GS Paper–I Mains
Previous Year Questions & Model Answers
Phase–III : Part–3 (Environment & Disasters)
By Shaktimatha 369 Learning
Q61. “Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in India.” Examine.
Climate change has emerged as a critical factor influencing the occurrence of extreme weather events in India. Rising global temperatures have altered atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to increased climatic variability.
India has witnessed more frequent heatwaves, intense cyclones, irregular monsoons, floods, and prolonged droughts. Warming of the Indian Ocean has intensified cyclones, while erratic rainfall has increased both flood and drought risks. Melting Himalayan glaciers further threaten river regimes.
These events disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, agriculture, and infrastructure. However, natural climate variability and land-use changes also contribute to disaster risks.
Thus, climate change acts as a threat multiplier, necessitating robust adaptation and mitigation strategies to reduce disaster vulnerability.
Q62. “Floods in India are increasingly becoming human-induced disasters.” Discuss.
While floods are natural hydrological phenomena, their increasing frequency and impact in India are largely due to human activities. Unplanned urbanisation, deforestation, and encroachment of floodplains have reduced natural drainage capacity.
Construction of embankments and dams without adequate assessment has altered river flow patterns. Urban areas with impervious surfaces experience flash floods during heavy rainfall. Climate change-induced extreme precipitation further aggravates flood risks.
However, effective river basin management, early warning systems, and floodplain zoning can significantly reduce flood damage.
Thus, floods in India are increasingly human-amplified disasters, requiring integrated and sustainable planning.
Q63. “The Himalayan ecosystem is highly fragile and vulnerable to natural and human-induced stresses.” Analyse.
The Himalayan ecosystem is one of the most fragile regions in the world due to its young geological formation and complex ecological balance. It is highly susceptible to earthquakes, landslides, and glacial hazards.
Human activities such as deforestation, road construction, hydropower projects, and unregulated tourism have intensified environmental stress. Climate change has accelerated glacier retreat, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
These stresses threaten biodiversity, water security, and livelihoods of mountain communities.
Therefore, sustainable development approaches, ecologically sensitive infrastructure, and community-based conservation are essential to protect the Himalayan ecosystem.
Q64. “Disaster management in India has shifted from a relief-centric to a mitigation-centric approach.” Examine.
India’s disaster management framework has evolved significantly over the past decades. Earlier approaches focused primarily on post-disaster relief and response.
The enactment of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 institutionalised a comprehensive framework emphasising prevention, preparedness, and mitigation. Initiatives such as early warning systems, risk mapping, and capacity building reflect this paradigm shift.
Community participation and technology integration have improved disaster resilience. However, implementation gaps and resource constraints persist.
Thus, India’s disaster management strategy has moved towards risk reduction, though sustained efforts are needed for effective outcomes.
Q65. “Sustainable development is the only viable pathway for balancing economic growth and environmental protection.” Discuss.
Sustainable development seeks to harmonise economic growth with environmental conservation and social equity. Unregulated growth has led to resource depletion, pollution, and ecological imbalance.
In India, sustainable practices such as renewable energy adoption, water conservation, and afforestation address developmental needs while protecting ecosystems. Policies like National Action Plan on Climate Change reflect this integrated approach.
However, challenges such as population pressure, poverty, and implementation gaps remain.
Therefore, sustainable development is essential to ensure long-term economic progress without compromising environmental integrity.
End of Phase–III : Part–3
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