Q1: What physical process could explain the reduced summer flow in glacier-fed rivers?

A1: Glacier retreat due to rising temperatures reduces seasonal meltwater input, lowering summer flows in previously perennial rivers fed by glaciers.

Q2: Suggest two measures local communities can adopt to adapt to reduced water availability.

A2: Implement rainwater harvesting, efficient micro-irrigation (drip), and diversify crops to less water-intensive varieties; also invest in water-storage ponds.

Q3: Explain why road construction increases landslide risk in mountainous regions.

A3: Cutting slopes disturbs natural stability, removes vegetation roots that bind soil, and alters drainage—together increasing susceptibility to slope failure during heavy rain.

Q4: What sustainable practices should planners follow to reduce landslide hazards?

A4: Use controlled blasting, slope reinforcement, bioengineering (planting deep-rooted vegetation), proper drainage channels, and avoid construction on steep unstable slopes.

Q5: Identify two ecological impacts of mass tourism in fragile mountain ecosystems.

A5: Soil erosion on trails and habitat disturbance for wildlife; waste accumulation and pressure on scarce water resources.

Q6: Propose one policy to balance tourism and conservation.

A6: Implement permit systems limiting visitor numbers, introduce eco-tourism guidelines, mandatory waste management protocols and community-led tourism benefits.

Q7: What are two environmental costs of large dams in Himalayan rivers?

A7: Submergence of forests and biodiversity loss; disruption of sediment flow leading to downstream erosion and loss of fertile silt deposition.

Q8: Suggest two considerations decision-makers should evaluate before building the dam.

A8: Conduct environmental impact assessments, plan for resettlement and livelihood restoration, ensure downstream sediment management, and consider alternative smaller, run-of-the-river projects.

Q9: Explain why flooding can both benefit and harm river plains.

A9: Floods deposit fertile silt increasing soil fertility (benefit), but extreme floods damage infrastructure, crops and cause loss of life (harm).

Q10: Recommend two flood management strategies suitable for plains.

A10: Create floodplains and restore wetlands as buffers, construct embankments and improve early-warning systems and community evacuation plans.

Q11: Why does excessive tube-well use lead to groundwater depletion?

A11: Unregulated extraction withdraws water faster than natural recharge, lowering the water table and causing long-term scarcity.

Q12: Suggest two sustainable irrigation practices to address this issue.

A12: Promote micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler), crop rotation with less water-intensive crops, rainwater harvesting and managed aquifer recharge.

Q13: Discuss how industrialisation on river plains can affect river health.

A13: Industrial effluents and untreated sewage increase chemical and biological pollution, harming aquatic life and making water unsafe for irrigation and human use.

Q14: What measures can industries adopt to reduce river pollution?

A14: Install effluent treatment plants, follow zero-liquid-discharge where possible, treat sewage, and adopt cleaner production technologies.

Q15: Explain how salinization affects agriculture in delta regions.

A15: Salt accumulation in soil reduces fertility, damages crops, and forces farmers to switch to salt-tolerant or aquaculture practices like shrimp farming.

Q16: Suggest two interventions to manage salinity while protecting livelihoods.

A16: Use salt-tolerant crop varieties, improve drainage and freshwater flushing, and provide alternative livelihood training and subsidies for sustainable aquaculture practices.

Q17: What environmental impacts are commonly associated with mining on the plateau?

A17: Deforestation, topsoil removal, soil erosion, contamination of surface and groundwater by mine runoff, and loss of biodiversity.

Q18: Propose two mitigation measures mining companies should undertake.

A18: Implement land reclamation and afforestation, proper tailings management, wastewater treatment, and continuous environmental monitoring with community consultation.

Q19: How do black soils benefit cotton farming?

A19: Black soils retain moisture and are rich in nutrients, providing ideal conditions for cotton which requires moisture retention for growth.

Q20: Recommend two climate-resilient practices for cotton farmers.

A20: Adopt drought-resistant cotton varieties, use mulching and moisture-conserving tillage, and implement drip irrigation to optimize water use.

Q21: What are advantages of small-scale run-of-the-river projects over large dams?

A21: They have lower submergence, reduced displacement, less sediment trapping, and often smaller ecological footprints while providing local renewable energy.

Q22: Name one environmental concern even with small hydropower projects.

A22: They can still alter river flow regimes, affect fish migration and local aquatic habitats; careful environmental assessment is needed.

Q23: Explain one socio-economic benefit and one ecological concern of large solar installations in desert areas.

A23: Benefit: New income sources and energy generation boost local economy. Concern: Habitat fragmentation, impacts on nomadic grazing routes and potential heat island effects if poorly planned.

Q24: Suggest how solar projects can be planned to minimize negative impacts.

A24: Use degraded or non-grazing lands, maintain corridors for pastoral movement, implement community benefit-sharing and conduct environmental assessments before deployment.

Q25: Why are millets and goat rearing suitable for arid regions?

A25: Millets are drought-resistant with low water needs; goats are hardy, require less water and feed, and provide fast income, making them suitable livelihoods in arid zones.

Q26: What water-conserving methods can the village adopt?

A26: Construct check dams, johads and percolation tanks to recharge groundwater; practice contour bunding and adopt drip irrigation for any crops.

Q27: How does coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion affect coastal agriculture?

A27: Erosion removes topsoil and land, while saltwater intrusion increases soil salinity and contaminates freshwater aquifers, reducing crop yields and freshwater availability.

Q28: Name two nature-based solutions to protect coastal communities.

A28: Restore and protect mangrove belts to act as natural buffers and use dune stabilization with native vegetation; promote community-based coastal zone management.

Q29: What are potential ecological risks of port expansion near wetlands?

A29: Loss of wetland habitats, disruption of bird and fish breeding grounds, increased pollution and altered hydrology affecting ecosystem services.

Q30: Recommend one mitigation strategy to balance development and conservation.

A30: Conduct strategic environmental assessments, create compensatory wetland restoration areas, design green infrastructure and enforce strict pollution controls during construction and operation.

Q31: What causes coral bleaching and how does it affect island economies?

A31: Coral bleaching is caused by rising sea temperatures and pollution, leading to loss of coral cover, reduced fish habitats and a decline in tourism-based revenue.

Q32: Suggest two conservation actions to protect coral reefs.

A32: Reduce local pollution and runoff, establish marine protected areas, regulate fishing and tourism, and support coral restoration and monitoring programs.

Q33: What are two low-carbon options for improving island connectivity?

A33: Invest in energy-efficient ferries, explore electric or hybrid vessels, and promote scheduled consolidated services to reduce frequency and emissions per passenger.

Q34: How can increased connectivity be managed to protect island ecosystems?

A34: Implement limits on visitor numbers, strict waste management on boats, and enforce protected area regulations to minimize ecosystem disturbance.

Q35: Explain one short-term and one long-term strategy to protect atoll communities.

A35: Short-term: Build raised platforms, sea walls and improve freshwater storage; Long-term: Managed retreat planning, ecosystem-based adaptation (mangrove restoration), and reducing global emissions to limit sea-level rise.