Environment and Sustainable Development

Environment development is a subject of sensitivity in the context of natural

resources from one to another generation. *The main objective
*Environment is defined as ‘the sum total of biotic and abiotic
of sustainable development is the conservation of natural
components that surrounds and influences an organism’.
Everything that surrounds an organism is collectively known resources, proper management of natural resources and use of
as its environment. *The biotic and abiotic components of the natural resources in a just manner.
environment interact with each other.
*‘Silent Spring’ is an environmental science book published
in 1962. It was written by an American biologist and ecologist
‘Rachel Carson’.
*According to Environment (Protection) Act 1986,
‘Environment includes physical / abiotic and biotic components
and their interaction with each other’.
*Environment includes three components-

*The Brundtland Report, published in 1987 by United Nations

World Commission on Environment and Development, coined
the term "Sustainable Development". This word was coined by
WCED report titled "Our Common Future".
*It captured full attention by Agenda 21 (Rio Conference) in
Earth Summit of 1992. It was the main point of discussion in
the Johannesburg Conference of 2002.
Events Year
Publication of ‘The Limit to Growth’ 1972
Report

(1) Physical / abiotic components - Soil, air and water. Publication of Brundtland Commission April, 1987
(2) Biotic component - plant, human, animal and Report
microorganisms. Adoption of Montreal Protocol September, 1987
(3) Cultural Element - cultural environment include man- Rio Earth Summit June, 1992
made features such as economical, social and political
*Sustainable development includes - poverty mitigation,
elements.
conservation of biodiversity and control of environmental
Sustainable Development pollution.
*Sustainable development is the concept of development that *Nature has its own beauty and boundaries, so at first, we should
meets the need of the present without compromising the ability understand the nature and then the road map of development
of future generations to meet their own needs. *Sustainable should be prepared.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–9

*Sustainable development is a balanced approach between
Economic development and Environmental conservation.
*Compelling terms for sustainable development are based on CO2 in Earth’s
atmosphere
the availability of information.
*These information are obtained by Remote sensing technology,
Statistical method, Geographical Information System (GIS),
Environment information system etc. On the basis of these
(Plants)

information, road map of development is prepared.

Carbonates

(Shells)

*Solar radiation plays the most important role in the water

Population Size cycle. Solar radiation initiates water cycle by evaporating
water. Humidity is defined as some measure of the water
vapour content of air (or other gas). The term "humidity" is
a general term to quantity the amount of water vapour in the
gas. Significantly humidity is measured using a hygrometer or
psychrometer.
*The water cycle is driven primarily by the energy from the
sun. The solar radiation drives the cycle by evaporating water
from the oceans, lakes, rivers and even the soil. It forms water
droplets and clouds, where water droplets eventually gain
enough mass to fall back to earth. The water cycle is essentially
Water & Carbon Cycle in Nature a closed system which means that the volume of water that is
*Environment includes biotic and abiotic factors. These in the hydrosphere today is the same amount of water that has
factors interact with each other. In general, this interaction always been present in the earth system.
occurs in a cyclic manner. The flow of energy and matter
Low temperature
takes place between these factors (abiotic & biotic) in a
cyclic process.
*These cycles exist in nature in the form of Carbon Cycle,
Water Cycle etc. *CO2 is released in the atmosphere by a
number of processes, some of them are-respiration, volcanic
eruptions, combustion of fossil fuels etc. *Autotrophic plants
perform photosynthesis wherein they use CO2 and water in the
presence of sunlight and chlorophyll to produce carbohydrates.
*It is noteworthy that carbon is found in various forms on
the earth. Elemental carbon is generally found in nature as
three crystaline allotropes forms: graphite, fullerene and
diamond. In compound form, it is found in the form of
CO2, Carbonates and Hydrogen carbonates. Carbon is also
recycled by different physical and biological processes.

F–10 General Studies Environment and Ecology

*Many transplanted seedlings do not grow because most of *The share of various gases in the composition of air is as
the root hairs are lost during transplantation. The function of follows:

root hairs is to collect water and mineral nutrients present in Gas Percentage
the soil and take this solution up through the roots to the rest Nitrogen (N2) 78.08%
of the plant. Oxygen (O2) 20.95%
Argon (Ar) 0.93%
Carbon dioxide (Co2) 0.036%
Neon (Ne) 0.002%
Helium (He) 0.0005%
Krypton 0.001%
Xenon 0.00009%
Hydrogen 0.00005%

*Nitrogen is the most abundant gas available in the

environment.
*We need oxygen to survive and therefore we depend on the
plants and trees for our survival. The process by which plants
*These are made up of cellulose and nominal Pectin which
make their food is called photosynthesis. In this process, they
helps it as a gelling agent with the soil. Another reason is consume CO2 present in the atmosphere and release oxygen
the use of fertilizers which increases the concentrations of in the atmosphere.
the soil and make it difficult for plants to absorb water. This *The United Nations has identified 17 Sustainable Development

situation causes desiccation of plant cells causing the leaves Goals which have to be realised by the year 2030. These goals
are -
to turn brown.
(1) No Poverty : End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Atmosphere (2) Zero Hunger : End hunger, achieve food security and
*The thin layer of gases surrounding the earth is called the improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
(3) Good Health and Well Being: Ensure healthy lives &
atmosphere. The atmosphere is majorly consists of Nitrogen,
promote well-being for all at all ages.
Oxygen, Carbon dioxide etc. The air around us is a mixture
(4) Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable
of gases.
education and promote lifelong learning opportunities
for all.
(5) Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower
all women and girls.
(6) Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and
sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
(7) Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to
affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for
all.
(8) Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote
sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth,
full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–11

(9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build *Sustainable Farming is also an important aspect of
resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable Sustainable development. *UN declared 2022 as "International
industrialization and foster innovation. year of Basic sciences for Sustainable Development".
(10) Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and *Sustainable agriculture is the production of food, fibre or other
among countries. plants or other animal products using farming techniques that
(11) Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make Cities protect the environment, public health, human communities
and human settlements inclusive, safe resilient and and animal welfare. In short, it is proper utilization of the land
sustainable. without affecting the environment so that it's quality remains
(12) Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure intact.
sustainable consumption and production pattern. *Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has adversely
(13) Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate affected soil health. To cope up with this, National Mission
change and its impacts. for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) has been formulated
(14) Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use for enhancing agricultural productivity, water use efficiency,
the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable promoting nutrient management and Livelihood diversification
development. through the adoption of sustainable development pathways.
(15) Life on Land: Combat desertification, sustainably This mission is a part of the National Action Plan of Climate
manage forests, half and reverse land degradation and Change.
halt biodiversity loss. *Club of Rome is an association of economists, civil servants
(16) Peace and Justice Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and scientists with a mission to promote understanding of
and inclusive societies and provide access to justice. the global challenges facing humanity. The organisation has
(17) Partnerships to achieve the Goal: Global Partnerships prioritised five key areas of impact: emerging New Civilisations;
for Sustainable Development. Planetary Emergency; Reframing Economics; Rethinking
*A Sustainable Development Goal - Index had also been Finance; and Youth Leadership and Intergenerational Dialogues.
initiated to measure the progress made by various countries Earth Summit (RIO Summit)
in the direction of achieving these goals. In 2021, India was *The United Nations Conference on Environment and
placed at 120th position among 165 Countries. Development (UNCED), also known as the 'Earth Summit' was
Position of Countries in Sustainable Development Goals held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 3 - 14 June 1992. This global
(SDG) Index 2021 conference, held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the
Sr. No. Position Country first Human Environment Conference in Stockholm, Sweden
in 1972. The primary objective of the Rio 'Earth Summit' was
1. 1 Finland
to produce a broad agenda and a new blueprint for international
2. 2 Sweden
action on environmental action and development issue.
3. 3 Denmark
*The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was
4. 4 Germany created to monitor and report on the implementation of the
5. 5 Belgium Earth Summit agreement. It was agreed that a five-year review
6. 6 Austria of Earth Summit progress would be made in 1997 at the United
7. 7 Norway Nations General Assembly meeting in special session. And so,
8. 8 France a special session of UN General Assembly was held from 23-27
June, 1997 in New York to take stock of how well countries,
9. 9 Slovenia
international organizations and sectors of civil society have
10. 10 Estonia
responded to the challenges of the Earth Summit. This meeting
11. 120 India was known as Earth Summit +5.
12. 129 Pakistan *Rio + 10 summit was held in Johannesburg in 2002 and Rio

F–12 General Studies Environment and Ecology

+20 was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. Agenda - 21
*GEF provides funds to the least developed countries "Least
*Agenda 21 is legally non-binding, voluntarily implemented
Developed Countries Fund" (LDCF). It helps in provision
action plan of the United Nations on Sustainable Development.
& co-ordination for National Adaptation Programmes of
Action (NAPAs) for these countries.
*It is notable that meeting of COP7 was held at Marrakesh
from 29 October to 10 November 2001. *The Special
Climate Change Fund (SCCF) is established by the COP7.
*This fund helps developing countries in the adaptation as well
as transmission of technologies.
*UNDP and UNEP and World Bank are associated with
the GEF.
*The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established on
the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to tackle our planet's most
pressing environmental problems. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez is *It is a product of the Earth Summit (UN Conference on
presently the Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Environment and Development) held in Rio de Janeiro,
Global Environment Facility. Brazil in 1992.

RIO + 20 Conference
*Rio+20 is the short name for the United Nations Conference
on Sustainable Development. This conference was held in
Brazil in June 2012 to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
(UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro. The conference's outcome
document entitled 'The Future We Want' was a call to action
for governments, businesses and the UN alike to support
countries interested in the transition to a green economy. PAGE
*It is a financial mechanism for five major international
(Partnership for Action on Green Economy) was created as the
conventions: the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the UN's direct response to this call of action.
United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and
Organizations & Institutions
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate *National and International organizations and institutions are
Change. established for environmental conservation and protection.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–13

*National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Sustainable Development Goals in India.
(NEERI) is situated in Nagpur, Maharashtra. It was established Acts - Related to Environment
as Central Public Health Engineering Research Institute
Conservation
(CPHERI) in 1958 to focus on water supply, sewage disposal
*Some Acts are passed for promoting conservation of
and related diseases and to some extent on industrial pollution.
Environment. The Environment (Protection) Act was passed
*NEERI is a pioneering laboratory in the field of environmental
in India in 1986. In India, The Environment (Protection) Act,
science and engineering and part of Council of Scientific and
1986 is also known as Umbrella Legislation.
Industrial Research (CSIR).
*The 1986 Act was passed for the purpose of implementation
*NEERI has five zonal laboratories at Chennai, Delhi,
of decisions that were taken by United Nations Conference
Hyderabad, Kolkata & Mumbai. NEERI works under the
on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in 1973.
Ministry of Science & Technology of the Government of India.
*The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was enacted after
*The National Environment Appellate Authority (NEAA)
Bhopal Gas Tragedy under Article 253 of the Constitution.
better known as NEA was set up by the Ministry of Environment
This Act provides a framework to the Central Government
and Forest to address cases in which environment clearances
for coordination of the activities of various central and state
were required in certain restricted areas. It was established by
the National Environment Appellate Authority Act 1997 to authorities under various previous laws.

hear appeals with respect to restriction of areas in which any *The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee is constituted
industries, operations or processes shall or shall not be carried under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
out, subject to certain safeguards under the Environment *On 22nd July, 2010 Genetic Engineering Approval
(Protection) Act, 1986. Committee was renamed as Genetic Engineering Appraisal
*The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) provides Committee.
a framework for international cooperation in the development *The National Green Tribunal was established on 18 October,
of meteorology and operational hydrology and their practical 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for effective
application. WMO is an intergovernmental organization with a and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental
membership of 193 Member States and Territories WMO was protection and conservation of forest to provide the right to
originated from the International Meteorological Organization healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to a Life
(IMO) which was founded in 1873 to facilitate the exchange of under Article 21.
weather information across national borders. WMO became a *Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel is the present Chairperson of
specialized agency of the United Nations on 17 March, 1951. the National Green Tribunal.
*World Meteorological Convention was implemented *It was established to solve the problems relating to
on 23 March, 1950. WMO has its headquarters in Geneva, environmental safety, forest conservation, enforcement of
Switzerland. Its current Secretary-General is Petteri Taalas legal rights and to provide compensation to the victim for their
and President is Gerhard Adrian of Germany. property damage.
*UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) was *This tribunal will help to reduce the number of trials
established in 1972. It is headquartered in Nairobi (Kenya). which are pending in high courts. Tribunal is bound to solve
Head of UNEP is Inger Andersen of Denmark. applications and petition within one month from the time of
*EPA (Environment Protection Agency) is an agency of the their filing.
U.S. It was established on 2 Dec. 1970 for enforcing standards
and laws that promote the health of human/individuals and the Environment - Some Important
environment. Facts For Exams
*Green Peace International is a non-governmental *Excess urbanization and industrialization is a challenge
organization. *Its headquarter is in Amsterdam, Netherlands. for sustainable development, ecology & environment and
*NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog biodiversity conservation.
is a Nodal Institution for coordination and implementation of *Green Development is a book written by W.M. Adams. *The

F–14 General Studies Environment and Ecology

full name of this Book is 'Green Development: Environment for well being of human society.
and Sustainability in a Developing World'. First edition of Reason (R) : Sustainable development is a kind of
this book was published in the year1990. development that meets the needs of
*Masanobu Fukuoka, the discoverer and innovator of Natural the present without compromising the
Farming, was a Japanese farmer and philosopher. ability of future generations to meet
*Australia launched Green Army for environmental their own needs.
Conservation in which 15000 youngsters of age between 17-24 Codes :
years old will be recruited. (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is correct explanation
*Under an agreement between Markfed of Punjab and Sayag of (A)
Group of Israel on 21 Apr 2001 the vegetables are grown by (b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct
Green House farming in Punjab. explanation of (A)
*Mixed cropping, organic manures, nitrogen-fixing plants (c) (A) is true but (R) is false
and pest resistant crop varieties are the best strategy for (d) (A) is false but (R) is true
environment-friendly sustainable development in agriculture. U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
*The underlying dimension of SDG targets are closely related to Ans. (a)
education and health aspect as evident in the positive correlation
Sustainable development is important for well being of
between HDI (Human Development Index) and SDG rankings human society. Sustainable development has been defined
of Indian State. in many ways. The most frequently quoted definition is from
*World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June. The first our common future, also known as the Brundtland Report :
World Environment Day was celebrated in 1974. "Sustainable development is development that meets the
*Stockholm Summit was held in 1972. It was the 1st World needs of the present without compromising the ability of
Summit on Environment. It was decided in this summit that future generation to meet their own needs".
World Environment Day will be celebrated on 5th June every 2. Arrange the following events in chronological order and
year. select the correct answer from the codes given below:
*In 2018 theme of World Environment Day was 'Beat I. Rio Earth Summit
Plastic Pollution'. India was the global host of 2018 World II. Publication of Brundtland Commission Report
Environment Day. III. Enforcement of Montreal Protocol
*World Environment Day 2019 was hosted by China with a IV. Publication of ‘The Limit to Growth’ Report
theme of "Air Pollution". Codes:
*In 2020, theme of World Environment Day is 'Biodiversity'. (a) I, IV, III, II (b) IV, II, III, I
This year's host is Colombia in partnership with Germany. (c) IV, III, II,I (d) IV, I, III, II
*Pakistan hosted World Environment Day 2021. This year's U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2020
observance of World Environment Day's theme was 'Ecosystem Ans. (b)
Restoration'.
Events Year
*World Environmental Day 2022 theme only one Earth Focus
Publication of ‘The Limit to 1972
on living sustainably in harmony with nature. Growth’ Report
*2022 marks 50 years science stockholm conference which Publication of Brundtland August, 1987
led to the designation of 5 June as World Environment Day. Commission Report
Enforcement of Montreal January, 1989
Basic Questions Protocol
Rio Earth Summit June, 1992
1. Given below are two statements, one labelled as
Assertion (A) and other as the Reason (R). 3. The discussion on ‘Sustainable Development’ was
Assertion (A) : Sustainable development is important started after submitting a report on environment to

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–15

 Ecology
*Ecology is the branch of biology that explains the relationship *Forbes called ecosystem as Microcosm.
between organism and their environments. *Ecosystem is known as the functional unit of nature. *An
*The term 'Ecology' was coined by the German zoologist, Ernst ecosystem can be as small as water droplets. These kinds
Hackle in 1866 to describe the 'economics' of living forms. of ecosystem are known as Micro ecosystem. On the other
*Ernst Haeckel used the term Oekologie instead of Ecology hand, it can be as large as an ocean. Our earth is itself an huge
and explained it briefly. The word Oekologie is formed by ecosystem.
combining two Greek words Oikos (House or living space) *Biosphere is a thin layer of soil, rock, water and air. It is a
and logos (Science or Study). basic global system having biotic and abiotic components.
*According to Haeckel ‘Ecology is the study of the relation *Ecosystem is a functional unit of nature in which biotic factors
of the animal both to its organic as well as its inorganic interact with abiotic factors and forms a living unit.
environment’. Characteristics of Ecosystem - *It covers/occupies a definite
*According to Eugene Odum, ‘Ecology is the study of area in the Biosphere. *The ecosystem is a functional unit of
structure and function of nature’. nature.
*Ecosystem has its own productivity. Ecosystem is an open
system where there are continuous input and output of energy
and substances.

Components of Ecosystem
*An ecosystem is a community of living organisms in
conjunction with the non-living components of their
environment (things like air, water and mineral soil), interacting
as a system.
Important features of the ecosystem are:
*It is normally an open system with a continuous, but variable
influx and loss of materials and energy.
*An ecosystem is an overall integration of the whole mosaic
of the interacting organisms and their environment.
*It is a basic functional unit.
*It consists of biotic and abiotic components interacting with
*Now, ecology has been presented with a broad dimension. each other.
Now it also includes the study of humans, society and the *It’s functional unit is capable of energy transformation,
activities of its physical environment. It is a fundamental natural circulation and accumulation.
system having biotic and abiotic components. *Different types of ecosystem are present in different areas.
*In 1935, A.G Tansley proposed the concept of Ecosystem. *All components that take part in mutual interaction in the
According to him, Ecosystem is type of a physical system biosphere form an ecosystem. Living organisms form biosphere
formed by biotic and abiotic components. According to him, by different biological associations.
ecosystem is an open system. These systems may differ in *All the organisms and the abiotic components of the
their size. environment form the ecosystem of the place. Thus, ecology
*Karl Mobius called the idea of the ecosystem as Biocoenosis. deals with the organism and its environment.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–31

 some of the examples of artificial ecosystems.
*Ecosystems can broadly be categorized as Aquatic and
Terrestrial ecosystems. Grasslands, forests and deserts are the
examples of terrestrial ecosystems while lakes, rivers and
oceans fall under aquatic ecosystem.
*Ecosystems can be classified as:

*The correct order of biological organization ranging from

organism to biosphere is –
*Under man- made ecosystem Agriculture has been instrumental
to the existence of society and development.
*Aquatic ecosystem refers to the living and non-living parts of
a water body and the interactions that take place among them.
*Aquatic ecosystems can be categorized in the marine
ecosystem and freshwater ecosystem.
*Marine ecosystem covers approximately 70% of the earth's
surface and contain approximately 97% of the planet's water.
*Approximately 85 % of the dissolved materials in seawater
are sodium and chlorine.
* Another feature stratification is observed in the marine
*The number of living beings of the same species is known as ecosystem.
their population. The population of two or more than two ethnic
groups creates a community. Several communities together
form an ecosystem. In a fixed terrain one or more ecosystems
(Aphotic Zone)
are found. These ecosystems together form a Landscape of a
particular region.
(Benthic Zone)
Components of Ecology
(Abyssal Zone)

*Biotic components are the living beings things that shape

an ecosystem.
*Biotic components usually include:
Producers: e.g. plants.
Consumers: e.g. animals, humans
Decomposers: e.g. fungi and bacteria *The oceans are the cradle of life on Earth which harbor the
*An artificial ecosystem generally fulfill all the criteria of highest level of biodiversity. No terrestrial ecosystem can match
a natural eco-system but is made and controlled by humans. the biological richness of a coral reef, not only in some species
Orchards, farmlands, gardens and human-made reservoirs are but also in variety and originality of survival strategies.

F–32 General Studies Environment and Ecology

 Ecological Imbalance The biotic potential is the maximum reproductive capacity
of an organism under optimum environmental conditions. It
*The disruption of the natural balance of an ecosystem by
is denoted with the letter 'r'. However, there is a limit beyond
natural or human-caused disturbances is known as ecological
which the environment can not sustain organismal growth, this
imbalance. However Wildlife conservation and prevention of
limit is called carrying capacity.
environmental pollution is helpful in maintaining ecological
balance. Food Web or Food Chain
Deforestation is one of the main causes of ecological imbalance *The most obvious aspect of nature is that energy must pass
in India. While desertification, floods and famines and rainfall from one living organism to another.
variations are secondary causes of deforestation. *When herbivorous animals feed on plants, energy is transferred
from plants to animals. In an ecosystem, some of the animals
feed on other living organisms while some feed on dead organic
matter. It creates the food chain. Each chain usually has only
four to five such links.
*Any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for
an organism is called food.
*Food chain depicts the flow of energy through different
organisms in an ecosystem. Notably, this flow is unidirectional.
The correct order of different components in one of the food
chain of grassland is as follows:
Carrying Capacity
*The carrying capacity of a biological species in an Grass Grasshopper Frog Snake
environment is the maximum population size of the species
that the environment can sustain indefinitely, given the (Producer) (Primary Consumer) (Secondary Consumer) (Tertiary Consumer)

food, habitat, water and other necessities available in the *Grass, goat and human also form a food chain –
environment.
Grass Goat Humans
*Carrying capacity is the number of individuals an environment
can support without significant negative impacts on the given
(Autotroph) (Herbivorous consumer) (Omnivorous consumer)
organism and its environment. Whenever the population
increases more than the carrying capacity, it puts pressure on *In food chain there are trophic levels i.e., Autotroph, Primary
the ecosystem. consumer, Secondary consumer and Tertiary consumer.
*Excessive population growth can lead to the failure of the *The primary consumer is the herbivores (that feed on the
ecosystem. plant), the secondary consumer is small carnivores (feeding
on the primary consumer) and the tertiary consumer is the
large carnivores.
*Man is the primary as well as a secondary consumer who feeds
on both plant products and meat.

*Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to

terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require
sunlight to live and grow. Most phytoplanktons are buoyant and
float in the upper part of the ocean, where sunlight penetrates
the water. Phytoplankton also requires inorganic nutrients such
as nitrates, phosphates, and sulfur which they convert into
proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–33

*In a food chain mainly herbivores, are considered as primary
consumers.
*Deer is herbivorous hence it is a primary consumer.
*Ants fall under both decomposer, primary consumers and
scavengers. It eats plants and receives energy from cellulose.
*Tiger is carnivorous and fox is omnivorous.
*Decomposers are nature’s recyclers as they break down the
organic matter found in the dead bodies of plants and animals.
Biosphere is the sum total of all ecosystems present on
*The term ‘organic matter’ refers to the matter that comes
the Earth.
from living organisms.
According to the 1st law of thermodynamics ‘Energy
*Decomposers are mainly the micro-organisms such as bacteria
can neither be created nor be destroyed. Energy can
and fungi in the form of yeasts and moulds that break down be changed from one form into another form’.
bodies of dead organisms and release compounds that can be According to the 2nd law of thermodynamics, during the
used by producers. process of energy conversion, a part of the energy is al-
*A common marine food chain is as follows – ways lost in the form of heat so the product will always
have lesser energy than their constituent matters from
Diatom which product is formed.
Magnitude of energy always decreases when it passes
from one trophic level to another.
Crustaceans
It is notable that Herbivores can only assimilate 10% of
the gross productivity of products.
Herring *The Ten percent law of transfer of energy from one trophic
level to the next was introduced by Raymond Lindeman
Flow of Energy in 1942.
*The flow of energy in the ecosystem is unidirectional (or *According to this law, during the transfer of energy from

one-directional). The energy enters the plants (from the sun) organic food from one trophic level to the next, only about
ten percent of the energy from organic matter is stored as
through photosynthesis during the making of food. This
flesh. The remaining is lost during transfer, broken down
energy is then passed on from one organism to another in a
in respiration or lost to incomplete digestion by higher trophic
food chain. The energy given out by the organisms as heat is
level.
lost to the environment. It does not return to be used by the
*Thus, at every level of the food chain (first, second, third and
plants again. This makes the flow of energy in the ecosystem top level), the consumer converts only 10% of the accumulated
‘unidirectional’. energy into his body weight.

F–34 General Studies Environment and Ecology

 Trophic Levels DDT is a chemical substance which cannot be degraded
biologically. Its concentration increases in the organism
*There are four types of trophic levels in the food chain of the
from lower trophic level to higher trophic level.
ecosystem. They are-
Snake is a Tertiary consumer. So, the concentration of
First trophic level- Producer (autotrophs)
DDT will be more in snake. It is deposited in fatty tissues
Second trophic level- Primary consumers (herbivorous)
of an organism.
Third trophic level- Secondary consumers (carnivorous) DDT is an insecticide.
Fourth trophic level- Tertiary consumers ( omnivorous)
Decomposers feed on all the above trophic levels. Bionomics & Biomagnification
*In ecology, bionomics (Greek: bio = life; nomos = law) is
Pyramids the comprehensive study of an organism and its relation to its
*The Pyramid of Biomass is a graphical representation that environment. It is synonymous to Ecology. It stresses the value
depicts the extent of biomass per unit area within different of natural systems which influence human systems and is not
trophic levels in an ecological system. related to the management of life.
*In grasslands and forests, there is a gradual decrease in biomass
of organisms at successive levels from the producers to the top Biogeochemical Cycle
*In Earth science, a biogeochemical cycle is a pathway by
carnivores. Thus pyramids are upright.
which a chemical substance moves through both biotic and
*However, in a pond as the producers are small organisms,
abiotic components of Earth. Biogeochemical cycles of
their biomass is very less and this value gradually shows an
nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon etc. are found in nature. These
increase towards the apex of the pyramid, thus making the
are mainly of two kinds:
pyramid inverted in shape.

*Ecological succession is the gradual process by which

ecosystems change and develop over time. In grassland, trees
have already been cleared away due to fires in the past, which
also changes the ground composition. Without the trees to hold
them, water washes away most of the soil and the underlying
Biological Magnification ground becomes the pioneer population, which is then replaced
by grass. The grass, however, absorbs most of the water before
(Biomagnification) it reaches the roots of the shrubs.
Biomagnification refers to an increase in the concentration *F. Clements studied different species of plants and gave a
of the toxic materials at successive trophic levels. This generally agreed upon definition in 1916. According to him,
happens because a toxic substance is accumulated by an biotic succession is a natural process of displacement of one
organism which cannot be metabolized or excreted, and is particular community by another in a particular area. A scientist
thus passed on to the next trophic level. This phenomenon named E. Odum described it as a sequenced process. The
is well known for Mercury (Hg) and DDT. correct order of biotic succession is as follows:

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–35

 Agency) and other federal agencies use estimates of the social
Nudation
cost of carbon to evaluate the climate impacts of rulemaking.

Migration

Ecesis

Reaction

Stabilization
Figure: Stages of Ecological Succession

Environmental Movements
*The Chipko movement was a forest conservation movement
in India started in 1973. On 26 March, 1974 Gaura Devi
gathered other women around her village in the Garhwal *According to the World Development Report 2010
Himalayas and prevented loggers from felling trees by sticking ‘Millennium Ecosystem Assessment’ describes five
to the trees. This act by illiterate tribal and village women to groups of Ecosystem Services.
reclaim their traditional forest rights was a dramatic moment *Nutrient recycling and crop pollination are examples of
Ecosystem services.
known as ‘Chipko Andolan’, a non-violent struggle that gave
birth to the modern Indian environmental movement.
*“Ecology is permanent economy” was the slogan of Chipko
Movement.
*'Narmada Bachao Andolan' was against the construction of
a multi-modal dam on the Narmada river.
*'Appiko Movement' was started in Karnataka for
environmental protection.

Ecological Footprint and

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
*The ecological footprint is a measure of human demand on
the Earth’s ecosystems. It’s a standardized measure of demand
for natural resource that may be contrasted with the planet’s
ecological capacity to regenerate.
*It can be defined as the biologically productive area required to
provide everything people need to sustain their life. It includes
fruits, vegetables, wood, fibres, fossil fuel use and also the
release of carbon dioxide. Its unit is Global Hectares.
*It is notable that our Ecosystem provides different services
to human and nature.
*Social Cost of Carbon or SC-CO2 is a measure, in monetary
value, of the long-term damage done by a tonne of carbon dioxide
(CO2) emission in a given year. EPA (Environmental Protection

F–36 General Studies Environment and Ecology

 Ecosystem: Some facts for Exam *Oceanic outflow is that process in which warm & nutrient less
water at the surface is replaced by cold & nutrients rich water
*Eucalyptus is known as Environmental evil.
by air flow (wind).
*It absorbs too much inland water and decreases water level at
*Eco-sensitive zones are mentioned under the Environment
the place of its plantation.
(Protection) Act, 1986. The vehicles used for commercial
*It is mostly found in Australia.
activities in eco-sensitive zones have been regulated but
*Lentic Ecosystem refers to the static water habitats like
are not prohibited hence except agriculture, rest of the human
ponds, lakes, swamps and marshes. Lotic Ecosystem refers
activities are not prohibited but some of these are restricted and
to the moving water habitats like rivers.
some of them have been regulated.
*Ecotone is a region of transition between two biological
communities.
Basic Questions
1. ‘Ecology’ is the study of the relationship between–
(a) Organism and environment
(b) Man and forest
(c) Soil and water
(d) Husband and wife
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014
Ans. (a)
The word 'ecology' originated from Greek 'Oikos' meaning
house or environment. Ecology is the study of interactions
among organisms and their environment. It also includes
*Oceanic ecosystem is the most stable ecosystem.
the study of organismal interaction with abiotic components
Term 'Ecosystem' was coined by A.G. Tansley.
of their environment. The word 'ecology' ('Oekologie') was
Order of Ecosystem productivity in decreasing order-
coined by German scientist, Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919).
Mangrove, Grasslands, Lake, Ocean. An ecosystem with more
Haeckel defined Ecology as the study of the relationship of
diversity has more productivity.
an organism with their environment. Ecology in current age
*The entire sequence of communities that successively change
refers to a broader spectrum encompassing not only plants,
in a particular area are called ‘Sere’. animal species and climate but also to human beings and it's
*Pycnocline - It shows density gradient in an aquatic system. physical surroundings.
*Halocline - It shows a salt gradient in an aquatic system. 2. The term Ecosystem was proposed by –
*Thermocline- Represents the change in temperature with a (a) G. Tailor (b) E. Hartigan
depth of an aquatic system. (c) D.R. Stoddart (d) Tansley
*Arne Naess in 1973 used the term 'Deep ecology' for the Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
first time. Ans. (d)
*Ecological Niche term was coined by Joseph Grinnell in The term ecosystem was first used by A. G. Tansley in 1935
1917, who called it Micro-Habitats. who defined an ecosystem as ‘a particular category of physical
*The concept of ‘Ecological Transition’ was first used by systems, consisting of organisms and inorganic components in
John W. Bennett. He proposed the concept in his book ‘‘The a relatively stable equilibrium, open and of various sizes and
Ecological Transition : Cultural Anthropology and Human kinds’. An Ecosystem is a community of living organism (plants,
Adaptation’’. animals and microbes) along with the nonliving components of
*Indian Wild Life Protection Act was passed in 1972. their environment (like air, water, mineral, soil, etc.) interacting
*Environment (Protection) Act was passed in 1986. as a system. These biotic and abiotic components are considered
*Forest Conservation Act was passed in 1980. as linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows. As

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–37

 Biodiversity
*The diverse range of organisms (plants and animals) found in *Biodiversity is the diversity of living beings (plant & animals)
an ecosystem, is known as bio-diversity. Species are organized present in an Ecosystem.
in different communities which are found in a particular *Term Biological diversity was coined by Raymond F.
ecosystem. Dasmann in his book ‘A Different kind of Country’ in 1968.
*Bio-diversity is denoted with ( ) alfa, ( ) beta and ( ) gamma *The word biodiversity is a contraction of the phrase “biological
indicating different categories. This classification was done by diversity” and was first coined in 1985 by Walter Rosen of
Whittaker in 1960. the National Research Council as a title word in a seminar,
Alpha diversity refers to the diversity within a particular area
organized to discuss biological diversity.
or ecosystem, and is usually expressed by the number of species
*The most significant aspect of biodiversity is the maintenance
(i.e., species richness) in that ecosystem.
of the ecosystem. Bio-diversity functions at different levels of
For example, if we are monitoring the effect that British farming
species, communities and ecosystems.
practices have on the diversity of native birds in a particular
*The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 as the
region of the country, then we might want to compare species
International Day for Biological Diversity, while many other
diversity within different ecosystems, such as an undisturbed
deciduous wood, a well-established hedgerow bordering a small countries celebrate 29 December as Biodiversity Day.
pasture, and a large arable field. We can walk a transect in each *It is notable that on 29 December,1993 the Convention of
of these three ecosystems and count the number of species Biological Diversity came into force.
we see; this gives us the alpha diversity for each ecosystem.
If we examine the change in species diversity between these
ecosystems then we are measuring the beta diversity.
Gamma diversity is a measure of the overall diversity for the
different ecosystems within a region. Scholars defines gamma
diversity as "geographic-scale species diversity".

*Government of India in collaboration with the Norwegian

Government has established a "Centre for Biodiversity
Policy and Law (CEBPOL)" in the National Biodiversity
Authority (NBA), Chennai, to develop professional expertise
in biodiversity policies and laws and develop capacity
building.

F–50 General Studies Environment and Ecology

 Biodiversity Gradient *For instance, Silent valley (Kerala) has very rich Biodiversity.
*It is a part of Western Ghats.
*Biodiversity is not uniform on the Earth. It depends on the
*Silent valley is now included in the list of the biosphere
factors like climate, soil, temperature, rainfall, humidity, etc.
reserve.
of the region.
*Silent valley was declared a National Park is 1984.
*The maximum biodiversity is usually found in the tropical rain
*‘Silent Valley Project’ is related to Kerala state, it is located
forest. They extend from 23.5°N to 23.5°S latitudes. This area
in silent valley.
has a suitable condition for the growth and development of flora
*Valley of Flowers is present in Chamoli district of Uttrakhand.
and fauna as it has heavy rains and high temperature throughout
*Himalayan mountain region also has very high bio-diversity.
the year. That is why it is also called as optimum Biome.
*Biodiversity increases towards the equator. Biodiversity is Biodiversity - Hotspots
not equal on earth. It varies greatly across the globe as well as *A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographical region of the
within regions. Earth which is extremely biologically diverse and also under
*Among other factors, the diversity of all living things (biota) severe threat due to habitat loss, climate change or extensive
depends on temperature, precipitation, altitude, soil, geography species loss.
and the presence of other species. *As a general rule, to be considered a biodiversity hotspot, a
region must be biologically diverse, with a high proportion of
endemic species which are not found anywhere else on Earth,
and the security of the region must be threatened. So, hotspots
are the richest and most threatened reservoirs of plant and
animal life on Earth.
*India has four bio-diversity hotspots – Western Ghat,
Eastern Himalaya, Indo-Myanmar border and Sundaland.
Nicobar group of Islands is regarded as a part of the Sundaland
biodiversity area.
*According to Conservation International ([Link]
[Link]), at present, there are 36 biodiversity rich
areas in the world that have been qualified as hotspots, which
represent just 2.5% of earth’s land surface, but support over
50% of the world’s endemic plant species, and nearly 43%
*Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as
of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species as endemics.
compared to the higher latitudes.
*In February, 2016, CEPF (Critical Ecosystem Partnership
*Tropical rain forests with great biodiversity are found in lower
Fund) declared the North American Coastal Plains as 36th
latitudes. Similarly, valleys found in lower altitudes harness
bio-diversity hot spot.
greater bio-diversity than mountains of high altitude.
*India is a land of remarkable biodiversity. India inhabits 7.6
precent of all mammals, 12.6 percent of birds, 6.2 percent of
reptiles and 4.4 percent of amphibians found in 18 mega-diverse
countries.
*By 36th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1975 Sikkim was
made full-fledged State of the Union of India. It is considered
as a botanist paradise because it lies under hotspot of eastern
Himalaya which is rich in biodiversity. Population over there
mainly comprises of Lepchas, Bhotias and Nepalis.

Causes of Biodiversity loss

*Some of the main threats to biodiversity are:
1. Human Activities and Loss of Habitat,
Environment and Ecology General Studies F–51
 2. Deforestation, *Rest other factors like the productivity of the ecosystem,
3. Desertification, intermediate-disturbance and age of the ecosystem contribute
4. Marine Pollution, to the richness of bio-diversity of the ecosystem.

5. Increasing Wildlife Trade and Conservation of Biodiversity

6. Climate Change. Types of conservation
*The current practice of shifting cultivation or Jhum
*Ex-situ Conservation - Conserving biodiversity outside
cultivation in eastern and northeastern regions of India is
the areas where they naturally occur is known as ex-situ
an extravagant and unscientific form of land use. The effects
conservation. Examples - Seed banks, Botanical gardens,
of shifting cultivation are devastating and far-reaching in
Zoological parks etc.
degrading the environment and ecology of these regions.
*In-situ Conservation - Conserving the animals and plants in
*Global warming, fragmentation of habitat and invasion of
their natural habitats is known as in-situ conservation. Examples
alien species can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical
- National Parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere reserves, Reserved
area.
forest, Protected forest and Nature Reserves.
*Ex-situ (‘off site’) conservation is a set of conservation
techniques involving the transfer of a target species away from
its native habitat.
*There are two methods for Ex- situ conservation-
*The primary facilities that hold ex-situ conservation and
collections of plants and animals are aquaria, botanical gardens,
and zoos.
*The second method is the storage of seeds, pollen, tissue,
or embryos in liquid nitrogen. This method can be used for
virtually indefinite storage of materials without deterioration
over a much longer period.

*Natural habitat destruction is the main reason for the

loss of biodiversity as the transformation of the natural areas
determines not only the loss of the plant species but also a
decrease in the animal species associated with them.
*It is notable that India’s population is increasing continuously
but birds population is decreasing because of loss in their Sacred groves,
Zoological parks
forests and
habitats, use of insecticides, chemical fertilizers and mosquito lakes
repelling medicines etc. Insecticide like D.D.T. reach up to
coastal

birds through food chain so that premature shell cracks before

time and their population decreases.
*Ecosystem is a dynamic entity. The interdependence of
organisms on other organisms for food contribute to the creation
of different trophic levels. The decrease in trophic level
indicates an abundance of a particular type of organism,
thus resulting in a decrease in biodiversity.

F–52 General Studies Environment and Ecology

*Establishment of the Biosphere reserve is an important reefs are common. They occur around the Gulf of Mannar,
strategy for the conservation of Biodiversity. Gulf of Kachchh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Atoll reefs
*The most important strategy for the conservation of are found in Lakshadweep. Sundarbans is known for mangrove
biodiversity alongwith cultural diversity is the establishment forest.
of biosphere reserves. *Coral Bleaching occurs due to increase in temperature and
*The main objective of biosphere reserves are- acidity of the sea, global warming and atmospheric pressure.
- to contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems,
species and genetic variations. Uses of Biodiversity
- to foster economic and human development which is socio-
*Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the
culturally and ecologically sustainable.
form of soil formation, prevention of soil erosion, recycling
- to provide support for research, monitoring, education and
of waste and pollination of crops. Other important uses of
information exchange related to local, national and global issues
biodiversity are:
of conservation and development.

*The Indian Government has established 18 Biosphere

Reserves in India, which protects larger areas of natural habitat.
*Twelve of the eighteen biosphere reserves are part of the World
Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man
and the Biosphere Programme List (MAB).
1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
2. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
3. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
4. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
5. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
IUCN
6. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
*IUCN is an international organization, which works for nature
7. Simlipal Biosphere Reserve conservation & sustainable use of natural resources. IUCN is
8. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve the only international observer organization in the UN General
9. Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve Assembly with expertise in issues concerning the environment,
10. Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve specifically biodiversity, nature conservation and sustainable
11. Khangchendzonga natural resource use.
12. Panna *The ‘Red Data Books’ published by the International Union
*The total coral reef area in India is 5,790 km2, distributed for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)
between 4 major regions: Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar, Gulf contain lists of threatened plant and animal species.
of Kachchh, and Andaman and the Nicobar Islands. Fringing *Endangered species are listed in Red Data Book.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–53

 China, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It is
also known as Great Indian Fruit Bat.
*The Dugong is a large marine mammal which are vulnerable.
The Dugong is a herbivorous animal, who eats grass hence also
known as Sea Cow.
Dugong is found in Eastern Africa, South & Southeast Asia
and Australia.
*A large number of Dugong are inhabiting Gulf of Mannar and
Palk Strait. These species are also found in Saurashtra coast of
Gulf of Kachchh and Andaman and the Nicobar Islands.
*It has been given legal protection under Schedule I of the
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
*Rann of Kachchh is the natural habitat of Indian wild ass.
This animal has no predators in that area but its existence is
threatened due to the destruction of its habitat.
*Lion-tailed macaque is found in Western Ghats of India. It
is an endangered species which is mostly found in Kerala,
*In June, 2012, IUCN released Red Data list of animals facing Karnataka and the border region of Tamil Nadu.
the danger of extinction. 15 species of India were listed in *Cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952.
critically endangered category. *Snow leopard's habitat is found 3000-4500 meters above the
*In this list, Great Indian Bustard, Siberian crane and sea level. Surveys held in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh
Sociable Lapwing were listed in the critically endangered have confirmed the presence of Snow leopards in India.
category, Musk Deer in the vulnerable category while Wild *Black-necked crane is the state bird of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ass was listed in the near threatened category. Flying squirrels are found in India, Russia, Japan, China,
*Red panda was listed in the endangered category. Europe, Africa and North America.
*South Asia is known for its high diversity of flying squirrels.
Biodiversity & There are about 17 species belonging to 7 [Link] India,
Endangered Species most of these species are found in the eastern Himalayas and
*In May 2003, a scientist working with the Peregrine Fund the north-east, at the confluence of two biogeographically
presented a research paper that confirmed that the vulture deaths significant regions, the Himalayan and the Indo-Malayan
were due to the anti-inflammatory painkilling drug Diclofenac regions. A study that was conducted in Arunachal Pradesh
Sodium. A vulture that had died had high levels of diclofenac reported occurrences of a whopping number, 14 species of
in their kidneys. flying squirrels from the state, with the red giant flying squirrel
*In January 2004, the results of a joint study conducted by being the most common one, followed by the parti-coloured
the Peregrine Fund and the Ornithological Society of Pakistan flying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger).
confirmed that diclofenac sodium was indeed the primary *Marine animals like Dugongs, Dolphins, Whale, Salt Water
reason for vulture deaths. Crocodiles, Turtle, Sea Snake etc are found abundantly in
*The devastating effect of this medicine can be understood from Andaman & Nicobar Island.
the fact that it caused the death of 8.5 crore vultures in India, *Shrew and Tapir are found in Great Himalayan ranges. These
Nepal and Pakistan in 10 years. are not found in Malabar regions.
*Tambalacoque (Dodo plant) of Mauritius have been extinct *The red panda is a territorial mammal. Its zoological name
because of the extinction of Dodo bird who was helping this is Ailurus Fulgens. Red Panda lives in temperate climates, in
plant in its pollination. Plants failed to reproduce in the absence deciduous and coniferous forests, usually with an understory
of Dodo. Seed of Dodo plants was the food of these birds and of bamboo and hollow trees. This makes them a key species
medium of seed dispersal of these plants were by their faecal of these forests and indicators of forest health.
matter. *They are found in the Himalayan region, in parts of Nepal,
*Indian flying Fox is a species of bats found in Bangladesh Bhutan, Myanmar and in the Indian States of Sikkim, West

F–54 General Studies Environment and Ecology

Bengal, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. Pong Dam Lake Himachal 19.8.2002 156.62
*Most of the red pandas of the world are found in China whereas Pradesh
the majority of the Indian red panda is found in Arunachal Renuka Wetland Himachal 8.11.2005 0.2
Pradesh. Pradesh
*According to ENVIS Center for Faunal Diversity hosted Wular Lake Jammu & 23.3.1990 189
by Zoological Survey of India sponsored by Ministry of Kashmir
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, below is the risk Hokera Wetland Jammu and 8.11.2005 13.75
status of the animals: Kashmir
Golden Langur : Endangered Surinsar-Mansar Jammu and 8.11.2005 3.5
Hoolock Gibbon : Endangered Lakes Kashmir
Asiatic Wild Dog : Endangered Tsomoriri Lake Jammu and 19.8.2002 120
Desert Cat : Least Concern Kashmir
*There is no animal named Desert Cat listed in Red List of Asthamudi Wet- Kerala 19.8.2002 614
IUCN. Chinese Desert Cat is listed as a vulnerable category land
in Red List. Sasthamkotta Kerala 19.8.2002 3.73
Ramsar Convention Lake
Vembanad Kol Kerala 19.8.2002 1512.5
*The Ramsar Convention is associated with the conservation
Wetland
and sustainable use of wetlands. It is also known as the
Tso Kar Wetland Ladakh 17.11.2020 95.77
Convention on Wetlands. Complex
*India is a party to Ramsar Convention and has declared many
Bhoj Wetlands Madhya 19.8.2002 32.01
areas as Ramsar Sites to conserve all the site through ecosystem Pradesh
approach and allow their simultaneous sustainable use.
Lonar Lake Maharashtra 22.7.2020 4.27
*The list of Ramsar Sites comprises wetland of international
Nandur Mad- Maharashtra 21.6.2019 14.37
importance. India currently has 49 sites designated as wetlands hameshwar
of international importance (Ramsar Sites).
Loktak Lake Manipur 23.3.1990 266
Ramsar Sites in India Bhitarkanika Orissa 19.8.2002 650
Date of Area Mangroves
Name of Site State Location Declaration (in Sq. Chilka Lake Orissa 1.10.1981 1165
km.) Beas Conservation Punjab 26.9.2019 64.289
Kolleru Lake Andhra 19.8.2002 901 Reserve
Pradesh Harike Lake Punjab 23.3.1990 41
Deepor Beel Assam 19.8.2002 40 Kanjli Lake Punjab 22.1.2002 1.83
Kabartal Wetland Bihar 21.07.2020 26.2 Keshopur-Mi- Punjab 26.9.2019 3.439
Khijadia Wildlife Gujarat 13.04.2021 5.12 ani Community
Sanctuary Reserve
Nalsarovar Bird Gujarat 24.09.2012 120 Nangal Wildlife Punjab 26.9.2019 1.16
Sanctuary Sanctuary
Thol Lake Wildlife Gujarat 05.04.2021 6.99 Ropar Lake Punjab 22.1.2002 13.65
Sanctuary Keoladeo Ghana Rajasthan 1.10.1981 28.73
Wadhvana Wet- Gujarat 05.04.2021 6.3 NP
land Sambhar Lake Rajasthan 23.3.1990 240
Bhindawas Wild- Haryana 25.05.2021 4.12 Point Calimere Tamil Nadu 19.8.2002 385
life Sanctuary Wildlife and Bird
Sultanpur Nation- Haryana 25.05.2021 1.425 Sanctuary
al Park Rudrasagar Lake Tripura 8.11.2005 2.4
Chandertal Wet- Himachal 8.11.2005 0.49 Bakhira Wildlife Uttar Pradesh 29.06.2021 28.94
land Pradesh Sanctuary

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–55

 Haiderpur Wet- Uttar Pradesh 8.12.2021 69.08 results and application for Intellectual Property Right (IPR)
land relating to Indian biological resources.
Nawabganj Bird Uttar Pradesh 19.9.2019 2.246 *The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for
Sanctuary Food and Agriculture (IT PGRFA) is popularly known as the
Parvati Agra Bird Uttar Pradesh 2.12.2019 7.22 International Seed Treaty.
Sanctuary *It is a comprehensive international agreement in harmony
Saman Bird Sanc- Uttar Pradesh 2.12.2019 52.63 with the Convention on Biological Diversity. It aims at
tuary guaranteeing food security through the conservation, exchange
Samaspur Bird Uttar Pradesh 3.10.2019 79.94 and sustainable use of the world’s plant genetic resources for
Sanctuary food and agriculture.
Sandi Bird Sanc- Uttar Pradesh 26.9.2019 30.85 *Bird Life International is a global partnership
tuary of conservation organizations that strives to conserve birds,
Sarsai Nawar Jheel Uttar Pradesh 19.9.2019 16.13 their habitats and global biodiversity.
Sur Sarovar Uttar Pradesh 21.8.2020 4.31 *It is the world’s largest partnership of conservation
Upper Ganga Uttar Pradesh 8.11.2005 265.9 organizations with 119 Bird Life Partners Worldwide.
River *This organization identifies important bird and biodiversity
(Brijghat to Naro- areas. It has so far identified more than 12000 such areas.
ra Stretch) *Concept of bio-diversity hot spots was propounded by British
Asan Conserva- Uttarakhand 21.7.2020 4.444 environmentalist Norman Myers.
tion Reserve *The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on
East Kolkata Wet- West Bengal 19.8.2002 125 Biological Diversity is an international agreement which aims
lands to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of living modified
Sunderbans Wet- West Bengal 30.1.2019 4230 organism (LMO) resulting from modern biotechnology that
land
may have adverse effects on biological diversity, also taking
*It was signed on 2 February, 1971 at Ramsar in Iran. This into account risks to human health.
date is celebrated as World Wetland Day now. Theme of World *It was adopted on 29 January, 2000 and entered into force on
Wetland Day, 2020 was 'Wetlands and Biodiversity', whereas 11 September, 2003.
in 2021, the theme of the Day is 'Wetlands and water'. *India signed the Biosafety Protocol on 23rd January, 2001.
*The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the In India, the Ministry of Environment and Forest implements
list of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in this protocol.
ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely *TRAFFIC - Trade-Related Analysis of Fauna & Flora in
to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution commerce is a non-governmental organization. It supervises
or other human interference. It is maintained as part of the trade of plants and animals in the context of sustainable
Ramsar list. development and biodiversity conservation.
Various Acts & Agreements *TRAFFIC was established in 1976. It is an alliance of WWF
*The 'Bio-Diversity Act' was passed in the year 2002. It and IUCN. It is not a bureau under the UNEP.
provides for the preservation of Biological Diversity in India, Biodiversity United Nation &
a mechanism for equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the
use of traditional biological resources and knowledge.
Other International Organizations
*The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established *The tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties
in 2003 to implement India’s Biodiversity Act (2002). The (COP 10) of CBD was held in Nagoya, Japan, from 18 to
headquarter of NBA is in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 29 October, 2010. Nagoya Biodiversity Summit concluded
*India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002) covers conservation, with the adoption of historical decisions that would permit
use of biological resources and associated knowledge. It the community of nations to meet the unprecedented challenges
provides a framework for access to biological resources and of the continued loss of biodiversity compounded by climate
sharing the benefits arising out of such access and use. change.
*The Act also includes in its ambit the transfer of research *The eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties

F–56 General Studies Environment and Ecology

(COP-11) was held in Hyderabad, India, from 8 to 19 *It is the leading scientific expert on peatlands and climate
October, 2012. change as well as wetlands and waterbird migration based on
*The Twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties extensive research as well as field projects.
(COP-12) was held in Pyeongchang, the Republic of Korea *Wetlands International’s work ranges from research and
from 6 - 17 October, 2014. community-based field projects to advocacy and engagement
*Thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties with governments, corporate and international policy fora and
(COP-13) was held in Cancun, Mexico, from 4 - 17 conventions.
December, 2016. *Wetlands International works through partnerships and is
CoP-14 to the United Nations convention on Biological supported by contributions from an extensive specialist expert
Diversity (CBD) was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from network and tens of thousands of volunteers.
17 to 29 November 2018. COP-15 will be held in Kunming, Biodiversity: Miscellaneous
China in 2021. *Seabuckthorn is a medicinal plant found in the Himalayan
*The United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing region.
Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation *Seabuckthorn fruits grow in the cold deserts of Ladakh region
in Developing Countries – or UN-REDD Programme of Jammu and Kashmir, Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh and
is a collaborative initiative of the United Nations Food some parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations *The bushy character of the plant with a high density of branches
Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations help in checking soil erosion and helps in soil stabilization. The
Environment Programme (UNEP), and harnesses the technical fruit of this plant is a source of nutritious juice.
expertise of these UN agencies. This programme was started *It is generally accepted that climate factors regulate most insect
in 2008. species' life cycle, including butterflies. It is well established
*The objective of this programme is to mitigate climate change that temperature is a key factor for increasing daily activities
through reducing net emission of greenhouse gases through (flight, foraging, movements) of butterflies. Butterflies cannot
enhanced forest management in developing countries. UN- tolerate low temperatures. So maximum number of the species
REDD + Programme focuses on conservation and sustainable of butterflies are found in tropical countries.
management of forests. *With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth
*Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD (Batrachostomus moniliger), Coppersmith barbet (Megalaima
+ Programme can significantly contribute to the protection of haemacephala), Grey-chinned minivet (Pericrocotus solaris)
biodiversity and maintaining resilience of forest ecosystem. and White-throated redstart (Phoenicurus schisticeps) are the
It also provides technical and financial support to developing species of birds.
countries thus contributing to poverty alleviation. *Hibernation or winter sleep refers to a state of inactivity
*The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) is a among animals by spending winter in a dormant state. It
global initiative focused on “making values visible”. is a survival strategy designed to conserve energy when
*Its principal objective is to mainstream the values of weather conditions are not favourable. This condition is
biodiversity and ecosystem services into decision-making at observed among both types of animal cold blooded and
all levels. It aims to achieve this goal by following a structured warm blooded.
approach to valuation that helps decision makers recognize the *Squirrels, bears and some bats resort to hibernation in winter
wide range of benefits provided by ecosystems and biodiversity, when they do not find means to feed themselves. In this state,
demonstrates their values in economic terms and where animal's metabolism slows, its temperature plunges and
appropriate, captures these values in decisions making. breathing slows.
*Wetlands International is a global organization that works *The tallest known tree is Redwood (Sequoia). It is found in
to sustain and restore wetlands and their resources for people California (U.S.A.). This species includes the tallest living trees
and biodiversity. on Earth, reaching up to 379 feet (115.5 m) in height.
*It is an independent, not-for-profit, global organization *Brahmani and Vaitarni rivers merge at Bhitarkanika before
supported by Government and NGO membership from around emptying into the sea. Bhitarkanika is a protected area for
the world. wildlife and biodiversity. Brahmani river is known as South
*Its head office is in the Netherlands. Koel in Jharkhand.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–57

*The Brahmani river is formed by the confluence of South Koel (a) Food
and Sankh rivers near Rourkela. Vaitarni river originates from (b) Drug
Guptaganga hills in Keonjhar district of Orissa. (c) Industrial Use
*Biomass is a term for all organic materials that arise from (d) Maintenance of ecosystem
plants (including algae, tree and crops). Biomass is produced U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
by green plants converting sunlight into plant material through Ans. (d)
photosynthesis and includes all land and water based vegetation
The most significant aspect of biodiversity is the maintenance
as well as all organic wastes. Hence deep sea has minimum
of the ecosystem. Biodiversity functions on different levels
biomass production.
of species, communities and ecosystems.
*Highest biomass production is found among tropical rain
forest. It is approximately 2200 gram/square meter/per year. 4. The destruction of biodiversity is due to:
Biomass production for biomes: (a) The lack of natural habitats of the organism
Deciduous forest - 1200 gram (dry weight)/square (b) Environmental pollution
(c) Destruction of forests
meter/every year
(d) All the above
Taiga - 800 gram (dry weight)/square
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
meter/every year
Ans. (d)
Prairie - 600 gram (dry weight)/square
meter/every year The main cause of the loss of biodiversity is the influence
Deep Sea - Negligible gram (dry weight)/ of human beings on the world’s ecosystem. The threats to
square meter/every year biodiversity can be summarized in the following main points:
Alteration and loss of the habitats
Basic Questions Introduction of exotic species and genetically modified
organisms
1. Biodiversity is described as –
Pollution
(a) The range of different species in an environment
Climate change
(b) The seasonal and daily changes in an environment
(c) The way species differ from one another Overexploitation of resources
(d) The influence of physical factors on an environment 5. Which of the following is NOT an example of in-situ
U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2014 conservation strategy?
Ans. (a) (a) Biosphere reserve
The diverse range of organisms (plants and animals) found (b) Botanical garden
in an ecosystem, is defined as biodiversity. The species are (c) National Park
organized in different communities which are found in a (d) Sacred groves
particular ecosystem. Bio-diversity is denoted with (α) alfa, U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
( ) beta and (γ) gamma indicating different categories. This Ans. (b)
classification was advanced by Whittaker in 1960. Examples of Ex-situ conservation - Seed banks, Zoological
2. Biodiversity means – parks, Botanical gardens etc.
(a) Diverse kinds of plants and vegetation. Examples of in-situ conservation - National Parks, Sanctuaries,
(b) Diverse kinds of animals. Biosphere reserves, Reserved Forest, Protected Forest and
(c) Diverse kinds of plants and animals in a particular area. Nature Reserves.
(d) Diverse kinds of exotic plants and animals.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014 6. The main reason for the decrease in biodiversity is:
Ans. (c) (a) Habitat pollution
(b) Introduction of exotic species
The diversity of organisms (Plants and animals) present in
(c) Over exploitation
an ecosystem is defined as bio-diversity.
(d) Natural habitat destruction
3. The most significant aspect of biodiversity is: U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016

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 Greenhouse Effect & Climate Change
Green House Effect *The increase in the average atmospheric temperature due to
increase in the Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is called
*Solar energy reaches the Earth in the form of electromagnetic
Global warming.
waves. As the sun is very hot, the energy is emitted in high
*It is notable that the concept of Greenhouse was given by
energy short wavelengths that penetrate the Earth's atmosphere.
Joseph Fourier (1824).
*Solar energy or solar radiation includes, UV Rays, Visible *Green House effect is a natural phenomenon by which some
radiation and Infrared radiations. Of these, harmful Ultraviolet gases present in the atmosphere of a planet helps in increasing
rays are absorbed by the ozone layer while visible and infrared the temperature relatively.
radiations reaches the earth as thermal radiation. *Main cause of Global Warming is CO2 gas which is also
known as greenhouse gas. Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide
(N2O) increases global warming. These gases absorb thermal
energy like Glass of Greenhouse which does not release warm
air present inside. This effect is known as ‘greenhouse effect’.
*Green House Gases present in the atmosphere of the earth are
- CO2, CH4, N2O and CFCs and water vapour. *It is notable
that Argon (Ar) is not a greenhouse gas so it is not responsible
for global warming.
Note :- *Carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) and Nitrous Oxides (N2O)
are relatively less responsible for global warming. The relative
contribution of main greenhouse gases towards global warming
are as follows:

Water Vapour about 60%

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) about 26%
Methane (CH4) about 4-9%
Ozone (O3) about 3-7%
*Thermal radiation heats up the Earth by means of conduction, Nitrous oxide (N2O) about 1.5%
convection and radiation. *Once earth gets heated it re-emits Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and others about 0.1-0.4%
energy back into the atmosphere in the longwave radiation
*Hydrogen (H2) is not a greenhouse gas it is found in the
because Earth is cooler than the Sun. But Green House gases atmosphere as diatomic gas which is the main component of
present in atmosphere like CFCs (cloroflurocarbon), Nitrous Outer layer of atmosphere. *IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel
Oxide, water-vapour, methane and others absorb much of the on Climate Change) identified 6 Major greenhouse gases. CO2,
Longwave energy (CO2 absorb > 90%) emitted from the Earth's CH4. N2O, CFCs, SF6, NF6 are directly related to greenhouse
Surface preventing it from escaping from the Earth's surface. gases while Nox (Nitrogen Oxide), Carbon Monoxide (CO),
The greenhouse gases then re-emit this energy in all directions, Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NM VOC) and SO2
warming the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere. (sulphur dioxide) are indirectly related to greenhouse gases.

F–80 General Studies Environment and Ecology

 Cause of Greenhouse Effect *CH4 (Methane) gas is also known as Marsh Gas. Its sources
include biogas, organic decomposition and remnants. *It is a
greenhouse gas and an air pollutant. Paddy fields, coal mines
and reared cattles that emits CH4 in the atmosphere are manmade
sources of CH4 gas. While natural sources of CH4 gas emission
are wetlands, Ocean and Hydrates. Wetlands emit the highest
proportion of CH4 gas (about 76%).
*Anaerobic conditions related to paddy fields are responsible
for CH4 gas emission.
*When nitrogen containing fertilizer is used by farmers then
N2O (Nitrous Oxide) is emitted from the soil. *Anthropogenic
environmental pollution may lead to climate change.
*Factors that increase carbon emission are excess burning of
fossil fuels, the rampant increase in the number of automobiles
*CO2 is must for life on the earth. Plants take CO2 from the along with the use of petrol and diesel as a fuel.
atmosphere for the synthesis of their food (photosynthesis) and *NASA and other researchers reported that increase in the Solar
release Oxygen in the atmosphere which is important for our Flare is not responsible (not major cause) for Climate Change.
life. But the excess of CO2 is leading to Global warming which Halocarbons, refrigerants, foam blowing agents CFCs, HCFCs
is detrimental for the life present on the Earth. halons etc. are factors responsible for ozone layer depletion.
*CO2 is released due to anthropogenic activities. It is absorbed These gases are constituents of greenhouse gases. *Greenhouse
by soil on the land and by Marine plants which use CO2 to gases are directly responsible for climate change and some
make food during photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, greenhouse gases are responsible for ozone layer depletion.
Phytoplanktons take CO2 and convert into plant food material.
*Major greenhouse gases present in the Earth’s atmosphere
Effects of Greenhouse Gases
*Effect of Global warming may be seen as melting of polar ice
are water, CO2, CH4, N2O and CFCs. Among these CO2 gas is
caps. Increase in temperature over so many years is resulting in
the main cause of global warming because its concentration is
a rise of the sea level and submerging of many coastal regions.
more than other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Many European countries have lost many coastal regions.
*CO2 concentration in the atmosphere is increasing continuously.
According to research, the concentration of CO 2 in the *According to a report assessing key vulnerabilities and

atmosphere was 315 ppm (Parts Per Million) in 1950 but now the risk from climate change published by IPCC (Inter-

it is more than 415 ppm in the atmosphere. *If the level of Governmental Panel on Climate Change) if the present level

CO2 concentration increases at this rate then by the end of the of global temperature is increased by 2oC from pre-industrial

21st century the CO2 concentration would reach up to 650-950 era temperature level then Coral Mortality will occur in all
PPM and the temperature of the earth will be increased by 6oC. over world also 1/6 part of the ecosystem will transform and
*According to WMO (World Meteorological Organization) 1/4 known species will extinct which are present on the Earth.
CO2 Concentration in the atmosphere was 278 ppm (0.03%) *If global temperature level increases by 3oC from pre industrial
before pre-industrial era maintaining the balance between era temperature level then terrestrial biosphere will shift
Atmosphere, Ocean and Biosphere. But now this balance is towards Net Carbon Source, while more than 1/5 part of the
disturbed due to anthropogenic activities like the combustion ecosystem will be transformed and 30% known species may
of fossil fuels, Industries etc. become extinct in near future.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–81

*According to an estimate given by IPCC on climate change Climate Change
the global temperature will be raised by 1.4-5.8oC during *The change in the position of the earth with respect to the
1990-2100. Due to this increase in temperature 142 out of 144 sun is also responsible for the variation in the amount of solar
polar ice caps in the polar regions may melt and the sea level
radiation reaching to the earth. This change is according to the
will increase.
astronomical principle of climate change. Scientists called this
*According to another estimate given by IPCC, sea level will
principle as Milankovitch Hypothesis.
be raised by 0.33-0.45 m during 1990-2100. *According to an
*Milutin Milankovitch was a Serbian astronomer, climatologist,
estimation, sea level has increased by 390 feet from last ice
geophysicist etc.
age till now. Sea level is increasing at a rate of 3 mm per year.
*Milutin Milankovich has given the principle related to climate
For instance, sea level is increasing in Fiji at the rate of 0.15
change, which is related to the long term orbital position of
m (6 inches) per year. So there is a risk that Fiji will submerge
the earth. These principles are recognised as the astronomical
in the near future.
principle of the earth. The eccentricity of the Earth's orbit, the
*During the past century, the temperature of Earth has increased
obliquity of the earth's rotation axis, the equinoxes are the part
by 0.8oC. *It is remarkable that plankton is important for sea
ecosystem as grasses are important for terrestrial ecosystem. of this principle whereas the solar energy is not related to this

Increased CO2 uptake by plankton will negatively influence principle.

the nutritional quality of plankton. This phenomenon can have *The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is
consequences for entire food webs in the ocean. an intergovernmental body of the United Nations. According
to IPCC, greenhouse gas in an atmosphere is a gas that absorbs
and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. *The
primary greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere are Carbon
dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Water vapour (H2O), Nitrous
Oxide (N2O) and Ozone (O3).
*Climate change is measured by the Ice core which is a
cylindrical sample obtained by piercing in the glacier or in the
ice sheet. An ice core is the most direct and detailed record of
the past to examine the climate and atmosphere of that time.
*Cryogenic indicators of the climate are obtained from the Ice
core. An ice core is extracted from the large Ice sheet found in
Greenland and Antarctica. It is used to gather the information
of the gases in the Atmosphere in the past. *It is noteworthy
that climate change has the potential to affect agriculture. The
moisture and the efficiency of the soil are impacted by the
rise in temperature. This will increase salinity in the soil. The
productivity of the crops will also be affected by climate change.
*Climate change is increasing the pressure on the resources.
There are many evidence of conflict for the resources like
forest, grassland, agricultural land, river water, land water etc.
which prove climate change as a major factor in increasing
social conflict stress.

F–82 General Studies Environment and Ecology

*Many studies confirm the serious consequences of climate in the year 2016. The 25th United Nations Climate Change
change on both production and productivity of agriculture and Conference (COP 25) was held in Madrid, Spain, from 2 to 13
forestry. The possibility of having a more severe situation in the December 2019. In 2021, COP 26 was held in Glasgow, United
future cannot be denied. The agricultural sector is affected the Kingdom from 31 October 2021 - 12 November 2021. The COP
most by the frequency of extreme weather conditions. 27 will be held in El-sheikh, Egypt from 7 - 18 November 2022.
*In these cases, the question of food security arises. In the *Several important Goals were set at the UNFCCC meeting in
case of food insecurity, there is a tendency of unnecessary food Paris 2015. This Agreement aims at limiting of the emission
storage and food processing, which eventually leads to social of greenhouse gases. It's goal is to control the increase in the
tension. So, food insecurity is also a major cause of Social average global temperature by 2oC or 1.5oC related to the Pre-
stress. Carbon overlay refers to the long-term storage of carbon industrial level by the end of the century. *The important aspect
in plants, geologic structure and in oceans. of the conference was that the developed countries accepted
*Currently (according to the latest available data in 2020), the their responsibility in reducing Global warming, as well as
country contributing most to emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) with the help of developed countries it committed to deposit
is China (28% of the world's total CO2 emission). United States 100 billion dollars by the year 2020 for Climate Fund. This
of America is placed second with 15%, while India is third with agreement is effective from 1st November 2016. This agreement
7% of world's CO2 emission and Russia with 5% of world's CO2 has been signed by 195 countries till now.
emission is fourth and with 3% Japan is fifth. *United Nations Climate Change Conference, 2010 (CoP16)
*China is the largest emitter of carbon globally. Bhutan is was called in Cancun, Mexico from 29 November to 10
known as the world's top carbon negative country. The December 2010.
population of Asia Pacific Cooperation (APEC) countries is *A Green Climate Fund (GCF): Provision was made in
41% of the world's population. They consume the world's 48% the Cancun conference under which the developed nation
of energy and contribute nearly 48% of the world's greenhouse will provide 100 billion dollars per year, by 2020 so that the

gases. They intend to support the Kyoto Protocol however some developing nation can overcome to the challenges of climate

of the countries have not ratified it. change. The Green Climate Fund is a fund under the framework
of the UNFCCC and its establishment was aimed at helping
Climate Change Conference developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to
*The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate counter climate change. This fund is governed by GCF board.
Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty There are 24 members on the board.
adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development (UNCED) held in Rio-de-Janeiro in 1992.
*The United Nations Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) supported by more than 50 countries was effective
from March 21, 1994. Currently, it is ratified by the world's
197 countries.
*The United Nations has taken several important initiatives
from time to time in the direction of prevention of climate
change. [COP1-The first Conference of the Parties held in
Berlin, Germany.] It is notable that the 21st Climate Change
Conference was held in Paris in 2015. The 22nd Climate Change
Conference was held as COP22 in Marrakech in (Morocco)

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–83

*Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organized by the World *The global warming potential (GWP) of a gas depends on
Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to create awareness about climate the efficiency of the atoms of that gas and its environmental
change and the need to save the Earth. Participants around the life-cycle. The environmental life cycle of Carbon dioxide is
world of this program every year on the last Saturday of March, changeable while its global warming potential remains constant
turn off the power for 1 hour from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. (GWP=1). The global warming potential of Methane was
*In 2021, Earth Hour was celebrated on March 27 and in 2022 observed 72 in the last 20 years. Therefore Methane is more
it is scheduled to be celebrated on 26 March.
th dangerous and effective as a greenhouse gas than carbon
*The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty which extends dioxide.
the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate *CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) is a system for
Change (UNFCCC). Its objective is to reduce global warming controlling the greenhouse gas emissions for the reduction in
by reducing greenhouse gases concentration in the atmosphere. Global Warming. CDM came under the Kyoto Protocol.

The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan on 11 *Aforestation, carbon sink and minimization of carbon types

December 1997 and came into effect on 16 February 2005. of the project came under the CDM. It is helpful in reducing
global warming.
*It was adopted as a binding agreement to reduce Greenhouse
*Developed countries are earning carbon credits by investing in
gas emission. According to the Kyoto Protocol, countries where
the carbon emission reduction projects in developing countries.
the emission of Greenhouse gases is more, would collectively
"Carbon Trading" is being encouraged internationally for
achieve a 5.2% reduction in Greenhouse gases emission
the control of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and to reduce
during the year 2008 to 2012. *The Clean Development
Global warming.
Mechanism (CDM), defined in Article 12 of UNFCC's Kyoto
*Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is the name of a
Protocol. It allows a country with an emission reduction or
market-driven device under the UNFCCC United Nations
emission-limitation commitment under the Kyoto Protocol
Framework Convention on Climate Change) that allows
(Annex-B party) to implement an emission-reduction project
developing countries to get funds or incentives from the
in developing countries.
developed countries to adopt better technologies that reduce
*Under this, the developed countries of Annex - I can earn
greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon tax is levied on those energy
'Carbon Credit' by implementing clean development projects
resources which releases carbon dioxide (CO2). It is an example
in Non-Annex-I countries. Carbon credits can be used by the
of Pollution tax.
developed countries to meet the shortage in national emission
*Countries like Sweden, Finland, Netherlands and Norway has
commitments. These projects are implemented by the countries
already levied a carbon tax. New Zealand is imposing carbon
of Annex-I but these projects are implemented in Non-Annex-I tax to help in the reduction of Global warming. In February,
developing countries. 2018 the Singapore government has announced that it will be
*Certified Emissions Reductions (CER's) is a Tradable Unit imposing a carbon tax to reduce its Greenhouse gas emissions
of CDM. By reducing the amount of 1-ton carbon dioxide 1 from the year 2019. All facilities in all business areas producing
CER unit is obtained. It is also obtained by afforestation and 25,000 tons or more greenhouse gas emissions per year will be
so on. Under the Kyoto Protocol, carbon credit system was subjected to a carbon tax.
introduced to reduce carbon emissions in the environment. *The Greenhouse Gas Protocol was developed by "World
*A carbon credit is provided to a country or a group of countries Resource Institute" (WRI) and World Business Council on
by reducing per metric ton of maximum carbon emission which Sustainable Development (W.B.C.S.D). It is an International
is allowed. Carbon credits are traded in the international market institution that guides and provides direction to the governments
according to their current market value. and people related to business to understand Greenhouse gas
*Kyoto Protocol came into force after the ratification of Russia emission and its consequences. It developed guidelines to
on 16 February, 2005. measure, quantity and control greenhouse gas emission.

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*Forest carbon partnership facility is a programme initiated four broad theme-based communities-
by World Bank in June 2008. It is a global partnership of *Extreme Physics and Chemistry- Dedicated to improving
governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous people. It our understanding of the physical and chemical behaviour of
has been created with the main objective of helping developing carbon at extreme conditions, as found in the deep interiors of
countries to reduce the emissions caused by deforestation. Earth and other planets.
*This facility provides financial and technical assistance to *Reservoirs and Fluxes - Dedicated to identifying deep
developing countries in their efforts. But this facility does carbon reservoirs, determining how carbon moves among these
not provide financial support to universities, individuals and reservoirs, and assessing Earth's total carbon budget.
institutions. *Deep Energy - Dedicated to understanding the volume and
*The Bio Carbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest rates of abiogenic hydrocarbons and other organic species in
Landscapes (ISFL) is a multilateral fund managed by the the crust and mantle through geological time.
World Bank. Funding is maximum from Norway up to 135 *Deep Life - Dedicated to assessing the nature and extent of
million dollars followed by the UK up to 120 million dollars the deep microbial and viral biosphere.
and then America with 25 million dollars. It promotes reducing Action Plan of India in
greenhouse gas emissions from the land sector. perspective of climate change
*The Cartagena Protocol is the complementary Protcol of
*In June 2008, the then Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which aims to ensure
had released India's first National Action Plan on climate
the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms
change. India's National Action Plan on climate change was
(LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have
launched on June 30, 2008. National Action Plan focuses on
adverse effects on biological diversity. It was adopted on 29
eight national mission.
January 2000 and entered into force on 11 September 2003.
*Under the National Action Plan on Climate Change the
*Nagoya Protocol came into effect on 12 October 2014. It
following eight national missions are included:
is the complementary agreement of CBD. It is related to the
1. National solar mission.
proper and fair sharing of genetic resources and benefits
2. National mission for enhanced energy efficiency.
received from them.
3. National mission on sustainable habitat.
*United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019, was held at
4. National water mission.
the headquarters of the United Nations in New York City on
5. National mission for sustaining the Himalayas Ecosystem.
23 September 2019. The summit was convened on the theme,
6. National mission for Green India.
"Climate Action Summit 2019: A Race We can Win. A Race
7. National Mission for sustainable agriculture.
We Must Win."
8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for climate
*The Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) was
change.
established in 2007 (operational : 2008) by the European Union
*One of the eight missions outlined under the National Action
(EU) in collaboration with developing countries. This treaty is
Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), National mission for Green
active in 38 countries, 8 regions and sub-regions at global levels.
India was launched in February, 2014 and is aimed at protecting,
*The overall aim of GCCA is to create a new treaty between the
restoring and enhancing India's diminishing forest cover and
European Union and the poor developing countries, who have
responding to climate change by a combination of Adaptation
the least potential to deal with climate change. It is coordinated
& Mitigation Measure.
by the European Commission (EC).
*In the second meeting of the National Executive Council
*The Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) is a global community
(NEC) of the National Green India Mission in October
of more than 1000 scientists on a ten-year quest to understand
2015, the annual plan for the possible schemes and operations
the quantities, movements, forms and origins of carbon in Earth.
proposed by the four states of Mizoram, Manipur, Kerala and
From 2009-2019, DCO science was categorized into following
Environment and Ecology General Studies F–85
Jharkhand were approved.
Basic Questions
Attain 40 percent non-fossil 1. Climate change is caused by –
based power capacity by
2030 (country has achieved (a) Greenhouse gases
this target in November
2021 itselt) (b) Depletion of the ozone layer
(c) Pollution
(d) All the above
U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013
Ans. (d)

Greenhouse gases and Pollutions are directly responsible

for ozone depletion while depletion of the ozone layer is
indirectly responsible for climate change. Hence option (d)
is the correct answer.
2. The main reason of climate change is –
(a) Greenhouse gases
(b) Depletion of the ozone layer
(c) Pollution
(d) All of the above
*India has made many announcements under Intended
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) which
Ans. (d)
is for the reductions in greenhouse gas emission under the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change The main reason of climate change is the emission of
(UNFCCC). greenhouse gases (a gas that contributes to the greenhouse
*The INDC centre around India's policies and programmes effect by absorbing infrared radiation e.g. carbon dioxide
on promotion of clean energy, especially renewable energy, and chlorofluoro carbons) which are the main causes of the
enhancement of energy efficiency, development of less carbon- depletion of the ozone layer. This ozone layer prevents most
intensive and resilient urban centres, promotion of waste harmful ultraviolet light (UV) from passing through the
earth’s atmosphere. Pollution due to human activity is also
to wealth, safe, smart and sustainable green transportation
a prime reason for climate change.
network, abatement of pollution and India's efforts to enhance
carbon sink through creation of forest and tree cover. 3. Where was the climate change conference held in the
*There are 32 Global Atmospheres Observing Stations. Global year 2015?
Atmospheric Observation Stations were established in Algeria, (a) Paris (b) Qatar
Brazil and Kenya but in India, it has yet to be established. (c) Bonn (d) Colombo
*It is notable that in May 2011, for reducing greenhouse (e) None of these
gas emission, with the help of United Nations Development Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Program (UNDP) the State Climate Change Centre has been Ans. (a)
established in Jharkhand. It provides consultation to the state
government on climate change. The main functions are; The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference,
COP 21 was held in Paris, France, from 30 November to 12
(1) Information about climate change for the various
December, 2015. In 2022, COP 27 will be held in El-Shiekh,
stakeholders.
Egypt which was earlier scheduled to be held in 2021.
(2) Making a network with other organizations working on
climate change problems. 4. Which of the following United Nation's Climate
(3) To help the government officials to increase public Change Conferences was held in Paris?
awareness. (a) 25th (b) 23rd
Jharkhand Action Plan on climate change was published in the (c) 22nd
(d) 21st
year 2013 and 2014. U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015

F–86 General Studies Environment and Ecology

 Ozone Layer
*Ozone (O3) consists of the three atoms of the oxygen. Ozone varies seasonally. Its thickness is highest during spring season
gas is found in very less amount in the atmosphere. *Ozone is and lowest during the rainy season.
a pollutant on the surface of the earth i.e. at the lower levels of *The measuring unit of the ozone layer is "Dobson Unit" (DU).
the atmosphere it is harmful to the living organism, whereas at One DU is equal to 0.01 mm thickness of pure Ozone at 0oC
the higher levels of the atmosphere it protects the Earth from temperature and 1 atm pressure. The total mass of Ozone in
the ultraviolet (UV) radiations of the sun. atmosphere is about 3 billion metric tons.
Ozone Layer Depletion
*British team first discovered ozone hole over Antarctica by
using "total ozone mapping spectrometer" in 1985.
*CFC has the potential to destroy a large amount of ozone
by catalyzing the breakdown of ozone (O3) into oxygen (O2).
CFC is one of the major causes of the greenhouse effect.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) is a compound of man-made
chemicals, which is non-toxic, non-flammable, colourless and
odourless and easily converted to the fluid. It is a highly stable
compound and can sustain in the atmosphere for 80 to 100 years.
*It is used in refrigerators and air conditioners as a coolant.
*Since the 1960s, use of chlorofluorocarbon is increasing due
to the usage of refrigerators, air conditioners, spray cases,
solvents, foam constructions, pressed toiletries, micro-marine
works in industries, cleaning electronic components and other
applications.

*The earth’s atmosphere is divided into several layers and each

layer plays an important role.
*The layer extending about 10-50 Km is called the stratosphere.
The ozone layer is mainly found in the lower portion of
the stratosphere from approximately 15 to 30 kilometres
above the Earth, though the thickness varies seasonally and
geographically.
*The ozone layer protects the Earth from the sun UV rays.
*10% of the ozone layer is found in the troposphere and 90%
in the stratosphere.
*The lowest region on the atmosphere is called troposphere.
The thickness of the troposphere is maximum at the equator,
deepest in the tropics up to 18 to 20 km and shallowest near
the polar regions.
*The ozone layer in the stratosphere is naturaly regulated by
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The thickness of the ozone layer

F–108 General Studies Environment and Ecology

*The gases filled in the refrigerator are sold as Mafron. *The United Nation’s International Day for the Preservation
*Ammonia is also used as a coolant in big plants. of the Ozone Layer is observed on September 16 every year
*Ozone layer in the atmosphere prevents harmful ultraviolet since 1994.
rays from reaching to the Earth's surface. It thus safeguards
*The International Day of the preservation of the Ozone layer
life on Earth.
was celebrated on the 16th September 2020 with the theme
*Gases responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer are–
“Ozone for Life : 35 years of ozone layer protection”.
CFC, Halon - 1211,1301, Nitrous oxide and Tricloroethlyn
etc. Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion
*Ozone formation takes place at a very slow pace in the polar *The depletion of Ozone Layer has a very wide impact on
regions of the atmosphere. Therefore, the effect of Ozone layer the Earth. Harmful ultraviolet radiation coming from the Sun
depletion is maximum over the poles. causes skin cancer. DNA may have a genetic mutation if the
*Nitric Acid in the Polar stratospheric clouds reacts with
ultraviolet radiations from the Sun are absorbed by the skin for
chlorofluorocarbon. This reaction produces chlorine which is
long time. The absorption of the Ultra-Violet radiations by the
responsible for photo-chemical destruction of the ozone layer.
skin in larger amount can cause skin cancer.
Since stratospheric clouds help chlorine compound to convert
into chlorine atom depleting Ozone layer, their presence is also
a factor responsible for the formation of the ozone hole.

Measures for the Preservation of

the Ozone Layer
*A research team, led by G.W. Kent Moore from the University
of Toronto, Canada, discovered the Ozone Halo over the Tibetan
Plateau in 2005. The scientists have discovered the presence of Harmful effects of UV-B radiation
excess ozone around Tibetan Plateau. Ozone levels were low on the organism
over the centre of the Tibetan Plateau and a concentrated ring
*The ultraviolet radiation of the Sun is divided into three
of ozone sits around the Plateau. Ozone is a highly volatile gas.
regions called UV-A (315-400 nm) UV-B (280-315 nm)
At high concentrations, it can cause coughing, chest pain and
and UV-C (100-280 nm). Over exposure to UV-A and UV-B
damage to the lungs.
radiations not only can cause Sunburn but also some forms of
*The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone
Skin Cancer. UV-C is also very harmful but UV-C is blocked
layer is an international treaty designed for the protection of the
by diatomic oxygen or by ozone in the atmosphere that is why
ozone layer by phasing out the production of various substances
they can’t reach the Earth’s surface.
that are responsible for ozone depletion. Chlorofluorocarbons,
*Ozone Layer blocks high wavelength ultraviolet light from
Halons and Carbon Tetrachloride are the main ozone-depleting
the Sun by 93% to 99% which are harmful to the living beings
substances.
on the Earth.
*It is a protocol to the Vienna Convention for the protection
of the ozone layer by phasing out the production or the use *Ozone is a poisonous gas, it causes direct and immediate harm
of the substances (such as chlorofluorocarbons etc) that are to the lungs and entire respiratory system. It is harmful to the
responsible for ozone depletion. biological life on the surface of the Earth.
*The Montreal Protocol was signed on 16 September 1987 *In the absence of the ozone layer, the Sun’s ultraviolet rays
and came into force on 1 January 1989. will cause excessive damage to biological life on Earth.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–109

23,611 2,601 9,689 11,431 23,721 -2 2 110 110
38,575 4,533 20,985 13,212 38,730 32 -63 186 155
21,144 1,944 9,472 9,837 21,253 9 -36 136 109
77,482 6,665 34,209 36,619 77,493 -11 -132 154 11
50,778 8,734 20,589 21,475 50,798 13 17 -10 20
16,847 905 6,228 9,465 16,598 0 -158 -91 -249
17,119 560 9,160 7,326 17,046 71 -107 -37 -73
18,006 157 5,715 11,948 17,820 0 -86 -100 -186
12,486 1,272 4,449 6,530 12,251 -1 -85 -149 -235
51,619 7,213 20,995 23,948 52,156 243 -557 851 537
1,849 11 793 1,043 1,847 3 -8 3 -2
16,630 78 4,369 12,208 16,655 0 27 -2 25
3,342 1,102 1,551 688 3,341 0 -1 0 -1
26,364 3,593 11,034 11,792 26,419 -12 4 63 55
20,582 1,624 9,119 10,471 21,214 16 332 284 632
7,726 647 5,212 1,863 7,722 -7 -24 27 -4
14,806 2,627 4,029 8,162 14,818 10 -51 53 12
24,303 5,055 12,768 6,482 24,305 8 -37 31 2
16,902 3,037 4,208 9,587 16,832 18 48 -136 -70
6,743 5,678 683 383 6,744 0 -1 2 1
22.03 1.36 13.51 8.01 22.88 0.00 -0.73 1.58 0.85
227.65 1.40 85.56 140.79 227.75 0.00 -0.06 0.16 0.10
21,358 4,155 8,117 9,115 21,387 -124 27 126 29
2,254 2 512 1,758 2,272 0 -10 28 18
27.10 0.00 16.09 11.01 27.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
52.41 0.00 17.53 35.77 53.30 0.00 -0.13 1.02 0.89
7,12,249 99,779 3,06,890 3,07,120 7,13,789 501 -1,582 2,621 1,540

Top Ten Countries in Terms of Forest Area (2020) IUCN

Country Forest Percent of *The International Union for Conservation of Nature
Area Global (IUCN) is an international organization working in the field of
(Million forest nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
Hectare) area The declared objective of the organization is to help in finding
1 Russia 815 20.1 practical solutions for the most vulnerable environmental and
2 Brazil 497 12.2 developmental challenges.
3 Canada 347 8.5 *The IUCN was established in the year 1948 and its
4 USA 310 7.6 headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland.
5 China 220 5.4 *The Red list released by the IUCN gives information about
6 Australia 134 3.3 endangered plants and animal species.
7 Congo 126 3.1 *The elephant is in the category of endangered species.
8 Indonesia 92 2.3 *Gharial (Gavialis), a species of Crocodilia family is found
9 Peru 72 1.8 within the tributaries of Ganga River. It is mainly found in,
10 India 72 1.8 India and Nepal. It is best to see Gharial (Gavialis) in its natural
Total 2685 66.1 habitat in Chambal river. The scientific name of Gharial is

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–123

Gavialis Gangeticus. Most numbers of Gharial are found in Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Chambal river and Girwa river. IUCN has placed Gharial in *A list of protected wildlife is provided under it. It is worth
the category of critically endangered species. mentioning that the tiger has been kept in the schedule (I) of
*Gharial, Leatherback turtle and Reindeer are listed in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. If a species of tortoise
endangered list of species. Kharai Camels are found in Kutch is declared protected under schedule I of the Indian Wildlife
(Gujarat). They are able to swim up to three km in the sea (Protection) Act, 1972, it will enjoy the same level of protection
water. They graze on Mangroves. These camels are declared as the tiger.
as Endangered Species. National Bureau of Animal Genetic *According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Gharial,
Resources has recognized the Kharai Camel as the ninth species Indian wild ass and wild buffalo all the three animals cannot
of camels found in India. The livelihood of the merchant be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided
community depends upon these camels. by law.
*Whale Shark is not only India’s largest fish but is largest fish *The Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 was enacted on 27
of the world. It can be up to 50 feet long. The natural habitat December, 1980 but, it was implemented on 25 October, 1980.
of the whale shark is on the shores of Australia and Africa but National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources was established in
during the month of March to May a large number of whale 1977. It has its headquarters in New Delhi. This organization
sharks are seen on the shores of Gujarat. During this period the works as a nodal agency for activities of plant introduction and
whale sharks are pregnant. In 2004, a program was launched germplasm augmentation for use in crop improvement. It has
to safeguard the whale sharks coming to the coast of Gujarat. ten regional offices across the country. (1) Shimla (2) Jodhpur
*Spider monkeys are found in the tropical climatic zones. (3) Thrissur (4) Akola (5) Shillong (6) Bhovati (7) Cuttack (8)
These are mainly found in the evergreen forest of central and Hyderabad (9) Ranchi (10) Srinagar.
southern American region.
*The Animal Welfare Board of India is a statutory advisory
*It is noteworthy that Pugmark Technology is used to assess
body on animal welfare laws and promotes animal welfare in
the number of different wild animals. In this technology, these
the country. It was established in 1962 under section 4 of the
animals are identified with the help of footmarks of the animals.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960.
*The various wild animals and their scientific names are as
*National Tiger Conservation Authority is a Statutory body
follows:
under the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change
Animal Scientific Name
(Government of India).
Onager (Asiatic wild Ass) Equus hemionus
*The National Ganga River Basin Authority was set up on 20
Swamp deer (Barasingha) Rucervus duvaucelii February, 2009. This authority is chaired by the Prime Minister
Chinkara Gazella bennetti and its members are the Union Ministers concerned, the Chief
Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus Ministers of the States through which Ganga flows.
*The Forest Research Institute is an institute of the Indian
Indian efforts related to Council of Forestry Research and Education and is a premier
Conservation of Forest Resources institution in the field of forestry research in India. It is located at
*Geographical area of India is only 2.4% of the total land area Dehradun in Uttarakhand and is one of the oldest institutions of
of the world. India has about 8% of the world’s total known its kind. It was established in 1906 and was declared a deemed
Bio-diversity. university by the University Grants Commission.
*According the book 'Faunal Diversity in India' written by *The Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award is given
J R B Alfred about 7.28% of world’s known animal species annually for significant contribution in the field of wildlife
are found in India. conservation which has made or has the potential to make a
*The Wildlife (Protection) Act was enforced in India on major impact on the protection and conservation of wildlife
9th September, 1972. The main objectives of the Wildlife in the country.
(Protection) Act, 1972 are protection from illegal hunting, *In 1974, the Forest Department auctioned approximately 680
trafficking of wild animals, etc. In this Act, there are a total of hectares of forest in Raini village of Joshimath. Then under the
66 sections which are divided into 7 chapters and 6 schedules. leadership of Gaura Devi, hundreds of women opposed the
There were several provisions for the protection of Wildlife in deforestation by sticking to the trees. Chandi Prasad Bhatt

F–124 General Studies Environment and Ecology

was the protagonist of the Chipko Movement. He established Suriname 94.6
“Dasoli Gram Swaraj Mandal” in 1964. This institute later Micronesia 74.5
became the base of the Chipko Movement. Chipko Movement Seychelles 88.5
started in 1973 against large scale cutting of forests. Sundarlal Tuvalu 33.3
Bahuguna also played a leading role in this movement. Chandi Palau 87.6
Prasad Bhatt also received Ramon Magsaysay award in 1982. Gabon 81
*Amrita Devi Bishnoi award is given by the Forest Department Solomon Island 78.9
of Government of Rajasthan for significant contribution in the Pakistan 2.1
field of wildlife protection. A cash award of Rupees one Lakh Afghanistan 1.85
is presented to individual/institutions involved in wildlife Vietnam 45.0
protection. Venezuela 52.1
*Gond and Korku tribes plant a sapling of fruit-bearing trees *The Bhutan government has made a constitutional provision
every year during a month-long ecological campaign/festival. to maintain forest on at least 60% of the total geographical
*As a part of wildlife conservation efforts in Nepal and India area of the country. *At present, about 84% of Bhutan land is
a new association by the name “SAVE” was launched. The covered with forest.
objective of SAVE is to conserve tigers. Tibetan Buddhists use *To prevent desertification, the United Nations convention
tiger skin for decoration and as a seat while offering prayers to combat desertification was established in the year 1994.
which results in an increase in tiger hunting cases. India and *This is the only law-binding agreement, which jointly presents
Nepal jointly formed an organization named SAVE in July, environment, development and sustainable land management.
2010, for the conservation of tigers. It also has the objective *Its objective is to encourage effective action through
to work for increasing the number of tigers. innovative national programs and supportive international
*“Apna Van Apna Dhan” scheme has been started by partnerships. UNCCD is committed to the bottom-up approach
Himachal Pradesh government. The scheme aims to promote to encourage local participation in prevention of desertification.
afforestation. *The World Wildlife Fund has adopted Giant Panda as the
*Survey of India, the National Survey and Mapping symbol of the organization since its inception in the year 1961.
Organization under the Department of Science and Technology *Its scientific name is Ailuropoda melanoleuca.
*Its habitat is mainly found in broad-leaf and mixed forests.
has been assigned the role as the nation’s principal mapping
Currently, their number is approximately 1600 around the
agency. It was set up in 1767. It is not related to the environment.
world.
Global efforts of the *In India, wildlife week is celebrated in the middle of 2nd to
Conservation of Forest 8th October.
*According to the world factbook (Recent) of the CIA, the state
*World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5, while World
of forestation in the countries with respect to their geographical
Forestry Day is celebrated on March 21.
area, is as follows :
*The nomination of 3rd March as the 'World Wildlife Day' was
Country Forestation (%) proposed in the 16th meeting of parties (CoP 16) of CITES
Japan 68.5 (Convention on International trade in Endangered species of
Indonesia 51.7 wild fauna and flora). The theme of World Wildlife Day, 2021
India 23.1 is 'Forests and Livelihoods : Sustaining People and Planet :
China 22.3 *On December 20, 2013 during the 68th annual session of the
Mozambique 43.7 United Nations General Assembly, it was decided to celebrate
Sweden 68.7 March 3rd as the “World Wildlife Day” every year.
Guinea-Bissau 55.2 *It is noteworthy that between the 21st and 24th of November
Belize 60.6 2010, the world's first Tiger Summit was organized in Saint
Laos 67.9 Petersburg (Russia).
Guyana 77.4 *World Wildlife Fund was established in April 1961.
Finland 72.9 *In July 2000, 13 lions died due to “Trypanosomiasis Disease”
Russia 49.4 in the Nandankanan Sanctuary of Odisha.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–125

 Sanctuaries/Biosphere Reserves
National Park
*Various methods are adopted for the conservation of
biodiversity. Establishing protected / conserved area is an
important method. Protected areas include National Parks,
Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community
Reserves. National Parks and Wildlife Sancturies have been
established for the Protection and Conservation of the wildlife
in the country. A network of 981 protected areas (PAs)
has been established, extending over 1,71,921 km2 (5.03%
of the total geographic area of the country) comprising 104
National Parks, 566 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 97 Conservation
Reserves and 214 Community Reserves. Most of the wildlife
conservation areas are surrounded by the forest which is very *Biosphere Reserve is an area having flora and fauna of natural
beneficial. and scientific interest. Biosphere Reserves entertain no human
According to the data shown by 'ENVIS centre on Wildlife activity in their sphere. In a sanctuary, hunting is prohibited
without permission but grazing of cattle is regular.
Protected Areas', number of protected areas in India during
*In the National Parks hunting and grazing of the cattle is
2020 are as follows –
completely prohibited. Some restricted human activity is
Status in permitted in the sanctuary but no human activity is permitted
Protected areas/Area
Dec., 2020 in the National Park except for the ones permitted by the
Total number of protected areas 981 Chief Wildlife Warden of the State. There are 104 National
Total area of protected areas 1,71,921 Parks in India. Madhya Pradesh has the largest number of
Percentage of protected areas to National Parks (11) followed by Andaman & Nicobar, Kerala,
5.03%
the total geographical area of the country Maharashtra, Uttarakhand and West Bengal each having 6.
National Parks 104 Andaman & Nicobar Islands have the maximum number (96)
of Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Wildlife Sanctuaries 566
*Jim Corbett National Park is the first National Park of
Conservation Reserves 97
India. It was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. It
Community Reserves 214 is located in Nainital District of Uttarakhand. In 1973, it was
*A National Park is an area, whether within a sanctuary or not, chosen as the location for launching Project Tiger. Both Jim
Corbett and Rajaji National Park, located in Uttrakhand use
that can be notified by the State Government to be constituted
remote sensing and GIS approach for Wildlife Management.
as a National Park. Any ecosystem of rich biodiversity and
*Keoladeo National Park was established as a National Park in
almost pristine habitats can be declared National Parks
1981. It is located in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. In 1985,
provided that such natural area is of ecological, faunal, floral, Keoladeo National Park has been declared a World Heritage
geomorphological and hydrological importance and needs site under the World Heritage convention by UNESCO.
protection and conservation. *Keoladeo Ghana National Park was formerly known as the

F–146 General Studies Environment and Ecology

Bhubaneswar. It was established in 1980. tiger reserve and elephant reserve.
*Some National Parks and their establishment year- *Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in Manipur. It is the
National Park Year only floating park in the world. Keibul Lamjao National Park
Corbett (Uttarakhand) 1936 is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials
Kanha (Madhya Pradesh) 1955 which are known as Phumdis.
Dudhwa (Uttar Pradesh) 1977 *Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is located in
Rajaji (Uttrakhand) 1983 Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. This park is famous for its
Namdapha (Arunachal Pradesh) 1983 biodiversity. Himalayan Brown bear is found in the temperate
Guindy (Tamil Nadu) 1976 and alpine forest in GHNP. More than 30 mammals and more
Kaziranga (Assam) 1974 than 200 birds reside here.
Silent Valley (Kerala) 1984 *World Heritage Natural site status was conferred on GHNP on
23rd June 2014 in the proceedings of the 38th World Heritage
National Park State
Committee meeting in Doha Qatar.
Gir Forest National Park Gujarat
*Sultanpur National Park (formerly Sultanpur Bird
Bharatpur Bird Santuary Rajasthan
Sanctuary) is located in Gurgaon district of Haryana.
Bandhavgarh National Park Madhya Pradesh
*National Parks of Bhutan is spread in an area of about 12,922
Kaziranga National Park Assam
km2 which is approximately 33.66% of the total area of Bhutan
Corbett National Park Uttrakhand
Bandipur National Park Karnataka (38,394 km2).
Sanjay National Park Madhya Pradesh *Delhi Zoo was officially given the status of National
Rajaji National Park Uttrakhand Zoological Park in 1982.
Simlipal National Park Odisha Sanctuary / National Park Wild Life
Manas National Park Assam Kaziranga Rhinoceros
Anshi National Park Karnataka
Gir Lion
Betla National Park Jharkhand
Sunderban Tiger
Indravati National Park Chhattisgarh
Periyar Elephant/Tiger
Gugamal National Park Maharashtra
Intanki National Park Nagaland National Park Reserve
Keibul-Lamjao National Park Manipur Bandipur Tiger Sanctuary
Guindy National Park Tamil Nadu Kaziranga One Horned Rhinoceros Sanctuary
Dachigam National Park Jammu and Kashmir Sunderban Biosphere and Tiger Reserve
Papikonda National Park Andhra Pradesh Simlipal Elephant Sanctuary
Sariska National Park Rajasthan

National Park District Biosphere Reserve

Kaziranga Golaghat, Nagaon and Sonitpur *The term Biological diversity was first time used by
Silent Valley Palghat Raymond F. Dasmann in 1968 in his book “A Different kind
Pench Valley Nagpur of Country”. The contracted form of Biological Diversity is
Kanha National Park Mandla, Balaghat and Dindori (MP) biodiversity which was coined by W.G. Rosen in 1985.
Kudremukh Chikkamaglur *The biosphere reserve programme is an effective method of
*The largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr is found in the conservation of genetic variation of the species. So far
Eravikulam National Park which is located along Western Ghats 18 Biosphere reserve has been established by the Ministry of
in the Idukki district of Kerala. Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Government of
*Periyar National Park is located in Kerala. It is mainly a India of which 12 Biosphere reserves are within the framework

F–148 General Studies Environment and Ecology

of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme. *Seshachalam Hills (Situated in Andhra Pradesh) of Eastern
Ghats was declared as 17th Biosphere Reserve of the country
on 20 September 2010.
Transition area *Panna (located in Madhya Pradesh) was declared as
18th Biosphere Reserve of the country on 25 August 2011.
Buffer zones
Establishment of Biosphere Reserve Areas is helpful in
Core area conservation and sustainable development of biodiversity.
List of Biosphere Reserves in India
Education & Training Year of Area (in
Biosphere Reserves
Establishment Km2)
1. Nilgiri 1986 5520
2. Nanda Devi 1988 5860.69
*These 12 Biosphere Reserves are :
3. Gulf of Mannar 1989 10500
UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserve 4. Nokrek 1988 820
Biosphere Reserve Designated Year
5. Sunderban 1989 9630
1. Nilgiri 2000
6. Manas 1989 2837
2. Gulf of Mannar 2001
7. Simlipal 1994 4374
3. Sunderban 2001
4. Nanda Devi 2004 8. Dihang-Dibang 1998 5112
5. Nokrek 2009 9. Pachmarhi 1999 4926
6. Pachmarhi 2009 10. Achanakmar-Amarkantak 2005 3835.51
7. Similipal 2009 11. Kachchh 2008 12454
8. Achanakmar-Amarkantak 2012 12. Cold Desert 2009 7770
9. Great Nicobar 2013 13. Khangchendzonga 2000 2620
10. Agasthyamalai 2016
14. Agasthyamalai 2001 3500
11. Khangchendzonga 2018
15. Great Nicobar 1989 885
12. Panna 2020
16. Dibru-Saikhowa 1997 765
*Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is situated around the peak 17. Seshachalam Hills 2010 4756
of Nanda Devi in the state of Uttrakhand. It was inscribed 18. Panna 2011 2998.98
as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. Nanda Devi
*Rann of Kachchh was initially not listed in Biosphere Reserve
Biosphere reserve has been included within the framework of
declared by Government of India but in January 2008, it was
UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere programme.
given the status of Biosphere Reserve.
*In 2016, Agasthyamalai was included in the framework of
*Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an
UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere programme.
intergovernmental scientific programme, launched in 1971
*Khangchendzonga and Panna was included in the
by UNESCO, that aims to establish a scientific basis for
framework of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere programme in
the improvement of relationships between people and their
2018 and 2020 respectively. environments.
Important Biosphere Reserve Area *Nilgiri, Sundarban, Gulf of Mannar and Nanda Devi were
*Biosphere Reserves are the major centres for the protection selected from India in the first list of the Man and the Biosphere
of ecosystems, races and genetic resources. Other facts related Programme.
to biosphere reserve areas are as follows: *UNESCO declared on May 2007 that 22 new Bio sanctuary
*Cold desert is declared as 16th Biosphere Reserve area of will be selected for the Man and Biosphere programme. These
India on 28 August, 2009 and is located in Himachal Pradesh. 22 new Bio Sanctuary will be selected from 17 countries.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–149

Simlipal, Pachmarhi and Nokrek are from India.
Agasthyamalai Kerala-Tamil Nadu
*Later in the year 2012 Achankamar - Amarkantak Biosphere
Namdapha Arunachal Pradesh
Reserve was selected from India for MAB. Great Nicobar was
Sariska Rajasthan
selected for the Man and Biosphere programme in 2013.
*By March 2016 the MAB list of UNESCO had 669 Biosphere Garampani Assam
Reserves from 120 different countries. Pakhal Telangana
*By February 2021, there are 714 Biosphere Reserves in 129 Mahuadanr Jharkhand
countries have been included in the world network of biosphere Dachigam Jammu and Kashmir
reserves.
Kahna National Park Madhya Pradesh
Biosphere Reserve State Periyar Kerala
Nokrek Meghalaya Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary Rajasthan
Manas Assam
*Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary - Goa (located in North-East of
Dihang-Dibang Arunachal Pradesh
Goa and is spread over an area of 8 km2 is the centre of attraction
Agasthyamalai Kerala
for school students).
Similipal Odisha
*Kanger Ghati National Park is located in Chhattisgarh.
Khangchendzonga Sikkim *Orang Sanctuary is located in Assam and it is also known
Cold Desert Himachal Pradesh as mini Kaziranga.
*Gulf of Mannar (area = 10500 Km2) is the largest UNESCO *Ushakothi Sanctuary is situated at a distance of about 45 km
certified (according to the area) biosphere reserve of India but east of Sambalpur in Odisha.
it is the second largest biosphere reserve of India. *Shuklaphanta wildlife sanctuary is a protected area in Terai

*The largest biosphere reserve of India is Rann of Kachchh (South-West area) of Kanchan district of Nepal covering an

(Gujarat) with an area of 12454 km2. Nokrek Biosphere is area of 305 km2. Hunting was prohibited in this area in 1969. It

spread over part of Garo Hills while Agasthyamalai is on the was gazetted in 1976 as Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve.

Western Ghats, Dihang-Dibang is spread in upper Siang, *The One Horned Rhino is found in West Bengal and Assam.

Western Siang and Debang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Nanda Kaziranga National Park is famous for One Horned Rhino.

Devi is located in Uttrakhand. *Gir, Ranthambore and Corbett are famous for Tigers.

*Bundala Biosphere Reserve is situated on the South-East *Kaziranga National Park is located on the bank of river

coast of Sri Lanka. There is also a Central area National Park Bramhmaputra in Assam. It is spread over an area of 1173.58

in Bundala Reserve which includes four saline water lagoons. km2 with the habitat of mainly One Horned Rhino and Elephant.

The Central Area is home to native as well as migrating species It is a Tiger Reserve.

of Birds. The closest town near Bundala is Hambantota. *Kanha (Madhya Pradesh), Ranthambore (Rajasthan) and
Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh) are the part of Project Tiger.
Wildlife Sanctuary *Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam is famous for Tigers
For the protection and conservation of wildlife, Wildlife
and Rhinos. It is a project Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve
Sanctuary has been established. Some important Sanctuaries
and Biosphere Reserve. It is also included in the list of Natural
and their parent state are as follows-
World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1985. On 21 June 2011,
Sanctuary State
it was removed from the list of World Heritage in danger. (In
Similipal Odisha 1992 UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage site in danger.)
Nokrek Meghalaya *Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Chandauli
Dihang Dibang Arunachal Pradesh district of Uttar Pradesh at a distance of 70 km from Varanasi.

F–150 General Studies Environment and Ecology

It is spread over an area of 78 km2. adventure seekers.
*Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Shivpuri district of
Madhya Pradesh. It is spread over an area of 202.21 km2 and is
Bird Sanctuaries and
only 44 km away from Jhansi (U.P.). Butterfly Conservation
*Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 52
*Various attempts have been made for the protection and
km2 in Udaipur district of Rajasthan.
conservation of the birds in India. Establishment of the Bird
*Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a small sanctuary (50 km2 Sanctuary was a major step for the protection and conservation
area) which is located in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan. of the birds.
*Periyar Game Sanctuary is located in Kerala and is famous *The natural habitat for the Great Indian Hornbill is the
for wild elephants. Western Ghat. The scientific name of this bird is Buceros
*Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is 54 km far from Pithoragarh bicornis. Great hornbills are found in the forests of India,
district of Uttarakhand. The Wildlife sanctuary of Uttarakhand Bhutan, Nepal, China, Indonesia, etc. Due to habitat loss and
from West to East - Kedarnath-Nanda Devi- Binsar-Askot. hunting in some areas, the great hornbill is listed as vulnerable
*Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Chamoli on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
and Rudraprayag districts of Uttarakhand. Nanda Devi is in
Bird Sanctuary District
Chamoli, Binsar is in Almora and Askot wildlife sanctuary is
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Unnao
located in Pithoragarh.
Okhala/Okhla Bird Sanctuary Gautam Buddha Nagar
*Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Sheopur district of
Madhya Pradesh near a place called Palpur. It was selected as a Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Rae Bareli
site to implement the Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project. This Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary Jaiprakash Nagar (Gonda)
site is selected because before 1873 it was the habitat of Asiatic Udhwa Bird Sanctuary Sahibganj
Lion. An environment ministry’s expert committee on March
*India's first butterfly park was established in Bannerghatta
2017, has approved the translocation of Asiatic Lions from Gir National Park in 2006 which is situated in Karnataka.
National Park of Gujarat to Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary *The scientific name of Blue Mormon is Papilio Polyester. It
in Madhya Pradesh as the second home for the Asiatic Lions. is a large swallowtail butterfly found in South India and Sri
*Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Rann of Lanka. It is the State Butterfly of Maharashtra. In India, it is
Kachchh in Gujarat. It is spread over an area of 4953.71 km2. found in Maharashtra and Western Ghat (South India). It is the
The wildlife sanctuary was established in 1973. It is the largest third largest butterfly of India. The largest butterfly is Golden
wildlife sanctuary of India. Birdwing.
*Mahuadanr Wolf Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Latehar *There are only four states in India which have declared their
district of Jharkhand. This wildlife sanctuary was created state butterflies Maharashtra and Karnataka, Uttarakhand and
over an area of 63.26 km in order to conserve the endangered
2 Arunachal Pradesh.
wolf species. The other creatures found here are rabbits, mice,
squirrels, small deer, etc. Project Tiger
*The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Southern State of Kerala *The Government of India has taken a pioneering initiative
is spread over the southeast corner of the Western Ghats, and for conserving the tiger by launching the "Project Tiger" in
covers a total area of 128 km . It was declared as a wildlife
2
1973. The project aims at ensuring a viable population of Tigers
sanctuary in 1958. in their natural habitats and protecting them from extinction.
*'Gomarda' Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near Sarangarh, *The population of the Tigers around the world is expected to
in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. The wildlife sanctuary be between 3000 to 4000. The population of the Tigers in India
was established in the year 1975. Spread over more than 275 is 2967 (According to latest Tiger census).
square kilometer area, it is one of the ideal destination for the *International Tiger Day, is an annual celebration to raise

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–151

awareness for tiger conservation. It was decided in 2010 at the 23. Dampa Mizoram
Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit. 24. Bhadra Karnataka
*International Tiger Day is celebrated on 29 July every year. 25. Pench Maharashtra
*M-STrIPES (Monitoring system for Tigers - Intensive 26. Pakke Arunachal Pradesh
Protection and Ecological Status) is a software-based 27. Nameri Assam
monitoring system launched across Indian tiger reserves.
28. Satpura Madhya Pradesh
The System consists of two components
29. Annamalai Tamil Nadu
(a) Field based protocols for patrolling, law enforcement,
30. Udanti-Sitamadi Chhattisgarh
recording wild life crimes and ecological monitoring.
31. Satkosia Odisha
(b) A customized software for storage, retrieval, analysis and
32. Kaziranga Assam
reporting.
33. Achanakmar Chhattisgarh
*M-STrIPES produces easily interpretable reports and maps
34. Dandeli - Anshi (Kali) Karnataka
that are useful for management and policy decisions. It enables
35. Sanjay-Dubri Madhya pradesh
managers to assess the intensity and spatial coverage of patrols
36. Mudumalai Tamil Nadu
in a GIS-based tool. The system reduces the response time to
37. Nagarhole Karnataka
detrimental events like poaching or habitat degradation and
38. Paranbikulam Kerala
becomes a comprehensive tool to keep the pulse of a tiger
39. Sahyadri Maharashtra
reserve [GIS - Geographic Information system].
40. Biligiri Ranganatha Karnataka
As on February 2021, there are 51 Tiger Reserves in India 41. Karnel Telangana
Name of Tiger Reserve State
42. Satyamangalam Tamil Nadu
1. Bandipur Karnataka
43. Mukandra Hills Rajasthan
2. Corbett Uttarakhand
44. Navegaon nagzira Maharashtra
3. Manas Assam
45. Amrabad Telangana
4. Palamau Jharkhand
46. Pilibhit Uttar Pradesh
5. Ranthambore Rajasthan
47. Bor Maharashtra
6. Similipal Odisha
48. Rajaji Uttarakhand
7. Sundarban West Bengal
49. Orang Assam
8. Kanha Madhya Pradesh
50. Kamlang Arunachal Pradesh
9. Melghat Maharashtra
51. Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tamil Nadu
10. Periyar Kerala
11. Sariska Rajasthan *Rajaji National Park which is situated in Uttarakhand was

12. Namdapha Arunachal Pradesh declared as a tiger reserve in 2015. It became the second tiger
13. Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Andhra Pradesh reserve in Uttarakhand. The first tiger reserve of Uttarakhand
14. Buxa West Bengal was Corbett Tiger Reserve.
15. Indravali Chhattisgarh *Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number of tigers where
16. Dudhawa Uttar Pradesh as Karnataka comes second.
17. Kalakad - Mundanthurai Tamil Nadu *Kaziranga National Park was declared as a tiger reserve
18. Valmiki Bihar in 2006.
19. Pench Madhya Pradesh *Orang National Park is the 49th Tiger reserve which is
20. Tadoba-Andhari Maharashtra situated in Assam.
21. Bandhavgarh Madhya Pradesh *Kamlang National Park which is situated in Arunachal
22. Panna Madhya Pradesh Pradesh is the 50th Tiger reserve of the country.

F–152 General Studies Environment and Ecology

*Srivilliputhur Megamali Tiger Reserve is 51st tiger reserve Reserve of Andhra Pradesh. In the 40th session of the World
which is situated in Tamil Nadu. Heritage Committee held in Istanbul, Turkey in 2016, Nalanda
*Nagarjuna Sagar - Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest Mahavihar located in Nalanda of Bihar, the historical capital
Tiger Reserve in India. The total area of this tiger reserve complex in Chandigarh and Kanchenjunga of Sikkim were
is 3296.31km which comes under the boundary of Andhra
2 declared World Heritage site.
Pradesh whereas 2611.39 km area comes in Telangana which
2
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
is now known as Amarabad Tiger Reserve. Drones give
Name of Sites Designated year
a better monitoring of the wildlife situations than on-land
Agra Fort (1983)
traditional kind.
Ajanta Caves (1983)
*Bandipur Tiger Reserve now is being monitored by the
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
drones for the protection and conservation of the wildlife.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
*Dampa Tiger Reserve was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1994.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly (2004)
It is situated in the western part of Mizoram State.
Victoria Terminus)
*Gumti Wild Life Sanctuary is located in Tripura. Saramati is
Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
a peak rising above the surrounding peaks at the mountainous
Elephanta Caves (1987)
border of Nagaland and the Sagaing Region of Burma.
Ellora Caves (1983)
*Namdapha National Park is a Tiger Reserve in Arunachal
Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
Pradesh. Buxa Tiger Reserve is situated in West Bengal Sariska Great Living Chola Temples (1987)
Tiger Reserve is a National Park and Tiger Reserve located in Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
Alwar district of Rajasthan. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
*Pench Tiger Reserve is 90% in Madhya Pradesh and 10% Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
in Maharashtra. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
*Kanha National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh and Manas Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993)
National Park is located in Assam. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
Miscellaneous Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh (2002)
The Royal Botanic Garden was established in England's Gaya
'Kew' in 1759. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mountain Railways of India (1999)
2003. It is the world's largest garden with more than 40,000 Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
species of plants. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at (2014)
Patan, Gujarat
*Project Elephant was launched in 1992 by the Ministry
Red Fort Complex (2007)
of Environment and Forest of the Government of India. The
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
project aims to ensure long term survival of elephants in their
Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
natural habitats by protecting the elephants, their habitats and
Taj Mahal (1983)
migration corridors. According to 2017 census, synchronized
The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
population of the elephants in India is about 29964.
Archaeological Site of Nalanda (2016)
*Satya Manglam Tiger Reserve Area is located at the meeting
Mahavihara(Nalanda University) at
site of the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats. Elephants,
Nalanda, Bihar
Hyenas, Leopards, etc. are also found in this Tiger Reserve. It
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, (2016)
is the largest wildlife sanctuary of Tamil Nadu.
an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern
*Nallamala forest is located in Andhra Pradesh.
Movement
*Nagarhole National Park is located in Kudagu district and
Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
Mysore district of Karnataka.
Great Himalayan National Park (2014)
*Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve is the first Biosphere

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–153

Kaziranga National Park (1985) Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2006
Ans. (a)
Keoladeo National Park (1985)
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) A National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by the Prime
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National (1988) Minister of India provides a policy framework for wildlife
Parks conservation in the country. A network of 981 Protected
Area’s has been established extending over 1,71,921 km2
Sundarban National Park (1987)
(5.03% of the total geographic area), comprising 104 National
Western Ghats (2012)
Parks, 566 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 97 Conservation Reserves
Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)
and 214 Community Reserves. In India, most of the wildlife
The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of (2018) protected areas are surrounded by dense forests.
Mumbai
Jaipur (2019)

*Harike wetland is located on the confluence of the Beas and

Sutlej rivers of Punjab province.
*Keoladeo Ghana National Park is situated at the confluence
of the Gambhir and Banganga rivers in the Bharatpur district
of Rajasthan.
*Kolleru Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India located
in State of Andhra Pradesh. Kolleru Lake is located between
Krishna and Godavari deltas. Ramganga River flows through
the Corbett National Park.
*The first Marine sanctuary was established in the Gulf
of Kutch. Dolphin, Mollusca, Turtle, etc are some of the sea
organisms conserved in this Marine Sanctuary.
3. Today how many national parks are there in India,
*Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary is located in the Idukki district
which has been established to protect wild animals?
of Kerala.
(a) 39 (b) 49
*Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and Karikili Bird Sanctuary
(c) 59 (d) 96
are located in Tamil Nadu. Karikilli is located at a distance of
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993
86 km from Chennai. Ans. (*)

Basic Questions At the time when the question was asked, there were 96
National Park in India. Currently, there are 104 National
1. International ‘Tiger Day’ is observed on – Parks in India.
(a) 24th July (b) 29th July
4. ‘Project Tiger’ of the Government envisages:
(c) 20 July
th
(d) 25th July
(a) To observe the habits of the tiger
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
(b) Collect vital information about different species
Ans. (b) (c) To save the Indian tiger from extinction
International Tiger Day is observed on July, 29 catching (d) None of these
worldwide attention to the conservation of tigers. It is both U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
an awareness as well as celebration day. It was founded at Ans. (c)
Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010.
The Government of India has taken a pioneering initiative
2. Most of the wildlife protected areas in India are for conserving its national animal, the tiger, by launching the
surrounded by – ‘Project Tiger’ in 1973. The Project Tiger aims to save the
(a) Dense forests (b) Rivers and lakes tiger from extinction.
(c) Human settlements (d) Mountains and hills 5. ‘Project Tiger’ in India was started in -

F–154 General Studies Environment and Ecology

 Non-Conventional Energy
Energy and Energy Resources *The danger of exhaustion of fossil fuels such as crude oil and
natural gas is named as the Energy crisis.
*Energy resources can be classified into two categories:
1. Renewable or Non Conventional Energy *Uranium is used as a raw material for nuclear power

2. Non Renewable or Conventional Energy. generation. Nuclear energy is energy that is obtained from
*All the activities of nature are controlled by some form of the nucleus of an atom. The energy is released from an atom
energy. This energy comes from different resources. Renewable through one of the two processes - 1. Nuclear Fusion or 2.
energy is energy from sources that are naturally replenishing but Nuclear Fission.
flow-limited; renewable resources are virtually inexhaustible in
duration but limited in the amount of energy that is available
Renewable and Non-Renewable
per unit of time. Energy Resources
*The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared *Some examples of renewable energy sources are solar energy,
the decade 2014-2024 as the "Decade of Sustainable Energy
wind energy, tidal energy, hydroelectric energy, etc.
for all".
*It is noteworthy that the best source of the production of
electricity in the perspective of sustainable development is
Hydroelectric energy as compared to coal energy, petroleum
energy, natural gas and nuclear energy.
*As on 28th February, 2021 the main Renewable Energy Sources
and their capacity is given below :

Renewable Energy Sources Capacity (in MW)

Wind Power 38789.15
Solar Power 39083.71
Bio Power 10314.56
Geothermal Small Hydro Power 4783.06

Alternative Energy/Solar Energy

*Sun is the most comprehensive and unlimited source of
energy. Solar Energy is a renewable resource, which is
obtained by solar radiation. Solar energy is the largest source
*The fuels we get by the decomposition of buried plants or dead
organisms over the course of millions of years are called Fossil of alternative energy. The light and heat coming from the sun

fuels. Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy resources. Fossil is necessary for the existence of life. Solar energy is essential

fuels are currently the major sources of energy. Once they are for the Photosynthesis of plants and the survival of another
used, they cannot be recovered again. Examples of fossil fuels living organism. Photovoltaic technology is used to convert
are coal, natural gas, petroleum etc. sunlight into electricity.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–179

 31 October, 2019 in New Delhi. According to ISA declaration,
its member has set a target of raising USD 1 trillion for solar
energy by 2030.

Biodiesel
*It is noteworthy that energy from biomass can be obtained
through disintegration of chemical bonds between biological
atoms. These chemical bond are formed through the process
of photosynthesis. Hence biomass is also an indirect source of
*The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) solar power.
provides a 70% subsidy on installation cost for a solar power
*Jatropha is a Biodiesel crop. Jatropha is a species of flowering
plant in the North - Eastern States.
plant, which is resistant to dry environment and harmful insects.
*The National Solar Mission is one of the several initiatives
that are part of National Action Plan on Climate Change. Jatropha’s oil can be converted to biodiesel to use it in diesel
*The solar power source of renewable energy has the greatest engine. But Bio-fuels are not cost effective as compared to fossil
potential in India. The role of new and renewable energy has fuels. Bio-fuel can be obtained from Jatropha.
been assuming increasing significance in recent times with the *Mahua and Neem etc. can also be used as bio-fuels.
growing concern for the country’s energy security.
*Other than Jatropha, Pongamia plant is considered as a
*Solar panels are most eco-friendly power generation systems.
resource that can meet the growing demand of biodiesel in India
They are also called as the fuel of the future. This is why
due to their high productivity and less maturity cycle. Pongamia
the Government has set a target of 100GW MW solar power
pinnata grows naturally in most of the arid regions in India. It
generation by 2022 under Jawahar Lal Nehru Solar Mission
can be grown in waterlogged, saline and alkaline soil and can
started on 11 January, 2010.
withstand harsh agro-climates. The seeds of Pongamia pinnata
*The world's largest solar plant at a single location, has been
are rich in liquid content of which nearly half is oleic acid.
established in Tamil Nadu. Domestic Content Requirement
(DCR) is related to the development of the production of solar
energy in the country.
*The objective of the National Solar Mission is to establish
India as a global leader in solar energy. In January 2010 National
Solar Mission was renamed Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar
Mission.
*International Solar Alliance-(ISA) is a group of 102 (latest
signatory is Antigua and Barbuda) countries located between
the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn using solar energy
from the sun for their energy needs.
*The initiative of ISA was launched at United Nations Climate
Change conference in Paris on 30 November, 2015 in the
presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Francois Hollande
(then President of France) and Ban Ki - Moon (then Secretary-
General of UNO). Its headquarter is located in Gurugram, *Chemical reactions in this process biological substances or
Haryana. fossil-based carbonic substances can be transformed to Carbon
The first International Solar Alliance Summit was held on 11th Monoxide, Hydrogen, Carbon dioxide and Methane. Obtained
March, 2018 in New Delhi. The 2 ISA Summit was held on
nd
gaseous mixture is known as Producer Gas or Synthetic Gas

F–180 General Studies Environment and Ecology

which itself is a fuel. It’s significance lies in the fact that it can from non-petroleum based renewable resources. In these
serve as an important source of obtainable renewable energy. sources sugar, molasses, paddy, maize, lignin, cellulose, waste
of palm oil, waste of white mustard oil are included.
Green Fuel *Non-petroleum based tar (i.e. Asphalt) is helpful to reduce
*Use of Green Fuels leads to a reduction in Environmental the surface temperature of roads. Hence, the construction of
Pollution. Ethanol is a famous alcohol. It is also known as ethyl upper layer of roads from bioasphalt is ecologically favourable.
alcohol. Ethanol is obtained from any sugary substance (like *A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical
sugarcane’s sugar, glucose, saltpetre, Mahua’s flower etc.) or energy from a fuel into electricity through an electrochemical
starch. Ethanol is obtained by fermentation of Pine, Karanja reaction of hydrogen with oxygen.
(Pongamia pinnata) and Fern. These are used as a source of *Stationary fuel cells are used for commercial, industrial and
green fuels. residential purposes and backup power generation. Fuel cells
*It is noteworthy that bio-ethanol can be obtained from generate Direct Current (DC).
sugarcane crops. This can be used to obtain energy in the form *It is noteworthy that when hydrogen burns in air, then it
of fuel. combines with oxygen to produce water and in this process, a
huge amount of energy (150 KJ/g) is released.
*Microbiological Fuel Cells (MFC) can convert the available
chemical energy present in organic substrate directly into the *Hydrogen gas is considered to be a pollutionless extremely
electrical energy. Micro-organisms like bacteria are used as good fuel due to its highest calorific value.
a catalyst in the conversion of substrate into an electron. For *Hydrogen is produced by temperature differentiation,
purification of wastewater, use of microbiological fuel cells photolysis and electrical reduction of water.
not only optimise the cost of purification but it is an attractive *In order to accelerate the development and utilization of
option for the production of electricity. hydrogen energy in the country, a National Hydrogen Energy
*In Micro-biological fuel cells, primarily carbonic substances Board was set up in 3 October, 2003.
like glucose, sucrose, cellulose, starch, formate, acetate, ethanol *Up to 2020 it targets to set up 1000 MW Hydrogen based
methanol, amino acid, protein etc are used in the form of power generation capacity. Hydrogen gas is called as the
substrate. Also some inorganic substances like sulphides are future fuel.
used in the form of substrate.
Miscellaneous
*The high level of expertise is required for the production and
engineering of these fuels, as well as knowledge and experience *Primary forms of Biogas are methane and carbon dioxide.
are required for higher production and innovation. It is difficult *Geothermal energy is the natural heat of the earth.
to produce such type of fuel in developing countries because *In India sources of geothermal energy is found primarily
it requires heavy capital investment apart from establishing in : Himalaya, Khambhat Basin, Sonata (SO-NA-TA)
facilities for large scale production, ecology and society can (Son-Narmada-Tapi), Western Ghat, Godavari Basin and
be adversely affected. Mahanadi Basin.
*Diu is the first Union Territory of India to run 100 percent
on solar energy. In the Union Territory, solar plants had been
installed over more than 50 acres of land in 2018.
*Sulphur present in the coal is responsible for the formation
of sulphur dioxide.
*Sulphur dioxide gas is primarily responsible for acid rain.
*Sikkim is the first 100 percent Organic State in the world.
The State won the prestigious Future Policy Gold Award
from the UN Food and Agriculture (FAO), after beating 51
*Bioasphalt is a substitute to Asphalt which can be generated nominations from around the world.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–181

 Pollution
Pollution and its types (3) Land Pollution
*When due to man-made or natural reasons the gases present
*Pollution occurs as a result of unexpected change in physical,
in the atmosphere in a definite proportion change an into
chemical and biological characteristics of soil, water and air.
undesirable proportion (due to poisonous gases or due to
It occurs due to disproportionate accumulation of pollutants.
particulate matter) then it is known as Air pollution.
Pollution is of different kinds. These can be categorised as –
*There are two sources of air pollution :
(1) Natural Sources
(2) Man-made Sources
*Natural sources comprise of forest fires and volcanic
eruptions, the gases like sulphur dioxide (SO2) nitrogen oxides
or oxides of nitrogen (NOx) generated due to degradation of
biological wastes, etc.
*Man-made sources include gases, smoke, particulate matter
and heat (produced from the combustion of fuel) etc.
*It is noteworthy that on combustion of wood, coal, diesel,
petrol etc. different types of gases and smoke are generated.
*Primarily carbon and nitrogen oxides are generated in the air
which are main sources of air pollution.
*Rain and dew clean atmosphere polluted due to smoke, dust
and gaseous waste.
*But the pollutants of particle diameter less than 2.5 μ, cannot
be cleaned through the rain by the atmosphere. *Photochemical
smog is generated by the combination of smoke and fog.
*Photochemical smog is a state of air pollution.
*The smoke present in the waste generated from automobiles
*Pollution caused by humans is called Anthropogenic and industries contain nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide
pollution. Anthropogenic pollution mainly gives rise to non- gases, which react with hydrocarbon in the presence of
biodegradable pollutants which usually not get decomposed by sunlight to produce many secondary pollutants, like ozone,
organic decomposers or decompose very slowly. formaldehyde and PAN (Peroxy Acetyl Nitrate).
*Those pollutants which can be broken down into simpler, *Photochemical smog is a secondary air pollutant and
harmless substances in nature in the due course of time (by generally formed in traffic congested metropolitan cities where
the action of micro-organisms like certain bacteria) are called warm conditions and intense solar radiation are present.
Bio- degradable pollutants. Domestic waste (garbage), faecal *Photochemical smog is especially formed by the reaction of
matter, sewage, cattle dung, animal bones, etc are biodegradable Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Ozone (O3) and Peroxyacetyl nitrate.
pollutants. *It is noteworthy that automobile exhausts contain
hydrocarbon and NO and it plays an important role in the
Air Pollution
formation of ozone (O3) and PAN (peroxyacetyl nitrate) in
On the basis of the part of the Environment, Pollution can urban areas.
primarily be catageorised into following three main types: *Photochemical reactions involved in smog formation are as
(1) Air Pollution follows :
(2) Water Pollution Reactions inside an engine of the automobile :

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–189

 N2 + O2 2NO sulphur dioxide), oxides of Nitrogen, carbon monoxide are
Reactions that occur in the atmosphere primary pollutants.
2NO + O2 2NO2 *Burning of petrol in vehicles releases lead, which pollutes
NO2 NO + O the air.
O + O2 O3 *Lead is used as an anti-knocking agent in engines. Lead
NO + O3 NO2 + O2 is an air pollutant that leads to serious health disorders. Lead
HC + NO + O2 NO2 + PAN hinders development of the brain in children, reduces their
*This causes irritation in eye and nose and generate throat and IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and is responsible for heart and
respiratory problems in human beings. respiratory diseases in adults.
*These processes are known as photochemical because *The colourless gas released from the motor car and incomplete
sunlight and chemical pollutants both are present in them. combustion of cigaratte is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide
*The brown-orange film formed due to air pollution is known (CO) is a primary air pollutant. It combines with haemoglobin
as photochemical smog. present in the blood to form carboxy-haemoglobin, due to
*It is noteworthy that oxygen and nitrogen combine to form which oxygen carrying capacity of blood reduces.
Nitric oxide (NO). *When approximately 50 percent haemoglobin transforms into
*This gas combines with air to form Nitrogen dioxide (NO2). carboxyhaemoglobin then due to a reduction in oxygen level,
*NO2 is a reddish brown coloured gas that has a sharp, harsh there is an obstruction in respiration which leads to death.
odor at higher concentrations. *Fly ash is a pollutant obtained from the combustion of coal.
*NO2 forms a single molecule of Nitric Oxide (NO) and Nascent *The fine powder produced from coal-based thermal power
Oxygen (O) by absorbing light present in the atmosphere. plant causes respiratory diseases in organisms.
*It is notable that Nascent Oxygen (O) is highly reactive. *It accumulates on leaves of plants and hinders photochemical
Nascent oxygen reacts with one molecule of oxygen to form reaction.
ozone (O3). Thereafter O3 (Ozone) through open stomata of *Smoke of a cigarette is a complex mixture of chemical
leaves enters into the cells of mesophyll tissue. substances.
*It reacts with water present in the cell to form harmful 'oxygen *The cigarette smoke contains gases like carbon monoxide,
free radicals' and peroxy radicals like O2–, OH–, O–, HO2– etc. hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxide as well as with unstable
*Peroxy radicals either react with oxygen atoms to form ozone chemical compounds like Formaldehyde, Acrolein and Benzene
or react with Nitrogen dioxide to form PAN (peroxyacetyl are also present in them.
nitrate). *Nicotine is also present in the cigarette smoke but it is present
*PAN destroys chloroplast leading to the loss of capacity of in very small amounts. It is extremely harmful and causes
photochemical reaction and development of plants. cancer. This causes birth to diseases concerning irritation in
*This hinders Electron Transport Chain (ETC) occurring in eye, nose, throat, and harmful diseases like cancer, bronchitis
mitochondria of the cell. and asthma.
*This affects enzyme system as well. In human eyes, PAN *Asian Brown Cloud was mainly spread over South Asia due
produces excessive irritation to pollution. A detailed report was published on this in 2007.
*PAN combines with air and oxygen to form smog. Visibility *Brown clouds are formed due to air pollution and spread over
decreases due to excessive smog formation. particularly South Asian region during January-March. Brown
*Those air pollutants which are injected in the atmosphere clouds consist of approximately 85% aerosol. It also contains
directly from pollutant sources are known as primary sulphate, black carbon and other deadly chemicals which cause
pollutants e.g. CO, CO2, SO2, etc. Those air pollutants, which respiratory problems and cancer.
are produced due to the reaction between primary air pollutants *Significant, change in solar radiation in India and China,
and common atmospheric substances are known as secondary uneven atmospheric temperature and change in monsoonal
pollutants. e.g. Ozone, peroxyacetyl nitrate etc. rainfall pattern are caused by brown clouds.
*Hence Peroxyacetyl Nitrate (PAN), Ozone and Smog are *Fly ash is used for the manufacturing of bricks. The most
secondary pollutants, whereas oxides of sulphur (primarily common use of fly ash is as a replacement for Portland cement

F–190 General Studies Environment and Ecology

used in producing concrete. due to weight. The gas free from particulate particles, released
through the upper part of cylinder enters into the atmosphere.
*Cyclone separator is used for prevention of this type of air
pollution.
*Notable that bacteria responsible for nitrification converts
ammonia present in the soil to nitrate.
*The plants absorb this through roots in the form of nitrite
s ions, nitrate ions etc. In return, plants provide these bacteria
food and shelter.
*In this way the effect of mutualism is seen on plants and the
atmosphere around them.

*Bio-indicators are living organisms that respond in an

specially clear way to a change in the environment. The lichens
*SiO2, Al2O3 and occasionally CaO are the main chemical are useful bioindicators for air pollution, especially sulphur
components present in fly ashes. In addition to this, it also dioxide pollution since they derive their water and essential
contains some toxic elements like lead, arsenic and copper nutrients mainly from the atmosphere rather than from the soil.
particles.
*It is noteworthy that many types of mechanisms are used to *Lichens are sensitive to air pollution due to which they are
prevent air pollution due to gaseous and particulate particles. not found in the nearby areas of cities.
*The special filter, know as bag filter, is used to separate *In a report released on 2 nd May, 2018, World Health
particulate particles mixed with smoke and released from of Organisation (WHO) highlighted that eight of ten most
factories. Bag filter is used to separate particulate substances pollutant cities were in India and four of them (Kanpur,
less than 50 micrometre diameter. Varanasi, Lucknow and Agra) were in Uttar Pradesh. Kanpur
*Whereas to filter particulate particles greater than 50 was named the world's most polluted city in WHO's list.
micrometre some equipment named a Cyclone separator or
*It is noteworthy that in February, 2020, I.Q. Airvisual
Cyclone collector and Wet Scrubber are used.
published 'World Air Quality Report, 2019'. According to
*Cyclone divider is not used to check air pollution.
the report Ghaziabad is the most polluted city of the World.
*India's Air Quality Index is based on 8 major pollutants-
(a) < 10 micro meter size particulate matter (PM10)
(b) < 2.5 micro meter size particulate matter (PM)
(c) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
(d) Carbon Mono oxide (CO)
(e) Ozone (O3)
(f) Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
(g) Ammonia (NH3)
(h) Lead (Pb)
*CO and O3 are measured on an average of 8 hours and
other pollutants are measured on an average of 24 hours,
Measurement unit for NO2 and O3 is microgram per qubic metre
and for CO miligram per cubic metre.
*It is notable that carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are
used for the measurement of global warming.
*Smoke is churned in a cyclone separator through cyclone *It is noteworthy that six series of Air Quality Index is
or whirling. Eventually solid particulate particles settle down prescribed.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–191

 Index Series Colour Possible Health Hydrofluorocarbons.
*In addition to this, member countries of the alliance also
Shown Impacts recognizes the fact that minimization of short-lived climatic
0-50 Good Green Minimum Impact pollutants are capable of evaluating the pros and cons of global
efforts for minimization of carbon dioxide.
51-100 Satisfactory Light green Minor breathing *The equipment named Catalytic Converter is used for
discomfort to conversion of NOx, CO and unburnt hydrocarbons released
from vehicles, into non-harmful molecules.
sensitive people.
*In this released gas is flown over the catalyst (Platinum -
101-200 Moderately Yellow Breathing Palladium and rhodium) in which the gaseous mixture present
polluted discomfort to the converts to as CO CO2, NOx N2 and HC5 CO2 + water
(H2O)
people with
2CO + O2 2CO2 + O2
asthma and heart
*Air pollution caused due to domestic activities is known as
diseases. Domestic air pollution.
*Most significant pollutant of indoor air pollution is Radon gas.
201-300 Poor Orange Breathing *Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive noble gas. *Radon
discomfort to gas is released from Radium.
*Due to the presence of radon gas there is a probability of lung
most people on cancer and blood cancer in human beings.
prolonged *It is noteworthy that radon gas releases naturally from soil.
exposure. *In cities due to a reduction in ventilation this gas accumulates
in houses to give birth to diseases like lung cancer.
301-400 Very Poor Red Respiratory *According to WHO, every year lakhs of people die due to
illness on domestic air pollution.

prolonged
'Acid Rain'
exposure *Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when
401-500 Severe Dark Red/ Affects healthy a compound like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are
released into the air. These substances can rise very high into
Maroon people and
the atmosphere where they mix and react with water, oxygen
seriously and other chemical to form more acidic pollutants. When these
impacts those pollutants fall on the surface with rain, it is termed acid rain.
*Normally the pH value of acid rain is less than 5.6. Notably,
with existing the pH value of pure water is 7.0.
diseases. *Due to this reason, acid gets accumulated on earth. It happens
in two forms.
*It is noteworthy that to prevent increasing air pollution in
cities, Ministry of Environment and Forests on 17th October,
2014 released the National Air Quality Index: NAQI.
*This index indicates the level of air pollution in the urban cities
by adopting (One Number - One Colour - One Description).
*It is notable that this was started under ‘Swachh Bharat
Abhiyaan’.
*It is notable that (CCAC) Climate and Clean Air Coalition is
a global effort of different countries, civil societies and private
groups, which improve the quality of atmosphere by minimising
short-lived climatic pollutants.
*This is an alliance formed by 53 countries and different
organizations.
*CCAC focuses primarily on Methane, Black Carbon and

F–192 General Studies Environment and Ecology

*It is noteworthy that approximately half of the acid gets and in nearby Agra from 9.1 (1963) to 6.3 (1984).
transferred from atmosphere to earth and gets accumulated in *Acid rain also occurs in Canada and other Scandinavian
dry form. Countries which is extremely harmful there.
*It is noteworthy that the Acid Rain Information Centre
(ARIC) is situated in Manchester, England.

Acidic Gas Natural Sources Man made

Sources
N2 and their Volcanic eruption, Oil, Coal and
oxides. biological decay and combustion of
lightning strikes natural gas, Forest
Fire
Sulphur and Volcanic eruption Combustion of
their oxides Sea, fires, phyto- coal, petroleum
plankton products, by
refining of crude oil
and by Chemical
and Fertilizer
Industry.
Carbon Respiration, Deforestation,
*SO2 gas is produced from different sources and after absorbing
dioxide Decomposing through Industrial
moisture forms Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4).
*SO2 combines with rainwater causing acid rain. Because of vegetation, Processes, by
this layer and layers of red powder get corroded from bricks outgassing from combustion of
of buildings. oceans Fossil Fuel.
*It is noteworthy that SO2 is also known as Cracking gas
because if it is continuously flown on a stone, the stone gets
mangled.
*SO2 gas excreted from Mathura Oil Refinery is responsible
for the corrosion of Taj Mahal of Agra. Acidic raindrops after
coming in contact with the soil on the earth causes irreparable
damage.
*Due to excessive acidity there is an exchange of hydrogen-ion
and positive cations (k+ and Mg++) nurturing the soil. *Because
of these reasons nurturing elements of soil gets leached and the
fertility of soil degrades.
*Norway is the most affected country from Acid Rain. Its half
of the southern part is affected from acid rain because most of
the lakes and river water become acidic. Lakes are becoming
biologically dead. Because of these reasons Acid rain is known
as Lake Killer. The BAPMON (Background Air Pollution
Monitoring Network), data collected during 1974-1984 shows
Water Pollution
that a few areas are already under stress conditions. During two *Pollution in water is an extensive problem. Various types of
decades, the acidic content of rain in Delhi increased, which pollutants cause pollution in water. Even the excess of nutrients
means its pH level decreased from 7.0 (1965) to 6.1 (1984), in the water also influences the organism.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–193

*When both organic and inorganic nutrients become excess in *These are identified as pollutant species of polluted water.
water then this phenomenon is called Eutrophication. *It is noteworthy that when the value of DO of any reservoir
*Eutrophication leads to algal bloom. In this process on the goes below 8.0 mgL–1 then that water is called contaminated
surface of water body gets covered by blue-green algae along water. When this level goes below 4.0 mgL–1 then that water
with a number of plants.
is called highly polluted water.
*Algae and other aquatic plants use most of the oxygen of water
*The highest level of BOD in the Ganga river is found between
for the respiration process.
Kanpur and Allahabad. In fact, because of pouring down the
*Along with this they produce toxin in the reservoir. Due to lack
of O2 aquatic organisms begin to die in the reservoir. highest amount of pollutants in the Ganga river from Kanpur,
*Therefore, due to the excessive increase in nutrition, the the level of BOD becomes highest there.
destruction of bio-diversity occurs. Hence, eutrophication *Abiotic pollutant Arsenic pollutes the underground water.
decreases water quality and reduces the oxygen level leading Arsenic in the state of the compound, is found at many places on
to water pollution. the earth. It is in the mixed form with the vapours of volcanoes,
oceanic water and other mineral water.
*In India underground water at many places is contaminated
with Arsenic.
*The continuous contact with Arsenic leads to in Black Foot
disease.
aquatic *It is remarkable that at the coastal areas of Ganga river, the
highest level of Arsenic is found in the underground water.
*It is noteworthy that Arsenic also pervades in the ecosystem
by the spray of chemical pesticides and weedicides.
*According to the standards of the World Health Organization,
the level of Arsenic should be 0.01 mg/litre. Unfortunately
the absorbability of Arsenic in paddy plants is much more. It
reaches to grains through ground water. By this, the whole food
chain is getting affected.
*Increasing the quantity of nitrogen and phosphorus in water
by unnatural means is called the eutrophication. *Underground water in the plains of Ganga-Brahmaputra in
*BOD: Biological Oxygen Demand is the main unit of India and plains of Padma-Meghna of Bangladesh is mostly
measurement of water pollution. affected by Arsenic pollution.
*The greater the B.O.D. the greater is the infection level of *Underground water in seven states of India i.e. West Bengal,
water. Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and
*It is remarkable that the rate of decomposition increases as Rajnandgaon of Chhattisgarh has been extremely polluted
the amount of organic waste (i.e. Sewage) increases and use with Arsenic.
of O2 increases as well. As a result, the level of dissolved *In the year 1978, the first case of water pollution was reported
oxygen (DO) also decreases. Therefore, the demand for O2 by Arsenic in West Bengal in India.
is directly related to the amount of increased waste. This *Damodar river has become the most polluted river of the
demand is called Biological Oxygen Demand (B.O.D.). country as it flows through the coal mines and industrial areas.
*Therefore, the greaer, the B.O.D., the lower will be D.O. It has become 'Biological Desert' in 300 km. long way between
Giridih and Durgapur.
B.O.D. α (directly proportional)
*The most chemical pollution from industrial debris occurs
*It is remarkable that just a few tolerant species of organisms from the leather industry. This industry is mainly responsible
like Annelida and eggs of some other insects may survive in for water pollution and soil pollution.
highly polluted and less DO water. *Quality of drinking water in Manipur, Tripura, Odisha,

F–194 General Studies Environment and Ecology

Meghalaya, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh is highly *Excess of nitrogen is responsible for fast growth of Algae.
worrisome. *It is notable that in the year 1948 in an International meet
*85 percent rural population of India is dependant on ground- in Geneva, International Sea Organization was constituted
water. Remaining 15 percent population gets potable water formally, the original name of which was Inter-governmental
from open wells or open sources of water. Maritime Consultative Organization – IMCO. *But in the
*Deadly chemicals like Arsenic, Fluoride and Uranium have year 1982 organization's name was converted to International
been found in groundwater. Maritime Organization - IMO.
*Normal voice generated from an object is known as Sound.
"Knock-knee syndrome" is produced by the pollution of
*When the intensity of sound increases, then it is known as
Fluoride. Although fluoride element is available in small
noise.
amounts in water, which provides protection to gums and
*The unwanted sound is responsible for creating unrest and
teeth, but its excessive concentration causes a disease called
discomfort in human beings.
Fluorosis. The intake of excessive Fluoride increases the
*Unit of sound is Decibel (dB).
likelihood of 'Humped back'. Its continuous consumption
*This name was given with a vision for praising works of
leads to weakness in the joint of bones, especially in the spinal
Alexander Graham Bell.
cord.
*Unplanned Industrial development, use of excessive motor
*High Fluoride storage is the only cause of bending of the feet,
vehicles and by operating different types of vehicles contributes
which is called 'Knock-knee' syndrome.
significantly to noise pollution.
Sea Pollution *During take-off and landing of Jet Aircraft excessive noise
pollution is produced.
*Increasing sea pollution is a worrisome subject.
*It is noteworthy that sea acts as a storehouse by absorbing Source of Sound Sound (In Decibel)
one-third of CO2 generated from man-made activities. Whispering sound of 20 dB
*Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in the PH value leaves
of the earth’s oceans, caused by the intake of carbon dioxide Murmuring 30 dB
from the atmosphere.
Room/Peaceful sound
*The acidification of seawater would adversely affect the
of a workplace 40 dB
growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton, the growth
Sound generated during
and survival of coral reefs and survival of some animals that
have phytoplankton larvae. normal conversation. 60 dB
Noise due to trucks. 80-85 dB
Noise of Jet Engine 120 dB
Landing of Jet Plane 150 dB
Rocket Engine 180 dB

*It is noteworthy that noise produced from Jet Aircraft moving

faster than the speed of sound is known as Sonic boom.
bleaching *Sonic Boom can be expressed in Mach Unit. *Notable that
is affected those objects which move faster than sound, the noise produced
from them is known as Mach-1. *If this speed is double of
Sound's speed then it is known as Mach-2.
*Huge green plants are grown in excessive sound polluted
areas because they have the capacity to absorb sound waves.
The green muffler is a control measure for noise pollution by
planting green plants.

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–195

 Soil Pollution *Plastic packets takes excessive time to decay.*Plastic bag is a
thermoplastic which is obtained by polymerisation of ethylene.
*Excessive use of fertilizers produce different types of pollution *It is a non-biodegradable pollutant, which pollutes atmosphere
which primarily includes soil pollution, water pollution and air
as well as soil.
pollution.*This pollution enters into the food chain of man and
animals through the medium of different types of crops and 'Radioactive and other Gaseous
affects them with different types of serious illnesses. Pollution'
*Inorganic materials like phosphate and nitrate dissolve in the *On April, 1986, a nuclear accident took place at a place named
water ecological system. Chernobyl in Ukraine. Due to the deadly radioactive effect
*This increases Eutrophication in hydroecological system. many people lost their lives and a large number of people got
*Nitrate pollutes the drinking water as well. injured.
*Fertilizer increases infertility and decreases water absorbing *It is noteworthy that radiations produced from disintegration
capacity of soil.*Some parts of them remain in the crops which of radioactive nuclides served as radioactive pollution.* This
acts as a slow poison for human beings. radiation is harmful to tissues and organs of organisms and
affects their genetic properties.

*Radioactive pollution causes hereditary changes in the

all living organism. It hinders blood circulation and causes
carcinogenesis.

lead

*Soil pollution is more dangerous in comparison to Industrial

Pollution.

'Plastic Pollution' *Bhopal disaster, also referred to as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy
was a gas leak incident in India, considered the world’s worst
*Primary constituents of polythene are atoms of carbon and
industrial disaster. It occurred on the night of 3 December, 1984
Hydrogen.
at the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in Bhopal,
*It is a polymer of ethylene C2H4. *In polythene, molecules of
Madhya Pradesh.
ethylene are combined together in such a manner that they do
*Over 500,000 people were exposed to Methyl Isocyanate
not get biologically decayed. *Because of this reason plastic
gas. According to state government records, 3787 people died
packets thrown after use do not decompose and serve as a source
in this tragedy.
of environmental pollution.
*It was discovered in 1953 by Italy's Chemist Giulio Natta and 'Bio-Remediation'
Germany's Carl Zeigler. *They first saw that atoms of Carbon
*Bio-remediation is a process of detoxification of environment
and Hydrogen together form a series and combines together in
through the use of small organisms. This technique can help
the form of single bonds and double bonds.
to overcome adverse effects of pollution at particular places.
*For this discovery Giulio Natta and Carl Zeigler were awarded
Bio-remediation is used in cleaning surface and groundwater
the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in the year 1963. and soil, etc.

F–196 General Studies Environment and Ecology

 *TERI has developed Oilzapper which is a consortium of crude
oil and oily sludge degrading bacteria deriving from various
bacterial cultures existing in the natural environment.
*In August, 2010 in portal areas of Mumbai, in an accident
between M.V. Khalijia and MSC Chitra named ships, this
technique was used for cleaning spilt oil.

Euro Standards
*European Emission Standards define the acceptable limits to
exhaust emission for new vehicles sold by the European Union
and its member states. At present nitrogen oxides (NOx), total
hydrocarbon (THC), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate
matter (PM) related to emission are regulated under European
Emission Standards.
*There are various polluted gas emissions from motor vehicles.
To control these gases and particulate matters, European
Union laid down emission standards, which is known as Euro
Standards.
*It is notable that European countries have applied Euro
Standards I in the year 1992 and Euro Standards II in 1997.
*Euro-I Standards are more liberal than Euro-II Standards.
*The quantity of Sulphur should be less than or equal to 0.05%
in the ultra-low sulphur diesel to fulfil the Euro-II Standards.
*Dr. Mashelkar's Committee was constituted for "Auto fuel
policy" to control vehicle pollution. Its recommendation was to
implement euro standard in India in a phased manner in order
to control air pollutants.
*It is notable that the International Council on Clean
Transportation (ICCT) has given relaxation for India to adopt
Euro VI directly in the year 2020 instead of Euro-V.
*The process of expulsion of toxic pollutants from the *It is noteworthy that recently New Delhi Government has
environment by using micro-organism is called bio-remediation. implemented the odd-even formula to control pollution.
*It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the *It is known that BS-IV Standards has been implemented in
same biodegradation process that occurs in nature. India since April 1, 2017. Emission of Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
*Pollutants containing many types of heavy metals cannot Total Hydro carbons (THC), Non-methane hydro carbon
be treated by the process of bio-remediation. Any pollutant (NMHC), carbon mono oxides (CO) and suspended particulate
containing heavy metals like cadmium and lead for citation matter are regulated for most vehicle types, including cars,
cannot be treated comfortably and completely by bio-
trucks (lorries), locomotives, tractors and similar machinery.
remediation using micro-organisms.
*Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms Pollution and Disease
specially designed for bio-remediation, for example, superbug
Pseudomonas putida which is created by genetic engineering *There are various types of diseases generated by pollution in
techniques. It plays an important role in ending the oil spill in human and plants both. One in eight deaths in India in 2017 was
the ocean. attributed to air pollution, which contributes to more disease
*Extensive research at The Energy and Research Institute burden than tobacco use.
(TERI) has resulted in the development of an easy and cost-ef- *Automobiles use lead as an anti knocking agent. Lead when
fective bio-remediation process. released in the air with exhaust are most toxic. Lead affects the

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–197

nervous system, brain and digestive system of the human body. entrance in the lungs and causing various disease. While the
*Cadmium works as respiratory poison. It becomes the main particle size greater than 0.5-3 micron ( ) are stopped by Nasal
factor of heart disease by increasing blood pressure. Excess membrane and could not enter the lungs.
of cadmium in drinking water leads to Itai Itai or ouch-ouch
disease. It leads to severe pain in bones and joints. Pollution (Miscellaneous)
*Drinking of contaminated water mixed with Mercury (Hg)
*Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling
leads to Minamata disease. An amalgam of Mercury present in
asbestos fibres. Prolonged exposure to these fibres can cause
wastewater gets converted into toxic matter (methyl mercury).
lung tissue scarring and shortness of breath. It can cause
Symptoms include ataxia, numbness in the hands and feet
Mesothelioma cancer disease.
blurred eyes, general muscle weakness, narrowing of the field
*La-Nino represents periods of below-average sea surface
vision and damage to hearing and speech.
temperatures across the east-central equatorial pacific.
*Fluoride pollution is responsible for 'Knock-Knee-Syndrome'. *Mustard's seed can be adulterated by argemone seeds.
Fluoride has an affinity for calcium and gets accumulated in *Argemone mexicana is a species of poppy found in Mexico.
bones resulting pain in bones and joints and outward bending Adultaration in mustard oil can cause epidemic dropsy.
of legs from the knees.
*The air (prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1981 Basic Questions
provide for preventing control smoke and standards of dirtiness
1. Human-made pollutants are called –
coming out from motor vehicles and other factors. In 1987,
(a) Xenobiotics (b) Antibiotics
sound pollution was also included in this Act. *Monosodium
Glutamate is a sodium salt of Glutamic acid. It is used in (c) Humalins (d) Anthropogenic
increasing taste of Chinese fast food. U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005
*Asbestos is poisonous material whose dust could cause lung Ans. (d)
cancer. Pollution occurs as a result of unexpected change in physical,
*Mercury affects the human stomach. chemical and biological characteristics of soil, water and
*Carbon mono oxide displaces the oxygen in the human air. It occurs due to the disproportionate accumulation of
bloodstream and lead to poisoning. pollutants.
*Nitrogen's oxides can produce cancer in the human body. Dust
Pollution caused by humans is called anthropogenic
particles cause breathing-related disease. pollution. Anthropogenic pollution gives rise to non-
*Carbon mono Oxide, Oxides of sulphur, Nitrogen Oxide and biodegradable pollutants which do not get decomposed
Carbon dioxide (CO2) all four major pollutants are from steel by organic decomposers or are decomposed very slowly.
industries in India. Therefore, it is very difficult to reign in non-biodegradable
*Aflatoxins are poisonous and cancer-causing chemicals pollutants caused by anthropogenic pollution.
produced by certain molds which grow in soil, decaying
2. The environment modified by human activities is called
vegetation and grain. They are regularly found in improperly
(a) natural environment
stored staple commodities such as cassava, chilli peppers, corn,
(b) Anthropogenic environment
cotton seed, millet, peanut, rice, wheat etc.
*Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are organic (c) Urban environment
compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation (d) Modern environment
through chemical, biological and photolytic processes. U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
*Some brominated flame retardants are included in the list of Ans. (b)
persistent organic pollutants. The environment modified by human activities is called
*Nanoparticles pollute water, soil and air. 'Anthropogenic environment'.
*Nanoparticles of Zinc oxide and Titanium oxide produce free
3. Bio-degradable pollutant is
radicals, which can be harmful.
*Respirable micro particles are those particles which can enter (a) Mercury (b) Sewage
the lungs during respiration. The floating microparticles of less (c) Plastic (d) Asbestos
than 0.5 cannot be stopped by nasal membrane leading to their U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014

F–198 General Studies Environment and Ecology

 Water Conservation
Water Resources *Chlorine gas is used in the primary stage of purification of
water to deactivate the bacteria.
*Biotic resources are obtained from the living and organic
*Water purification is also done by ultraviolet radiation.
material such as forests and animals and the materials that can
Ultraviolet radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation.
be obtained from them. Fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum
are also included in this category because they are formed from In the ultraviolet radiation system, water is made insect free
decayed organic matter. without the use of any chemical. There is no change in the taste,
*Pure water is not abiotic resource. It is found naturally on smell and colour of water by the use of UV. rays.
Earth. There are various techniques used for the conservation of
the water because drinking water found on the earth is available
in very less amount.
*World Water Day is an annual event celebrated on March
22nd. The day focuses attention on the importance of freshwater
and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater
resources.
*The theme of World Water Day, 2022 is "Groundwater :
Making the invisible visible".
*The First World Water Day designated by United Nations was
celebrated in 1993. This decision was taken by United Nations
conservation of Environment and Development for fresh water.
*UN water programme has been continued since the year
2003. This programme focuses on the issues related to clean
water resources, cleanliness and water-related disasters.
*Besides this there are various important personalities also
who gave their contribution in water conservation and in
environmental protection. Rajendra Singh is well known as
'Waterman of India'. He runs an NGO (non-governmental
organization) named as 'Tarun Bharat Sangh' (TBS). He
won the Stockholm Water Prize in 2015 and Raman Magsaysay
Award in 2001.
*It is noteworthy that Arsenic pollutant is maximum in the
Water Pollution and Prevention drinking water of Kolkata. According to a study by Jadavpur
*Water pollution is a severe problem in the modern era. Various University, out of the 141 wards, almost 77 wards has a higher
techniques can be used for making water bacteria free. e.g. concentration of arsenic pollutants in the water. Water-related
(i) By temperature and other physical factors. necessities of the urban region can be completed by recycling
(ii) By ultraviolet rays and radioactive ions. of wastewater.
(iii) Through oxidation by chemicals e.g. compound of Ozone, *National Water Mission can play a vital role in the
iodine and chlorine. management of wastewater.
*To make water bacteria free chloramine (NH2Cl) and chlorine *It is notable that plan to connect the rivers is not included
dioxide (ClO2) is also used. Chlorine gas and bleaching powder under the National water mission.
are used to make drinking water free from bacteria. *It is notable that National Action Plan for climate change has

F–216 General Studies Environment and Ecology

been started since June 30, 2008. National water mission is a in the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) are-
part of this action plan. This mission help will in integrated
Lake Related place and their State
water resource management. It helps well in water
Srinagar (Jammu and
conservation, equitable distribution of water and to reduce the Dal Lake
Kashmir)
wastage of water. National water mission will help in making
Channa Patna lake Hasan (Karnataka)
a strategy for the attainment of five major goals.
Bellandur Lake Bengaluru (Karnataka)
Sagar, Rani Talab, Shivpuri
Madhya Pradesh
Lake
Powai lake Maharashtra
Pushkar lake Ajmer (Rajasthan)
Lake Pichola Udaipur (Rajasthan)
Nakki lake Mount Abu (Rajasthan)
Ooty, Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu
Bhimtal, Khurpatal, Nainital,
Uttarakhand
Naukuchia Taal
Lakshmi Tal Jhansi
Mansi Ganga lake Govardhan (Uttar Pradesh)
*The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act Ramgarh Tal Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh)
was enacted in 1974 to provide for the prevention and control Veli Akkulam Thiruvanantpuram (Keral)
of water pollution and for maintaining and restoring the Twin Lakes Nagaland
wholesomeness of water in the country. The Act was amended
Bindusagar Lake Odisha
in 1988.
Lakshmi Narayan Bari Lake Tripura
*It is notable that the Water (Prevention and Control of
Rabindra Sarovar Kolkata (West Bengal)
Pollution) Act was enforced on 7th December, 1977. It
extended to whole of India including Union Territory of Jammu Mirik Lake Darjeeling (West Bengal)
and Kashmir from the date of 31 October, 2019. Moti Lake Bihar

Water Conservation *The objective of the scheme is to restore and conserve the
*Water conservation is not only a concern to humans only but urban and semi-urban lakes of the country degraded due to
plants also adopt a number of processes for the conservation wastewater discharge into the lakes and other reasons, through
of water. Leaves of plant found in the desert changes itself into an integrated ecosystem approach.
spines for the conservation of water. *The Sukhna lake in Chandigarh, Bhoj in Madhya Pradesh
*The water found in lakes and river are useful for human and Pichola Lake in Udaipur, Rajasthan has been declared a
culture and animals. So the conservation of these water bodies wetland covered under National Lake Conservation Plan.
is very important. In this context, a centrally sponsored scheme Chilika Lake in Odisha is not covered under NLCP list.
National Lake Conservation Plan (NCCP) was started by the
Ganga Conservation
Central Forest and Environment Ministry in June 2001.
*The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in their *Ganga is the most important river system of India. Various
meeting held on 7th February, 2013 has approved the proposal steps have been taken from time to time to make Ganga
for merger of National Lake Conservation Plan and National pollution free.
Wetlands Conservation Programme into a new scheme named *On 4 November, 2008 the Central Government declared Ganga
National Plan for the Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystem as National River.
(NPCA). Till March 2021, list of some important lakes included *The 'Central Ganga Authority' was constituted in February,

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–217

 Miscellaneous
Agenda 21 and other Conventions the year 1935 by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
of India as a agricultural assistance and serve as a subsidiary
*Agenda 21 is legally non-binding action plan of the United
department to Farmers Welfare.
Nations with regard to sustainable development. *Its aim is
to conserve World's environment in 21st Century. *This plan 'Organizations and Institutions'
was prepared in Rio-de-Janeiro, Brazil in the year 1992
*'Southern Gangotri' is the first research centre of India in
during an event on UNCED (United Nations Conference
Antarctica. *It was established in year 1983-84.
on Environment and Development).*This is a 351 page
*In Antarctica India's second research centre 'Maitri' was
document in which there are 40 chapters being categorized
established in the year 1988-89.
into four groups.
*In Antarctica India's third research centre is 'Bharati'.
*Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons–
*'Bharati' was established in the year 2012.
(OPCW) is an implementing body for the Chemical Weapons
*'National Institute of Nutrition' is situated in Hyderabad.
Convention.* It came into force in the year 1997. * Currently
*'Wildlife Institute of India' is situated in Dehradun.
there are 193 countries in OPCW, which is determined for
*'National Institute of Ayurveda' is situated in Jaipur.
making the world free from chemical weapons. *It provides *'National Institute of Naturopathy' is situated in Pune.
assistance and protection to States (parties) against the threat of *'National Institute of Forest Management' is situated in
chemical weapons. Its Headquarters is situated in The Hague, Bhopal.
Netherlands. *Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) is situated
*The organization was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize for in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons. *'Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment' is situated
*It is notable that the AGMARK Act or Agricultural Produce in New Delhi.
Grading and Marking Act came into force in year 1937.
*Bureau of Indian Standards : BIS is a National Standards 'Various Awards'
Organization of India. *To make citizens aware of consciousness towards environment
*In India Industrial development, consumer protection and various awards are given from time to time.
formation of standards according to an organized process in *Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar is an environment
daily life started with the establishment of Indian Standards award instituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forest,
Institution: ISI in January, 1947. Government of India in the year 1987 in order to encourage
*Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) was established by the BIS public participation in environment. It is awarded to individuals
Act of 1986. This act came into force in 1987. and organizations that have made a significant and measurable
*The aim of this organization is standardization, symbolization contribution in the field of environment protection and
of objects and to provide a quality certificate. improvement.
*ISI mark is the main symbol provided by Bureau of Indian *'Tyler Prize' is provided for exceptional contribution in the
Standards.* This is often labelled on every usable processed field of environment protection and ecology. This prize is also
food products with products of daily use like electric equipment, known as 'Nobel Prize for Environments'.
cement, iron pipes etc.
*In April, 2015, this award was provided to Indian
*'AGMARK' is a quality certificate symbol generated by
environmentalist Madhav Gadgil and Jane Lubchenco in
Directorate of Marketing and Inspection of India.
Los Angeles California (America).
*Directorate of Marketing and Inspection categorize and *In a year 2016 this award was provided to Partha Dasgupta
symbolizes food products. *This department was established in of Cambridge University.

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*In the year 2017 Tyler Award was given to Ecologist Professor
World Environment Day 5 June
Jose Sarukhan Kermez of Mexico.
World Forest Day 21 March
*In the year 2018 Tyler Award was provided to two American
Scientists James J. McCarthy and Paul Falkowski. The award World Habitat Day First Monday of October
was given to them to study the effects of climate change. World Ozone Day 16 September
*Michael Mann, distinguish professor of atmospheric science,
Earth Day 22 April
Penn State, has been awarded the 2019 Tyler Prize. Tyler Prize
World Toilet Day 19 November
2020 was awarded to Pavan Sukhdev and Gretchen C. Daily.
*'Rajiv Gandhi Environment Award' is awarded for work World Water Day 22 March
in the area of new technology and development by Ministry of World No Tobacco Day 31 May
Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
World Wildlife Day 3 March
*'Global 500 Award' was launched in 1987 by the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to recognize and *On 2nd October, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially
honour environmental achievement. launched 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' on the occasion of
*This award was a tribute to success on the front lines Gandhi Jayanti.*The aim of this mission was to complete the
dream of Mahatma Gandhi of 'Clean India (Swachh Bharat)
of environmental action and honoured individuals and
on his 150th Anniversary till 2019.
organizations that combat environmental issues despite
*In Sierra Leone last Saturday of every month is celebrated as
immense social, political and logistical obstacles.
National Cleanliness Day.
*In 2003, India's Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak (founder of Sulabh
*It is noteworthy that 5 June is observed every year as 'World
International) was awarded.
Environment Day'. The theme for 2022 is 'Only One Earth'.
*Later on at the place of this award 'Champions of the Earth' *International Earth Day is celebrated on 22nd April every
award was given from the year 2005. year. The theme for the Day of 2022 is Invest in Our Planet.
*'Champions of the Earth' Award achievers for the year 2013
include American Virbhadran Ramanathan of Indian origin.
Various Facts Regarding
*'Champions of the Earth' Award achievers for the year 2016
Environment
include Mumbai's Afroz Shah. *Sun temple of Konark was included as a World Heritage
Site in 1984 while Mahabodhi Temple complex at Bodh Gaya
'Days and Dates' Bihar in 2002.
*World No Tobacco Day is observed on 31st May every year Currently, there are 40 World Heritage Sites in India that are
by the United Nations. * Theme of World No Tobacco Day, recognized by the UNESCO. Out of these, 32 are cultural 7
2020 was 'Protecting Youth From Industry Manipulation are natural and 1 is mixed. The latest site to be inscribed is
and preventing them from Tobacco and Nicotine use'. Dholavira Gujarat in 2021. Maharashtra is having highest
Theme of World No Tobacco Day, 2022 is "Tobacco Threat to number of sites.
our Environment". *The Tyler Prize for Environment Achievement is the premier
*19th November is observed every year as World Toilet award for environmental science, environmental health and
Day. The resolution declaring the Day titled 'Sanitation for energy conferring, a great benefit upon mankind. For 2016,
All' (AIRES/67/291) was adopted on 24 July, 2013 and urged this prize was given to Gretcher Daily and Pavan Sukhdev.
UN member States and relevant stakeholders to encourage *Medha Patekar is related with Narmada Bachao Andolan.*Rally
behavioural change and the implementation of policies to for Valley programme is organized for rehabilitating people
increase access to sanitation among the poor, along with a call facing the problem of rehabilitation in Narmada Valley.* Baba
to end the practice of open-air defecation. *The theme of World Amte is related to the Wildlife Protection Act and Narmada
Toilet Day, 2021 was "Valuing Toilets". Bachao Andolan.
*On the recommendations of Madhya Pradesh WildLife Board
Important Days Dates the National Dinosaur Fossil Park is being established in the

Environment and Ecology General Studies F–225

Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh. The Park will be near Bagh roots, insects, fish, frog, etc.
Caves in Dhar Forest Division spreading over 89.74 hectares. *Primary productivity is the rate at which energy is converted
It is important to note that in the year 2006, more than 100 by photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs to organic
Dinosaur eggs were discovered in Dhar district. They were substances. The total amount of productivity in a region or
estimated to be 65 to 70 million years old. system is gross primary productivity.
*The National Mission for Green India (GIM) is one of *Primary productivity of temperate grassland is approx
the eight missions outlined in the National Action Plan on 500gm per cm2 per year. Primary productivity of temperate
Climate Change (NAPCC). It aims at protecting, restoring and forest is approx 1000 gm per cm2 per year.
enhancing India’s diminishing forest cover and responding to *Primary productivity of Tropical forests is approx 2000gm
climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation per cm2 per year and primary productivity of Tropical savanna
measures. is approx 700 gm per cm2 per year.
*The main aim of green accounting is a comprehensive *Marine National Park in Gulf of Kutch is situated on the
estimation of economic activities and their effects on the southern shore of the Gulf in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat.
environment.
It is the first national marine park of India with 42 islands.
*The United Nations General Assembly designated the
*Bhitarkanika is a location of rich, lush green vibrant eco-
1990-99 as the International Decade for Natural Disaster
system lying in the estuarine region of Brahmani- Baitarani
Reduction. The basic objective was to decrease the loss of
rivers in the north-eastern corner of Kendrapara district of
life, property destruction and social and economic disruption
Odisha.
caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis,
*Prosopis Juliflora is an exotic plant that wipes out most of
floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, droughts and other
the native plants and animals that room around it once. It tends
disasters of natural origin. The United Nations designated
to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
2021-2030 as United Nations Decade on Ecosystem
*Namdapha, Bandipur, Periyar and Lamjao Sanctuary are
Restoration.
respectively located in Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala
*National Center for Disaster Mangement (NCDM) is
and Manipur.
located in New Delhi. It was founded in 1995.
*SODAR (Sonic Detection and Ranging) is a meteorological
*The National Disaster Management Institute was
established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. instrument used as a wind profiler to measure the scattering of
*Mega-Divers is a group of those countries where maximum sound waves by atmospheric turbulence.
species are found on earth, due to which these countries are *SODAR systems are used to measure wind speed at various
known as excessive bio-diverse. heights above the ground.
*American non-profit organization related to the environment, *In India, SODAR is established at Kaiga, Kalpakkam,
Conservation International in year 1998 identified 17 mega- Tarapur and Trombay.
divers nation in which countries like Australia, China, South- *Important days and themes:
Africa, America and India are included. Days Theme
*Loquat is an evergreen tree. In Japan, Loquat is excessively
Wetlands Action for People
produced. World Wetlands Day, 2022
and Nature
*Dr. Salim Ali was an Indian ornithologist and naturalist. He
World Environment Day,
is some times referred to as 'Birdman of India'. In his book Only One Earth
2022
"Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan Vol. 5", he Groundwater, making the
wrote that common Myna stalking alongside the cattle seizes World Water Day, 2022
invisible, visible
the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses.
World Toilet Day, 2022 Valuing Toilets
*Painted stork is found in the southern Himalayas and feed
on small fishes near wetlands. International Earth Day, 2022 Invest in Our Planet
*Black-necked crane is found in Tibetan Plateau, Bhutan, International Forest Day, Forests and sustainable
Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. It is an omnivore and eat plants 2022 production and consumption

F–226 General Studies Environment and Ecology