UPSC Mains Notes Conservation, Environmental Pollution And Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment

Previous Year Questions Asked In Mains From This Topic

  • Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) ? [2021]
  • Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards ? [2021]
  • Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? [2021]
  • How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?  [2020]
  • What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? [2020]
  • Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? [2020]
  • What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? [2020]
  • Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyze the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. [2019]
  • Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. [2019]
  • What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? [2018]
  • What is wetland? Example the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. [2018]
  • Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State? [2018]
  • How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation flora and fauna?  [2018]
  • Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming a reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. [2017]
  • ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change ? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change ? [2017]
  • Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). [2016]
  • Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects? [2016]
  • Discuss the Namami Gange and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs? [2015]
  • Should the pursuit of carbon- credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth. [2014]
  • What are the consequences of Illegal mining ? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ concept of GO AND NO GO zones for coal mining sector.  [2013]
  • Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India ? [2013]