
emissions would peak by 2030 (after 2030, it Paris Summit 2015.
will start reducing its carbon footprint).
 India, the world's third largest carbon emitter,  Paris Summit is one of the most important
is under pressure since then to make environmental conference because of
commitments like China did. the INDC commitments made by major
 India says carbon emissions will grow as it polluters. Page
drives to beat poverty.
 India's emissions are around 1.9 tonnes per |
person — less than China, which emits 240
around 7.2 tonnes per person and the 5
tonnes world average.
 So India wants to use its carbon credits to
alleviate poverty and is not ready to accept
anything other than ‘common but
differentiated responsibilities’.
 India has long defended the principle of
“common but differentiated responsibility”
(Common but differentiated responsibility =
Contribution proportional to pollution: USA,
China, Japan and Major European powers are
polluting since many years and hence they
should contribute more. India and other
developing nations along with African nations
have stated polluting the environment very
recently and hence they will contribute less).

What India must do other than blaming

developed nations

 India must demonstrate concerns about

climate change issues (2015 Chennai floods,
2013 Uttarakhand floods are all the effects of
climate change).
 Emissions in India are rising dangerously and
the environmental costs will offset all its
economic progress.
 Instead of always passing the burden onto
others, it has to take responsibility.
 India had to make a pragmatically determined
national pledge before Paris Summit [India
announced its INDC in October 2015].

Paris summit, 2015

 2015 United Nations Climate Change

Conference.
 COP 21 or CMP 11.
 November 30 to December 11, 2015.  The conference objective is to achieve a legally
 Location ==> Paris. binding and universal agreement on climate to
 Previous summit was Held in 2014 in Lima, be signed in 2015, and implemented by 2020.
Peru.  Prior to the conference, 146 national climate
 No agreement was reached in Lima. panels publicly presented draft national

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

climate contributions (so-called Intended  These country commitments are known as

Nationally Determined Contributions, INDCs). Intended Nationally Determined Contributions
(INDCs).
China-U.S. deal on emission cuts
The main points of contention on INDCs
 Prior to the summit, China and the United
Inclusion of Adaptation, finance and Page
States have agreed on a timetable to limit
transfer of technology
emission of GHGs. |
 It will impose fresh pressure on India to make
a voluntary commitment.  Developed countries are of the view that only 241
 S. agreed to reduce by 2025 its emission of actions that help in reducing greenhouse gas
greenhouse gases by 26 per cent to 28 per emissions should be counted as
cent below its 2005 level. ‘contributions’ in INDCs.
 China stated its intent to peak emissions of  Almost every developing country, including
carbon dioxide in 2030, if not earlier (from India, however, wants adaptation measures
2030 it will start reducing its emissions). It also to be counted.
also agreed to raise the share of non-fossil  Developing countries also want efforts by
fuels to 20 per cent in the next 16 years. developed ones on providing money or
 India’s per capita emissions are estimated transferring technology to poorer nations to be
at one-tenth of the United States and one- included in INDCs.
fourth of China.  This will help in holding the rich countries
 China – US deal imposed a fresh pressure on (biggest culprits that contributed to the
India to make a voluntary commitment. increase of GHG emissions since Industrial
 India announced its INDCs in the end of 2015. Revolution) accountable to their promises on
ensuring financial and technology flows.

Commitment Period

 India, European Union, China etc. are in favor

of a 10-year commitment period.
 The United States, however, wants five-year
commitment period so that countries can
make quicker reviews.

Ex-post Review

 Since the INDCs are ‘nationally-determined’

and voluntary, the level of ambition in making
‘contributions’ is likely to be low.
 Some countries want an assessment of each
country’s INDC to see whether these are in
line with the global 2 degree target.
 India and the United
Statesstrongly resent any such provision,
saying such an exercise will negate the
‘nationally-determined’ nature of the
‘contributions’.

What is an INDC? India’s INDC objectives

 During previous climate negotiations,  Announced in October, 2015 (Lima summit

countries agreed to publicly outline what urged every country to announce its INDCs by
actions they intend to take under a global Nov, 2015)
agreement well before the Paris Summit 2015.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Reduce emission intensity by 33 to 35%  Redesign National Water Mission and National
Mission on Sustainable Agriculture.
 Reduce emission intensity by 33 to 35 per  Active implementation of ongoing programmes
cent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. like National Initiative on Climate Resilient
Agriculture, setting up of 100 mobile soil-
How? testing laboratories, distribution of soil health
cards to farmers. Page
 Introduce new, more efficient and cleaner  Additional impetus on watershed development
through Neeranchal scheme. |
technologies in thermal power generation.
 Reducing emissions from transportation  Effective implementation of National Mission 242
sector. on Clean Ganga.
 Promote energy efficiency, mainly in industry,  Early formulation and implementation of
transportation, buildings and appliances National Health Mission.
 Develop climate resilient infrastructure.  Complete Integrated Coastal Zone
 Pursue Zero Effect, Zero Defect policy under Management plan. Mapping and demarcation
Make in India programme. of coastal hazard lines.

Produce 40% non-fossil fuel based energy Money required to meet India’s INDC

 Produce 40 per cent of electricity from non-  At least USD 2.5 trillion (at current prices)
fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030, if required between now and 2030 to implement
international community helps with all planned actions.
technology transfer and low cost finance.  A total of INR 170.84 billion collected through
cess on coal production. Being used for
How? funding clean energy projects.
 National Adaptation Fund has been created
 Install 175 GW of solar, wind and biomass with initial allocation of Rs 3500 million.
electricity by 2022, and scale up further in  Tax free infrastructure bonds of INR 50
following years. billion being introduced for funding renewable
 Aggressively pursue development of energy projects.
hydropower.
 Achieve the target of 63 GW of installed National Adaptation Fund on Climate
nuclear power capacity by 2032. Change (NAFCC)

Create additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3  Budget 2015 introduced “National Adaptation
billion tonnes Fund” for climate change.
 As an initial sum, an amount of Rs 100 crore
 Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 will be transferred to the Fund.
billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by  Budget provision for the year 2015-16 and
2030 through additional forest and tree cover. 2016-17 is Rs.350 crores.
 Money obtained from coal cess goes into NAF.
How?  Objective: Assist States and Union Territories
that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse
 Full implementation of Green India Mission effects of climate change in meeting the cost of
and other programmes of afforestation adaptation.
 Develop 140,000 km long tree line on both  The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
sides of national highways Development (NABARD) has been appointed
as National Implementing Entity (NIE)
Sustainable development responsible for implementation of adaptation
projects under the (NAFCC).
 Develop robust adaptation strategies for
agriculture, water and health sectors. Tax free infrastructure bonds

How?  A bond is an instrument to borrow money.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Infrastructure bonds are borrowings to be Peoples focused on reducing emissions from

invested in government funded infrastructure deforestation and forest degradation, forest
projects within a country. carbon stock conservation, the sustainable
 They are issued by governments or management of forests, and the enhancement
government authorized Infrastructure of forest carbon stocks in developing countries
companies or Non-Banking Financial (activities commonly referred to as REDD+).
Companies.  The World Bank assumes the functions of Page
 Infrastructure bonds are good for people who trustee and secretariat.
need a fixed income. They offer a decent rate  The World Bank, the Inter-American |
of interest and tax benefits. Development Bank and United Nations 243
 The maturity of these bonds is often between Development Programme are Delivery Partners
10 to 15 years with an option to buy-back under the Readiness Fund and responsible for
after a lock-in of 5 years (one can sell their providing REDD+ readiness support services
bonds only after 5 years). to distinct countries.
 Example: An authority or company wants to
raise Rs 5 crore from tax-free bonds. The price Objectives
of each bond is Rs. 1000. It will issue 50000
units of bonds. The maturity period is ten  To assist countries in their REDD+ efforts by
years. The minimum investment is 5 bonds providing them with financial and technical
which is equal to Rs. 5000. You want to invest assistance.
Rs 10000. If the interest rate which is known  To pilot a performance-based payment system
as the coupon rate is 10 %, your return per for REDD+ activities.
annum is Rs. 1000. So after 10 years, you get  Within the approach to REDD+, to test ways
a total of Rs. 20000. to sustain or enhance livelihoods of local
communities and to conserve biodiversity.
What are the tax benefits?  To disseminate broadly the knowledge gained
in Emission Reductions Programs (ERPs).
 Investments up to Rs. 20000 are eligible for
income tax deduction under Section 80 CCF of With reference to ‘Forest Carbon
the Income Tax Act. Partnership Facility’, which of the
following statements is/are correct?
REDD | IPCC | Global Environment
Facility | Arctic Council  it is global partnership of governments,
businesses, civil society and indigenous
REDD & REDD+ peoples
 it provides financial aid to universities,
 REDD (Reducing Emissions from individual scientists and institutions involved
Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is the in scientific forestry research to develop eco-
global endeavor to create an incentive for friendly and climate adaptation technologies
developing countries to protect, better for sustainable forest management
manage and save their forest resources, thus  It assists the countries in their ‘REDD+
contributing to the global fight against climate (Reducing Emission from Deforestation and
change. Forest Degradation+)’ efforts by providing
 REDD+ goes beyond merely checking them with financial and technical assistance.
deforestation and forest degradation, and
includes incentives for positive elements of Select the correct answer using the code given
conservation, sustainable management of below
forests and enhancement of forest carbon
stocks. 1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
Forest Carbon Partnership Facility 3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
 It is a global partnership of governments,
businesses, civil society, and Indigenous

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

It provide financial incentives to countries in  The 2007 Nobel Peace Prize was shared, in
their REDD+ efforts. There is no mention of two equal parts, between the IPCC and an
assistance to universities, scientists… American Environmentalist.

Answer: c) 1 and 3 only The aims of the IPCC are to assess scientific
information relevant to:
BioCarbon Fund Initiative Page
1. Human-induced climate change,
|
 The BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable 2. The impacts of human-induced climate
Forest Landscapes (ISFL) is a multilateral change, 244
fund, supported by donor governments and 3. Options for adaptation and mitigation.
managed by the World Bank.
 It seeks to promote reduced greenhouse gas IPCC Assessment Reports (AR)
emissions from the land sector, from
deforestation and forest degradation  In accordance with its mandate, the IPCC
in developing countries (REDD+), and from prepares at regular intervals comprehensive
sustainable agriculture, as well as smarter Assessment Reports of scientific, technical
land-use planning, policies and practices. and socio-economic information relevant for
the understanding of human induced climate
‘BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustain-able change, potential impacts of climate change
Forest Landscapes’ is managed by the and options for mitigation and adaptation.

1. Asian Development Bank Special Reports

2. International Monetary Fund
3. United Nations Environment Programme  Special Reports have been prepared on topics
4. World Bank such as aviation, regional impacts of climate
change, technology transfer, emissions
Answer: d) World Bank scenarios, land use, land use change and
forestry, carbon dioxide capture and storage
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate and on the relationship between safeguarding
Change the ozone layer and the global climate system.

 Scientific intergovernmental body under the Global Environment Facility

auspices of the United Nations.
 Set up at the request of member governments.  The Global Environment Facility (GEF) unites
 It was first established in 1988 by two United 183 countries in partnership with
Nations organizations, the World international institutions, civil society
Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the organizations (CSOs), and the private sector to
United Nations Environment Programme address global environmental issues while
(UNEP). supporting national sustainable development
 Membership of the IPCC is open to all initiatives.
members of the WMO and UNEP.  Today the GEF is the largest public funder of
 The IPCC produces reports that support the projects to improve the global environment.
United Nations Framework Convention on  An independently operating financial
Climate Change (UNFCCC). organization, the GEF provides grants for
 IPCC reports cover all relevant information to projects related to biodiversity, climate
understand the risk of human-induced change, international waters, land
climate change, its potential impacts and degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent
options for adaptation and mitigation. organic pollutants.
 The IPCC does not carry out its own original  The GEF also serves as financial mechanism
research. for the following conventions:
 Thousands of scientists and other experts  Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
contribute on a voluntary basis.  United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC)

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 UN Convention to Combat Desertification underdeveloped countries with specific aim to

(UNCCD) protect their environment.
 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic d. Both (a) and (b)
Pollutants (POPs)
 Minamata Convention on Mercury Explanation:
 The GEF, although not linked formally to the
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete GEF is an independent financial organization. Page
the Ozone Layer (MP), supports
implementation of the Protocol in countries |
It may fund scientific research but it is not
with economies in transition. directly involved in scientific research. 245
The list below describes 10 GEF agencies that IPCC takes care of the most of the research
currently operating related to adaptation to work.
climate change:
Answer: a)
 United Nations Development Programme
 United Nations Environment Programme Transition to green economy
 World Bank Food and Agriculture
 Organization Inter-American Development
 Three priorities in transition of economy to
Bank
green economy are
 United Nations Industrial Development
Organization
 Asian Development Bank 1. decarbonizes the economy;
 African Development Bank 2. commit the environmental community to
 European Bank for Reconstruction and justice and equity; and
Development 3. conserve the biosphere.
 International Fund for Agricultural
Development  A key step forward consists in changing our
 World Wildlife Fund conception of growth and prosperity —
 United Nations Industrial Development achieving more with less and creating real
Organization wealth and quality of life.
 Conservation International
Measures to adapt green economy
Areas of work
 Energy audit can reduce your building's
 Biodiversity climate footprint and lead to significant
 Climate change savings in energy costs.
 International waters  Overfishing in many parts of the world
 Land degradation threatens to deplete future fish stocks. We can
 Sustainable forest management / REDD+: avoid this by working to promote sustainable
 Ozone depletion fishing practices.
 Deforestation accounts for close to 20% of the
With reference to ‘Global Environment world's greenhouse gas emissions.
Facility’, which of the following statements  Sustainably managed forests can continue to
is/are correct? support communities and ecosystems without
damaging environment and climate.
a. It serves as financial mechanism for  Use electronic files to reduce your demand for
‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and paper products.
‘United Nations Framework Convention on  When you support certified sustainable forest
Climate Change’. products, you support a healthy environment
b. It undertakes scientific research on and sustainable livelihoods.
environmental issues at global level  Car-pooling or taking public transport reduces
c. It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the environmental impacts and economic costs
transfer of technology and funds to while strengthening community.
 Walking or riding a bike for short trips is good

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

for your health - and the environment. 2. Japan

 Taking small steps towards wise water use 3. Russian Federation
can help conserve this precious resource 4. United Kingdom
 Resource efficiency is key to a Green Economy 5. United States of America
and water is one of our most important
resources. Which of the above are the members of the
 The development of clean, renewable energy ‘Arctic Council’? Page
by using solar, wind, tidal,etc will contribute
to green economy. |
a. 1, 2 and 3
 Recycling appropriate materials and b. 2, 3 and 4 246
composting food waste reduces the demand on c. 1, 4 and 5
our natural resources. d. 1, 3 and 5
 Moving towards a green economy has the
potential to achieve sustainable development National Action Plan On Climate
and eradicate poverty on an unprecedented Change
scale, with speed and effectiveness.
India's National Action Plan On Climate
Arctic Council Change

 Intergovernmental forum promoting  The National Action Plan hinges on the

cooperation, coordination and interaction development and use of new technologies.
among the Arctic states, Arctic Indigenous  The implementation of the Plan include public
communities and other Arctic inhabitants on private partnerships and civil society action.
common Arctic issues, in particular on issues  The focus will be on promoting understanding
of sustainable development and environmental of climate change, adaptation and
protection in the Arctic. mitigation, energy efficiency and natural
 The Arctic Council consists of the eight Arctic resource conservation.
States: Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark  There are Eight National Missions which form
(including Greenland and the Faroe the core of the National Action Plan.
Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia,
Sweden and the United States.

 Six international organizations representing

Arctic Indigenous Peoples have permanent
participant status.
1. National Solar Mission
Consider the following countries:
2. National Mission On Sustainable Habitat
3. National Water Mission (NWM)
1. Denmark
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

4. National Mission For Sustaining The National Mission On Sustainable

Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) Habitat
5. National Mission For A Green India
6. National Mission For Sustainable Agriculture
 "National Mission on Sustainable Habitat"
(NMSA)
seeks to promote sustainability of habitats
7. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for
through improvements in energy efficiency in
improved Page
Climate Change (NMSKCC)
buildings, urban planning,
8. National Bio-Energy Mission
management of solid and liquid waste, modal |
shift towards public transport and
National Solar Mission conservation through appropriate changes in 247
legal and regulatory framework.
 The National Solar Mission is a major  It also seeks to improve ability of habitats to
initiative to promote ecologically sustainable adapt to climate change by improving
growth while addressing India's energy resilience of infrastructure, community based
security challenge. disaster management and measures for
 The Mission will adopt a 3-phase approach: improving advance warning systems for
extreme weather events.
1. spanning the remaining period of the 11th
Plan and first year of the 12th Plan (up to National Water Mission (NWM) Mission
2012-13) as Phase 1,
2. the remaining 4 years of the 12th Plan (2013-  Ensuring integrated water resource
17) as Phase 2 and management for conservation of water,
3. the 13th Plan (2017-22) as Phase 3. minimization of wastage and equitable
distribution both across and within states.
 At the end of each plan there will be an  Developing a framework for optimum water
evaluation of progress. use through increase in water use efficiency
by 20% through regulatory mechanisms with
Objectives differential entitlements and pricing, taking
the National Water Policy (NWP) into
 To establish India as a global leader in solar consideration.
energy, by creating the policy conditions for its  Ensuring that a considerable share of water
diffusion across the country as quickly as needs of urban areas is met through recycling
possible. of waste water.
 To create an enabling policy framework for the  Meeting water requirements of coastal cities
deployment of 100,000 MW of solar power by through the adoption of new and appropriate
2022. technologies such as low-temperature
 To create favorable conditions for solar desalination technologies allowing use of
manufacturing capability, particularly solar ocean water.
thermal for indigenous production and market  Revisiting NWP to ensure basin-level
leadership. management strategies to deal with variability
in rainfall and river flows due to climate
National Mission For Enhanced Energy change.
Efficiency (NMEEE)  Developing new regulatory structures to
optimize efficiency of existing irrigation
systems.
 NMEEE seeks to strengthen the market for
energy efficiency by creating conducive
regulatory and policy regime. National Mission For Sustaining The
 NMEEE has been envisaged to foster Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)
innovative and sustainable business models to
the energy efficiency sector. Primary objectives
 The NMEEE seeks to create and sustain
markets for energy efficiency in the entire  Develop a sustainable National capacity to
country which will benefit the country and the continuously assess the health status of the
consumers". Himalayan Ecosystem

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Assist States in the Indian Himalayan Region Government of India encourages the
with their implementation of actions selected cultivation of 'sea buckthorn'. What is the
for sustainable development. importance of this plant?

National Mission For A Green India 1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in
preventing desertification.
Mission Objectives 2. It is a rich source of biodiesel. Page
3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to
live in cold areas of high altitudes. |
 Increased forest/tree cover on 5 million
hectares (ha) of forest/non-forest lands and 4. Its timber is of great commercial value. 248
improved quality of forest cover on another 5
million ha of non-forest/forest lands (a total of Which of the statements given above is /are
10 million ha) correct ?
 Improved ecosystem services including
biodiversity, hydrological services, and carbon 1. 2, 3 and 4 only
sequestration from the 10 million ha of forest/ 2. 1 and 3 only
non-forest lands mentioned above 3. 1, 2, 3 and 4
 Increased forest-based livelihood income of 4. 1 only
about 3 million households, living in and
around the forests National Mission For Sustainable
 Enhanced annual CO2 sequestration by 50 to Agriculture (NMSA)
60 million tons in the year 2020.
The NMSA has identified key dimensions for
National Mission on Seabuckthorn
 Adaptation and mitigation:
 Seabuckthorn plant is popularly known  Improved Crop Seeds, Livestock and Fish
as Leh berries. Culture
 The MoEF and DRDO have launched a major  Water Efficiency
national initiative for seabuckthorn cultivation  Pest Management
in the high-altitude, cold desert  Improved Farm Practices
ecosystems.  Nutrient Management
 The initiative is one of many conservation  Agricultural Insurance
measures for fragile high-altitude ecosystems.  Credit Support
 Seabuckthorn, also called the “Wonder plant”  Markets
and “Ladakh gold”.  Access to Information
 Livelihood Diversification
Uses
The National Mission on Strategic
 It has multi- Knowledge for Climate Change
purpose medicinal and nutritional (NMSKCC)
properties, and also helps in soil
conservation and nitrogen fixation. Mission Objectives
 Hardy, drought-resistant and tolerant to
extreme temperatures from – 43º C to + 40º C,  Formation of knowledge networks among the
the plant has an extensive root system which existing knowledge institutions engaged in
can fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it ideal research and development relating to climate
for controlling soil erosion and preventing science.
desertification.  Establishment of global technology watch
 The initiative is a part of Sub-Mission on Cold groups with institutional capacities to carry
Desert Ecosystems under the Green India out research on risk minimized technology
Mission — which is a part of the National selection for developmental choices
Action Plan on Climate Change.  Development of national capacity for modeling
the regional impact of climate change on

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

different ecological zones within the country in Stockholm in 1972, Indian constitution
for different seasons and living standards was amended to include protection of the
 Establishing research networks and environment as a constitutional mandate.
encouraging research in the areas of climate  Environment related legislation came very late
change impacts on important socio-economic in 1972 with Wild Life Protection Act 1971.
sectors like agriculture, health, natural  The forty second amendment Clause (g)
ecosystems, biodiversity, coastal zones, etc. to Article 51A of the Indian constitution made Page
it a fundamental duty to protect and improve
the natural environment. |
National Bio-Energy Mission
249
 The government is preparing a national bio- Clause (g) to Article 51A of the Indian
energy mission to boost power generation from constitution states “It shall be the duty of
biomass, a renewable energy source every citizen of India to protect and improve
abundantly available in India. the natural environment including forests,
 The national mission will aim at improving lakes, rivers and wild life and have
energy efficiency in traditional biomass compassion for living creatures.”
consuming industries, seek to develop a bio-
energy city project and provide logistics  There is a directive, given to the State as one
support to biomass processing units. of the Directive Principles of State Policy
 It will also propose a GIS-based National regarding the protection and improvement of
Biomass Resource Atlas to map potential the environment.
biomass regions in the country.
 According to estimates, biomass from agro Article 48A states “The State shall endeavor
and agro-industrial residue can potentially to protect and improve the environment and to
generate 25,000 MW of power in India. safeguard the forests and wildlife of the
country”.
Indian Network On Climate Change
Assessment  The Department of Environment was
established in India in 1980 to ensure a
healthy environment for the country. This
 Launched by MoEF in an effort to promote later became the Ministry of Environment and
domestic research on climate change. Forests (MoEF) in 1985.
 Reports prepared by the INCCA will form a  The Environment Protection Act of 1986
part of India's National Communication (Nat (EPA) came into force soon after the Bhopal
Com) to the United Nations Framework Gas Tragedy and is considered umbrella
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). legislation as it fills many lacunae in the
existing legislations.
National Communication (NATCOM)
Pollution Related Acts
 In pursuance of the implementation of the
provisions of UNFCCC, India's Initial National
Communication (NATCOM) has been initiated  Among all the components of the environment
in 2002 funded by the Global Environment air and water are necessary to fulfill the basic
Facility. survival needs of all organisms. So, to protect
them from degradation the following acts have
been passed.
Pollution Environment & Biodiversity
Conservation Laws 1. Water Acts
National Environmental Legislation 2. Air Acts
3. Environment Act

 Our constitution, originally, did not contain  A few important legislations of each category
any direct provision regarding the protection with brief description are given below:
of natural environment.
 However, after the United Nations
Conference on Human Environment, held
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

The Water (Prevention and Control of June 1972, Parliament enacted the nationwide
Pollution) Act of 1974 and Amendment, Air Act.
1988  The main objectives of this Act are to improve
the quality of air and to prevent, control and
abate air pollution in the country.
 The main objective of this act is to provide
prevention and control of water pollution.
Important provisions of this Act are given Page
below:
Some important provisions of this Act are |
given below:
 The Air Act’s framework is similar to that of 250
the Water Act of 1974.
 The Act vests regulatory authority in State
 The Air Act expanded the authority of the
Pollution Control Boards to establish and
central and state boards established under
enforce effluent standards for factories.
the Water Act, to include air pollution control.
 A Central Pollution Control Board performs
 States not having water pollution boards were
the same functions for Union Territories and
required to set up air pollution boards.
formulate policies and coordinates activities
 Under the Air Act, all industries operating
of different State Boards.
within designated air pollution control areas
 The Act grants power to SPCB and CPCB to
must obtain a “consent” (permit) from
test equipment and to take the sample for the
the State Boards.
purpose of analysis.
 The states are required to prescribe emission
 Prior to its amendment in 1988, enforcement
standards for industry and automobiles after
under the Act was achieved through criminal
consulting the central board and noting its
prosecutions initiated by the Boards.
ambient air quality standards.
 The 1988 amendment act empowered SPCB
 The Act grants power to SPCB and to test
and CPCB to close a defaulting industrial
equipment and to take the sample for the
plant.
purpose of analysis from any chimney, fly ash
or dust or any other.
The Water (Prevention and Control of  Prior to its amendment in 1988, enforcement
Pollution) Cess Act of 1977 under the Act was achieved through criminal
prosecutions initiated by the Boards.
 The Water Cess Act was passed to generate  The 1988 amendment act empowered SPCB
financial resources to meet expenses of the and CPCB to close a defaulting industrial
Central and State Pollution Boards. plant.
 The Act creates economic incentives for  Notably, the 1987 amendment introduced a
pollution control and requires local authorities citizen’s suit provision into the Air Act and
and certain designated industries to pay a extended the Act to include noise pollution.
cess (tax) for water effluent discharge.
 The Central Government, after deducting the Environment and Biodiversity Related
expenses of collection, pays the central board Acts
and the states such sums, as it seems
necessary.
 The most important legislation in this category
 To encourage capital investment in pollution
is The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
control, the Act gives a polluter a 70% rebate
 Through this Act Central Government gets
of the applicable cess upon installing effluent
full power for the purpose of protecting and
treatment equipment.
improving the quality of the environment.
The Air (Prevention and Control of
Environment (Protection) Act of 1986
Pollution) Act of 1981 and amendment,
1987
 In the wake of the Bhopal tragedy, the
government of India enacted the Environment
 To implement the decisions taken at (Protection) Act of 1986.
the United Nations Conference on the  The purpose of the Act is to implement the
Human Environment held at Stockholm in decisions of the United Nations Conference

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

on the Human Environment of 1972, in so  The Act explicitly prohibits discharges of

far as they relate to the protection and environmental pollutants in excess of
improvement of the human environment and prescribed regulatory standards.
the prevention of hazards to human beings,  There is also a specific prohibition against
other living creatures, plants and property. handling hazardous substances except those
 The Act is an “umbrella” for legislations in compliance with regulatory procedures and
designed to provide a framework for Central standards. Page
Government, coordination of the activities of  The Act provides provision for penalties. For
various central and state authorities each failure or contravention the punishment |
established under previous Acts, such as the included a prison term up to five years or fine 251
Water Act and the Air Act. up to Rs. 1 lakh, or both.
 In this Act, main emphasis is given to  The Act imposed an additional fine of up to
“Environment”, defined to include water, air Rs. 5,000 for every day of continuing violation.
and land and the inter-relationships which  If a failure or contravention occurs for more
exist among water, air and land and human than one year, offender may be punished with
beings and other living creatures, plants, imprisonment which may be extended to
micro-organisms and property. seven years.
 “Environmental pollution” is the presence of  Section 19 provides that any person, in
pollutant, defined as any solid, liquid or addition to authorized government officials,
gaseous substance present in such a may file a complaint with a court alleging an
concentration as may be or may tend to be offence under the Act.
injurious to the environment.  This “Citizens’ Suit” provision requires that
 “Hazardous substances” include any the person has to give notice of not less than
substance or preparation, which may cause 60 days of the alleged offence of pollution to
harm to human beings, other living creatures, the Central Government.
plants, microorganisms, property or the
environment. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
(GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the
The main provisions of this Act are given Ministry of Environment and Forests under
below 'Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export
and Storage of Hazardous
 The Act empowers the center to “take all such Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered
measures as it deems necessary”. Organisms or Cells 1989', under the
 By virtue of this Act, Central Environment Protection Act, 1986. The Rules
Government has armed itself with of 1989 also define five competent authorities
considerable powers which include, i.e. the Institutional Biosafety Committees
(IBSC), Review Committee of Genetic
1. coordination of action by state, Manipulation (RCGM), Genetic Engineering
2. planning and execution of nationwide Approval Committee (GEAC), State
programmes, Biotechnology Coordination Committee
3. laying down environmental quality standards, (SBCC) and District Level Committee (DLC) for
especially those governing emission or handling of various aspects of the rules
discharge of environmental pollutants,
4. placing restriction on the location of Genetic Engineering Approval Committee
industries and so on. (GEAC)
5. authority to issue direct orders, included
orders to close, prohibit or regulate any 1. Biosafety concerns have led to the
industry. development of regulatory regime in India.
6. power of entry for examination, testing of 2. The MoEFCC has notified the Rules for
equipment and other purposes and power to Manufacture, Use/Import/ Export & Storage
analyze the sample of air, water, soil or any Of Hazardous Micro Organisms/Genetically
other substance from any place. Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 [‘Rules
1989’]
3. Aim of ‘Rules 1989’ is to protect environment,
nature and health in connection with
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

application of gene technology and micro- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal

organisms. Committee is constituted under the
4. These rules cover areas of research as well as
large scale applications of GMOs and their a. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
products including experimental field trials b. Geographical Indications of Goods
and seed production. (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
5. The Rules 1989 also define the competent c. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Page
authorities and composition of such d. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
authorities for handling of various aspects of |
the Rules. Answer: c) 252
Presently there are six committees The Ozone Depleting Substances Rules
1. Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee
 The rules are framed under the jurisdiction
(RDAC): The functions are of an advisory
of Environment (Protection) Act.
nature. It recommends safety regulations for
 These Rules set the deadlines for phasing out
India in recombinant research, use and
of various ODSs, besides regulating
applications.
production, trade import and export of ODSs
2. Review Committee on Genetic
and the product containing ODS.
Manipulation (RCGM) established under the
 These Rules prohibit the use of CFCs in
Department of Biotechnology, ministry of
manufacturing various products beyond 1st
Science and technology is to monitor the
January 2003 except in metered dose inhaler
safety related aspects in respect of on-going
and for other medical purposes.
research projects.
 Similarly, use of halons is prohibited after 1st
3. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
January 2001 except for essential use.
(GEAC)
 Other ODSs such as carbon
4. State Biotechnology Coordination
tetrachloride and methylchoroform and
Committee (SBCC’s) have a major role in
CFC for metered dose inhalers can be used
monitoring. It also has powers to inspect,
upto 1st January 2010.
investigate and take punitive action in case or
 Further, the use of methyl bromide has been
violations of statutory provisions.
allowed upto 1st January 2015.
5. District Level Committees (DLCs) have a
 Since HCFCs are used as interim substitute to
major role in monitoring the safety regulations
replace CFC, these are allowed up to 1st
in installations engaged in the use of
January 2040.
genetically modified organisms/hazardous
microorganisms and its applications in the
environment. National Ganga River Basin Authority
6. Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) is (NGRBA)
established under the institution engaged in
GMO research to oversee such research and to  National Ganga River Basin Authority
interface with the RCGM in regulating it. (NGRBA) is a financing, planning,
implementing, monitoring and coordinating
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee authority for the Ganges River, functioning
(GEAC) under the Ministry of Water Resources.
 The mission of the organization is to safeguard
 The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee the drainage basin which feeds water into the
(GEAC) is the apex body constituted in Ganges by protecting it from pollution or
the Ministry of Environment and overuse.
Forests under 'Rules for Manufacture, Use,  In 2014, the NGRBA has been transferred
Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous from the Ministry of Environment and Forests
Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered to the Ministry of Water Resources, River
Organisms or Cells 1989', under Development & Ganga Rejuvenation.
the Environment Protection Act, 1986.  It was established by the Central Government
of India, in 2009 under Section 3(3) of
the Environment Protection Act, 1986,

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

which also declared Ganges as the ‘National  An amendment to the Act in 1982, introduced
River’ of India. a provision permitting the capture and
transportation of wild animals for the
Composition of NGRBA scientific management of animal population.

 The Prime Minister the chair of the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980
Authority. Page
 First Forest Act was enacted in 1927. |
Members belonging to the government sector  Alarmed at India’s rapid deforestation and
are as follows: resulting environmental degradation, Centre 253
Government enacted the Forest (Conservation)
 Prime Minister of India Act in1980.
 Minister of Environment and Forests (Union  It was enacted to consolidate the law related
Minister) to forest, the transit of forest produce and the
 Minister of Finance duty livable on timber and other forest
 Minister of Urban Development produce.
 Minister of Water Resources  Forest officers and their staff administer the
 Minister of Power Forest Act.
 Minister of Sciences and Technology  Under the provisions of this Act, prior
 Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand, Uttar approval of the Central Government is
Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal required for diversion of forestlands for non-
 Ministry Of Environment and Forests (state forest purposes.
minister)  An Advisory Committee constituted under the
 Ministry Of Environment and Forests, Act advises the Centre on these approvals.
secretary  The Act deals with the four categories of the
forests, namely reserved forests, village
Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 and forests, protected forests and private forests.
Amendment, 1982
Reserved forest
 In 1972, Parliament enacted the Wild Life Act
(Protection) Act.  A state may declare forestlands or waste lands
 The Wild Life Act provides for as reserved forest and may sell the produce
from these forests.
 Any unauthorized felling of trees quarrying,
1. state wildlife advisory boards,
grazing and hunting in reserved forests is
2. regulations for hunting wild animals and
punishable with a fine or imprisonment, or
birds,
both
3. establishment of sanctuaries and national
parks,
4. regulations for trade in wild animals, animal Village forests
products and trophies, and
5. judicially imposed penalties for violating the  Reserved forests assigned to a village
Act. community are called village forests.

 Harming endangered species listed Protected forests

in Schedule 1 of the Act is prohibited
throughout India.  The state governments are empowered to
 Hunting species, like those requiring special designate protected forests and may prohibit
protection (Schedule II), big game (Schedule the felling of trees, quarrying and the removal
III), and small game (Schedule IV), is regulated of forest produce from these forests.
through licensing.  The preservation of protected forests is
 A few species classified as vermin (Schedule enforces through rules, licenses and criminal
V), may be hunted without restrictions. prosecutions.
 Wildlife wardens and their staff administer the
act. Biodiversity Act 2000

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 India’s richness in biological resources and  Before applying for any form of IPRs
indigenous knowledge relating to them is well (Intellectual Property Rights) in or outside
recognized. India for an invention based on research on a
 The legislation aims at regulating access to biological resource obtained from India, prior
biological resources so as to approval of NBA will be required.
ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising  The monetary benefits, fees, royalties as a
from their use. result of approvals by NBA will be deposited Page
 The Biological Diversity Bill was introduced in in National Biodiversity Fund.
the Parliament in 2000 and was passed in  NBF will be used for conservation and |
2002. development of areas from where resource has 254
been accessed, in consultation with the local
Salient features of the biodiversity self-government concerned.
legislation  There is provision for notifying National
Heritage Sites important from standpoint of
 The main intent of this legislation is to protect biodiversity by State Governments in
India’s rich biodiversity and associated consultation with local self-government.
knowledge against their use by foreign  There also exists provision for notifying items,
individuals and organizations without sharing and areas for exemption provided such
the benefits arising out of such use, and exclusion does not violate other provisions.
to check biopiracy. This is to exempt normally traded
 This bill seeks to check biopiracy, protect commodities so as not to adversely affect
biological diversity and local growers through trade.
a three-tier structure of central and state
boards and local committees. How does National Biodiversity Authority
 The Act provides for setting up of a National (NBA) help in protecting the Indian
Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State agriculture?
Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Biodiversity
Management Committees (BMCs) in local 1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the
bodies. The NBA will enjoy the power of a civil indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
court. 2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the
 BMCs promote conservation, sustainable use scientific research on genetic modification of
and documentation of biodiversity. crop plants.
 NBA and SBB are required to consult BMCs in 3. Application for intellectual Property Rights
decisions relating to use of biological related to genetic / biological resources
resources. cannot be made without the approval of NBA.
 All foreign nationals or organizations require
prior approval of NBA for obtaining biological Which of the statements given above is/are
resources and associated knowledge for any correct?
use.
 Indian individuals/entities require approval of a. 1 only
NBA for transferring results of research with b. 2 and 3 only
respect to any biological resources to foreign c. 1 and 3 only
nationals/organizations. d. 1, 2 and 3
 Collaborative research projects and exchange
of knowledge and resources are exempted The top biotech regulator in India for
provided they are drawn as per the policy Genetically Modified Organisms is Genetic
guidelines of the Central Government. Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).
 However, Indian citizens/entities/local people
including vaids and hakims have free access Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
to use biological resources within the country
for their own use, medicinal purposes and The Scheduled Tribes And Other
research purposes. Traditional Forest Dwellers
 While granting approvals, NBA will impose (Recognition Of Forest Rights) Act,
terms and conditions to secure equitable
2006
sharing of benefits.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Forest Rights Act, 2006 provides for the cocoons, honey, wax, lac, leaves, medicinal
restitution of deprived forest rights across plants and herbs, roots, tubers and the like.
India.  The rights conferred under the Act shall be
 The Act is provides scope of integrating heritable but not alienable or transferable.
conservation and livelihood rights of the  As per the Act, the Gram Sabha has been
people. designated as the competent authority for
initiating the process of determining the Page
FRA is tool nature and extent of individual or community
forest rights. |
 To empower and strengthen the local self- 255
governance National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
 To address the livelihood security of the
people  Act of the Parliament of India which enables
 To address the issues of Conservation and creation of NGT to handle the expeditious
management of the Natural Resources and disposal of the cases pertaining to
conservation governance of India. environmental issues.
 It was enacted under India's constitutional
For the first time Forest Rights Act provision of Article 21, which assures the
recognizes and secures citizens of India the right to a healthy
environment.
 Community Rights in addition to their  The specialized architecture of the NGT will
individual rights facilitate fast track resolution of
 Right to protect, regenerate or conserve or environmental cases and provide a boost to
manage any community forest resource which the implementation of many sustainable
the communities have been traditionally development measures.
protecting and conserving for sustainable use.  NGT is mandated to dispose the cases
 Right to intellectual property and traditional within six months of their respective appeals.
knowledge related to biodiversity and cultural
diversity Origin
 Rights of displaced communities & Rights over
developmental activities  During the Rio de Janeiro summit of United
Nations Conference on Environment and
Salient Features Development in June 1992, India vowed the
participating states to provide judicial and
 Nodal Agency for the implementation is administrative remedies for the victims of
Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA). the pollutants and other environmental
 This Act is applicable for Tribal and Other damage.
Traditional Forest Dwelling Communities.
 The Act provides for recognition of forest Members
rights of other traditional forest
dwellers provided they have for at least three  The sanctioned strength of the tribunal is
generations prior to 13.12.2005 primarily currently 10 expert members and 10 judicial
resided in and have depended on the forests members although the act allows for up to 20
for bonafide livelihood needs. of each.
 The maximum limit of the recognizing rights  The Chairman of the tribunal who is the
on forest land is 4 ha. administrative head of the tribunal also serves
 National Parks and Sanctuaries have been as a judicial member.
included along with Reserve Forest, Protected  Every bench of tribunal must consist of at
Forests for the recognition of Rights. least one expert member and one judicial
 The Act recognizes the right of ownership member.
access to collect, use, and dispose of minor  The Chairman of the tribunal is required to be
forest produce by tribals. a serving or retired Chief Justice of a High
 Minor forest produce includes all non-timber Court or a judge of the Supreme Court of
forest produce of plant origin, including India.
bamboo, brush wood, stumps, cane, tussar,
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Jurisdiction Management Authority (SCZMA) for

enforcement and monitoring of the CRZ
 The Tribunal has Original Jurisdiction on Notification.
matters of “substantial question relating to  These authorities have been delegated powers
environment” (i.e. a community at large is under Section 5 of the Environmental
affected, damage to public health at broader (Protection) Act, 1986 to take various
level) & “damage to environment due to measures for protecting and improving the Page
specific activity” (such as pollution). quality of the coastal environment and
 The term “substantial” is not clearly defined in preventing, abating and controlling |
the act. environmental pollution in coastal areas. 256
Notable orders Classification Criteria and Regulatory
Norms
 Ban on decade old Diesel vehicles at Delhi
NCR  The coastal regulation zone has been
 NGT cleared three-day World Culture Festival classified for the purpose of regulation of the
(Art of Living) on the floodplains of the permitted activities.
Yamuna in March but imposed a fine of Rs 5
crore as an interim compensation. CRZ-I:

The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was  Ecological sensitive area and the area between
enacted in consonance with which of the High Tide Line (HTL) and Low Tide Line (LTL).
following provisions of the Constitution of  No new construction is permitted except for
India? a few specified most essential activities like
support activities for Atomic Energy Plants
1. Right to healthy environment, construed as a and Defense requirements, facilities required
part of part of Right to life under Article 21. for disposal of treated effluents and other port
2. Provision of grants for raising the level of related water front activities.
administration in the Scheduled Areas for the
welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article CRZ-II:
275(1)
 The area that have been developed up to or
Which of the statements given above is/are close to the shore line which includes the
correct ? designated urban areas that are substantially
built up.
a. 1 only  Buildings permitted only on the landward side
b. 2 only of the existing authorized structures as
c. Both 1 and 2 defined in the notification.
d. Neither 1 nor 2
CRZ-III:
Answer: a)
 The areas that are relatively undisturbed and
Acts for Protecting Coastal those which do not belong to either CRZ-I or
Environment and Wetlands CRZ-II which includes mainly the rural area
and those not substantially built up within
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) designated urban areas.
 The area up to 200 meters from HTL is
 The coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, earmarked as "No Development Zone".
creeks, rivers and back waters which are  No construction is permitted within this zone
influenced by tidal action are declared except for repairs to the existing authorized
"Coastal Regulation Zone" (CRZ) in 1991. structures.
 India has created institutional mechanisms  Development of vacant plots between 200 and
such as National Coastal Zone Management 500 meters of HTL is permitted in CRZ III for
Authority (NCZMA) and State Coastal Zone the purpose of construction of dwelling units

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

and hotels/beach resorts subject to certain Functions

conditions.
 The board is highly concerned about “abuse of
CRZ-IV animals in research” and “cruelty involved
when animals were used in entertainment”.
 The activities impugning on the sea and tidal  The Board oversees Animal Welfare
influenced water bodies will be regulated Organizations (AWOs) by granting recognition Page
except for traditional fishing and related to them if they meet its guidelines.
activities undertaken by local communities.  The Board provides financial assistance to |
 No untreated sewage, effluents, pollution from recognized Animal Welfare Organizations 257
oil drilling shall be let off or dumped. (AWOs)
 The Board suggests changes to laws and rules
Wetlands (Conservation And about animal welfare issues.
Management) Rules 2010  The Board issues publications to raise
awareness of various animal welfare issues.
 MoEF has notified the rules in order to ensure
Consider the following statements:
that there is no further degradation of
wetlands.
 Animal Welfare Board of India is established
 The rules specify activities which are harmful
under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
to wetlands such as industrialization,
 National Tiger Conservation Authority is a
construction, dumping of untreated waste and
statutory body.
reclamation and prohibit these activities in the
 National Ganga River Basin Authority is
wetlands.
chaired by the Prime Minister.
 Other activities such as harvesting and
dredging may be carried out in the wetlands
but only with prior permission from the Which of the statements given above is/ are
concerned authorities. correct?
 Under the Rules, wetlands have been
classified for better management and easier 1. 1 only
identification. 2. 2 and 3 only
 Central Wetland Regulatory Authority has 3. 2 only
been set up to ensure proper implementation 4. 1, 2 and 3
of the Rules.
Animal Welfare Board of India is established
Animal Welfare Board of India under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Answer: b) 2 and 3 only

 Statutory advisory body advising the
Government of India on animal welfare laws,
Prominent NGOs
and promotes animal welfare in the country of
India. Bombay Natural History Society
 It works to ensure that animal welfare laws in
the country are followed; provides grants to
Animal Welfare Organizations; and considers  The Bombay Natural History Society, founded
itself "the face of the animal welfare movement in 1883, is one of the largest non-
in the country." governmental organizations in India engaged
 It was established in 1960 under Section 4 in conservation and biodiversity research.
of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals  It supports many research efforts through
Act,1960. grants and publishes the Journal of the
 Well-known humanitarian Rukmini Devi Bombay Natural History Society.
Arundale was instrumental in setting up the  It organizes and conducts nature trails and
board. camps for the general public.
 The subject of Prevention of Cruelty to  Many prominent naturalists, including the
Animals is under MoEF. ornithologists Sálim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley,
have been associated with it.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

With reference to Bombay Natural History  Government has set up a Tiger Protection
Society (BNHS), consider the following Force under PT to combat poachers.
statements:  PT funds relocation of villagers to minimize
human-tiger conflicts.
1. It is an autonomous organization under the
Ministry of Environment and Forests. Core and Buffer zones
2. It strives to conserve nature through action- Page
based research, education and public The Tiger Reserves are constituted on a ‘core- |
awareness. buffer strategy’.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and 258
camps for the general public. Core Zone

Which of the statements given above is/are  The core area is kept free of biotic
correct? disturbances and forestry operations, where
collection of minor forest produce, grazing,
a. 1 and 3 only human disturbances are not allowed within.
b. 2 only  These areas are required to be kept for the
c. 2 and 3 only purposes of tiger conservation, without
d. 1, 2 and 3 affecting the rights of the Scheduled Tribes or
such other forest dwellers.
Indian government has also started some  These areas are notified by the State
conservation projects for individual Government in consultation with an Expert
endangered species like Hungal (1970), Lion Committee (constituted for that purpose).
(1972), Tiger (1973), Crocodiles (1974), Brown-
antlered Deer (1981) and Elephant (1991-92). Buffer Zone
They are given in the next post.
 The Act defines buffer zone as the area
Project Tiger - Elephant - Indian Rhino - peripheral to the critical tiger habitat or core
Snow Leopard area providing supplementary habitat for
dispersing tigers, besides offering scope for co-
Project Tiger – Tiger Conservation existence of human activity (tribals).
 The limits of such areas are determined with
 Indian tiger population at the end of the 20th the concerned Gram Sabha and an Expert
century was estimated at 20,000 to 40,000 Committee constituted for the purpose.
individuals.
 The first country-wide tiger census conducted Tiger Task Force
in 1972 estimated the population to comprise
a little more than 1,800 individuals, an  The implementation of Project Tiger over the
alarming reduction in tiger population. years has highlighted the need for a statutory
 In 1973, Project Tiger was launched in the authority with legal backing to ensure tiger
Palamau Tiger Reserve, and various tiger conservation.
reserves were created in the country based on  On the basis of the recommendations
a ‘core-buffer’ strategy. of National Board for Wild Life, a Task Force
 India has more than 80 national parks and was set up to look into the problems of tiger
441 Sanctuaries of which some have been conservation in the country.
declared as Tiger reserves.  The recommendations of the Task
 Tiger reserves are governed by the Project Force include strengthening of Project Tiger
Tiger (1973). by giving it statutory and administrative
 It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of powers.
the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
 It is administered by the National Tiger National Board for Wild Life ==> Tiger Task
Conservation Authority. Force ==> National Tiger Conservation
 Aim: Protect tigers from extinction by ensuring Authority
a viable population in their natural habitats.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

National Tiger Conservation Authority  It would provide information on protection

(NTCA) measures including future plan for
conservation.
 The National Tiger Conservation Authority was  The Authority would facilitate and support
established in December 2005 following a tiger reserve management in the States
recommendations of the Tiger Task Force. through eco-development and people's
 National Tiger Conservation Authority participation. Page
administers Project Tiger.  The Tiger Conservation Authority would be
 Administration of the tiger reserves will be in required to prepare an Annual Report, which |
accordance with guidelines of NTCA. would be laid in the Parliament along with the 259
 Tiger reserves in India are administered by Audit Report.
field directors as mandated by NTCA.  State level Steering Committees will be set up
 No alteration in the boundaries of a tiger in the Tiger States under the Chairmanship
reserve shall be made except on a of respective Chief Ministers. This has been
recommendation of the NTCA and the done with a view for ensuring coordination,
approval of the National Board for Wild Life. monitoring and protection of tigers in the
 No State Government shall de-notify a tiger States.
reserve, except in public interest with the  A provision has been made for the State
approval of the NTCA and the approval of the Governments to prepare a Tiger
National Board for Wild Life. Conservation Plan.
 Provision will be made for the States to
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, establish a Tiger Conservation
2006 Foundation, based on the good practices
emanating from some tiger reserves.
 The Act provides for creating
Steps Taken by the Government
1. National Tiger Conservation Authority and
Legal Steps
2. Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime
Control Bureau (Wildlife Crime Control
Bureau).  Amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act,
1972 to Wild Life (Protection) Act, 2006 for
providing enabling provisions towards
NTCA members
constituting the National Tiger Conservation
Authority and the Tiger and Other
 The Wildlife Protection Amendment Act, 2006 Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau.
provides for the constitution of the National  Enhancement of punishment in cases of
Tiger Conservation Authority. offence relating to a tiger reserve or its core
 NTCA was set up under the Chairmanship of area.
the Minister for Environment and Forests.
 The Authority will have Administrative Steps

1. eight experts having qualifications in wildlife  Strengthening of ant poaching activities,

conservation and welfare tribals, including special strategy for monsoon
2. 3 MPs, patrolling.
3. The Inspector General of Forests, in charge of  State level Steering Committees under the
project Tiger, will be ex-officio Member Chairmanship of Chief Ministers and
Secretary establishment of Tiger Conservation
4. Others Foundation.
 Creation of Special Tiger Protection Force
Functions of NTCA (STPF) [Budget 2008].

 The Authority lays down standards, guidelines Financial Steps

for tiger conservation in the Tiger Reserves,
National Parks and Sanctuaries.  Financial and technical help is provided to the
States under various Centrally Sponsored
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Schemes, viz. Project Tiger and Integrated  A sub-group on tiger/leopard conservation

Development of Wildlife Habitats. has been constituted for cooperation with the
Russian Federation.
International Cooperation  A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range
Countries has been created for addressing
 India has a bilateral understanding with Nepal international issues related to tiger
on controlling trans-boundary illegal trade in conservation. Page
wildlife.  India is a party to CITES. CITES’s landmark
 India has signed a protocol on tiger decision states that ‘tigers should not be bred |
conservation with China. for trade in their parts and derivatives’. 260
 India has signed a with Bangladesh for
conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Wiki List of Tiger Reserves in India
State Tiger Reserve Est. No. of Total Area
Tigers (km2)
1 Andhra Pradesh Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger 29 3568
Reserve
2 Arunachal Pradesh Namdapha Tiger Reserve 37 1985
3 Pakhui Tiger Reserve 36 862
4 Assam Manas Tiger Reserve 35 2840
5 Nameri Tiger Reserve 37 344
6 Kaziranga Tiger Reserve 42 859
7 Bihar Valmiki Tiger Reserve 42 840
8 Chhattisgarh Udanti and Sitanadi Tiger 54 1580
Reserve
9 Achanakmar Tiger Reserve 42 963
10 Indravati Tiger Reserve 39 2799
11 Jharkhand Palamau Tiger Reserve 19 1026
12 Karnataka Bandipur Tiger Reserve 89 866
13 Karnataka Bhadra Tiger Reserve 36 492
14 Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve 41 875
15 Nagarhole Tiger Reserve 47 643
16 Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple 40 540
Tiger Reserve
17 Kerala Periyar Tiger Reserve 77 925
18 Parambikulam Tiger Reserve 58 391
19 Madhya Pradesh Kanha Tiger Reserve 87 1945
20 Pench Tiger Reserve 64 758
21 Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve 79 1162
22 Panna Tiger Reserve 18 542
23 Bori-Satpura Tiger Reserve 44 1486
24 Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve 56 831
25 Maharashtra Melghat Tiger Reserve 45 1677
26 Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve 100 620
27 Bor Tiger Reserve 7-8 138
28 Pench Tiger Reserve 35 257
29 Sahyadri Tiger Reserve 46 569
30 Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve 653
31 Mizoram Dampa Tiger Reserve 48 500
32 Odisha Simlipal Tiger Reserve 64 2750
33 Satkosia Tiger Reserve[15] 31 523
34 Rajasthan Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve 68 1334
35 Sariska Tiger Reserve 5 866
36 Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve 417

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

37 Tamil Nadu Kalakad-Mundathurai Tiger 93 800

Reserve
38 Mudumalai Tiger Reserve 64 321
39 Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve 47 524
40 Anamalai Tiger Reserve 49 1019
41 Telangana Kawal Tiger Reserve 42 893
42 Uttar Pradesh Dudhwa Tiger Reserve 141 811 Page
43 Amangarh Tiger Reserve 80 |
44 Pilibhit Tiger Reserve 30 1074
45 Uttarakhand Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve 160 80 261
46 West Bengal Buxa Tiger Reserve 29 759
47 Sunderbans Tiger Reserve 89 2585

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 GIS based digitized database development to

evaluate tiger population.
Titbit: There are eight subspecies of tiger:
among the eight, at present five subspecies Estimation of Tiger Populations
are present in the wild. They are: Bengal,
South China, Indochinese, Sumatran, and  The process of estimating the number of tigers
Siberian. Three subspecies of tiger—Caspian, in a given area is called ‘Tiger census’. Page
Bali, and Javan—are extinct.  It is conducted at regular intervals to know |
the current tiger populations and population
Reasons for falling number of tigers trends. 262
 Besides estimating the number of tigers the
 Pressure on habitat, Habitat method also helps to gather information on
fragmentation and Habitat destruction: the density of the tiger populations and
Caused due to large-scale development associated prey.
projects such as dams, industry, mines,  The most commonly used technique in the
railway lines etc. past was ‘Pugmark Census Technique’.
 Incessant poaching: Tigers are killed so their  In this method the imprints of the pugmark of
body parts can be used for Traditional the tiger were recorded and used as a basis for
Chinese Medicine. identification of individuals.
 Invasive species: Destroy the local producers.  Now it is largely used as one of the indices of
This has a cascading effect on the food chain. tiger occurrence and relative abundance.
Tigers are the worst hit as they are at the end  Recent methods used to estimate the numbers
of the food chain. [Tigers represent an of tigers are camera trapping and DNA
“Umbrella Species” that indicate the health of fingerprinting.
the ecosystem.]  In camera trapping, the photograph of the
tiger is taken and individuals are
Problems involved with Project Tiger differentiated on the basis of the stripes on the
body.
 The Forest Rights Act passed by the Indian  In the latest technique of DNA fingerprinting,
government in 2006 recognizes the rights of tigers can be identified from their scats.
some forest dwelling communities in forest
areas. This has led to controversy over Project Elephant
implications of such recognition for tiger
conservation. Tiger, faces threat of extinction, whereas the
 The project overlooks the role of abuse of elephant faces threat of attrition. The elephant
power by authorities in the tiger crisis. numbers have not increased or decreased
drastically but there is an increasing pressure
Reasons for slightly increased tiger on the elephant habitats and it is a serious
population recently concern which has to be addressed by
involving people in elephant conservation and
 Wireless communication systems and welfare.
outstation patrol camps have been developed
within the tiger reserves, due to which  Project Elephant was launched in 1992.
poaching has declined considerably.  It is a centrally sponsored scheme.
 Fire protection is effectively done by suitable
preventive and control measures. Objectives:
 Voluntary Village relocation has been done in
many reserves. 1. to assist states having populations of wild
 Livestock grazing has been controlled to a elephants and to ensure long term survival of
great extent in the tiger reserves. identified viable populations of elephants in
 Various compensatory developmental works their natural habitats.
have improved the water regime and the 2. addressing man-animal conflict.
ground and field level vegetation.
 Stringent punishments for violators.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

3. Developing scientific and planned elephants may search for food elsewhere. This
management measures for conservation of often results in conflicts with humans, due to
elephants. elephants raiding or destroying crops.
4. Protecting the elephants from poachers,
preventing illegal ivory trade and other Mitigation
unnatural causes of death
 Fusion of the corridors with nearby protected Page
 The Project is being mainly implemented in 13 areas wherever feasible; in other cases, |
States/UTs, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal declaration as Ecologically Sensitive Areas or
Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Karnataka, conservation reserves to grant protection. 263
Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Tamil  During the process of securing a corridor,
Nadu, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh and West monitoring for animal movement have to be
Bengal. Small support is also being given to carried out; depending on the need, habitat
Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. restoration work shall also be done.
 States are being given financial as well as  Securing the corridors involves sensitizing
technical assistance in achieving the local communities to the option of voluntarily
objectives of the Project. relocation outside the conflict zones to safer
areas.
Elephant Corridor  Preventing further fragmentation of the
continuous forest habitat by encroachment
 An elephant corridor is defined as a from urban areas.
stretch/narrow strips of forested (or otherwise)
land that connects larger habitats with Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants
elephant populations and forms a conduit for (MIKE) Programme
animal movement between the habitats. This
movement helps enhance species survival and Mandated by COP resolution of CITES, MIKE
birth rate. program started in South Asia in the year
 There are 88 identified elephant corridors in 2003 with following purpose:
India.
 Out of total 88 corridors, 20 were in south  To provide information needed for elephant
India, 12 in north-western India, 20 in central range States to make appropriate
India, 14 in northern West Bengal and 22 in management and enforcement decisions, and
north-eastern India. to build institutional capacity within the range
States for the long-term management of their
Threats to Elephant Corridors elephant populations

 Habitat loss leading to fragmentation and Haathi Mere Saathi

destruction caused by developmental activities
like construction of buildings, roads, railways,  Haathi Mere Saathi is a campaign launched
holiday resorts and the fixing solar energized by the Ministry of environment and forest
electric fencing, etc. (MoEF) in partnership with the wildlife trust of
 Coal mining and iron ore mining is the two India (WTI).
"single biggest threats" to elephant corridors  The campaign was launched at the "Elephant-
in central India. 8" Ministerial meeting held in Delhi in 2011.
 Orissa, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, are  The E-8 countries comprise of India,
mineral-rich states, but also have the highest Botswana, the Republic of Congo, Indonesia,
number of elephant corridors in the country, Kenya, Srilanka, Tanzania, and Thailand.
which makes them known for elephant-man  This public initiative was aimed at increasing
conflicts. awareness among people and developing
 There is also a serious poaching problem, as friendship, companionship between people
elephant ivory from the tusks is extremely and elephants.
valuable.
 Elephants need extensive grazing grounds and The campaign mascot 'Gaju'
most reserves cannot accommodate them. If
protected areas are not large enough,
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The campaign focuses on various target  The vision of this program is to increase the
audience groups including locals near total rhino foundation in Assam from about
elephant habitats, youth, policy makers, 2000 to 3000 by the year 2020 and to ensure
among others. that these rhinos are distributed over at least
 It envisions setting up of Gajah (the elephant) 7 protected areas (PA) to provide long term
centers in elephant landscapes across the viability of the one-horned rhino population.
country to spread awareness on their plight Page
and invoke people's participation in Why?
addressing the threats to them. |
 Concentrating so many rhinos in a single 264
Elephant - 8 Ministerial Meeting protected area like Kaziranga exposes the
species to risks of calamities (epidemics,
 The E-8 ministerial meeting represented floods, massive poaching attempts).
regions with all 3 species of elephants, viz.,  Further, rhinos in Pabitora have exceeded
carrying capacity and numbers must be
1. Asian elephant reduced to protect the habitat and to mitigate
2. African Bush Elephant the increasing rhino-human conflicts.
3. African Forest Elephant
Project Snow Leopard
 Discussions covered a wide range of issues
categorised under three basic themes.  The snow leopard is a globally endangered
species.
1. Science and conservation  Merely 7,500 are estimated to be surviving
2. Management and conservation over two million square kilometers in the
3. Cultural and Ethical perspectives of Himalaya and Central Asian mountains.
conservation  Most snow leopard occur in China, followed by
Mongolia and India.
Indian (One Horn) Rhino Vision 2020
Threats posed due to
 One horned rhinos are poached for their
horns.  Human interference,
 Indian rhino vision 2020 implemented by the  competition with livestock – people kill them
department of environment and forests, to save their livestock,
Assam.  retreating deeper into mountains due to global
 The programme will be supported by WWF — warming, and
India, the international rhino foundation (IRF),  poaching.
and a number of local NGOs.
 Translocations are the backbone of the IRV Why to conserve the high altitude
2020 program. ecosystem?
 The goal set was to populate the potential
rhino habitat areas identified viz. Manas NP,  The high altitudes of India (> 3000 m)
Dibru Saikhowa WLS, Laokhowa - Bura (including the Himalaya and Trans-Himalaya
Chapori WLS with a viable population of rhino biogeographic zones) support a unique wildlife
through translocations from Kaziranga NP and assemblage of global conservation importance.
Pobitora WLS.  This includes highly endangered populations
 Manas National Park was selected as the first of species such as the snow leopard, two
site for translocation of rhinos. species of bears, wolf, red panda, mountain
 Ten rhinos have been released into Manas ungulates such as the wild yak, chiru, Tibetan
since 2008. Ten more rhinos will be moved gazelle, Tibetan argali, Ladakh urial, two
from Kaziranga National Park before the end species of musk deer, the hangul, three
of the year. species of goral, serow, and takin, etc. High
 Translocating rhinos will help to create a altitude lakes and bogs provide breeding
viable population of this threatened species. grounds for a variety of avifauna including the

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

black-necked crane, barheaded Geese,  To protect the remaining population of

brahminy ducks, and brown-headed gulls, etc. crocodilians in their natural habitat by
 India has ratified international agreements creating sanctuaries.
promoting the conservation of high altitude  To rebuild natural population quickly through
wildlife species such as the snow leopard. 'grow and release' or 'rear and release'
 In 2003, the Convention on Migratory technique.
Species included the snow leopard as a  To promote captive breeding. Page
Concerted Action Species under its Appendix
I. Captive breeding means that members of a |
 Similarly, in 2003, the Convention on wild species are captured, then bred and 265
International Trade in Endangered Species raised in a special facility under the care of
(CITES) expanded the scope of the CITES Tiger wildlife biologists and other expert.
Enforcement Task Force to include all Asian
big cat species including the snow leopard. Bringing an animal into captivity may
represent the last chance to preserve a species
Sea Turtle Project in the wild.

 A significant proportion of world's Olive Ridley  To take-up research to improve management.

Turtle population migrates every winter to  To build up a level of trained personnel for
Indian coastal waters for nesting mainly at better continuity of the project through
eastern coast. training imparted at project-sites and through
 With the objective of conservation of olive the (erstwhile) Central Crocodile Breeding and
ridley turtles and other endangered marine Management Training Institute, Hyderabad.
turtles, MoEF initiated the Sea Turtle  To involve the local people in the project
Conservation Project in collaboration of UNDP intimately.
in 1999 with Wildlife Institute of India,
Dehradun as the Implementing Agency. Project Hangul
 The project is being implemented in 10 coastal
States of the country with special emphasis in  The Kashmir stag also called Hangul is a
State of Orissa. subspecies of Central Asian Red Deer native to
 The project has helped in preparation of northern India.
inventory map of breeding sites of Sea Turtles,  It is the state animal of Jammu & Kashmir.
identification of nesting and breeding habitats  In Kashmir, it's found in Dachigam National
along the shore line, and migratory routes Park at elevations of 3,035 meters.
taken by Sea Turtles, development of  These deer once numbered from about 5,000
guidelines to safeguard and minimize turtle animals in the beginning of the 20th century.
mortality.  Unfortunately, they were threatened, due to
 One of the important achievements have been habitat destruction, over-grazing by domestic
demonstration of use of Satellite Telemetry to livestock and poaching.
locate the migratory route of Olive Ridley  This dwindled to as low as 150 animals by
Turtles in the sea and sensitizing the 1970. However, the state of Jammu &
fishermen and State Government for the use Kashmir, along with the IUCN and the WWF
of Turtle Exclusion Device (TED) in fishing prepared a project for the protection of these
trawlers to check turtle mortality in fishing animals.
net.  It became known as Project Hangul. This
brought great results and the population
Indian Crocodile Conservation Project increased to over 340 by 1980.

 The Indian Crocodile Conservation Project has Ganges Dolphin

pulled back the once threatened crocodilians
from the brink of extinction and place them on  The Ministry of Environment and Forests
a good path of recovery. notified the Ganges River Dolphin as
the National Aquatic Animal.
Objectives

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The River Dolphin inhabits the Ganges- plant breeders by developing new crop
Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu varieties.
river systems of Nepal,  The high yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat
India, and Bangladesh. and rice have been the key elements in green
 It is estimated that their total population is revolution.
around 2,000 and they are listed in Schedule I  Specifically the term “green revolution” refers
of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). to wheat and rice but some agricultural Page
 The Ganges Dolphin is among the four scientists even include maize, soyabean and
"obligate" freshwater dolphins found in the sugarcane where spectacular gains in yield |
world — the other three are the 'baiji found in have occurred. 266
the Yangtze River (China), the 'bhulan' of the
Indus (Pakistan) and the 'boto' of the Amazon The factors which have helped to bring
River (Latin America). about the green revolution are
 Although there are several species of marine
dolphins whose ranges include some  Introduction of high yielding varieties of crops.
freshwater habitats, these four species  Multiple cropping, better irrigation and
live only in rivers and lakes. sufficient supply of fertilizers.
 The Chinese River Dolphin was declared  Use of crop protection measures against
functionally extinct by a team of international disease and pest.
scientists in 2006.  Transfer of the technology of scientific farming
 In India, the Ganges River Dolphin from research farms to village farmers.
is threatened by river water pollution and  Better arrangements for transporting farm
siltation, accidental entanglement in fishing produce from fields to the market.
nets and poaching for their oil.
 In addition, alterations to the rivers in the Green Revolution involves
form of barrages and dams are separating
populations. Introduction of High Yielding Varieties
(HYV)
Green Revolution - Bringing Green
Revolution in Eastern India  In 1960s, the average national yield of wheat
was very low as compared to the wheat yields
Green Revolution – Modern Agriculture of agriculturally advanced countries.
 MS Swaminathan, former Director General of
 Modern agriculture has made impressive ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
contribution in increasing food grain stressed the need for reorientation of the
production in the country. entire breeding programme of tall varieties.
 The country could achieve self-sufficiency in  On the request of Indian breeders Norman E.
food grain production by using better quality Borlaug was invited from Mexico in 1963 by
of seed, proper irrigation and adequate supply the Government of India to assess the
of plant nutrients by using chemical fertilizers possibilities of using dwarf varieties in India.
and control of pests and diseases in crop  Borlaug recommended the feasibility of using
plants by using pesticides. semi dwarf wheat of Mexican origin as the
 It has also involved modern cultivation agro-climatic condition prevailing in India are
practices using tractors, combine harvesters similar to Mexico.
and tube wells for irrigation.  On his recommendation two semi dwarf
 Rapid growth in food grain production from varieties namely Lerma Rajo and Sonora-64
using seeds of high yielding variety is termed were chosen and were released for cultivation
as Green Revolution. in irrigated fields.
 These varieties gave very high yield and
What is Green Revolution? brought in revolution in wheat production.
 In 1970, Norman E. Borlaug was awarded
 The term “Green revolution” refers to Nobel prize for “Green Revolution” which also
substantial increase in grain yield obtained by helped India.
 Through extensive wheat breeding
programmes carried out during 1970-80, new
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

amber seeded, high yielding dwarf wheat  High yielding varieties usually require a lot of
varieties were developed. water and hence irrigational facilities were a
 The important high yielding varieties include prerequisite for green revolution.
‘Kalyan Sona’, ‘Sharbati, Sonara’, ‘Sonalika’  India has a wide variety of water resources
were released. These varieties responded and a highly varied climate. Under such
favorably to fertilizer and irrigation. conditions, several different kinds of irrigation
systems are adopted to supply water to Page
Use of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides agricultural lands. These include wells,
canals, rivers and tanks. |
 Chemical fertilizers are generally of the  Wells: There are two types of wells, namely 267
following types: dug wells and tube wells. This kind of
irrigation is widely practiced in plain regions
1. Nitrogenous fertilizers: Nitrogen containing of India. Overexploitation of wells is well
fertilizers e.g. ammonium sulphate, observed in Punjab-Haryana region.
ammonium nitrate and urea.  Canals: This is usually an elaborate and
2. Phosphate fertilizers: Phosphate containing extensive irrigation system. In this system
fertilizers e.g. ammonium phosphate, calcium canals receive water from one or more
dihydrogen phosphate (superphosphate) reservoirs or from rivers. Canal irrigation is
3. Potassium fertilizers: Potassium containing well suited for regions with clayey soil as
fertilizers e.g. potassium sulphate and clayey soil prevents water percolation. Mostly
potassium nitrate. practiced in south India and Ganga-Yamuna
region.
 River Lift Systems: In areas where canal flow
 Nitrogenous fertilizers promote plant growth
is insufficient or irregular due to inadequate
and are essential for food production. But they
reservoir release, the lift system is more
should be used judiciously. Inefficient
rational. Water is directly drawn from the
absorption by crops and wasteful application
rivers for supplementing irrigation in areas
of fertilizers are the main causes of
close to rivers. Mostly practiced in South
environment pollution.
India.
 The unused fertilizers then enter surface
 Tanks: These are small storage reservoirs,
water (rivers, lakes, ponds) and ground water.
which intercept and store the run-off of
 Fertilizers cause environmental pollution
smaller catchment areas.
when used indiscriminately and cost us
dearly.
 Pesticides are chemicals which have been Second Green Revolution For
developed to kill or control organisms called Sustainable Livelihood
pests which are unwanted in agriculture. They
are source of environmental pollution.  The first Green Revolution was to ensure food
security as there was severe scarcity of food in
Mechanization Of Agriculture the country.
 The second Green Revolution aims at
 Increase in productivity on large areas of land creating sustainable agriculture by
brought the idea of farm mechanization. leveraging advancements in technology.
 To cope up with the shortage of agricultural
labour, farm mechanization was the obvious Why we need Second Green Revolution
choice for completing agricultural operations.
 The machines which perform various jobs at  With the growing population and over-
the farm are water pump, ploughs, combine exploitation of land resources, the pressure on
harvesters, land levelers, cultivators, power food security will continue and rise.
operated tractor sprays, reapers, threshers,  65% of the population is still living in the
trolleys and mechanical pickers etc. villages and over 70% of the rural people are
dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.
Irrigation  Green Revolution, launched in mid-1960s,
were mainly confined to certain areas. He said
it was not successful in rain-fed areas, which

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

contribute about 60% of the country's total

food-grain production.
 The Green Revolution has made us self-
sufficient in food grains but the environmental
consequences and ecological costs are
offsetting the progress made.
 The ground water is depleted and polluted. Page
The lakes and ponds are becoming life less
due to eutrophication – a direct consequence |
of Green Revolution. 268
 Growth in the agricultural sector has been
almost stagnant.
 GM Crops are marred in various controversies  BGREI is flagship programme
related to intellectual property, ecological under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
consequences, health consequences etc. (RKVY).
 Global warming is said to engulf productive  It is intended to address the constraints
coastal lands due to rise in sea levels. This limiting the productivity of “rice based
creates an urgent need to raise agricultural cropping systems”.
productivity.  The BGREI program was announced in the
Union Budget, 2010-11.
It is necessary to develop a suitable strategy to  BGREI focuses on bringing the second Green
improve agricultural development in India. Revolution in eastern region, which has rich
water resources.
 Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
What we want from Second Green
Odisha, West Bengal and eastern Uttar
Revolution Pradesh (Purvanchal) are the seven states.

 Improving agricultural production while Objectives of BGREI

generating gainful self-employment for the
small farmers and weaker sections of the
 Harness the water potential for enhancing
society.
agriculture production in Eastern India which
 Scaling up food production without disturbing
was hitherto underutilized.
the ecological balance.
 Yield maximization of rice and wheat per unit
 Boosting agricultural development, women
area by improving agronomy, Water harvesting
empowerment and environmental protection.
and conservation; and Water utilization
[Women are the major power in agriculture as
(recycling of conserved water – surface water
about 65-70% of the labour in crop production
as well as groundwater).
is contributed by women].
 Promotion of recommended agriculture
 Reclaiming degraded and low fertile lands and
technologies and package of practices by
lands deprived of irrigation.
addressing the underlying constraints.
Bringing Green Revolution in Eastern Government Initiatives To Strengthen
India (BGREI) BGREI

 Green Revolution that turned India from  The ICAR has established IARI, Hazaribagh in
'begging bowl' to leading producer of food- Jharkhand and Indian Institute of
grains. Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi.
 BGREI is about binging similar benefits to  It has also established National Research
eastern India that largely remained untouched Centre for Integrated Farming at Motihari in
of the wonder that converted the north-west Bihar to further strengthen the agricultural
into a ‘grain bowl’. research for the eastern region.
 Central Agricultural University (CAU) has been
sanctioned six new Colleges for the North-
Eastern States.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

How to Make Second Green Revolution a

Success

Precision Agriculture

 The wealth of data if harnessed appropriately,

can help farmers make the most efficient use Page
of vital inputs such as water and fertilizer by
applying them in precise amounts. |
 Testing of samples of soil from agricultural 269
fields is vital for achieving nutrient
stewardship.
 Mobile-based applications for farmers will
form an important part of the data-driven
precision agriculture approach.

Efficient Use of Water

 Agriculture is a broad term encompassing all
 Laser levelling is a technology that can grade aspects of crop production (food and fibre),
an agricultural field to a flat surface by using livestock farming, fisheries, forestry etc.
a laser-guided scraper.  Food and fibre productivity has increased by
 Laser levelling has been shown to improve using new technologies, mechanization,
crop yields, reduce labour time spent weeding, increased use of fertilizers and pesticides and
and, in particular, reduce water use for expansion of irrigation facilities.
irrigation by up to 20-25 per cent.  These changes reduced the labour demand to
 Developing additional water sources through produce the majority of the food and fibre.
tube wells, dug wells and farm ponds.  Although these changes have had the positive
 Promotion of Flood, Drought, and Salinity effect, they also caused some serious
tolerant rice varieties. environmental and social problems such as
 Use of Drum seeders for timely planting of erosion of top soil, depletion and pollution of
direct seeded rice. groundwater and other water resources,
unemployment of farm laborers due to their
Sustainable Agricultural Practices replacement by farm machinery.
 In view of the growing negative consequences
 Cultivation practices to increase biological and of modern agriculture there is growing
economic stability. demand to promote “sustainable agriculture”.
 Selection of improved varieties to suit the  Sustainable agriculture is the production of
need. food, fiber, plant or animal products
 Soil management by proper method of tillage. using farming techniques that protect the
 Organic farming. environment, public health, human and
animal welfare.
Sustainable Agriculture - Organic  Sustainable agriculture incorporates many
Farming – Biofertilizers environmentally safe agricultural practices
and offers innovative and economically viable
Concept Of Sustainable Agriculture opportunities for farmers, laborers,
consumers, policymakers and many others in
the entire food system.
 Sustainable farming systems are those that
are least toxic and least energy intensive and
yet maintain productivity and profitability.
E.g. Organic farming.
 Thus, sustainable agriculture is one that,

1. supports profitable production;

2. protects environmental quality;
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

3. uses natural resources efficiently; 3. polyculture, in which different plants

4. provides consumers with affordable, high- maturing at various times are planted
quality products; together.
5. decreases dependency on non-renewable
resources; Advantages of Mixed cropping
6. enhances the quality of life for farmers and
rural communities; and  This practice has many advantages because Page
7. will last for generations to come. fertilizer and water requirement of plants are |
different so there is less need of these inputs.
Methods Of Sustainable Agriculture  Pests are controlled naturally because their 270
natural predators find multiple habitats to
 At the planning level one must take into survive.
account the local geography (topography), soil  It has been found that this practice produces
condition and nature, local climate, pests, much higher yield per hectare compared to
local inputs and the farmer’s goals. monoculture.
 The grower (farmer) must then select
appropriate practices. Monoculture
 Several methods adopted in sustainable
agriculture are:  Large scale mechanization lead to the spread
of monoculture i.e. only one crop variety is
1. cultivation practices to increase biological sown in the entire area when only one
and economic stability. cultivator is planted in a large area.
2. selection of improved varieties to suit the  This system (monoculture) uses lot of
need. fertilizer, pesticide, water. This practice may
3. soil management by proper method of be productive for some time but causes
tillage. environmental and economic problems. E.g.
Paddy and wheat cultivation.
Mixed cropping or diverse cropping
Crop rotation
 In mixed cropping or diverse cropping two or
more crops are grown all at the same time in a  It is practice of growing different crops in
field. regular succession in the same field.
 If by chance one crop fails, the others crops  This practice controls insects and diseases,
cover the risk of total crop failure. increases soil fertility and decreases soil
 Usually a long duration crop is grown with a erosion.
short duration one so that both get sufficient  Generally soil cannot sustain continuous
nutrition at the time of maturity. cropping with high yielding single crop
 Generally a leguminous crop is grown along because certain nutrients required by the crop
with the main crop. get exhausted totally while others remain
 Legumes helps to increase soil fertility by unutilized leading to serious nutrients
fixing atmospheric nitrogen. This saves the imbalance in soil and encouraging certain
cost of chemical fertilizers. diseases and pests.
 The various plans followed in diverse or mixed  Sowing a leguminous crops (e.g. green gram)
cropping practices are: as a rotational crop is very useful because
legumes enhance nitrogen level in the soil,
1. polyvarietal cultivation where several reduces the need for chemical nitrogen
genetic varieties of the same crop are planted. fertilizer thereby saving the soil from the
2. intercropping where two or more different harmful effects of using high yielding varieties
crops are grown at the same time on a plot along with the application of large amount of
like carbohydrate rich cereal that uses soil fertilizer, pesticides and water.
nitrogen and nitrogen fixing legume that puts  It is possible to grow two or sometimes three
back the nitrogen in the soil. different crops in succession on the same land
within a year is known as multiple cropping.
This practice can go on for some time but the

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

land cannot maintain high yield in the long  A healthy soil is a key component of
run. sustainable agriculture. That is healthy soil
 Crop rotation takes into amount the following along with water and nutrients produces
factors: healthy crops that are less susceptible to
pests and diseases.
1. Leguminous crop should be grown after  Accordingly, soil must be protected and
non-leguminous crop. nurtured to ensure long term productivity and Page
2. Crops require less water (irrigation) should stability.
be grown after one – that requires more  Methods of protection include using cover |
water. crops, compost, reducing tillage, conserving 271
3. Crops requiring less manure should be soil moisture by dead mulches, this increases
sown after one that requires more manure. water hold capacity of the soil.

 Important crop patterns of crop rotation Nutrient Management

1. Green gram - Wheat – Moong  There are sixteen nutrients which are
2. Ground nut – Wheat – Moong essential for plants.
3. Arhar – Sugarcane – Wheat – Moong  Air supplies carbon and oxygen, hydrogen
4. Paddy – Wheat – Moong comes from water, and soil supplies the other
thirteen nutrients to plants.
Mixed Farming  Amongst these thirteen nutrients, six are
required in large quantities and are therefore
 Optimum diversity may be obtained by called macronutrients.
integrating both crops and livestock in the  The other seven nutrients are used by plants
same farming operation. in small quantities and are therefore called
micronutrients
Mixed crop along with livestock operations  Deficiency of these nutrients affects
have several advantages. physiological processes in plants including
reproduction, growth and susceptibility to
1. Growing crops only on more level land and diseases.
pastures or forages on steeper slopes will
reduce soil erosion.
2. Pasture and leguminous forage crops in
rotation enhance soil quality and reduce
erosion; livestock manure, in turn, contributes
to soil fertility.
3. Livestock can buffer the negative impacts of
low rainfall periods by consuming crop residue
which in “plant only” systems would have
been considered crop failure.
4. Feeding and marketing are flexible in animal
production systems. This can help cushion
farmers against price fluctuations and, make
more efficient use of farm labour.

Strip Farming: This method is another

method of soil erosion. This involves planting
the main crops in widely spaced rows and
Macronutrients
filling in the spaces with another crop to
ensure complete ground cover. The ground is
completely covered so it retards water flow  Based on the relative abundance in plants,
which thus soaks down into the soil, viz., Nitrogen (N); Phosphorous (P), Potassium
consequently reducing erosion problems. (K), Sulfur (S), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium
Soil Management (Mg)

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Micronutrients and shoot tips and storage organs is also

affected by calcium as it is a component of cell
 Their concentration is very small. They are membranes. Calcium is also vital for pollen
also referred to as minor elements. growth and to prevent leaf fall.
 Iron (Fe); Zinc (Zn); Manganese (Mg), Copper
(Cu), Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl) and Bio-Fertilizers And Their Use In
Molybdenum (Mo). Agriculture Page
 In some plants, other than the above, Sodium
|
(Na), Cobalt (Co), Vanadium (Va), Nickel (Ni)  For a sustainable agriculture system, it is
and Silicon (Si) are considered as essential essential to use renewable inputs (fertilizer, 272
micronutrients pesticides, water etc.) which can benefit the
plant and cause no or minimal damage to the
Nitrogen (N) environment.
 One of the energy efficient and pollution free
 N is an essential constituent of proteins and is method is to exploit the ability of certain
present in many other compounds of great microorganisms like bacteria, algae and
physiological importance in plant metabolism fungi to fix atmospheric nitrogen, solubilize
 N is an integral part of chlorophyll, which is phosphorus, decompose organic material or
primary observer of light energy needed for oxidize sulphur in the soil.
photosynthesis.  When they are applied in the soil, they
 N also imparts vigorous vegetative growth and enhance growth and yield of crops, improve
dark green colour to plants. soil fertility and reduce pollution. They are
known as “bio fertilizers”.
Phosphorus (P)  Thus bio-fertilizers are living or biologically
active products or microbial inoculants of
 Phosphorus (P) is an essential part of the bacteria, algae and fungi (separately or in
enzymes which help the crop to fix light combination) which are able to enrich the soil
energy. with nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter etc.
 It forms an integral part of nucleic acids, the  Following are some of the important types of
carriers of genetic information, and is bio fertilizers which can be considered for agro
important in stimulating root growth based industries.

Potassium (K) Rhizobium biofertiliser

 Potassium (K) is involved in processes which  Rhizobium is a symbiotic bacteria forming

ensure carbon assimilation and the root nodules in legume plants. These nodules
transportation throughout the plant for act as miniature nitrogen production factories
growth and the storage of sugars and proteins. in the fields.
 The potassium ion is also important for water  The nodule bacteria fix more nitrogen (N2)
regulation and uptake. than needed by legume plant and the bacteria.
 Furthermore, the presence of potassium in The surplus fixed nitrogen is then secreted
sufficient amounts ensures resistance to frost, and fertilizes the soil.
drought and certain diseases  Rhizobium is more efficient than-free living
nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Others
Azotobacter biofertiliser
 Magnesium occurs in chlorophyll and is also
an activator of enzymes,  Azotobacter are aerobic free living nitrogen
 Sulphur forms part of two essential amino fixers.
acids which are among the many building  They grow in the rhizosphere (around the
blocks of protein. It is also found in vitamin roots) and fix atmospheric nitrogen
B1 and in several important enzymes. nonsymbiotically and make it available to the
 Calcium is required for plant growth, cell particular cereals.
division and enlargement. The growth of root

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 These bacteria produce growth promoting  But there is a need to develop a strain that
hormones which helps in enhancing growth can tolerant to high temperature, salinity and
and yield of the plant. resistant to pests and diseases.
 Production technology is very easy and can be
Azospirillium biofertiliser adopted by rice farmers.
 The only constraint in Azolla is that it is an
 These are aerobic free living nitrogen aquatic plant and water becomes Page
fixers which live in associative symbiosis. limiting factor in growing it particularly in
summer. |
 In this type of association bacteria live on the
root surface of the host plant and do not form 273
any nodule with roots of grasses. Phosphorus solubilizing biofertiliser
 It increases crop yield and its inoculation
benefits crop. They also benefit the host plants  Phosphorus is an important element required
by supplying growth hormones and vitamins. for plant growth. This element is also needed
 These bacteria are commonly used for the for nodulation by rhizobium.
preparation of commercial inoculants  Some microorganisms are capable of
(vaccines, culture medium). solubilizing immobilized phosphorus making it
available to plants for absorption.
Blue green algae
Mycorrhizal fungi biofertiliser
 Blue green algae (BGA or cyanobacteria)
like Nostoc and Anabaena are free living  Mycorrhizal fungi acts as biofertiliser and are
photosynthetic organisms also capable of known to occur naturally on roots of forest
fixing atmospheric nitrogen. trees and crop plants.
 In the flooded rice fields blue green algae  Mycorrhizal fungi resist disease in plants.
serves as a nitrogen biofertiliser. The plants also show drought and salinity
resistance. Plants can tolerate adverse
Consider the following organisms soil, pH, high temperature and heavy metal
toxicity.
1. Agaricus  In soils low in available nutrients there is an
2. Nostoc increased absorption of nutrients by plants
3. Spirogyra infected with Mycorrhiza.
 The fungus has the ability to dissolve and
Which of the above is/are used as absorb phosphorus that plant roots cannot
biofertilizer/biofertilizers readily absorb.
 A wise way will be to develop an integrated
1. 1 and 2 nutrient supply system involving the
2. 2 only combination of chemical fertilizers and
3. 2 and 3 biofertilisers.
4. 3 only
Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in
Answer: b) 2 only [Not sure] rehabilitating degraded sites because
mycorrhiza enables the plants to
Azolla biofertilisers
1. resist drought and increase absorptive area
2. tolerate extremes of pH
 Azolla is a water fern inside which grows the 3. Resist disease infestation
nitrogen fixing blue green algae Anabaena.
 It contains 2-3% nitrogen when wet and also
Select the correct answer using the codes
produces organic matter in the soil.
given below:
 The Azolla-Anabaena combination type
biofertiliser is used all over the world. This can
be grown in cooler regions. a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

d) 1, 2 and 3  The syngas and excess heat can be used

directly or employed to produce a variety of
Answer: d) all biofuels.

Compost Tea Agricultural Benefits of Bio char

 Compost Tea is a Liquid fertilizer for flowers,  It increases crop yields, sometimes Page
vegetables and houseplants. substantially if the soil is in poor condition.
|
 Compost tea is an aerobic (in the presence of  It helps to prevent fertilizer runoff and
oxygen) water solution that has extracted the leeching, allowing the use of less fertilizers. 274
microbe population from compost (dead and  It retains moisture, helping plants through
decaying matter) along with the nutrients. periods of drought more easily.
 In simple terms, it is a concentrated liquid  Most importantly, it replenishes exhausted or
created by a process to increase the numbers marginal soils with organic carbon
of beneficial organisms as an organic  It fosters the growth of soil microbes essential
approach to plant/soil care. for nutrient absorption,
 Air is sent through the water to keep the water particularly mycorrhizal fungi.
oxygenated, as this favors the beneficial  Bio char can increase soil fertility of acidic
bacteria and fungi over the pathogens. soils (low pH soils)[pH < 7 = Acidic Soils; pH >
 At the end of the brewing cycle, what you have 7 = Basic Soils] [The most fertile soils are
is a concentrated liquid full of billions of slightly acidic (pH just below 7)]
microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa,  Bio-char reduces the acidity of the soil,
nematodes) that can then be sprayed directly protects the plants from diseases, promotes
onto the leaf surface. growth of friendly microorganisms, and
 The liquid fertilizer occupies the infection sites reduces the loss of micro nutrients apart from
on the leaf surface and is held there by simple increasing water retain-ability.
sugars that the plant puts out that work as a
glue to keep the beneficial microorganisms Kollam, Kerala, is famous for fishing and
thriving and protecting the plant. fishery-related activities; as an agricultural
sector, it does not evoke any enthusiasm.
Bio char Why?

 Bio char is found in soils around the world as  With the prevailing soil and climatic
a result of vegetation fires and historic soil conditions which favors leaching and draining
management practices. of soil nutrients into the Arabian sea and
 Intensive study of bio char-rich dark earths in Ashtamudi Lake, the soil has high acidity
the Amazon (terra preta), has led to a wider making it unfit for cultivation of any kind
appreciation of bio char’s unique properties as (Why? Because friendly microorganisms don’t
a soil enhancer. like acidic medium. They like slightly alkaline
 Bio char is charcoal that is as soil amendment or basic medium [having a pH greater than 7]).
(minor improvement).  Bio char can make a difference to the
 It created using a pyrolysis process agriculture of the region.
(decomposition brought about by high
temperatures), heating biomass in a low Other Environmental Benefits
oxygen environment.
 Once the pyrolysis reaction has begun, it is  Most carbon in the soil is lost as greenhouse
self-sustaining, requiring no outside energy gas (carbon dioxide, CO2) into the atmosphere
input. if natural ecosystems are converted to
 Byproducts of the process include syngas (H2 agricultural land.
+ CO), minor quantities of methane (CH4)  Soils contain 3.3 times more carbon than the
(greenhouse gas), organic acids and excess atmosphere.
heat.  This makes soils an important source of
 Once it is produced, bio char is spread on greenhouse gases but also a potential sink if
agricultural fields and incorporated into the right management is applied.
top layer of soil.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The use of crop residues for bio-energy  Organic farmers build healthy soils by
production reduces the carbon stocks in nourishing the microbial inhabitants that
cropland. release, transform, and transfer nutrients.
 Further the dedication of cropland to bio-fuel  Soil organic matter contributes to good soil
production increases the area of cultivated structure and water-holding capacity.
land and thus carbon loss from soils and  Organic farmers feed soil biota and build soil
vegetation. organic matter with cover crops, compost, and Page
 Bio char remains stable for millennia, biologically based soil amendments. These
providing a simple means to sequester produce healthy plants that are better able to |
carbon emissions. resist disease and insect predation. 275
 If bio char is returned to agricultural land it  Organic farmers’ primary strategy in
can increase the soil’s carbon content controlling pests and diseases is prevention
permanently and would establish a carbon through good plant nutrition and
sink for atmospheric CO2. management.
 Organic farmers use cover crops and
Organic Farming sophisticated crop rotations to change the
field ecology, effectively disrupting habitat for
weeds, insects, and disease organisms.
 Weeds are controlled through crop rotation,
mechanical tillage, and hand-weeding, as well
as through cover crops, mulches, flame
weeding, and other management methods.
 Organic farmers rely on a diverse population
of soil organisms, beneficial insects, and birds
to keep pests in check.
 When pest populations get out of balance,
growers implement a variety of strategies such
as the use of insect predators, mating
disruption, traps and barriers.

Some important benefits of organic farming

and organic foods

 Organic farming can be learnt easily by any

conventional farmer.
 Switching to organic farming, conventional
 Organic farming is a type of agriculture or farmer can actually reduce its production cost
farming which avoids the use of synthetic by over 25% as.
fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and  Eliminates the use of expensive synthetic
livestock feed additives. fertilizers and pesticides, minimizing soil
 Organic farming systems rely on crop degradation.
rotation, crop residues, animal manures,  Organic farms can support substantially
legumes, green manure, off-farm organic higher levels of wildlife especially in low lands
wastes and biofertilisers, mechanical and where animals can roam in pastures or
cultivation, mineral bearing rocks to maintain graze on grassland.
soil productivity to supply plant nutrients and  Entire ecosystems and ground water are
biological pest control, controlling weeds, improved by simply following organic farming
insects and other pests. methods.
 All kinds of agricultural products can be  When dairies feed their cows organic feed and
produced organically, including grains, meat, graze them on organic fields, the cows
dairy, eggs, fibres such as cotton, jute, flowers experience better health, less sickness,
etc. Thus organic farming creates a diseases and ultimately produce better tasting
sustainable lifestyle for generations to come. milk for consumers.
 Organic farming promotes healthy soils rich in
micro nutrients and which can be used for

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

decades to grow crops without getting  Pest on cucumber plant called red spider mite
exhausted. is controlled by using a predatory mite that
 Consumers purchasing organically grown feed on red spider mite.
foods are tastier.  Citrus fruits in California heavily damaged by
 Organically grown products are free from scale insects which were controlled by
harmful chemicals, artificial flavors and Australian ladybird which ate away the
preservatives that ultimately cost consumers insects. Page
more money than non-organically grown
products. Cultivation practices |
276
Vermicomposting  A variety of cultivation practices like crop
rotation, polyculture and inter cropping etc.
 Vermicomposting is an appropriate technique can be used to get rid of the pests.
for efficient recycling of animal wastes, crop  Some amounts of insecticides, mostly of plant
residues and agro-industrial wastes. origin (e.g. Pyrethrum and Rotenone neem
 The process of conversion of organic materials product) are applied as a last resort.
into manure is chiefly microbiological.  Pest and disease resistant crop plants can be
 Earthworms are important for producing produced by genetic engineering. Example is
vermicompost from organic wastes. Bt cotton, insecticidal for bacterial gene
 Vermicompost can be prepared from all sorts (Bacilus thuringinesis) introduced into cotton
of organic residues – animal waste, sericulture plant making cotton plant resistant to pest.
residues, dairy and poultry residues, bagasse
from sugarcane factories, sorghum straw, rice Disadvantages of Integrated Pest
straw after feeding cattle, dry leaves, Management (IPM)
groundnut husk and wheat husk, waste
vegetables, weeds (particularly Parthenium  Farmer should have an expert knowledge
hysterophorus or Congress weed before about each pest.
flowering) etc..  It acts more slowly than conventional
pesticides.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)  Methods developed for a crop in one area
might not apply to areas with even slightest
 In this approach, each crop and its pests are different growing conditions.
evaluated as parts of an ecological system.  Initial cost may be higher but in the long-term
 Then farmers develop a control programme cost become very low.
that includes cultivation, biological and
chemical methods applied in proper sequence Genetically Modified Crops -
and with the proper timing. Benefits/Controversies
 The aim of IPM is not to eradicate the pest
population completely but to keep the crop Biotechnology – Genetically Modified
damage to economically tolerable level. (GM)
 Farmers monitor the field and when they find
the pest level to be high enough, they first use  With conventional breeding practices reached
biological methods and cultivation practices to their saturation point, the “gene revolution”
control and then use small amounts of seems to hold lot of potential.
insecticides mostly insecticides derived from  Agricultural biotechnology or gene technology
plants as a last resort. or genetic engineering may act as the second
“green revolution” that can be used to create
Biological control includes high yielding crop varieties that are:

 Natural predators, parasites and pathogens of 1. herbicide tolerant,

the pests are used. 2. insect resistant,
3. resistant to pathogens like virus, bacteria
Examples are: and fungi

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

4. have better nutritional value and other in corn, potato, tomato, tobacco etc. making
commercial properties. them insect resistant (bio pesticides).
 “Golden Rice” a transgenic with
 The crop plants produced by these techniques enhanced vitamin A content producing
are called “transgenic” or genetically nutritionally rich rice to save many lives.
modified (GM) plants or genetically modified  Salt and flood tolerance genes have been
organisms (GMOs). incorporated in rice so that Bt rice in China Page
shows higher yield and a huge reduction in
pesticide use. Such rice can be grown on |
saline soil. 277
 By slowing down and controlling ripening in
tomato by introducing a bacterial gene
that prevents ethylene formation thus
delaying ripening. Such tomatoes are easy to
handle during transportation and remains on
the shelf for a long time.
 Cold damage to crop plants can be minimized
by introducing genes for antifreeze proteins
(AFPs) found in the blood of artic fishes.
 Frost resistant tomatoes have been produced
by introducing gene for antifreeze proteins
from polar fish living in ice water.
 Plant biotechnology can help to make
intensive agriculture less damaging to the
environment as well as help the country to
spend less money on fertilizers, pesticides,
herbicides etc.

Benefits of GM Crops
 By using the technique of genetic engineering
it has been possible to genetically transform Crops
large number of agricultural and ornamental
crops.  Enhanced taste and quality.
 Reduced maturation time.
Transgenics have been produced with the  Increased nutrients, yields, and stress
following aims: tolerance.
 Improved resistance to disease, pests, and
 Crop resistance to herbicides. herbicides.
 Crop resistance to insects and diseases.  New products and growing techniques.
 Atmospheric nitrogen fixation by cereal crops.
 Tolerance to high salt soils and to flooding in Animals
crops.
 Drought resistance in crops.  Increased resistance, productivity, hardness,
 Improving nutritional quality of crops. and feed efficiency.
 Prolonging shelf life of fruits and vegetables.  Better yields of meat, eggs, and milk.
 Improved animal health and diagnostic
Some important examples of transgenics or methods.
GMOs are:
Environment
 Bt cotton produced by incorporating Bt gene
which encodes for BT toxin (insecticidal  “Friendly” bioherbicides and bioinsecticides.
protein in Bacillus thuringiensis) in the  Conservation of soil, water and energy.
cotton plant. The plant becomes insect  Bioprocessing for forestry products.
resistant and this gene has been incorporated  Better natural waste management.
 More efficient processing.
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Society  The ineffectiveness of genetically modified

(GM) cotton against the recent whitefly attack
 Increased food security for growing in Punjab and Haryana raised more questions
population. regarding the effectiveness of GMO.
 The whitefly attack in Punjab damaged over
Controversies Surrounding GM crops 75 per cent crop across the cotton belt.
 This has raised concern among agricultural Page
Safety experts and farmers over the growing
dependency on Bt cotton. |
 Potential human health impact: allergens, 278
transfer of antibiotic resistance markers, Bt cotton
unknown effects.
 Potential environmental impact: unintended  Strains of the bacterium Bacillus
transfer of transgenes through thuringiensis produce over 200 different Bt
crosspollination, unknown effects on other toxins, each harmful to different insects.
organisms (e.g., soil microbes) and loss of flora  Most notably, Bt toxins are insecticidal to the
and fauna biodiversity larvae of moths and butterflies, beetles, cotton
bollworms but are harmless to other forms of
Access and intellectual property life. (this is why Bt cotton failed against
whitefly).
 Domination of world food production by a few
companies. Newer Agricultural Practices & Misc
 Increasing dependence on industrialized Topics
nations by developing countries.
 Biopiracy—foreign exploitation of natural Newer Agricultural Practices
resources.
 Modern agriculture includes animal
Ethics husbandry, poultry farming, apiculture,
fisheries and mushroom culture etc. to
 Violation of natural organisms’ intrinsic provide additional food supplements like milk,
values. meat, fish, egg, mushroom etc.
 Tampering with nature by mixing genes  In addition to provide nutritional food for the
among species. masses, they also reduce load on the
 Objections to transferring animal genes in consumption of cereals and pulses.
plants and vice versa.
 Stress for animal. Revolutions in Agriculture

Labeling Revolution Related with

Green Food grain Production
 Not mandatory in some countries (e.g. United Golden Fruit Production
States). Grey Fertilizer Production
 Mixing GM crops with non-GM confounds Blue Fish Production
labeling attempts. Black Petroleum Production
Pink Prawn Production
Society Round Potato Production
Red Meat/Tomato Production
 New advances may be skewed to interests of Silver Egg/Poultry Production
rich countries. White Milk Production
Yellow Oil seeds Production
Effectiveness Various Agricultural Activities

Name Agricultural Activity

SilviCulture art of cultivating forest trees
Sericulture rearing of silkworms for the production of raw silk

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Apiculture maintenance of honey bee colonies, commonly in hives, by humans

Olericulture science of vegetable growing, dealing with the culture of non-woody (herbaceous)
plants for food
Viticulture science, production and study of grapes
Floriculture discipline of horticulture concerned with the cultivation of flowering and
ornamental plants for gardens
Arboriculture cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other Page
perennial woody plants
|
Pomology branch of horticulture which focuses on the cultivation, production, harvest, and
storage of fruit, etc. 279
Aeroponics process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or
an aggregate medium
Hydroponics method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil.
Geoponic farming practice, refers to growing plants in normal soil
Aquaponics System that combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such
as snails, fish, crayfish or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants
in water) in a symbiotic environment.
Poultry farming Apiculture

 Poultry farming is a term used for rearing and  Apiculture is also known as bee-keeping.
keeping of birds such as fowl, duck and hen  Apiculture or bee-keeping is the art of
for egg and meat. controlling colonies of honey bee in large
 Poultry farming has become popular because quantity for commercial production of honey.
this is comparatively easy to start and  There are three major advantages of bee-
maintain. keeping: (i) provides honey- a valuable food (ii)
 It gives quick return within one to six month provides bee wax- which has many uses in
of investments, is easily manageable and industry (iii) honey bees are excellent
required less space and labour. Poultry birds pollinating agents which increase agricultural
and their eggs are rich source of nutrients. yields.
 Indian poultry birds provide good quality meat
but produces small sized eggs. They have Fish culture and aquaculture
natural immunity against common diseases as
compared to exotic varieties bred abroad. Consequences Of Over fishing in seas

Mushroom culture  Over fishing take place to such an extent that

very little breeding stock (fish population) is
 Mushrooms are kind of fungus which appear left to maintain the special number.
as white tiny balls consisting of a short stem  Prolonged over fishing leads to commercial
and a cap which opens like an umbrella later. extinction when the population of the species
 They lack chlorophyll and grow on organic becomes so low that it is no longer profitable
matter or waste materials from farms or to hunt them.
factories, useless by-products can be recycled  Fishing methods such as trawling and drift
as medium to grow mushrooms for human nets capture everything in their way
consumption. indiscriminately. Sometimes 70% of the catch
 Out of the large number of mushroom species is thrown away.
only some are edible.  Commercial fish catching disturbs non-target
 Mushrooms are good source of high marine animals. Dredges and trawls also
quality proteins and are rich in vitamins and adversely affect the marine habitats.
minerals.
 Like fruits and vegetables mushrooms are Aquaculture offers a potential solution
perishables and require a great deal of
attention during storage, marketing and  Aquaculture offers a potential solution to the
processing. depleted ocean fisheries as well as meeting the
demand for sea food.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 The current “blue revolution” of aquaculture  Sea weeds are used for human consumption,
has taken up the shape of an industry with as cattle and poultry feed, as manure and for
intensive use of resources and has adverse industrial purpose as a source of agar-
environmental impacts. agar and algin.
 Ecological aquaculture (Eco-aquaculture) need
to be promoted with a focus on developing Animal Husbandry
aquatic farming system that preserve the. Page
 Areas where fish are reared commercially are
 The branch of agriculture that deals with |
known as artificial fisheries. The fishes are
breeding, feeding and care of domestic
bred, reared and later harvested. 280
animals is called animal husbandry.
 Depending on the nature of water in which
 Animal husbandry is an integral part of
fish is reared fisheries can be:
modern agriculture as animal sources provide
us important food materials like milk, egg,
1. Marine fisheries: fishing operations along the meat etc.
coastline, e.g. Mackerels, Sardines, Catfish.  Cows and buffaloes are our chief sources of
2. Fresh water or inland fisheries: fish found in milk. Milk producing animals are called milch
rivers, irrigation canals, reservoirs, lakes, animals.
tanks, ponds etc. e.g. Rohu, Catla, Mystus.  Hens are egg laying animals. Fishes, pigs,
3. Estuarine or brackish water fisheries: hens and goats are our major sources of meat.
estuaries are where river water and sea water  Animal husbandry plays a prominent role in
get mixed like backwaters, lagoons, coastal the rural economy in supplementing the
lakes, delta channels. They are more common income of rural households.
in Bengal and Kerala. E.g. Mullet, Milkfish,
Pearlspot.
Diseases in Domesticated Animals
4. There are several other aquatic resources such
as molluscs (oyster, mussels, squids, octopus,
cuttlefish etc.) and seaweeds which have been
exploited for aquaculture.
Disease Pathogen Animal affected Symptoms
Foot and Virus Cattle Blisters on the mouth and foot, excessive
mouth production of saliva, loss of appetite, high body
disease temperature, shivering.
Pox Cow, buffalo, Appearance of small nodules and fever.
sheep, goat
Dermatitis Goat and sheep Irritation, blisters and eruptions on the skin.
Tuberculosis Bacteria Cattle Infection of udders, lungs, intestine and other
parts, swelling of lungs and fever.
Rinderpest Cattle Discharge from eyes, nostrils, loss of appetite,
constipation followed by severe diarrhoea.
Anthrax Cattle, sheep, Swelling of body, fever, reduction in milk secretion.
goat, pigs
Salmonellosis Cattle Diarrhoea with blood clots and fever
Mastitis Cattle Swallow udders, fever, milk becomes watery .
 The foot and mouth disease of cattle is very  Fragmentation of land holding.
common, dangerous and contagious disease.  Existence of small and marginal farmers.
The affected animals are slaughtered and the  Regional variation.
dead ones are buried deep or burned so as to  Dependence of seasonal rainfall.
stop the disease from spreading.  Low productivity of land.
 Another dreaded disease is anthrax which  Increasing of disguised unemployment.
spreads easily. Such animals after death must  Disorder in marketing of Agricultural
be burnt and disposed of completely. products.
 Weak land reformation.
Problems of Indian Agriculture  Environmental concerns due to green
revolution.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Crop Classifications  Pulses are major source of protein in Indian

vegetarian diet.
Classification based on climate  Red gram, Black gram, Green gram, Cowpea,
Bengalgram, Horsegram, Dewgram, Soyabean,
 Tropical: Crops grow well in warm & hot Peas or gardenpea, Garden bean etc.
climate. E.g. Rice, sugarcane, Jowar etc
 Temperate: Crops grow well in cool climate. Oil Seed Crops Page
E.g. Wheat, Oats, Gram, Potato etc. |
Groundnut or peanut, sesamum, sunflower,
Classification Based on growing season castor, linseed or flax, rapeseed & mustard. 281

 Kharif/Rainy/Monsoon crops: The crops Sugar Crops

grown in monsoon months from June to Oct-
Nov, require warm, wet weather at major  Sugarcane and sugar beet.
period of crop growth, also required short day
length for flowering. E.g. Cotton, Rice, Byproducts of Sugar Industry
Jowar, bajara.
 Rabi/winter/cold seasons crops: The crops  Molasses, bagasse, pressmud
grown in winter season from Oct to March  Molasses used for alcohol and yeast
month. Crops grow well in cold and dry formation.
weather. Require longer day length for  Bagasse for paper making and fuel.
flowering. E.g. Wheat, gram, sunflower  Pressmud used for soil amendment
 Summer/Zaid crops: crops grown in summer  Trash (green leaf + dry foliage) — the waste is
month from March to June. Require warm dry used for cattle feed
weather for major growth period and longer  Sugar beet — Tuber for extraction of sugar
day length for flowering. E.g. Groundnuts,  Tubers and tops are used as a fodder for cattle
Watermelon, Pumpkins, Gourds. feed

Agronomic Classification of Crops With reference to the usefulness of the by-

products of sugar industry, which of the
Cereals following statements is/are correct?

 Cereals are cultivated grasses grown for their 1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the
edible starchy grains. Larger grains used as generation of energy.
staple food are cereals. Rice, wheat, maize, 2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks
barley, rye and oats. for the production of synthetic chemical
fertilizers.
Millets 3. Molasses can be used for the production of
ethanol.
 These are staple food of poor people.
Select the correct answer using the codes
Major millets given below.

 Sorghum or Jowar, Pearl Millet or Bajra and 1. 1 only

Finger millet or ragi 2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
Minor millets 4. 1, 2 and 3

 Fox tail millet, Little millet, Common millet, Ethanol is alcohol.

Barnyard millet and Kodomillet.
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Pulses or Grain Legumes
Starch Crops or Tuber Crops

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Potato, cassava, sweet potato etc.  Irrigated crops: Crops cultivated with the help
of irrigation water. E.g. Chili, sugarcane,
Stem Fibres Banana, papaya etc.

 Jute, mesta (pulicha keerai), sun hemp, sisal Classification based on root system
hemp
 Tap root system: The main root goes deep into Page
Narcotics - Stimulates Nervous System the soil. E.g. Tur, Grape, Cotton etc. |
 Fiber rooted: The crops whose roots are
 Tobacco, betelvine and arecanut. fibrous shallow & spreading into the soil. E.g. 282
Cereal crops, wheat, rice etc.
Plantation Crops
Classification based on economic
 Tea – leaf, Coffee – seed, rubber, cocoa – seed, importance
palm – oil, sugarcane – sugar etc.
 Cash crop: Grown for earning money. E.g.
Spices and Condiments Sugarcane, cotton.
 Food crops: Grown for raising food grain for
 Products of crop plants are used to flavor taste the population and & fodder for cattle. E.g.
and sometime color the fresh preserved food. Jowar, wheat, rice etc.
E.g. ginger, garlic, chili, cumin onion,
coriander, cardamom, pepper, turmeric etc. Classification based on No. of cotyledons

Medicinal & aromatic crops  Monocots or monocotyledons: Having one

cotyledon in the seed. E.g. all cereals &
 Medicinal plants includes cinchona, isabgoli, Millets.
opium poppy, senna, belladonna, rauwolfra,  Dicots or dicotyledonous: Crops having two
iycorice and aromatic plants such as lemon cotyledons in the seed. E.g. all legumes &
grass, citronella grass, palmorsa, Japanese pulses and almost all the trees.
mint, peppermint, rose, jasmine, henna etc.
Classification based on length of
Classification based on life of photoperiod required for floral initiation
crops/duration of crops
 Most plants are influenced by relative length
 Seasonal crops: A crop completes its life cycle of the day & night, especially for floral
in one season. E.g. rice, Jowar, wheat etc. initiation, the effect on plant is known as
 Two seasonal crops: crops complete its life photoperiodism.
cycle in two seasons. E.g. Cotton, turmeric,  Short-day plants: Flower initiation takes place
ginger. when days are short less then ten hours. E.g.
 Annual crops: Crops require one full year to rice, Jowar, green gram, black gram etc.
complete its life cycle. E.g. sugarcane.  Long day's plants: require long days are more
 Biennial crops: Crops requires two year to than ten hours for floral initiation. E.g. Wheat,
complete its life cycle E.g. Banana, Papaya. Barley, etc.
 Perennial crops: crops live for several years.  Day neutral plants: Photoperiod does not have
E.g. Fruit crops, mango, guava etc. much influence for phase change for these
plants. E.g. Cotton, sunflower, etc.
Classification based on cultural
method/water Cropping pattern

 Rain fed: Cultivation of crop mainly based on  The yearly sequence and spatial arrangement
the availability of rain water. E.g. Jowar, of crops and fallow on a given area is called
Bajara, Mung etc. cropping pattern

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Cropping system obtain extra yields with intercrop without

compromise in the main crop yields
 Multiple cropping: Growing more than two
crops in a piece of land in a year in orderly Disadvantages
succession. It is also called as intensive
cropping. It is used to intensify the  Higher amount of nitrogen has to be applied
production. It is possible only when assured for mineralization of organic matter in zero Page
resources are available (land, labour, capital tillage
|
and water)  Perennial weeds may be a problem
 Double cropping: Growing two crops a year in  High number of volunteer plants and buildup 283
sequence. Example: Rice - Pulse of pests
 Triple cropping: Growing three crops a year in
sequence. Example: Rice - Rice - Pulse Advantages
 Monoculture: Repetitive growing of the same
sole crop in the same land.  Better use of growth resources including light,
 Mono cropping: Continuous production of one nutrients and water
and the same crop year after year or season  Suppression of weeds
after season is called mono cropping.  Yield & stability - even if one crop fails due to
 Sole cropping: One crop variety grown alone in unforeseen situations, another crop will yield
a pure stand at normal density. and provides some secured income
 Successful intercropping gives higher
Intercropping equivalent yields (yield of base crop + yield of
intercrop), higher cropping intensity
 Growing two or more crops simultaneously  Reduced pest and disease incidences
with distinct row arrangement on the same  Improvement of soil health and agro-eco
field at the same time. system Examples of Inter cropping
 Base crop: primary crop which is planted/
sown at its optimum sole crop population in 1. Maize + Cowpea
an intercropping situation. 2. Sorghum + Redgram
 Intercrop : This is a second crop planted in 3. Groundnut + Redgram
between rows of base crop with a view to 4. Potato + Mustard
5. Wheat + Mustard
Inter cropping Mixed cropping
The main objective of inter cropping is to The main objective of mixed cropping is insurance
utilize the space between rows of main crop against crop failure.
and to produce more grain per unit area
There is no competition between main and There is competition between component crops. Here
inter crop (subsidiary crop) all crops are given equal importance and care.
Hence, there is no difference between component
crops
In inter cropping, the main crop may be a Crops may or may not be of same duration
long duration one and the inter crop may
be a short duration/early maturing one
Main and inter crops are sown in definite There is no specific row arrangement. Generally crop
row arrangement seeds are mixed and broadcasted
The sowing time of both the crops may or The sowing time of component crops is same.
may not be the same. Sometimes the main
crops is sown earlier than the inter crop
Permaculture  It uses ecology as the basis for designing
integrated systems of food production,
 It is a contraction of "permanent agriculture" housing, appropriate technology, and
or "permanent culture." community development.
 It is defined as a design system for creating
sustainable human environments.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Permaculture is built upon an ethic of caring of transplanting, water and weed

for the earth and interacting with the management.
environment in mutually beneficial ways.  It emphasizes altering of certain agronomic
 A central theme in Permaculture is the design practices of the conventional way of rice
of ecological landscapes that produce food. cultivation.
 Emphasis is placed on multi-use plants,  All these new practices are together known as
cultural practices such as sheet mulching and System of Rice Intensification (SRI). Page
trellising, and the integration of animals to
recycle nutrients and graze weeds. Principle - 'More with Less' |
284
Micro Irrigation  SRI is not a fixed package of technical
specifications, but a system of production with
 Micro irrigation is defined as the methods in four main components, viz., soil fertility
which low volume of water is applied at low management, planting method, weed control
pressure & high frequency. The system has and water (irrigation) management.
extensive network of pipes at operated at low  Rice yield increased with less water and with
pressure. At pre-determined spacing outlets reduction in chemical inputs.
are provided for emission water generally
known as Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI)

Sprinkler Irrigation  Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) is an

innovative set of agronomic practices that
 In the sprinkler method of irrigation, water is involves using less seeds, raising seeds in a
sprayed into the air and allowed to fall on the nursery, and following new planting methods,
ground surface somewhat resembling rainfall. with wiser seed spacing, and better water and
The spray is developed by the flow of water nutrient management to increase the cane
under pressure through small orifices or yield significantly.
nozzles.  SSI methods can increase sugarcane yields b
at least 20% with 30% less water and a 25%
Drip irrigation reduction in chemical inputs.
 The SSI method of sugarcane cultivation was
evolved from the principles of 'More with Less
 Drip irrigation is also called trickle irrigation
followed in SRI (System of Rice Intensification)
and involves dripping water onto the soil at
and introduced in India in 2009.
very low rates from a system of small diameter
plastic pipes fitted with outlets called emitters.
 Water is applied close to plants so that only Tillage - Advantages
part of the soil in which the roots grow is
wetted, unlike surface and sprinkler irrigation,  greater volume of soil may be obtained for
which involves wetting the whole soil profile. cultivation of crops,
 excess water may percolate downward to
Terracing recharge the permanent water table,
 reduce runoff and soil erosion,
 roots of crop plants can penetrate deeper to
 "A terrace is an embankment or ridge of earth
extract moisture from the water table.
constructed across a slope to control runoff
 Clean tillage: It refers to working of the soil of
and minimize soil erosion".
the entire field in such a way no living plant is
 It reduces the length of the hill side slope,
left undisturbed. It is practiced to control
thereby reducing sheet and rill erosion and
weeds, soil borne pathogen and pests.
prevents formation of gullies.
 Blind tillage: It refers to tillage done after
seeding or planting the crop (in a sterile soil)
System of Rice Intensification (SRI) either at the pre - emergence stage of the crop
plants or while they are in the early stages of
 SRI is a combination of several practices those growth so that crop plants (cereals, tuber
include changes in nursery management, time

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

crops etc.) do not get damaged, but extra 1. Coal bed methane is the pure methane gas
plants and broad leaved weeds are uprooted. extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a
 Zero tillage (No tillage): In this, new crop is mixture of propane and butane only that can
planted in the residues of the previous crop be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary
without any prior soil tillage or seed bed rocks.
preparation and it is possible when all the 2. In India abundant coal bed methane sources
weeds are controlled by the use of herbicides. exist, but so far no shale gas sources have Page
been found.
Advantages of Zero tillage |
Which of the statements given above is/are 285
 Zero tilled soils are homogenous in structure correct?
with more number of earthworms.
 Organic matter content increases due to less a. 1 only
mineralization. b. 2 only
 Surface runoff is reduced due to presence of c. Both 1 and 2
mulch. d. Neither 1 nor 2

Disadvantages of Zero tillage CBM = Methane

 Higher amount of nitrogen has to be applied Shale gas = Lot of Methane + Little Ethane,
for mineralization of organic matter in zero Propane, & Butane + very little carbon
tillage. dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide.
 Perennial weeds may be a problem.
 High number of volunteer plants and buildup Abundant shale reserves occur in India.
of pests.

Renewable & Non-Conventional Sources

Of Energy

Renewable & Non-Conventional Sources

Of Energy

With reference to two non-conventional

energy sources called ‘coal bed methane’
and ‘shale gas’, consider the following
‘statements:
Fuel Production Advantages Limitations
Nuclear energy Nuclear fission  No air pollution  High cost of construction of nuclear
(splitting of atom) and  Fuel efficient plant.
Nuclear fusion  Fear of security and nuclear accidents.
 Problem of safe disposal of nuclear
waste.

Hydropower Dams built on river for World's  Ecosystems behind dams disturbed.
electricity generation hydroelectricity  Human settlements up rooted.
capacity high  Habitat loss and biodiversity loss.
 Developmental cost high.
 Fertile farmland lost
 Amount of nutrient rich silt on down
river agricultural fields reduced.

Solar energy From natural sunlight  Environment  Limited capacity for storage of sunlight.
friendly  Cloud cover.
 Ample or  Collecting equipment expensive.
unlimited

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

availability.
Wind energy Fans for directing  No pollution  Not available everywhere or
winds in use from long Available for free intermittently available.
for irrigation crops  Fans of wind mills visual hazards for
flying birds and aeroplanes (visual
pollution).
Page
Tidal energy Harnessing tidal power Free and clean  Structures (plant) used for harnessing
by suitable structures energy expensive. |
 Plant disrupts natural flow of estuary
and concentrate pollutants in the area. 286

Geothermal energy Wells drilled to trap  Environment  Steam contains Hydrogen

steam which powers friendly Sulphide (H2S) having odour of rotten
electrical generators. eggs.
Steam naturally  Minerals in the steam corrosive to pipe
produced from lines and equipment causing
underground water maintenance problems.
which gets heated due  Minerals in the water toxic to fish.
to very high
temperature that
region.
Biomass Cutting trees for fuel  Cheap so popular Comparatively low level of energy.
wood and burning them in  Bulky so difficult to transport.
straight away under developed  Burning wood causes air pollution.
and  Destruction of forests to obtain fuel
developing wood and so desertification.
countries  Release lot of fly ash.

Biomass Obtaining energy from  Renew able  May lead to food shortage because
conversion chemical energy. Stored energy nutrients not returned to soil from
in biomass (or live biomass.
material). Burned  Growing maize for ethanol requires more
directly for cooking or energy expenditure than the amount of
to produce electricity energy in the form of alcohol retrieved.
converted to ethanol or  Land for growing food used for growing
methane (biogas) biomass for conversion into fuel.

Solid waste Waste sorted and  Decreases cost of Causes air pollution for burning releases
burnable material fresh disposal CO2 and other gases.
separated  Reduces need for Waste such as bleached paper and
land fill sites plastics have chlorine containing
compounds which form. dioxins which
are highly toxic and suspected to be
carcinogenic.

Biomass [Conventional Source] Sources of biomass

 Biomass is a renewable energy resource  By-products from the timber industry,

derived from plant and animal waste. agricultural crops and their byproducts, raw
 The energy from biomass (biomass conversion) material from the forest, major parts of
is released on burning or breaking the household waste and wood.
chemical bonds of organic molecules formed  Solid Biomass fuels: Wood logs and wood
during photosynthesis. pellets, charcoal, agricultural waste (stalks
 Biomass fuels can be used directly or they can and other plant debris), animal waste (dung),
be transformed into more convenient form and aquatic plants (kelp and water hyacinths)
then used.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

urban waste (paper, cardboard and other  Indian sugar mills are rapidly turning to
combustible materials). bagasse, the leftover of cane after it is crushed
and its juice extracted, to generate electricity.
Conversion to gaseous and liquid biofuels  This is mainly being done to clean up the
environment, cut down power costs and earn
 Biomass can be converted into alcohol (liquid additional revenue.
biofuels) by distillation. Page
 Liquid Biofuels: Ethanol, Methanol, Gasoho, Biogas plant
|
Biodiesel.
 Gaseous Biofuels: Synthetic natural gas  The biogas plant consists of two components: 287
(biogas), Wood gas: Methane – 70% and CO2 – a digester (or fermentation tank) and a gas
30%. holder.
 Instead of burning loose biomass directly, it is  The gas holder cuts off air to the digester
more practical to compress it into briquettes (anaerobiosis) and collects the gas generated.
(compressing them into blocks of a chosen  Any biodegradable (that which can be
shape) improve its utility and convenience of decomposed by bacteria) substance can be
use. fermented anaerobically (in absence of oxygen)
 Such biomass in the biomass briquettes can by methane-producing (methanogenic)
be used as fuel in place of coal in traditional bacteria.
furnaces or in a gasifier.  Cowdung or faeces are collected and put in a
 A gasifier converts solid fuels into a more biogas digester or fermenter (a large vessel in
convenient-to-use gaseous fuel called which fermentation can take place).
producer gas.  A series of chemical reactions occur in the
presence of methanogenic bacteria (CH4
Uses of biomass generating bacteria) leading to the production
of CH4 and CO2.
 In the developed world biomass is becoming
important for applications such as combined Petro crops (Plants)
heat and power generation.
 Biomass energy is gaining significance as a  Recent researches suggest that hydrocarbon
source of clean heat for domestic heating and producing plants can become alternative
community heating applications. energy sources, which can be inexhaustible
and ideal for liquid fuel.
Advantages of biomass energy  These plants
called petroplants/petrocrops can be grown
 Burning of biomass does not increase on land which are unfit for agriculture and not
atmospheric carbon dioxide because to begin covered with forests. Jatropa curcas is an
with biomass was formed by atmospheric important petro plant.
carbon dioxide and the same amount of  Biocrude can be obtained by tapping the latex
carbon dioxide is released on burning. of Jatropa curcas.
 Biomass is an important source of energy and  Biocrude is a complex mixture of liquids,
the most important fuel worldwide after coal, terpenoids, triglycerides, phytosterols waxes,
oil and natural gas. and other modified isoprenoid compounds.
 Biomass is renewable and is abundantly  Hydro cracking of biocrude can convert it into
available on the earth in the form of firewood, several useful products like gasoline
agricultural residues, cattle dung, city garbage (automobile fuel), gas oil and kerosene.
etc.  Some potential Petro-crop species belong to
 Bio-energy, in the form of biogas, which is family Asclepiadaceae and Euphorbiaceae.
derived from biomass, is expected to become
one of the key energy resources for global Geothermal Energy
sustainable development.
 Geothermal energy is natural heat from the
Bagasse as biofuel
interior of the earth that can be used to

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

generate electricity as well as to heat up danger of global warming because there will
buildings. not be any CO2 emission.
 The core of the earth is very hot and it is  Hydrogen may be a clean source of energy but
possible to make use of this geothermal getting large amount of pure hydrogen for
energy. commercial purposes is a problem because
 These are areas where there are volcanoes, hot hydrogen is present in combination with other
springs, and geysers, and methane under the elements such as oxygen, carbon and nitrogen Page
water in the oceans and seas. thus hydrogen has to be produced from either
 In some countries, such as in the USA water water or organic compounds like methane etc. |
is pumped from underground hot water requiring large amounts of energy. This is a 288
deposits and used for heating of houses. very costly proposition.
 Geothermal resource falls into three major  Producing hydrogen from algae in large scale
categories: i) Geopressurized zones, ii) hot- cultures is possible. It may be possible to
rock zones and iii) Hydrothermal convection control photosynthesis so that green algae are
zones. Of these three only the first is currently able to produce hydrogen through the process
being exploited on a commercial basis. of photosynthesis.
 Hydrogen is a pollution free, cost effective
Geothermal energy in India manner and if technologies such as fuel cells
can be made cost effective, then hydrogen has
 In India, Northwestern Himalayas and the the potential to provide clean, alternative
western coast are considered geothermal energy for diverse uses, including lighting,
areas. power, heating, cooling, transportation and
 The Geological Survey of India has already many more.
identified more than 350 hot spring sites,
which can be explored as areas to tap Fuel Cell Technology
geothermal energy.
 The Puga valley in the Ladakh region has the  Fuel cells are highly efficient power-generating
most promising geothermal field. systems that produce electricity by combining
fuel (hydrogen) and oxygen in an
Environmental impact of geothermal electrochemical reaction.
energy  Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that
convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly
 Geothermal energy can pose several and very efficiently into electricity (DC) and
environmental problems which includes on- heat, thus doing away with combustion.
site noise, emissions of gas and disturbance at  Hydrogen and phosphoric acid are the most
drilling sites. common type of fuel cells, although fuel cells
 The steam contains hydrogen sulphide gas, that run on methanol, ethanol, and natural
which has the odour of rotten eggs, and cause gas are also available.
air pollution.  The most suitable fuel for such cells is
 The minerals in the steam are also toxic to hydrogen or a mixture of compounds
fish and they are corrosive to pipes, and containing hydrogen.
equipment, requiring constant maintenance.  A fuel cell consists of an electrolyte
sandwiched between two electrodes. Oxygen
Hydrogen Energy passes over one electrode and hydrogen over
the other, and they react electrochemically to
 Many scientists believe that the fuel for the generate electricity, water, and heat.
future is hydrogen gas.  Though rapid progress has been made; high
 When hydrogen gas burns in the air or in fuel initial cost is still the biggest hurdle in the
cells, it combines with oxygen gas to produce widespread commercialization of fuel cells.
non-polluting water vapour and fuel cells  The rapidly depleting fossil fuel sources of
directly convert hydrogen into electricity. energy and escalating demand of energy have
 Widespread use of hydrogen as fuel would made it necessary to look for alternative
greatly reduce the problem of air pollution and sources of energy that are known as
renewable or inexhaustible. We can define
inexhaustible energy resources as ‘those
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

resources which can be harnessed without photovoltaic (PV) cells commonly called solar
depletion’. Most of these resources are free cells.
from pollution and some of them can be used  Photovoltaic cells are made of silicon and
at all places. These renewable energy other materials. When sunlight strikes the
resources are also known as non-conventional silicon atoms it causes electrons to eject. This
or inexhaustible or alternate energy sources. principle is called as ‘photoelectric effect’.
These energy sources are solar, flowing water,  A typical solar cell is a transparent wafer that Page
wind, hydrogen and geothermal. We get contains a very thin semiconductor.
renewable solar energy directly from the sun  Sunlight energizes and causes electrons in the |
and indirectly from moving water, wind and semiconductor to flow, creating an electrical 289
biomass. Like fossil fuels and nuclear power, current.
each of these alternatives renewable sources
of energy has their own advantages and With reference to technologies for solar
disadvantages. We are going to discuss some power production, consider the following
of them in detail. statements:

Solar Energy 1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates

electricity by direct conversion of light into
 Direct solar energy can be used as heat, light, electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a
and electricity through the use of solar cells. technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to
 Direct use of solar energy can be used through generate heat which is further used in
various devices broadly directed into three electricity generation process.
types of systems a) passive, b) active c) 2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current
photovoltaic. (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct
Current (DC).
Passive solar energy 3. India has manufacturing base for Solar
Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
 As you know some of the earliest uses of solar
energy were passive in nature such as to Which of the statements given above is / are
evaporate sea water for producing salt and to correct?
dry food and clothes.
 In fact solar energy is still being used for these a. 1 only
purposes. The more recent passive uses of b. 2 and 3 only
solar energy is for cooking, heating, cooling c. 1, 2 and 3
and for the day lighting of homes and d. None
buildings.
Explanation:
Active use of solar energy
Photoelectric effect = When light strikes on a
 Active solar heating and cooling systems rely material, electrons are dislodged [photons
on solar collectors which are usually mounted dislodge electrons].
on roofs.
 Such systems also requires pumps and Photovoltaic = The dislodged electrons if
motors to move the fluids or blow air by fan in channeled through a conductor will create
order to deliver the captured heat. electric current (voltage Or potential
 A number of different active solar heating difference) = Solar Panels. [Electric current is
systems are available. The main application of nothing but movement of electrons from high
these systems is to provide hot water, potential to low potential area (more electrons
primarily for domestic use. to less electrons region)]

Solar cells or photovoltaic technology Solar thermal = converting light into heat
= solar cooker, solar water heater.
 Solar energy can be converted directly into
electrical energy (direct current, DC) by Photovoltaics generate direct current (DC).
[Rotating = AC, Stationary = DC. Electric
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

generator, wind turbine generate AC while  One of the greatest advantages of hydropower
solar panels generate DC] is that once the dam is built and turbines
become operative, it is relatively cheap and
Solar thermal is mostly used for water heating clean source of energy.
purposes. Electricity can be generated by  Hydropower also has some disadvantages,
using hot water steam to rotate turbine = AC building of dam seriously disturbs and
current. damages the natural habitats and some of Page
them are lost forever.
|
In India both solar panels and solar cookers
are manufactured. [Remember Indian – USA Ministry of New and Renewable Energy 290
WTO ‘domestic content’ dispute?] (MNRE)

Answer: a) 1 only  The ministry was established as the Ministry

of Non-Conventional Energy Sources in 1992.
Tidal energy
It adopted its current name in October 2006.
 The Ministry is mainly responsible for
 Tidal power projects attempt to harness the
energy of tides as they flow in and out. 1. research and development,
 The main criteria for a tidal power generation 2. intellectual property protection, and
site are that the mean tidal range must be 3. international cooperation, promotion, and
greater than 5 metres. coordination in renewable energy sources
 The tidal power is harnessed by building a such as wind power, small hydro, biogas, and
dam across the entrance to a bay or estuary solar power.
creating a reservoir.
 As the tide rises, water is initially prevented Aim
from entering the bay. Then when tides are
high and water is sufficient to run the
 To develop and deploy new and renewable
turbines, the dam is opened and water flows
energy for supplementing the energy
through it into the reservoir (the bay), turning
requirements of India.
the blades of turbines and generating
electricity.
Mission
 Again when the reservoir (the bay) is filled, the
dam is closed, stopping the flow and holding
the water in reservoir when the tide falls (ebb  Bring in Energy Security;
tide), the water level in the reservoir is higher  Increase the share of clean power;
than that in the ocean.  Increase Energy Availability and Access;
 The dam is then opened to run the turbines  Improve Energy Affordability; and
(which are reversible), electricity is produced  Maximise Energy Equity.
as the water is let out of the reservoir.
 The dams built to harness the tidal power Initiatives
adversely affect the vegetation and wildlife.
 Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission
Hydropower Energy (JNNSM)
 Remote Village Lighting Programme
 Hydroelectric power uses the kinetic energy of  National Biogas and Manure Management
moving water to make electricity. Programme (NBMMP)
 Generation of electricity by using the force of  Solar Lantern Programme LALA
falling water is called hydroelectricity or hydel  Solar thermal energy Demonstration
power. It is cheaper than thermal or nuclear Programme
power.  National Biomass Cookstoves Initiative
 Dams are built to store water at a higher level; (NBCI)[8]
which is made to fall to rotate turbines that  National Offshore Wind Energy Authority
generate electricity.
Key functional area

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency  This accounts to over 60% of total system
(IREDA) costs.
 Integrated Rural Energy Programme (IREP);  For solar thermal, guidelines mandated 30%
 Commission for Additional Sources of Energy project to have domestic content.
(CASE);  A vigorous controversy emerged between
power project developers and solar PV
Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar equipment manufacturers. Page
Mission (JNNSM)  The former camp prefers to source modules by
accessing highly competitive global market to |
attain flexible pricing, better quality, 291
 Also known as the National Solar Mission
predictable delivery and use of latest
 Objective
technologies.
 The latter camp prefers a controlled/planned
1. To establish India as a global leader in solar environment to force developers to purchase
energy, by creating the policy conditions for its modules from a small, albeit growing, group of
diffusion across the country as quickly as module manufacturers in India.
possible.  Manufacturers want to avoid competition with
2. To promote ecologically sustainable growth global players and are lobbying the
while addressing India’s energy security government to incentivize growth of local
challenges. industry.
 US Trade Representative has filed a complaint
 Major contribution by India to the global effort at World Trade Organization challenging
to meet the challenges of climate change. India’s domestic content requirements citing
 One of the several initiatives that are part discrimination against US exports.
of National Action Plan on Climate Change.  WTO ruled in favor of USA.
 The program was inaugurated in 2010.
 Initial target was 20GW by 2022 and it was
Indian Renewable Energy Development
increased to 100 GW in 2015 Union budget.
 Long term goal: Global leader in solar energy;
Agency (IREDA)
maximum in energy production.
 Immediate goal: Setting up an enabling  IREDA is a Mini Ratna (Category – I)
environment for solar technology penetration Government of India Enterprise.
in the country.  It is under the administrative control of
MNRE.
Targets are set for three phases  IREDA is Public Limited Government
Company established as a Non-Banking
1. First phase 2010-13 Financial Institution in 1987 engaged in
2. Second phase 2013–17 promoting, developing and extending financial
3. Third Phase 2017–22 assistance for setting up projects relating to
new and renewable sources of energy and
 At each stage progress will be reviewed and energy efficiency/conservation with the motto:
roadmap for future targets will be adopted. “Energy For Ever”.
 Total target of 100,000 MW by 2022.
 MNRE has proposed to achieve it through Objectives
40,000 MW through Rooftop Solar Projects
and 60,000 MW through Large and Medium  To give financial support to specific projects
Scale solar projects. and schemes for generating electricity and /
or energy through new and renewable sources
Domestic content controversy and conserving energy through energy
efficiency.
 To increase IREDA's share in the renewable
 Guidelines for the solar mission mandated energy sector by way of innovative financing.
cells and modules for solar PV projects based
on crystalline silicon to be manufactured in
With reference to the Indian Renewable
India.
Energy Development Agency Limited

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

(IREDA), which of the following statements  Coal, petroleum and natural gas are called
is/are correct? fossil fuels, as they are the remains of
prehistoric plants, animals and microscopic
1. It is a Public Limited Government Company. organisms that lived millions of year ago.
2. It is a Non – Banking Financial Company.  During the Carboniferous period 275-350
million years ago, conditions in the world
Select the correct answer using the code given were suitable for formation of large deposits of Page
below. fossil fuels.
|
a. 1 only Coal 292
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2  Coal is formed from plants and vegetation
d. Neither 1 or 2 buried, ‘in situ’ or drifted in from outside to a
place, which got covered by deposits of
Answer: c) Both 1 and 2 sediments.
 Coal is a solid fossil fuel and a sedimentary
Non-Renewable Sources Of Energy rock composed primarily of carbon. There are
three basic grades of coal: i) lignite (brown
Non-Renewable Sources Of Energy coal), ii) bituminous (soft coal) and
iii) anthracite (hard coal).
 Fossil fuels represent stored solar energy
captured by plants in the past geological Formation of coal
times.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Problems with Coal Mining

 Coal is most abundant fossil fuel on earth, but

there are problems associated with its mining,
transportation and use.
 Coal is mined from both (i) surface mines, and
(ii) underground mines. Page
|
Surface mining
293
 Surface mining disrupts and drastically
changes the natural landscape and destroys
the natural vegetation and the habitat of many
 Coal is the result of plant material that grew species, some of which may already be
in fresh water swamps approximately three endangered.
hundred million years ago.  Mining operations, involving digging, blasting,
 As this plant material died and accumulated, removal of rocks and soil lying over the coal
peat also called peat bog was formed. seam, cause serious problems of air and noise
 Since the plant material accumulated under pollution.
water, in the swamps decay was inhibited due  Surface mining may also cause soil erosion
to lack of oxygen. and silt loading (the discharge of silts into
 Oceans inundated many of the areas of peat streams) and canals that disrupt and pollute
and sediments from the sea were deposited, the aquatic ecosystems as well as ground
over the peat. water in places where aquifers are located
 The weight of these sediments and the heat of near or associated with coal seams.
the earth gradually changed the composition
of the peat bog and coal was formed.
Underground mining
 Today peat also is used as source of fuel in
some parts of the world though its high water
 Underground mining may cause collapse or
content makes it a low-grade fuel.
land subsidence in the mining areas during or
 Peat is changed into coal after many centuries
after mining operations are over.
of being compressed by the weight of
 In case of some mines acid mine drainage
sediments. It first changes into a low-grade
from the mine waste pollutes long stretches of
coal known as lignite (brown coal).
streams.
 The percentage of carbon in the lignite is
 Coal bed methane in underground mines
higher than in peat. Continued pressure and
causes fires.
heat from the earth changes lignite
into bituminous soft coal.
 If the heat and pressure were great enough Apart from these problems, burning of coal in
then anthracite coal (hard coal) would be thermal power plants for generation of
formed which has the highest heat and carbon electricity and in industry is the prime source
content. of air pollution.
 Accordingly energy content is greatest in
anthracite coal and lowest in lignite. Petroleum Or Mineral Oil
 The sulphur content of coal is important
because on burning low sulphur coal emits
less sulphur dioxide (SO2) so more desirable
as a fuel for power plants.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

Page
|
294

 Oil and gas were formed from the remains of boiling points. The important components are
plants and animals that once lived in the sea. gases, gasoline, aviation fuel, kerosene, diesel
 For over millions of years these remains oil, naphtha, grease and wax and asphalt.
remained buried under mud and rock under  Some of the products of oil distillation are
great pressure and at high temperatures. called petro-chemicals which are used as raw
 Under these conditions marine biomass material for the manufacture of pesticides,
gradually changed into oil and gas. plastics, synthetic fibers, paints and
 Oil and gas are primarily found medicines etc.
along geologically young tectonic belt at plate
boundaries, where large depositional basins Natural Gas
are more likely to occur.
 Petroleum or crude oil (oil as it comes out of
 Natural gas, primarily consist of methane, is
the ground), is a thick dark liquid consisting
often found above reservoirs of crude oil.
of a mixture hundreds of combustible
 The natural gas is a mixture of 50 to 90% by
hydrocarbons along with small amounts
volume of methane (CH4), the simplest
of sulphur, oxygen and nitrogen impurities.
hydrocarbon.
It is also known as conventional oil or light oil.
 It also contains small amounts of heavier
 Deposits of crude oil and natural gas are
gaseous hydrocarbons such as ethane
usually trapped together under the sea floor or
(C2H6), propane (C3H8) and butane
earth’s crust on land.
(C4H10) and also small amounts of highly
 After it is extracted, crude oil is transported to
toxic hydrogen sulphide (H2S).
a refinery by pipelines, trucks or ships (oil
 Natural gas is formed through geological
tanker).
processes similar to the processes of crude oil
 In refineries oil is heated and distilled to
formation described earlier except the organic
separate it into components with different

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

material gets changed to more volatile the casing lining the well is missing or
hydrocarbons than those found in oil. corroded.
 Almost every oil well produces liquid  About half of the oil that contaminates the
petroleum along varying amounts of natural ocean comes from natural seepage from
gas. However, there are large gas deposits offshore deposits.
without any liquid petroleum being associated  20% of the oil contaminating the ocean comes
with them. from oil well, blowouts, pipeline breaks and Page
tankers.
Conventional natural gas |
Nuclear Energy Sources 295
 It lies above most reservoirs of crude oil. These
deposits can be tapped/used only through  Radioactive minerals are used to generate
pipeline. nuclear energy through high technological
 But the natural gas that comes out along with methods.
oil is often looked as unwanted by product  There are two methods which can be used to
and is burned off. release energy from radioactive minerals:

Unconventional natural gas 1. Nuclear fission – In this process, the nucleus

of heavy atom namely of uranium (U
 It is found by itself in other underground 235) or plutonium (P239) breaks apart into
reservoirs. So far it is very expensive to get smaller fragments, releasing an enormous
natural gas from such unconventional sources amount of energy.
but technology is being developed to extract 2. Nuclear fusion – In this process, small
the gases economically. nucleus like those of isotopes of hydrogen,
 When a natural gas field is namely deuterium and tritium fuse or join
tapped, propane and butane gases, present in together to form heavier nuclei, releasing vast
natural gas are liquefied and removed amounts of energy.
as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
 LPG is stored in pressurized tanks or Nuclear fission
cylinders for use as cooking gas. At a very low
temperature natural gas can be converted
 Radioactive mineral, which generates nuclear
to liquefied natural gas (LNG).
energy through fission, may be considered a
 Natural gas is used as a source of carbon used
non-renewable alternative source of energy as
in tyre industry. When natural gas is strongly
it is an ore and is found in limited quantities.
heated, then methane gets in it decomposed to
 Nuclear fission occurs because the atom of
form carbon and hydrogen.
radioactive minerals contains nuclei that are
 The carbon thus formed is called carbon
unstable and break or split apart releasing
black and used as filler in the manufacture of
energy.
tyres.
 Whenever a neutron strikes a nucleus of U-
235, energy is
Problems associated with oil and gas
released, krypton and barium are produced,
and several neutrons are released.
 Methane being major component of natural  These new neutrons may strike other atoms of
gas, happens to be a greenhouse gas and its U-235 to produce a chain reaction.
leakage contributes to global warming.  When this nuclear disintegration takes place
 Extraction of oil and gas may cause sinking of particles from the nucleus including neutrons
land or subsidence. fly out.
 Another major problem in the past with  The neutron may cause other atomic nuclei to
onshore oil wells has been brine (salt water). split releasing more neutrons and more
Typically, for every barrel of oil production ten energy.
barrels of brine are also extracted.  Once begun this chain reaction continuous to
 In early days the brine was simply discarded release energy until the fuel is spent or the
into nearby streams or on the soil. Today most neutrons are prevented from striking other
brine is reinjected into the well. However, nuclei.
brine can contaminate fresh water aquifers if
[Link] [Link] [Link]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 In the reactor of a nuclear power plant, the  The steam produced powers a turbine that
rate of nuclear chain reaction is controlled produces electricity. Cooling water is used to
and the heat generated is used to produce condense the steam after it has gone through
high pressure steam, which spins turbine that the turbine
generate electricity.  Two other nuclear technologies for generating
 Heat produced here is carried away by water electricity from nuclear fuel in a safe and
coolant and transferred by way of heat economic way have also been proposed, but so Page
exchanger to the water in a steam-generating far they have not proved operationally
unit. successful. These are: (i) nuclear breeder |
reactor, (ii) fusion reactor. 296

Nuclear breeder reactor is actually used to produce steam for

generating electricity.
 The nuclear reactors operating today use  A nuclear reactor that can utilize between
uranium very inefficiently. About 1% uranium 40% and 70% of its nuclear fuel is called
a breeder reactor.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Breeder reactors convert more

abundant uranium -238 or thorium -
232 fissionable isotopes, Plutonium-
239 or Uranium -233 respectively, that can
sustain a nuclear chain reaction.

Nuclear fusion reactor Page

|
 The principle for nuclear fusion involves, as
you are aware, uniting two small atoms to 297
form a large atom with the release of an
enormous amount of energy.
 The energy produced by stars and the sun is
the result of nuclear fusion.
 Generation of energy by this method so far,
however, has not been possible though lot of
research has focused on the fusion reaction of
deuterium (D) and tritium (T) (two isotopes of
hydrogen) which fuse at about 100 million
degrees.

Problems related to nuclear energy

generation

The major problems associated with the

generation of nuclear power are

 disposal of nuclear waste,

 contamination of environment with long
lasting radioactive materials (radioactive
pollution),
 thermal pollution,
 health effects from exposure to low levels of
radiation,
 limited supplies of uranium ore,
 high construction and maintenance costs,
 questionable reactor safety,  In India, monazite that is the main source
 human or technical error that could result in of thorium, is found in commercial quantities
a major accidents and vulnerability to on the Travancore coast between Kanya
sabotage, Kumari and Quilon,
 developing nuclear weapons by processing while uranite or pitchblende mineral of
reactor waste. uranium is found in Gaya (Bihar), Ajmer
 Problems of dismantling of a nuclear plant’s, (Rajasthan) and Nellore (Andhra Pradesh).
after their useful life of 30-40 years is over.

Location of radioactive mineral ore in India

Energy conservation

 CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) should be

replaced by LEDs as they are much more
efficient.
 Replaceing aging old appliances with energy
efficient models.

[Link] [Link] [Link]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - [Link]

 Alternative resources i.e. renewable energy  Process modification: replacement of old and
sources should be used in place of more energy consuming processes by the new
nonrenewable energy sources e.g. solar energy efficient processes. Old factories
energy, biogas, wind energy etc. should now employ process modification.
 Energy audits of homes, buildings, hotels and  Use public transportation as much as possible
factories should be done at regular interval. instead of using own vehicles.
 Demonstration of projects involving the  Avoid free frequent starts and stops of vehicles Page
introduction of appropriate, renewable solar, to reduce fuel consumption.
wind and biogas energy technologies at the  Appliances and office equipments should be |
community level. replaced with energy star rated units. 298
 Collaborative community/academic research  Building designs and construction practices
and development in order to produce lowcost, should promote energy conservation.
sustainable energy options should be given
priority. Impact of energy use on the environment
 Environment friendly public transport system
should be promoted to reduce the use of  Depletion of energy resources.
individual motorized transport.  Pollution of environment from emission of
 Installation of photoelectric controls or timers green house gases.
should be used to make sure that outdoor
lighting is sufficient during the day. Energy And Economic Development
 Elevators/lifts should be used for going up
beyond three floors and for coming down the  Energy development is an integral part of
usage of lifts may be reduced. economic development.
 Whenever two elevators/lifts are provided in a  Cheap, efficient and environment friendly
building only single should be operated during energy resources and technologies are must to
“non-peak” hours. stay globally competitive.
 Conservation and sustainable use of water
bodies, including watersheds, rivers barriers
Leave a review
and coastal zones will be helpful in the energy
conservation at community level.
 Training programme about energy efficient [Link]
repairs should be organized to conserve t-upsc-ias#reviews
energy at community level.
 Advocacy to remove subsidies to inefficient Also, if you liked our services you can leave a
and polluting sources of energy should review on [Link] Facebook page.
become essential.
 Locally manufactured, improved cook stoves [Link] appreciates your support. Thank
should be introduced to reduce charcoal/fuel
consumption. you in advance. All the best :)
 Auditing Regular monitoring and audit of
energy consumption in industries results in
energy conservation.

[Link] [Link] [Link]