Mix Examples - Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Questions in English

(N/A) $(i)$ Empty jam or pickle bottles can be reused for storing things in the kitchen.
$(ii)$ Paper can be recycled easily to make trays for keeping eggs or other delicate things.

(B) Biodegradable wastes are organic materials that can be broken down by microorganisms into simpler substances,which can then be converted into manure or compost.
Non-biodegradable wastes,such as plastics,glass,and metals,do not decompose easily and persist in the environment for a long time,causing pollution.
Separating these wastes at the source ensures that biodegradable waste can be recycled into organic fertilizer,while non-biodegradable waste can be processed through appropriate recycling methods,thereby reducing environmental harm.

(N/A) 'biodiversity hotspot' is a biogeographic region that is a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with destruction. To qualify as a hotspot,a region must meet two strict criteria: $1$. It must contain at least $1,500$ species of vascular plants as endemics (i.e.,species found nowhere else on Earth). $2$. It must have lost at least $70$ percent of its original habitat.

(N/A) The industries based on forest produce include:
$1$. Timber industry: Uses wood for construction and furniture.
$2$. Paper industry: Uses wood pulp for manufacturing paper.
$3$. Lac industry: Uses resin secreted by insects found on trees.
$4$. Sports goods industry: Uses specific types of wood for making bats and other equipment.
$5$. Pharmaceutical industry: Uses various medicinal plants and herbs.

(N/A) The primary reason for the conservation of forest and wildlife is to maintain the ecological balance. Forests and wildlife are essential components of the biosphere that regulate climate,provide oxygen,support biodiversity,and ensure the stability of food chains and ecosystems.

(N/A) An affluent lifestyle often leads to the excessive consumption of natural resources such as $coal$ and $petroleum$, which contributes to environmental pollution.
Additionally, it results in the generation of large quantities of waste, particularly non-biodegradable materials used in packaging, which cannot be easily decomposed and leads to environmental degradation.

(N/A) $(i)$ Non-biodegradable wastes such as pens,plastic tiffin boxes,and plastic scales are sold for recycling.
$(ii)$ Used water bottles,jam jars,and pickle bottles are reused for storage or for growing small plants.
$(iii)$ Old clothes that are no longer in use are repurposed to make shopping bags.
$(iv)$ Peels of fruits,vegetables,and leftover food are placed in compost pits to produce organic manure.

(N/A) Causes of pollution of the river Ganga:
$(i)$ Disposal of untreated industrial effluents containing toxic chemicals.
$(ii)$ Human activities such as bathing,washing clothes,and the immersion of ashes or religious offerings.
$(iii)$ Discharge of untreated sewage from urban areas directly into the river.
Harmful effects on human health:
$(i)$ It leads to the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera,typhoid,and dysentery due to the presence of pathogens.
$(ii)$ Consumption of contaminated fish or aquatic life from the river can lead to bioaccumulation of toxins,causing severe health issues in humans.

(N/A) Advantages of storing water in the ground include:
$(a)$ It does not evaporate.
$(b)$ It spreads out to recharge wells and provides moisture for vegetation over a wide area.
$(c)$ It does not provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes like stagnant water collected in ponds or lakes.
$(d)$ It is relatively protected from contamination by human and animal waste.

(N/A) To raise awareness among residents regarding the harmful effects of improper waste disposal,the following methods can be adopted:
$(a)$ Organizing street plays to demonstrate the impact of waste accumulation on public health.
$(b)$ Distributing pamphlets that explain the importance of hygiene and proper waste management.
$(c)$ Conducting meetings with the residents' welfare association to discuss sustainable waste disposal strategies.
$(d)$ Encouraging the segregation of waste at the source into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories to facilitate recycling and composting.

(N/A) Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of living organisms in a specific ecosystem or region.
Two advantages of conserving forests and wildlife are:
$(i)$ It helps in maintaining ecological balance by supporting complex food webs and nutrient cycles.
(ii) It helps in maintaining rainfall patterns and regulating the climate.
(iii) It prevents soil erosion and maintains soil fertility.

(N/A) Management of natural resources is necessary to sustain the resources for future generations and to meet the current basic needs of the population.
Reuse is a better practice because it can be done at the household level with no expenditure of energy.
$(i)$ Reuse does not cause pollution.
(ii) It is eco-friendly.

(N/A) The main purpose of water harvesting management is to recharge groundwater levels,which helps in maintaining the water table and ensuring water availability during dry seasons.
The source that fills the ponds behind water harvesting structures is monsoon rain.

(N/A) Water is considered a valuable resource because freshwater constitutes a very small (less than $2 \%$) proportion,while the remaining $98 \%$ of the world's water is in oceans and is not usable without expensive treatment.
$(a)$ Rainwater harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for future use.
$(b)$ Minimizing wastage: Preventing water loss by fixing leaking taps,using buckets instead of showers,and avoiding unnecessary water usage during daily activities like brushing teeth or shaving.

(N/A) The following measures are suggested for the better management of water resources:
$(a)$ Rainwater harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for future use helps in recharging groundwater levels.
$(b)$ Treatment of wastewater: Treating industrial and domestic sewage before discharging it into water bodies prevents pollution and allows for the reuse of water.
$(c)$ Efficient irrigation: Using techniques like drip irrigation and sprinkler systems in agriculture to minimize water wastage.

(N/A) $(i)$ To bring a change in all aspects of life,such as limiting our needs and judicious use of natural resources.
$(ii)$ To preserve the resources for the needs of future generations.

(A) The three $R$s refer to Reduce,Recycle,and Reuse.
'Reduce' is considered the best for the environment because it involves minimizing the consumption of resources and preventing waste generation at the source,thereby reducing the overall environmental impact.

(N/A) $1$. Industries view forests primarily as a source of raw materials for their production processes,leading to large-scale clearing of forest land.
$2$. Industries often lack interest in the long-term sustainability of forests in specific areas,prioritizing immediate economic gain over ecological balance.

(N/A) $(i)$ Plastic bags are non-biodegradable and,therefore,require large dumping sites.
$(ii)$ When dumped into the ground,they damage soil fertility and block water drainage.
$(iii)$ They can be ingested by stray animals,causing choking or internal injuries.
$(iv)$ Burning plastic bags releases toxic gases into the atmosphere,causing air pollution.
Alternatives: Use bags made of jute,cotton,or paper.

(N/A) $(i)$ Coal and petroleum were formed from the degradation of biomass millions of years ago, and they are non-renewable resources, meaning they will eventually get exhausted.
$(ii)$ When fossil fuels are burnt, they release harmful gases and particulate matter, which cause air pollution and respiratory problems.
$(iii)$ Fossil fuels are huge reservoirs of carbon. If all this carbon is converted into $CO_2$ through combustion, it will significantly increase the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.

(N/A) Forests are considered biodiversity hotspots because they harbor a vast variety of plant and animal species, providing them with essential habitats, food, and shelter.
$(b)$ Sustainable development is a form of growth that meets the basic needs of the current human population while simultaneously preserving natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

(N/A) $(i)$ Local people are dependent on forest produce for their daily needs such as firewood, timber, and medicinal plants.
$(ii)$ Industries use forest resources like tender leaves (for $Bidi$ making), wood, and paper pulp, making them stakeholders.
$(iii)$ The Forest Department of the government owns and controls the resources from the forest.
$(iv)$ $NGOs$ and nature enthusiasts work for the conservation of nature and wildlife, acting as stakeholders who advocate for sustainable practices.

(N/A) Fossil fuels are non$-$renewable energy sources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that were buried under sedimentary layers of the Earth millions of years ago.
These remains underwent high pressure and temperature conditions over geological time to transform into fuel.
Examples of fossil fuels include $Coal$ and $Petroleum$.

(N/A) $(i)$ Conversion into efficient forms like $CNG$.
$(ii)$ Protection of resources from fires.
$(iii)$ Avoid wastage of oil.
$(iv)$ Make more use of renewable sources of energy.

(N/A) Coal and petroleum are called fossil fuels because they are formed from the buried remains of ancient plants and animals that lived millions of years ago,which have been subjected to high pressure and temperature over geological time.
$(b)$ Two elements present in fossil fuels in addition to carbon are Hydrogen and Sulphur (or Nitrogen).

(N/A) The aims of the "Ganga Action Plan" are:
$(i)$ To improve the quality of the river water.
$(ii)$ To check the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
$(iii)$ To prevent the contamination of river water due to the discharge of industrial waste and sewage.
Values that can be learnt from the "Ganga Action Plan" are:
$(i)$ Conservation of water resources.
$(ii)$ Preservation of cultural and environmental heritage.
$(iii)$ Developing a sense of responsibility towards cleanliness and environmental hygiene.

(N/A) Biodegradable substances are materials that can be broken down into simpler substances by biological processes,such as the action of decomposers,bacteria,or saprophytes.
Example: Vegetable peels,fruit waste,or human excreta.
Non-biodegradable substances are materials that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by biological processes or decomposers.
Example: Plastic,glass,or metal cans.
Changes in habits to dispose of non-biodegradable waste:
$1$. Segregation of waste at the source by using separate dustbins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
$2$. Adopting the $3R$ principle (Reduce,Reuse,and Recycle) by reusing items like plastic containers and recycling materials like glass and metal.

(N/A) Reuse is better than recycling because recycling requires energy for processing,whereas reuse involves using an item again without additional energy consumption.
Examples of reuse strategy:
$1$. Used envelopes can be reused by reversing them.
$2$. Plastic bottles of jam or pickles can be used for storing other items in the kitchen.
Values attained:
$1$. Environmental concern: It reduces waste and conserves resources.
$2$. Economic wisdom: It saves money and promotes sustainable consumption habits.

(N/A) $(i)$ It encourages various forms of growth that meet current basic human needs.
$(ii)$ It helps in preserving resources for meeting the needs of future generations.
$(iii)$ It helps in environmental conservation and preservation,which is further linked to economic development.

(N/A) To reduce energy consumption,we can consider the relative advantages,disadvantages,and environmental impact of the following choices:
$(i)$ Choosing public transport (bus),carpooling,or walking/cycling instead of using a personal vehicle.
$(ii)$ Using energy-efficient lighting like $LED$ bulbs or fluorescent tubes instead of traditional incandescent bulbs.
$(iii)$ Using the stairs instead of the lift to save electricity.
$(iv)$ Wearing an extra sweater to stay warm instead of using energy-intensive heating devices like heaters or 'sigri' on cold days.

(N/A) $(i)$ Watershed management emphasises scientific conservation of soil and water in order to increase the biomass production.
$(ii)$ It produces plant and animal resources for use in a manner which will not cause ecological imbalance.
$(iii)$ It helps in preventing droughts and floods.

(N/A) Two advantages of constructing dams are:
$1$. They provide water for irrigation.
$2$. They are used for the generation of hydroelectricity.
$(b)$ The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River or the Tehri Dam on the Ganga River are examples of dams that faced significant opposition from local communities and $NGOs$.
$(c)$ Three problems that may arise due to the construction of large dams are:
$1$. Social problems: Displacement of large numbers of peasants and tribals without adequate compensation or rehabilitation.
$2$. Environmental problems: Deforestation and loss of biodiversity due to the submergence of large forest areas.
$3$. Economic problems: Huge amounts of public money are spent without the generation of proportionate benefits.

(N/A) Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy resources formed from the degradation of plant and animal biomass buried deep under the Earth millions of years ago.
$(b)$ Coal is the fossil fuel usually conserved when we save electricity,as most power plants in many regions rely on coal combustion for energy generation.
$(c)$ At the present rate of consumption,the known reserves of coal are estimated to last for approximately $200$ years,while the reserves of petroleum are estimated to last for about $40$ years.

(N/A) $(i)$ Resources should be managed in such a way that they are made available for generations to come.
$(ii)$ The management practices should not lead to ecological imbalance or environmental degradation.

(N/A) $(i)$ Recycling reduces the consumption of energy required to process raw materials.
$(ii)$ It minimizes the accumulation of waste,thereby reducing pollution and its harmful effects on the environment.

(N/A) Burning of fossil fuels releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide $(CO_{2})$, into the atmosphere.
These gases have the property of trapping infrared radiation (heat) reflected from the Earth's surface, a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect.
As the concentration of $CO_{2}$ increases due to the continuous combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas, more heat is retained in the atmosphere.
This leads to an overall increase in the Earth's average temperature, a process commonly referred to as global warming.

(N/A) The Chipko Andolan (Hug the Trees Movement) was a non-violent protest where women of Reni village in Garhwal hugged the tree trunks to prevent contractors from felling them.
This Andolan quickly spread to other parts of the country and forced the government to rethink their priorities regarding the use of forest produce, which consequently benefited the local people by ensuring their access to forest resources.
The environment was saved from permanent damage, which helped in maintaining the quality of soil and protecting the sources of water.

(N/A) Mining disturbs the ecological balance in the following ways:
$(i)$ Large amounts of waste are generated during the extraction process,which covers and degrades fertile land,making it unsuitable for agriculture or vegetation.
$(ii)$ The removal of topsoil and vegetation destroys the natural habitat of many useful microorganisms,leading to a significant decline in their population and disrupting the nutrient cycle.

(N/A) Water harvesting is a technique of capturing and storing rainwater where it falls,rather than allowing it to run off.
This technique helps in the conservation of water in the following ways:
$1$. It recharges groundwater levels,which helps in maintaining the water table.
$2$. Stored water remains unpolluted and can be used for various purposes.
$3$. It provides moisture for vegetation over a wide area,reducing soil erosion and promoting plant growth.

(B) Coliform bacteria are a large group of bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals,including humans.
Their presence in water indicates contamination by human fecal matter.
Since these bacteria are associated with waterborne diseases such as cholera,typhoid,and diarrhoea,their presence in the Ganga river serves as a reliable indicator of the level of water pollution and potential health risks.

(N/A) Sustainable development encourages various forms of growth that meet current basic human needs.
It preserves resources for the needs of future generations.
Economic development is intrinsically linked to environmental conservation.
Thus, sustainable development implies a fundamental change in all aspects of life, requiring a shift in human perception regarding resource consumption and environmental stewardship.

(D) The long-term perspective of the management of natural resources includes:
$(i)$ Since natural resources are limited,efficient management ensures they are available for generations to come.
$(ii)$ It prevents the over-exploitation of resources,ensuring they are not exhausted prematurely.
$(iii)$ Proper management practices help in preventing the pollution of these essential resources.

(N/A) $(i)$ Proper treatment of sewage and industrial waste before it is discharged into water bodies to prevent water pollution.
$(ii)$ Increasing the plantation of trees,as they act as natural filters and help in reducing air pollution.
$(iii)$ Strictly enforcing regulations on vehicle emissions to ensure that only vehicles meeting non-polluting norms are used.

(N/A) Most of the water sources on the surface of the earth are either saline or polluted.
The water available in the sea is saline and cannot be utilized for cleaning,drinking,or irrigation.
Groundwater is a cleaner source of water compared to surface water.
Most groundwater sources are fresh and can be used for drinking or cleaning purposes after minimal treatment,whereas surface water often requires extensive purification.

(N/A) $(i)$ Government officials joined hands with local people for the maintenance of the forests.
$(ii)$ In return for help in protection,villagers were given employment in both silviculture and harvesting operations.
$(iii)$ They were given $25$ percent share of the final harvest and were allowed to collect fuel wood and fodder on payment of a nominal fee.
$(iv)$ Thus,with the active and willing participation of the local community,a previously worthless forest was valued ₹ $12.5$ crores.
$(b)$ $(i)$ Concern for the environment (eco-friendly).
$(ii)$ Encouraging others for a better cause.
$(iii)$ Forward-looking (positive attitude).
$(iv)$ Sense of togetherness (unity) can make anything possible.

(B) The total coliform count is a standard indicator of water quality. Coliform bacteria are a group of bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Their presence in water indicates contamination by fecal matter,which suggests that the water is contaminated by disease-causing microorganisms.

(N/A) Biodiversity hotspots are regions that are exceptionally rich in species diversity,possess high levels of endemism (species found nowhere else),and are under significant threat of habitat loss.
The primary measure of biodiversity in a specific area is the number of different species found there,often referred to as species richness.

(N/A) $(i)$ The 'Chipko Andolan' quickly spread across communities and media,forcing the government,which owns the forests,to rethink its priorities regarding the use of forest resources.
$(ii)$ The active participation of local people ensured the sustainable and efficient management of forest resources,protecting their livelihoods.

(D) The various factors damaging our forests include:
$(i)$ The local people living near forests who rely on forest resources for their daily needs.
$(ii)$ Industrial needs,which lead to large-scale deforestation for raw materials.
$(iii)$ Development projects such as the construction of buildings,roads,and dams,which require clearing vast forest areas.
$(iv)$ Damage caused by tourists or the infrastructure and arrangements made for their convenience,such as hotels and transport facilities.

(N/A) There have been several instances of local communities working traditionally for the conservation of forests. For example:
$(i)$ The $Bishnoi$ community in Rajasthan,for whom the conservation of forests and wildlife is a religious tenet.
$(ii)$ The $Chipko$ $Andolan$ ('Hug the Trees Movement'),which started in $Reni$ village in $Garhwal$ and spread quickly among communities. In this movement,women used to clasp the tree trunks to prevent their felling. These communities traditionally lop the branches and pluck the leaves,allowing the resources to replenish over time.
$(iii)$ The $sal$ forests of $Arabari$ (in $Bengal$) were saved from degradation through the active and willing participation of the local community. The villagers were given employment in both silviculture and harvesting operations ($25\%$ of the final harvest) and were allowed to collect forest produce upon payment of a nominal fee.