Project Work

1. Visit any farmer who practices organic farming and prepare a report on the type of
compost or bio-fertilisers used. Compare the cost of bio-fertilisers with chemical
fertilisers. Also, collect information on bio-pesticides used and their contents.

2. Conduct a project in your locality to study solid waste disposal practices. Prepare
a poster suggesting ways to reduce waste and improve waste management in the
community.

3. Carry out a ‘Green Audit’ of your college or school campus as per the guidelines
provided in your textbook.

4. Visit the solid waste dumping site in your locality. Prepare a report on the volume
of waste generated per day and how dumping affects the surroundings. Interview
residents to understand how they are impacted. Prepare a poster suggesting
measures to reduce waste.

5. Study the local community traditions in your area by talking to elderly people in
your family or neighbourhood. Highlight the traditions and practices that promote
environmental protection.

6. Report the weather changes experienced by you and others in your area over the
past year. Prepare a report on how these changes are affecting your local
environment.

7. Study the local or nearby dam and prepare a report on the environmental issues
concerning the dam and the nearby locality.

8. Survey the biodiversity of your school or college campus and prepare an eco-
audit report.

9. Visit a local industry and study the environmental impacts it has on the
surrounding area. Conduct interviews with residents to gather their opinions about
the industry’s effects on the environment.
Assignment
1. Explain the requirements of a green building.

2. Describe the various impacts of industries on the environment.

3. What is eco-labelling? Explain its advantages.

4. Explain the environmental clearance process in India.

5. Write short notes on the Paris Agreement.

6. Differentiate between development and sustainable development.

7. With suitable examples, prepare a table of commonly used chemical pesticides

and fertilisers. Describe their impacts on human health and the environment.

8. Write the success story of Ralegan Siddhi with reference to Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs).

9. Explain the role of individuals and communities in promoting a sustainable

lifestyle.

10. Describe any two key elements of sustainable agriculture.

Answers to Assignment

1. Question: Explain the requirements of a green building.

Answer:
A green building is designed and constructed in a way that minimises negative
impacts on the environment while providing a healthy living and working space. It
focuses on the efficient use of energy, water, and natural resources and ensures
minimum waste generation.
The major requirements of a green building include:
• Energy Efficiency: Using solar panels, energy-saving lights, and proper
insulation to reduce electricity use.
• Water Conservation: Techniques like rainwater harvesting, wastewater
recycling, and low-flow fixtures are essential.
 • Sustainable Materials: Using eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, fly ash
bricks, and recycled metals minimises the use of non-renewable resources.
• Waste Management: Proper disposal and recycling of waste help reduce
pollution.
• Indoor Air Quality: Adequate ventilation and the use of non-toxic paints and
materials ensure a healthy indoor environment.
• Site Planning: Buildings should be positioned to allow maximum sunlight and
natural ventilation while preserving surrounding vegetation.
Overall, green buildings reduce carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency, and
support a sustainable lifestyle. They benefit both the environment and human
health while reducing long-term costs.

2. Question: Describe the various impacts of industries on the environment.

Answer:
Industries are important for the economy, but often lead to environmental
degradation when proper safety measures are not followed. Their growth has
resulted in pollution, resource depletion, and ecological imbalance.
The main impacts of industries on the environment are:
• Air Pollution: Release of harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon
monoxide causes smog, acid rain, and respiratory diseases.
• Water Pollution: Effluents and chemicals discharged into rivers pollute water
and harm aquatic life.
• Soil Degradation: Deposition of hazardous waste reduces soil fertility and
damages crops.
• Noise Pollution: Industrial machines and vehicles generate excessive noise,
affecting both humans and animals.
• Deforestation: Industrial expansion requires large areas of land, leading to
habitat destruction.
• Climate Change: Emission of greenhouse gases contributes to global
warming.
To reduce these effects, industries must adopt clean technologies, use renewable
energy, and follow environmental regulations. Industrial development should
always go hand in hand with environmental protection to ensure sustainable
progress.

3. Question: What is eco-labelling? Explain its advantages.

Answer:
Eco-labelling is a system used to identify products that have a lesser impact on the
environment throughout their life cycle. It encourages consumers to choose
products that are environmentally friendly and promotes sustainable production
practices among manufacturers.
In India, the Ecomark scheme was introduced by the government to certify eco-
friendly products.
The major advantages of eco-labelling are:
• Encourages Sustainable Choices: Consumers become more aware of the
environmental effects of their purchases.
• Motivates Industries: Companies improve their production methods to meet
eco-label standards.
• Reduces Pollution: Promotes the use of renewable materials and reduces
waste generation.
• Market Benefit: Eco-labelled products gain trust and preference among
buyers.
• Supports Sustainable Development: Helps balance economic growth with
environmental care.
Examples include Energy Star appliances, biodegradable packaging, and recycled
paper products.
Eco-labelling helps both producers and consumers take responsibility for
environmental protection, leading to a greener and cleaner planet.

4. Question: Explain the environmental clearance process in India.

Answer:
The Environmental Clearance (EC) process ensures that new industrial or
developmental projects are approved only after examining their potential
environmental impacts. This process is governed by the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change (MoEFCC).
The main steps in the clearance process are:
1. Screening: Determines whether a project requires environmental clearance
based on size and type.
2. Scoping: Identifies key environmental issues that need to be studied in
detail.
3. Public Consultation: Allows local communities to express their views and
concerns about the proposed project.
4. Appraisal: Expert committees assess the EIA report to predict and evaluate
environmental effects.
5. Decision: Based on the findings, the authority either approves the project
with conditions or rejects it.
This process ensures responsible development, protecting air, water, land, and
biodiversity from industrial hazards. By following EC guidelines, India promotes
sustainable growth while maintaining ecological balance.

5. Question: Write short notes on the Paris Agreement.

Answer:
The Paris Agreement is an international climate treaty adopted in 2015 under the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its primary
goal is to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C and make efforts to keep it
under 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Under this agreement:
• Each country must submit its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—
plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Developed countries are required to provide financial and technological
assistance to developing nations.
• All countries must report their progress transparently.
India’s commitments include:
• Reducing the emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030.
• Achieving 50% of total energy from renewable sources.
 • Expanding forest cover to increase carbon absorption.
The Paris Agreement represents a global effort to fight climate change through
cooperation, innovation, and accountability. It encourages countries to adopt
renewable energy, protect forests, and shift toward sustainable development.
This treaty marks a historic step in ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable
future for all.

6. Question: Differentiate between development and sustainable development.

Answer:
Development refers to the economic, social, and infrastructural progress of a
nation. It focuses on improving the quality of life through industrialisation,
urbanisation, and technological advancement. However, uncontrolled
development often leads to the overuse of resources, pollution, and ecological
imbalance.
In contrast, sustainable development means achieving progress without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances
economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being.
Differences between Development and Sustainable Development:

Aspect Development Sustainable Development

Focus Economic growth and Balance between the economy,

modernisation the environment, and society

Resource Use Exploits natural resources Conserves and renews natural

resources

Environmental Causes pollution and Protects and restores the

Impact degradation environment

Goal Short-term benefits Long-term ecological stability

Example Expanding industries Using solar energy and green

without pollution control technologies

Sustainable development encourages the responsible use of resources, clean

technologies, and renewable energy sources. It aims to achieve growth that meets
human needs while preserving the environment for the future.
7. Question: With suitable examples, prepare a table of commonly used chemical
pesticides and fertilisers. Describe their impacts on human health and the
environment.
Answer:
Chemical pesticides and fertilisers help increase agricultural production, but have
serious side effects when overused. They pollute soil, water, and air, and can harm
both humans and wildlife.
Common Chemical Pesticides and Fertilisers:

Name Type Use Environmental / Health

Impact

Urea Fertilizer Increases Causes soil salinity and

nitrogen content water pollution
in soil

NPK (Nitrogen, Fertilizer Promotes plant Eutrophication of water

Phosphorus, growth bodies
Potassium)

DDT (Dichloro- Pesticide Controls Bioaccumulation affects

Diphenyl- mosquitoes and the nervous system
Trichloroethane) insects

Malathion Pesticide Kills pests on Toxic to fish and aquatic

crops life

Glyphosate Herbicide Removes weeds Linked to cancer and soil

degradation

Impacts:
• On health: Long-term exposure can cause allergies, hormonal imbalance,
and cancers.
• On the environment: Leads to loss of biodiversity, destruction of beneficial
insects, and groundwater contamination.
To reduce these effects, farmers should adopt organic farming, biopesticides, and
integrated pest management (IPM). These methods promote safer and more
sustainable agriculture.
8. Question: Write the success story of Ralegan Siddhi with reference to
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Answer:
Ralegan Siddhi, a village in Maharashtra, is a model of sustainable rural
development led by Anna Hazare. Once a drought-prone and poverty-stricken area,
it was transformed through community participation and eco-friendly initiatives that
align closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key initiatives and achievements:
• Water Conservation: Construction of check dams, percolation tanks, and
contour bunding improved groundwater levels (SDG 6: Clean Water and
Sanitation).
• Afforestation: Large-scale tree plantation restored the environment and
prevented soil erosion (SDG 15: Life on Land).
• Renewable Energy: Adoption of solar energy and biogas reduced
dependency on non-renewable resources (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean
Energy).
• Social Reforms: Prohibition of alcohol, education promotion, and collective
decision-making improved social harmony (SDG 3 & 4: Good Health and
Quality Education).
• Sustainable Agriculture: Organic farming and crop rotation ensured food
security (SDG 2: Zero Hunger).
Through these efforts, Ralegan Siddhi became a self-sufficient, eco-friendly village.
It stands as an inspiring example of how local actions can contribute to global
sustainability goals.

9. Question: Explain the role of individuals and communities in promoting a

sustainable lifestyle.
Answer:
A sustainable lifestyle means living in a way that reduces harm to the environment
while maintaining a good quality of life. Both individuals and communities play a
vital role in achieving sustainability through their everyday choices and collective
efforts.
Role of Individuals:
 • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Practice waste segregation and avoid single-use
plastics.
• Energy Conservation: Switch off lights when not in use and prefer renewable
energy sources like solar power.
• Water Management: Use water wisely and adopt rainwater harvesting.
• Sustainable Consumption: Choose eco-labelled products and plant-based
diets.
• Awareness: Educate others about environmental issues.
Role of Communities:
• Conduct tree plantation drives and cleanliness campaigns.
• Promote composting and recycling centres in local areas.
• Support local and organic farmers.
• Establish eco-clubs in schools and societies for youth participation.
Together, individuals and communities can reduce carbon footprints and
encourage sustainable living practices. These collective efforts contribute to
achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals and preserving the planet for
future generations.

10. Question: Describe any two key elements of sustainable agriculture.

Answer:
Sustainable agriculture is the practice of producing food in ways that protect the
environment, public health, and animal welfare while ensuring long-term
productivity. It focuses on balancing economic growth with ecological care.
The two key elements of sustainable agriculture are:
1. Crop Rotation:
This involves growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential
seasons. It helps maintain soil fertility, prevents pest buildup, and reduces
dependency on chemical fertilisers. For example, growing legumes after
cereals adds nitrogen to the soil naturally.
2. Organic Farming:
It relies on the use of natural compost, manure, and biofertilizers instead of
 synthetic chemicals. This method improves soil health, conserves
biodiversity, and produces chemical-free food.
Other supportive practices include efficient irrigation systems, integrated pest
management, and the use of renewable energy in farming.
Sustainable agriculture ensures long-term food security while protecting the earth’s
resources. It promotes harmony between humans and nature, aligning perfectly
with the goals of sustainable development.