UNIT- V
CHAPTER-9:GEOGRAPHICAL PERSPECTIVE ON SELECTED ISSUES AND PROBLEMS
EXERCISES
1. Choose the right answers of the following from the given options.
(i) Which one of the following river is highly polluted?
(a) Brahmaputra (c) Yamuna
(b) Satluj (d) Godavari
Answer: (c) Yamuna
(ii) Which one of the following deseases is caused by water pollution?
(a) Conjunctivitis (c) Respiratory infections
(b) Diarrhorea (d) Bronchitis
Answer: (b) Diarrhorea
(iii) Which one of the following is the cause of acid rain?
(a) Water pollution (c) Noise pollution
(b) Land pollution (d) Air pollution
Answer: (d) Air pollution.
(iv) Push and pull factors are responsible for–
(a) Migration (c) Slums
(b) Land degradation (d) Air pollution
Answer: (a) Migration.
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) What is the difference between pollution and pollutants?
Answer: Pollution is the undesirable change in the environment, like a dirty room. Pollutants are the messy culprits, like spilled paint or dust bunnies, causing that change.
Pollution harms the environment and us, while pollutants are the specific substances involved.
(ii) Describe the major source of air pollution
Answer: The major source of air pollution isn't one-size-fits-all. Globally, fossil fuel burning from power plants, vehicles, and industries dominates. But regionally, other culprits emerge, like agriculture, industries, and biomass burning. It's a complex mix depending on location.
(iii) Mention major problems associated with urban waste disposal in India.
Answer: Urban waste disposal in India struggles with:
*Inadequate infrastructure: Lack of landfills, treatment facilities, and efficient collection systems.
*Mixed waste: Unsegregated organic, inorganic, and hazardous waste complicates recycling and composting.
*Low public awareness: Littering and irresponsible disposal due to limited understanding of consequences.
*Financial constraints: Underfunded programs and informal waste pickers facing poor conditions.
*Health & environmental impacts: Air, water, and soil pollution, breeding diseases and contributing to climate change.
Solving these intertwined issues requires improved infrastructure, awareness campaigns, waste segregation, recycling, and sustainable disposal methods.
(iv) What are the effects of air pollution on human health.
Answer: Air pollution casts a long shadow, harming our lungs (asthma, cancer), hearts (strokes, high blood pressure), and even brains (memory decline). It weakens immunity, irritates skin and eyes, and hits hardest children, elders, and those already unwell. Every breath counts, so reducing pollution is vital for healthier lives.
3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.
(i) Describe the nature of water pollution in India.
Answer: India's Water Woes: A Cocktail of Contaminants
Water pollution in India is a complex and pressing issue, plaguing its rivers, lakes, and groundwater with a potent mix of contaminants. Here's a glimpse into the murky depths of the problem:
1. Untreated Sewage: The biggest culprit is untreated or partially treated sewage from homes and industries. It directly dumps organic matter, pathogens, and harmful chemicals into water bodies, creating an oxygen-depleted breeding ground for diseases like cholera and typhoid.
2. Industrial Toxins: Factories and mills discharge untreated effluents laden with heavy metals, chemicals, and dyes, further poisoning the water and harming aquatic life.
3. Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture leach into water sources, causing eutrophication (excessive algae growth) and contaminating water with nitrates and other harmful residues.
4. Solid Waste Woes: Plastic bags, bottles, and other indiscriminately dumped solid waste clog waterways, disrupt ecosystems, and pose health risks.
5. Groundwater Contamination: Chemical fertilizers, industrial waste, and arsenic present in some regions are seeping into groundwater sources, threatening the drinking water of millions.
The grim consequences:
*Health Risks: Waterborne diseases, skin ailments, and even cancers are on the rise due to polluted water.
*Ecological Damage: Aquatic life suffers, biodiversity declines, and entire ecosystems face disruption.
*Economic Burden: Treating polluted water is expensive, impacting industries and agriculture.
Fighting back:
*Stricter regulations and enforcement against polluters are crucial.
*Investing in infrastructure for sewage treatment and wastewater management is key.
*Public awareness campaigns to promote responsible waste disposal and water conservation are essential.
*Adopting sustainable agricultural practices can minimize runoff and protect water quality.
India's water pollution fight is long and arduous, but addressing it at its roots is vital for the health, well-being, and future of its people and environment.
(ii) Describe the problem of slums in India.
Answer: The issue of slums in India is a complex and multifaceted one, deeply woven into the tapestry of the nation's rapid urbanization and development. It's important to approach this topic with sensitivity and nuance, acknowledging the human stories and struggles embedded within these often-misunderstood communities.
Overcrowding and Inadequate Infrastructure:
*Slums are characterized by densely packed dwellings, often makeshift structures lacking proper sanitation, clean water, and waste disposal facilities. This overcrowding can lead to hygiene concerns, disease outbreaks, and a general decline in quality of life.
Poverty and Livelihood Challenges:
*Residents of slums are predominantly from low-income backgrounds, facing limited access to education, healthcare, and formal employment opportunities. This cycle of poverty makes it difficult for them to escape the slum conditions and improve their circumstances.
Social Stigma and Exclusion:
*Unfortunately, slum dwellers often face social stigma and marginalization. They may be stereotyped as criminals or unproductive members of society, further isolating them from mainstream resources and opportunities.
Environmental and Health Risks:
*The lack of proper infrastructure and sanitation poses serious environmental and health risks. Pollution from open sewage, contaminated water sources, and inadequate waste management can lead to respiratory illnesses, waterborne diseases, and other health problems.
Beyond the Challenges:
Despite these immense challenges, it's crucial to remember that slums are also vibrant communities filled with resilience, resourcefulness, and a strong sense of belonging. Residents often develop close-knit social networks and support systems, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
Addressing the Problem:
Tackling the issue of slums requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of poverty, lack of infrastructure, and social stigma. This includes:
*Investing in slum upgrading programs: Providing proper housing, sanitation facilities, and access to basic amenities.
*Creating livelihood opportunities: Promoting skill development, micro-enterprises, and other income-generating initiatives within slum communities.
*Breaking down social barriers: Raising awareness and promoting empathy towards slum dwellers to foster social inclusion.
*Empowering slum communities: Involving residents in decision-making processes and development initiatives to ensure their needs and aspirations are heard and addressed.
The path forward for India's slums is paved with challenges, but also with immense potential. By acknowledging the complexities of the issue, recognizing the human stories at its core, and implementing comprehensive solutions, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to a safe, dignified, and thriving living environment.
(iii) Suggest measures for reduction of land degradation.
Answer: Combating land degradation demands a multi-pronged approach, focusing on both prevention and restoration. Here are some key measures:
1. Sustainable Land Management:
*Conservation tillage: Minimize soil disturbance to reduce erosion and retain moisture.
*Crop rotation and diversification: Break pest cycles and improve soil fertility by planting different crops.
*Agroforestry: Integrate trees and shrubs into agricultural systems to provide shade, windbreaks, and nutrient enrichment.
4. Policy and Awareness:
*Enact stricter regulations and enforce environmental laws to deter harmful practices.
*Invest in research and development of sustainable land management technologies.
*Raise public awareness about land degradation and promote responsible land use practices.
5. Supporting Communities:
*Provide land tenure security and resource access to encourage sustainable land management by local communities.
*Invest in rural development and income generation initiatives to incentivize conservation and reduce pressure on land.
*Foster knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning among farmers and land users.
Remember, land degradation is a complex issue requiring a collaborative effort. By implementing these measures, we can gradually heal our damaged landscapes and pave the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Answer Type By: Himashree Bora.
