F/TP/14A

Issue: E. Rev: 00

MEENAKSHI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

CHENNAI – 78
QUESTION BANK
Name of the Faculty/Dept: R.Murali Department : MechanicalEngg

Code & Name of the Subject: GE6351 – Environmental Science and Engg. Year / Semester: II / III

Regulation: 2013 Progamme : BE MECH

UNIT IV – SOCIAL ISSUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

PART A (2 MARK QUESTIONS)

1. Explain the term sustainable development.

Sustainable development is defined as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own need”.

2. What are 3 –R approach in waste minimization technique?

Reduce; reuse and recycle are 3 – R’s in waste minimization techniques.

3. Define rainwater harvesting and its advantages. (Dec 2014)

It is a technique use to increase the recharge of ground water by capturing and storing rain water by
constructing special water harvesting structures like dug wells.
 Raise in ground water level
 Reduction of soil erosion and floods
 Increased availability of water from wells

4. Define water shed.

Water shed is defined as a land area from which water drains under gravity to a common drainage
channel.

5. List few water conservation strategies.

 Rain water harvesting
 Water shed management
 Wet land conservation
 Small dams

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6. What is environmental ethics?
Ethics is the philosophical study of moral values. Environmental ethics is the application of studies to
environment concern. It refers to the issues, principles and guidelines relating to human interactions
with their environment.
7. Name some of the acts enacted by the Indian Government to protect the environment.
 The water (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1974
 The water (prevention and control of pollution) Cess Act 1977
 The Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1981
 The Environment (protection) Act 1986
 The Public Liability Insurance Act 1991

8. What is E – waste?
All type of electronic and electrical wastes is called as E – waste. Eg. Computer, mobile phone, fax
machine etc.

9. What is waste land? Write the reasons.

Any land that is not being used in accordance to its full potential or capacity is called waste land.
Overgrazing and industrial wastes are the main reasons.

10. What is waste land reclamation?

 The restoration of disturbed land to an ecological stable condition.
 To make the land more productive for agriculture.

11. Define consumerism. (Jun 2015 / Nov 2015)

It refers to the consumption of resources by the people to the application of ethic.

12. What are the state enactments of environmental legislation in India?

 Smoke control
 Land use
 Pest control
 Water pollution

13. Give the essentials of ‘The Forest Conservation Act, 1980’.

 No forest land or any portion thereof may be used for an nonforest purposes without the prior
permission of the central government.
 No state government or any other authority may issue order directing that any forest land to give
lease or any other purpose without prior approval of central government.

14. What are the important aspects of sustainable development?

 Inter – generational equity – It states that we should hand over a safe, healthy and resourceful
environment to our future generations.
 Intra – generational equity – It states that the technological development of rich countries
should support the economic growth of the poor countries and help in narrowing the wealth gap
and lead to sustainability.

15. Explain the need for water conservation.

 Though the resources of water are more, the quality and reliability are not high due to changes
in environmental factors.
 Better lifestyles require more fresh water.
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  As the population increases, the requirement of water is also more.
 Due to deforestation, the annual rainfall is also decreasing.
 Over exploitation of ground water, leads to drought.
 Agricultural and industrial activities require more fresh water.

16. Explain the factors affecting water shed.

The watersheds are found to be degraded due to uncontrolled, unplanned and unscientific land use
activities. Overgrazing, deforestation, mining, construction activities also affect and degrade various
watersheds. Drought climates also affects the watershed.

17. What is Eco mark?

A product is to be considered environment friendly if it is made, used or disposed off in a way
that significantly reduces the harm if would otherwise have caused to the environment. Pot as the logo
for Eco mark.

18. Define Floods.

Whenever the magnitude of water flow exceeds the carrying capacity of the channel within its
banks, the excess of water over flows on the surroundings cause floods.

19. Define the term Tsunami.

Large wave that are generated in a water body when the sea floor is deformed by seismic
activity - This activity displaces the overlying water in the ocean.

20. Define cyclone

Cyclone is caused due to metrological phenomena, intense depressions forming over the open
oceans and moving towards the land. One reaching the shores, it moves into the interior of the land or
along the shore lines

PART B(8 MARK QUESTIONS)

1. Bring out the various detail of wasteland reclamation. (Nov 2015)

Waste land: The land which is not in use – unproductive, unfit for cultivation and other economic uses.
Types of waste land:
 Uncultivable waste land: Lands cannot brought under cultivation. Examples: Barren rocky
areas, hilly slopes, sandy desserts.
 Cultivable waste land: Land can be cultivable but not cultivated more than five years.
Examples: degraded forest lands, gullied lands. Marsh lands, saline land etc.,
Causes for waste land formation:
 Soil Erosion, Deforestation, Water logging, Salinity
 Excessive use of pesticides
 Construction of dams
 Over-exploitation of natural resources
 Sewage and industrial wastes
 Mining
 Growing demands for fuel, fodder wood and food causes degradation and loss of soil
productivity.
Objectives of waste land reclamation
 To improve the physical structure and quality of the soil

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  To prevent soil erosion
 To avoid over – exploitation of natural resources
 To conserve the biological resources
Methods of waste land reclamation
 Drainage: Excess water can be removed by artificial drainage.
 Leaching: Removal of salt from the salt affected soil by applying excess amount of water.
 Irrigation practices: High frequency irrigation with controlled amount of water helps to
maintain better water availability in the land.
 Green manures and bio fertilizers: To improve the saline soils.
 Application of Gypsum: Soil Sodicity is removed by adding gypsum.
 Afforestation programmes: The National Development Board has decided to bring 5 million
hacres of waste land annually for firewood and fodder plantation.
 Social forestry programmes: Strip plantation on road, canal-sides.

2. What is rainwater harvesting? Explain its needs and significance. (Jun 2015)

Rain water harvesting is a technique of capturing and storing of rainwater for further utilization.
Rainwater, wherever it falls, is capturing and storing of rainwater for further utilization. The
Ministry of Water Resources in India is insisting the people to make rain water harvesting a part of
everyday life in our villages and cities.
Need (or) Objectives of Rainwater Harvesting:
 To meet the increasing demands of water.
 To raise the water table by recharging the ground water.
 To reduce the ground water contamination from the intrusion of saline water.
 To minimize water crisis and water conflicts.
 To reduce surface run off loss.
 To reduce storm water runoff and soil erosion.

Method (or) type of Rain water Harvesting:

Before adopting a rainwater harvesting method, the soil characteristics, topography, rainfall
pattern and climatic conditions should be understood. The most common method of rainwater
harvesting is roof top rainwater harvesting.
Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Method:
 It is the method of collecting rainwater from roof of the building and storing it in the ground for
our future use.
 It is low cost and effective technique for urban houses and buildings.

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  The rainwater from the top of the roofs, road surfaces, play grounds, open lands is diverted into
the surface tank (or) recharge pits through a delivery system, which can be later used for several
purposes.
 Also, it can be used to recharge underground aquifers by diverting the water from stored water
to dug-well or bore wells. (The pit base is filled with stones and sand, which serves as a sand
filter.)
Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting:
 Reduction in the use of current for pumping water.
 Rise in ground water levels.
 Minimizing the soil erosion and flood hazards.
 Future generation is assured of water.

3. Explain the Disaster Management (Nov 2015) (8)

DISASTER MANAGEMENT
 Hazard : It perceived natural event which threatens both life and property
 Disaster (Calamities): The realization of this hazard Eg. earthquakes, avalanches, floods,
cyclones, droughts, volcanoes
 Definition: geological process and it defined as an event concentrated in time and space in
which a society or sub-division of a society undergoes severe danger and causes loss of its
members and physical property.
Types of Disaster :
Based on the origin, 2 types
 Natural Disasters: Disasters that are generated by natural phenomena Eg. Cyclones, floods,
earthquakes, landslides etc.
 Man-mad disasters: Disasters resulting from man-made hazards Eg. Accidents, pollution, fire
etc
Important Disaster (calamities) :
Floods, Cyclones, Landslides, Earth quakes & Tsunami
Floods
Definition: Whenever the magnitude of water flow exceeds the carrying capacity of the channel within
its banks, the excess of water over flows on the surroundings cause floods.
Causes:
 Heavy rain, rainfall during cyclone causes floods
 Sudden snow melt - raises the quantity of water in streams
 Reduction in carrying capacity of the channels due to accumulation of sediments
 Sudden and excess release of impounded water
 Human activities like construction of roads buildings and parking space that covers earth
surface and prevents the penetration into soil & speed up the run off.
 Cleaning of forests for agriculture has also increased floods.
Effects:
 Cause heavy sufferings to people living in low lying areas - damage to houses & properties
 Damage standing crops & livestock
 Cause great economic loss & health related problems due to contamination.
Flood Management: (Preventive Measures)
 Encroachment of flood ways should be banned
 Building walls prevent spilling out the flood water over flood plains
 Diverting excess water through channels or canals to lake rivers etc
 Build check on small streams
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  Instead of raising buildings on flood plain, it can be used for wildlife habitat, parks etc which
are not susceptible to flood damage.
 River - networking in the country
 Satellite pictures of pre-flood, flood &post flood with the in formations contribute to the flood
management
 Flood forecasts and flood warning are also given by central water commission,
 Afforestation

Cyclone:
 Metrological phenomena, intense depressions forming over the open oceans and moving
towards the land. One reaching the shores, it moves into the interior of the land or along the
shore lines.
 Most powerful, destructive, dangerous atmosphere storms on the earth.
 may be active from days to weeks.
 speed varies b/w 180 - 500 km/hour.
Occurrence:
 Tropical cyclones are formed because of heat & moisture
 Main requirement - sea surface temp must be below 25oc
 More like spinning top at the speed of 10-30 km/hr
 cyclone originating from bay of bengal are more in number & intensity - relatively less in south
west Indian ocean & Arabian sea.
 In India - cyclone oceans during October - December or April - May
Different Names of Cyclones:
1. Hurricanes in Atlantic, Caribbean, Easters pacific, USA
2. Typhoons Western Pacific, Southern west of China - Japan
3. Cyclone in Bangladesh, Eastern coastal areas of India
4. Willy Willies in Australia
Effects:
 Damage depends on the intensity of cyclones, Damage of human life crops, roads, transport,
tanks, and canals
 Cyclone occurrence slows down the developmental activities of the area.

Cyclone Management:
 Satellite images are used for forecasting the weather conditions, which reveal the strength and
intensity of the storm.
 Radar system, used for cyclone warning
 For observing the exact location of cyclone, every an hour satellite pictures are analyzed
 Difficult to stop cyclone formation but the effect can be minimized by planting more trees on
the coastal belt construction of dams, wind breaks etc.

Landslides:
 The movement of earthy materials like coherent rock, mud, soil & debris from higher region
to lower region due to gravitational pull.
Causes:
 Downhill movement of earth - mainly caused by rain forces either increasing the top
material weight, or making the slop too steep.
 movement of heavy vehicles on the unstable sloppy regions.
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  Earth quakes, vibrations, shocks & cyclone
 Erosion in the hilly tract due to run off H2O
 Underground caves, underground mining activities
Effects:
 Blocking of the roads & diverts the passage
 Erosion of soil increases
 Sudden landslides damage houses, crop yield, live stock
Landslide Management:
 Unloading the upper parts of the slope
 Improving the cultivation in the sloppy region
 roots of which retards the flow of water
 concrete support at the base of the slope
 soil stabilization using some chemical (quick lime)

Earth Quakes:
 Sudden vibration caused on the earth's surface due to sudden release of tremendous amount
of energy stored in the rocks under the earth's crust
Causes:
 Caused due to disequilibrium in any part of the earth's crust - disequilibrium - caused by
volcanic eruptions hydrostatic pressure of man-made water bodies like reservoirs, dams &
lakes - causes movements of plates.
 underground nuclear testing
 Decrease of underground water level
Severity of earthquakes:
 Generally measured in Richen scale
o Less than 4 - Insignificant 6.6.9 - Destructive
o 4-4.9 - Minor 7.7.9 - Major
o 5.5.9 - Damaging More than 8 - Great
Effects of Earthquakes:
 Shocks produced by earthquakes in mountainous area, cause land slides
 Collapses houses & other structures - people die in thousands depending on the severity of
the quake and Deformation of ground surface
Earthquake Managements
 By constructing earth - quake - resistant buildings in earthquake - prone arrear.
 Wooden homes are preferred in earth quake prone areas as in Japan.
 Seismic hazard map should give the information about the magnitude of intensity of
anticipated earthquakes may indicate the possibility of occurrence of earthquakes' in a
potential area.

Tsunami:
 Japanese word - means harbor waves Tsu - harbor nami - wave
Definition:
 Large wave that are generated in a water body when the sea floor is deformed by seismic
activity - This activity displaces the overlying water in the ocean.
Causes:
 Seismic activities like earthquakes, landslides, Volcanic equations, explosions, can generate
Tsunami
 Deformation of the sea floor due to the movement of plates.
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Concept (formation) of Tsunami:
 Not a single wave but a series of waves like the ordinary waves, which we see on a sea.
 Ordinary waves have relatively short wavelength of about 100 meters. But Tsunamis have X
of about 500 km.
 Travel across the deep sea at very high velocity ie, around 800 -90 km/hr.
 The rate of loss of its energy in inversely proportional to its wavelength ie., greater the
wavelength, lesser is the loss of energy.

Effects of Tsunami
 Tsunami causing devastating property, damage and loss of life
 Tsunami can kill lot of human beings, livestocks etc
 causing lot of water borne diseases.
Management:
 Earth quakes under the water are monitored by sensors on the floor of the sea.
 floating buoys on the surfaces detect any change in pressure of the sea
 The information in than relayed to satellites, which passes it on the earth stations.

4. Explain the 12 principles of green chemistry. (8)

The twelve principles of green chemistry are:
 Prevention: It’s better to prevent waste than to treat or clean up waste afterwards.
 Atom Economy: Design synthetic methods to maximize the incorporation of all materials
used in the process into the final product.
 Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses: Design synthetic methods to use and generate
substances that minimize toxicity to human health and the environment.
 Designing Safer Chemicals: Design chemical products to affect their desired function
while minimizing their toxicity.
 Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries: Minimize the use of auxiliary substances wherever
possible make them innocuous when used.
 Design for Energy Efficiency: Minimize the energy requirements of chemical processes
and conduct synthetic methods at ambient temperature and pressure if possible.
 Use of Renewable Feedstocks: Use renewable raw material or feedstock rather whenever
practicable.
 Reduce Derivatives: Minimize or avoid unnecessary derivatization if possible, which
requires additional reagents and generate waste.
 Catalysis: Catalytic reagents are superior to stoichiometric reagents.
 Design for Degradation: Design chemical products so they break down into innocuous
products that do not persist in the environment.
 Real-time Analysis for Pollution Prevention: Develop analytical methodologies needed
to allow for real-time, in-process monitoring and control prior to the formation of
hazardous substances.
 Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention:Choose substances and the form of
a substance used in a chemical process to minimize the potential for chemical accidents,
including releases, explosions, and fires.

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5. Discuss briefly about the important Protection act. (Dec 2014 / Jun 2015 / Nov 2015)
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT, 1986:
 It fills the gaps in other acts. Central Government had fix standards or norms for air, water, soil,
noise and hazardous wastes.
 Objective: Protect and improve environment, Prevent hazards and Harmonious relation
between humans and environment.
 Features: Lay down procedures and safeguards for prevention of accidents caused by pollution
and remedial measures, Close or regulate industries, Stringent penal action – 5 yrs and fine of
Rs. 1.0 lakhs (or both) and addl fine of Rs. 5000/- per day, Punish individuals directly
responsible, Inspection and monitoring by central Government, and Government can directly
involve avoiding regulatory authorities and agencies.

AIR POLLUTION ACT, 1981

Objective:
 Prevent and control air pollution
 Maintain quality of air
 Establish PCBs.
Features of Act:
 The Central Board may lay down the standards for the quality of air.
 The Central Board coordinates and settles disputes between state boards, in addition to
providing technical assistance and guidance to State Board.
 State Board has to lay down the standards for the emission of air pollutants from industrial units
or automobiles.
 State Boards are to collect and disseminate information related to air pollution.
 State Board have to function as inspectorates of air pollution.

Water Act (1974):

This act provides for maintaining and restoring the sources of water.
Objectives:
 Prevention and control of water pollution.
 Maintaining or restoring the wholesomeness of water.
 Establishing central and state boards for the prevention and control of water pollution.
Features:
 To protect the water from all kinds of pollution.
 To preserve the quality of water in all aquifers.
 The states are empowered to restrain any person from discharging a pollutant or sewage or
effluent into any water body without the consent of the board.
 New or alternate outlet for the discharge for sewage.
 It the empowers the state government to order or closure or stoppage of supply or electricity,
water or any other services to the polluting unit.

WILDLIFE [PROTECTION] ACT, 1972:

This act is aimed to protect and preserve wildlife.
Wildlife refers to all animals and plants that are not domesticated.
Objectives:
 To maintain essential ecological processes and life supporting systems.
 To preserve biodiversity.
 To ensure a continuous use of species.

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Features:
 It covers the rights and the non rights of forest dwellers.
 It provides restricted grazing in sanctuaries but prohibits in national park.
 It also provides the collection of non-timber forest.
Forest Act (1980):
This act provides conservation of forests and related aspects.
Objectives:
 To protect and conserve the forest.
 To ensure judicious use of forest products.
Features:
 The reserved forests shall not be diverted or dereserved without the prior permission of the
central government.
 The land that has been notified or registered or forest land may not be used for non-forest
purposes.
 Any illegal non forest activity within the forest area can be immediately stopped under act.

6. Write notes on Public Awareness. (8)

Our environment is presently degrading due to many activities like pollution, deforestation,
overgrazing, rapid industrialization and urbanization.
Objectives of public awareness
 Create awareness among people of rural and city about ecological imbalances, local
environment, technological development and various development plants.
 To organize meetings, group discussion on development, tree plantation programmes
exhibitions.
 To learn to live simple and eco-friendlily manner.
Methods to create environmental awareness
 In schools and colleges: Environmental education should be added.
 Through mass – media: TV, radio, etc can educate the people about the environmental
issues through cartoons, documentation, street plays etc.
 Cinema: Film about environmental education should be prepared, screened and released
with tax free to attract the public.
 Newspapers: It should publish the environmental problems.
 Audio - Visual media: Special audio-visual and slide shows should be arrange about
environmental problems.
 Voluntary organizations: Rotary club, NCC, NSS should be effectively utilized for
spreading the environmental awareness.
 Traditional techniques: Plays, dramas may be utilized to spread environmental messages
to the public.
 Arranging competitions: Story writing, essay writing and painting competitions on
environmental issues should be organized for students.
 Leaders appeal: Political Leaders, cine actors and popular social reforms should give
awareness program about the environmental problems.
 Non – government organizations: Voluntary organization can help by advising the
government about some local environmental issues.

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7. Detail about Consumerisation of Waste products. (8)
Consumerisation – Consumption of resources
Traditionally favorable rights of sellers- Right to introduce product, price , Incentives.
Traditionally buyer rights-Right to buy, right to expect the product to perform as claimed
Important informations to be known by buyers: - ingredients, manufacturing dates, expiry etc.
Objectives of consumerisation:
 Improves rights and power of the buyers
 Making the manufacturer liable
 Reuse and recycle the product
 Reclaiming useful parts
 Reusable packing materials
 health and happiness
Sources of wastes:
Glass, papers, garbage’s, food waste, automobile waste, dead animals, etc..
E – Waste
Computers, printers, mobile phones, Xerox machines, calculators, etc.
Effects of wastes:
 Dangerous to human life and degrade soil
 Cadmium in chips, Cathode ray tube, PVC cause cancer and other respiratory problems and
non-biodegradable plastics reduce toxic gases.
Factors affecting consumerisation and generation of wastes:
 People over – Population and Consumption over - Population
Environmental legislation and laws – Important protection acts
 Water Act 1974, 1978
 Water amendment Act , 1987,
 Air Act, 1981.
 Wild life Act 1972
 5.Forest Act 1980

8. Discuss briefly on Bhopal disaster & Chernobyl disaster. (8) (Jun 2015)
 Bhophal gas tragedy: December 3rd 1984 world worst accident manufactures some carbonate
pesticides using methyl isocynate. The reactor got exploded due to failure of its cooling system
and 40 tones of MIC leaked into the atmosphere.
 Effects: Lungs and eyes causes irritation in the skin. Higher amounts of MIC remove oxygen
from the lungs and can cause death.
 Chernobyl disaster: On April 26th 1986 the worldworst nuclear explosion occurred in one of
the reactors in Chernobyl power plant in Ukraine. This diseaster was caused mainly due to poor
reactor design and human error.
 Impacts: Chernobyl accident killed more than 20,000 people and 3.5 million people have
suffered ill because of the accident. Nearly 1,35,000 people had to be evacuated at around
Chernobyl.

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 UNIT V – HUMAN POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT

PART A (2 MARK QUESTIONS)

1. What is meant by population explosion?

The enormous increase in population, due to low death rate and high birth rate is termed as population
explosion. The human population is not increasing at a uniform rate in all parts of the world.

2. What is NIMBY Syndrome?

NIMBY means Not In My Back Yard, which describes the opposition of residents to the nearby
location of something they consider undesirable, even if it is clearly a benefit for many.

3. Define immigration and emigration.

Immigration
It denotes the arrival of individuals from neighboring population.
Emigration
It denotes the dispersal of individuals from the riginal population to new areas.

4. Write the expansion for HIV and AIDS?

HIV- Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus(virus).
AIDS- Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome(Disease).

5. Define doubling time with reference to population growth?

Doubling time:It is the time required for a population to double its size at a constant annual rate.
Td=70/r (where r= annual growth rate).

6. What are the objectives of family welfare programmes?

* Slowing down the population explosion by reducing the fertility,*Pressure on the environment, due to
over explosion of natural resources are reduced.

7. What are the objectives of value education?

1. To improve the integral growth of human being.
2. To create attitudes and improvement towards sustainable lifestyle.
3. To increase awareness about our national history our cultural heritage,
constitutional rights, national integration, community develo9pment and
environment.
4. To create and develop awareness about the values and their significance
and role.

8. What are the objectives and benefits of EIA?

EIA is a formal process of predicting the environmental effects of any development projects.
Objectives of EIA:
 To identify the main issues and problems of the parties.
 To identify who is the party
 To identify what are the problems
 To identify why the problem arise
Benefits of EIA:
 Cost and time of the project is reduced
 Performance of the project is improved
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 Bio diversity is maintained

9. Define population density.

Population density is expressed as the number of individuals of the population per unit area or per unit
volume.

10. What are the environmental problems related to population explosion? (Dec 2015)
 Increase in demand for food, water and shelter.
 Degradation and over exploitation of natural resources.
 Environmental pollution.
 Unemployment.

11. What are the functions of HIV virus in human body?

White Blood Cells known as T-helper cells are responsible for the formation of antibodies. The
HIV virus as soon as it enters human body destroys the T- Cells which are the main infection fighters in
the immune system. As a result of this, various types of diseases can attack the HIV infected person.
Even cancer can develop in such persons.

12. Define population equation.

Pt+1=Pt + (B - D) + (I - E)
Pt and Pt+1 = sizesof population in an area at two different points in time t and t+1.
B=birth rate;D=death rate;I=immigration; E= emigration.

13. State the role of information technology in environment. (Nov 2015)

Information technology plays a vital role in the field of environmental education.Information
technology means collection ,processing storage and dissemination of information.A number of
software have been developed to study about the environment.

14. Define population equilibrium.

A state of balance between birth rate and death rate in a population is known as population equilibrium.

15. What are the effects of population explosion?

 Many renewable resources are under threat.
 Overcrowding of cities.
 Unemployment and low living standard of life
 Lack of basic amenities like water, sanitation, education and health.

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 PART B (8 MARK QUESTIONS)

1. Draw a typical population pyramid of a developing country and discuss how it is likely to differ
from that of a developed country. (8)
The world’s population has crossed 6 billion. Less developed countries (Africa, Asia and South
America) have 80% population and more developed countries (U.S.A, Canada, Australia) have 20%
population.
Variation of population based on age structure:
Age structure of population:
 Pre-productive (0-14) years
 Reproductive (15-44) years
 Post-reproductive (above 45) years
Variation of population can be explained based on the above mentioned types.
 Pyramid shaped variation
 Bell shaped variation
 Urn shaped variation
Pyramid shaped variation:
E.g. India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria.
In this case, pre-productive age group > reproductive age group.
Pre-productive is more in number and it is indicated at the base of the pyramid whereas the
post-reproductive are less in number indicated at the top of pyramid. The large number of young pre-
productive age group will soon enter into the reproductive age group, which increases the population
growth.

Pyramid Shape Bell Shape Urn Shape

Bell shaped variation:

E.g. France, U.S.A, UK, Canada.
In this case, pre-productive age group is more or less equal to reproductive age group. So the
people entering into the reproductive age group will not affect the population growth. Hence, the
population remains stable.

Urn shaped variation:

E.g. Germany, Italy, Sweden, Japan.
In this case, pre-productive age group < reproductive age group.
The number of people entering into the reproductive age group will be lesser than before. Therefore
there will be a decrease in the population growth.
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2. Describe briefly on the reasons for the population explosion.
Population explosion: The enormous increase in population due to low death rate (mortality) and high
birth rate (natality) is termed as population explosion.
Causes of rapid population growth:
 Decrease in death and increase in birth rate due to modern medical facilities.
 Availability of antibiotics, immunization, increased food production, clean water and air
decreases the famine related death.
 In agricultural based countries, children’s are required to help parents in the field. Hence
population increases.
Effect of population explosion on environment:
 Poverty
 Environmental degradation
 Over exploitation of natural resources
 Many renewable resources are under threat.
 Overcrowding of cities.
 Unemployment and low living standard of life
 Lack of basic amenities like water, sanitation, education and health.

3. Write a note on HIV/AIDS.(8) (Nov 2015)

HIV/AIDS: AIDS-Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome
HIV-Human Immune deficiency Virus.
Discovered in 1983-It spread from Africa-came through African Monkeys-Spread through HIV
contaminated polio vaccine prepared from monkeys-also spread through hepatitis-B viral vaccine in
Los Angeles and New York-Also spread through small pox vaccine program from Africa.
Facts
 90% AIDS affected people in developing countries.
 13% affected people live in Africa
 All countries in Africa affected.
 3 million people so far dead.
 India ranks 2nd with 5.1 million affected people.
Factors influencing AIDS
 Spreads by blood contact (during unprotected sex)
 Contaminated needles and syringes
 Mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery and mother feeding.
 Blood transfusion from infected person
AIDS not transmitted by
Food, tears, air, cough, handshake, mosquito, flies, insect bites, urine, saliva, sharing of utensils,
clothes, toilet, bathroom etc.
Functions of HIV in body
 Death occurs due to weakening of immune system (not by the disease itself).
 White blood cells form antibodies called T-helper cells. T-helper cells fight diseases (and
responsible for immunity). HIV destroys T-helper cells-hence even cancer can easily develop.
 Normally no symptom-some get fever, head ache and fatigue.
 HIV is present in large amounts in semens and vaginal fluid.
 No vaccine available.

Minor symptoms
 Persistent cough for more than 1 month
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  General skin disease
 Viral infection
 Fungus infection in mouth and throat
 Frequent fever, headache and fatigue
Major symptoms
 Fever for more than 1 month
 Diarrhea for more than 1 month.
 Cough & TB for more than 6 months
 Fall of hairs
 10% weight loss within a short period
CONTROL/PREVENTION
 Educate the public
 Prevention of blood borne HIV transmission
 Primary health care through voluntary health agencies and health workers
 Counseling
 Drug treatment, nutrient diet, less stress.
Effects of HIV/AIDS
 Large number of death occurs, which affect the environment
 Loss of labour
 Level of production decreases
 Water consumption is more to maintain hygiene

4. Define Human Rights and discuss the salient features of the universal declaration of
Human Rights by UN. (8) (Jun 2015 / Nov 2015)
HUMAN RIGHTS: Human rights are the fundamental rights which are possessed by all human beings
irrespective of their caste, nationality, sex and language.
These are natural rights and cannot be taken back by any act or legislation.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Human Right to -
 Freedom (speech, to form association, house & profession anywhere)
 Property
 Freedom of religion
 Freedom of culture and education
 Constitutional remedies
 Equality
 Against exploitation
 Right to food and environment
 Good health.
INDIAN CONSTITUTION
 Articles 14 (equality),
 Articles 15 (indiscrimination-religion, caste, sex, place of birth),
 Articles 16 (equal opportunity),
 Articles 19 (freedom of speech, right to form unions and associations),
 Articles 22 (rights of a person in custody),
 Articles 23 (prohibit human trafficking and forced labor),
 Articles 24 (prohibits child labor),
 Articles 25 (freedom to any profession,
 Articles 28 (secular characteristics in educational institutions),

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  Articles 29 (minorities right),
 Articles 30 (right to establish educational institutions by linguistic and religious minorities).
 National commissions for-SCs and STs, Women, Minorities etc.

5. What is value education?Explain. (8) (Jun 2015 / Nov 2015)

VALUES OF EDUCATION:
Types of Education: (1) Formal education: (self-related) (2) Value education: - It is a tool used to
analyze our behavior and provide proper direction to our youths. It teaches them what is right and
wrong; teaches them to be compassionate, helpful, loving, generous and tolerant. (3) Value based
environmental education: - Provides knowledge about ecology, environment and biodiversity. It
creates a duty to care for the natural resources and to manage them in a sustainable way.
Objectives of Value education
 Improve integral growth of human beings
 Improve attitudinal improvements towards sustainable lifestyle.
 Awareness on notational history, culture, heritage, constitutional rights, national integration,
community development and environment protection.
 Awareness about values and their significance and role.
 Understand environment and linkages betn air, water and land.
 Know about living and non-living things and their interaction with environment.
Concept of Value education
 Why to use less resources and energy?
 Why to keep surroundings clean?
 Why to use less fertilizers and pesticides and instead use bio-fertilizers?
 Why to save water?
 Why to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes?
Methods imparting value education
 Telling: Own narration.
 Modeling: Keeping some person as the role model.
 Role playing: Taking someone as a role model.
 Problem solving: what decision have to take to solve the problem.
 Studying biographies of great men.
Types of values
 Universal/Social values: not to spit in the street
 Cultural values: not to wear chappals inside temples
 Individual values: related to individual goals and objectives.
 Global value: don’t emit pollutants
 Spiritual value: leave all desire.

6. Briefly describe the various schemes launched for Women and Child welfare. (8)
(Jun 2015 / Nov 2015)
WOMEN WELFARE They suffer a lot as they are weak, helpless and economically dependent.

Need for women welfare

 Women suffer gender discrimination (devaluation at home, at workplace, in matrimony, in
public life and power)
 High incidences of dowry deaths, rape, domestic violence, criminal offences and mental torture
to women
 Male dominates society and violates women’s rights
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  In policy making at home and in society women are neglected.
Objectives of women welfare
 Provide education
 Impart vocational training
 Generate awareness about environment
 Improve employment opportunities
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
Objectives:
 Examine constitutional and legal rights of women
 Review existing legislations
 Sensitize enforcement and administrative machinery to women’s causes.
Effect of Environmental degradation on women:
 Since forest resources are depleted, men migrate to towns leaving the women folk at home
 Mining and other developmental activities displace families. But here women are neglected and
affected.
Schemes for Women welfare:
 National network for women and mining (NNWM)
 UN decade for women
 International convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women
(CEDAW)
 NGOs and MahilaMandals
 Ministry for women and child development.
CHILD WELFARE:
Children occupies 40% of total population.20 million children in india working as child labour in
industries.
Reason for child labour:
 Poverty,
 Need of money .
 Un conventions on Rights of child: A set of international standard and measures to protect the
children
o Rights of the child:
o The right to survival
o The right to development
o The right to protection.
 World summit on children: Agenda for the well-being of the targeted children.
 Ministry of Human Resource and development(MHRD):It concentrates on child health and
education.
Environmental degradation and child welfare:
*Children are affected mostly due to environmental pollution.
*Water borne diseases are the biggest threat to children.
Centre for science and environment(CSE) : It reports that children are more susceptible to any
environmental contamination.

7. Explain the key elements of EIA.(8)

EIA is a formal process of predicting the environmental effects of any development projects.
Objectives of EIA:
 To identify the main issues and problems of the parties.
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  To identify who is the party
 To identify what are the problems
 To identify why the problem arise
Benefits of EIA:
 Cost and time of the project is reduced
 Performance of the project is improved
 Bio diversity is maintained
Key elements of EIA:
 SCOPING: It is used to identify the key issues of the concern in the planning process at an
early stage.
 SCREENING:It is used to decide whether an EIA is required or not based on the
information collected.
 IDENTIFYING AND EVALUATING ALTERNATIVES: It involves knowing alternative
sites and alternative techniques and their impacts.
 MITIGATING MEASURES DEALING WITH UNCERTAINITY: It reviews the action
taken to prevent (or) minimize the adverse effects of a project.
 ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENTS: This is the final stage of the EIA process. It reports
the findings of the EIA.

8. Narrate the role of IT in protection of environment and human health.(16) (Dec 2014 / Jun
2015)
Role of information technology in environment:
Remote sensing:
Component- A platform, aircraft, A balloon, rocket, and satellite.
Functions:
 Origin of electromagnetic energy
 Transmission of energy
 Interaction of energy
 Detection of energy
 Preprocessing of data
 Data analysis and interpretation
 Integration and other applications.
Applications:
In agriculture, forestry, land cover, water resources
Data Base- Collection of inter related data on various subjects.
Applications:
 Ministry of environment and forest
 National management information system
 Environmental information system
Geographical information system: GIS
Application:
o Thematic maps are super imposed using soft wares.
o Interpretation of polluted zones
o To check unplanned growth and related environmental problems
Satellite data:
 Helps in providing reliable information and data about forest cover
 Provide information about forecasting weather
 Reserves of oil , minerals can be discovered.
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WORLD WIDE WEB: WWW Current data.
Applications:
 Online learning
 Digital files or photos, animations on environmental studies.
Role of information technology in human health:
The health service technology involves three systems
 Finance and accounting
 Pathology
 Patient Administration – clinical system.
Applications:
 Data regarding birth and death rates
 To monitor the health of the people effectively
 The information regarding the outbreak of epidemic diseases.
 Online Consultation
 Drugs and its replacement..
Case study: Health Services of New South Wales: State administered public health service-integrated
hospitals and community services-for 3 million population-IT package useful for finance, accounting
and pathology systems.

9. Discuss the implementation of various Family welfare programmes in India. (8)

Family welfare programme was introduced by government of India in the year 1952. It provides
information on birth spacing, birth control, health care for pregnant women and infants. It also has
reduced the legal and illegal abortions and also reduced the risk of death during pregnancy.
Objectives of family welfare programme:
 Slowing down the population explosion, by reducing the fertility rate.
 Pressure on the natural resources can also be reduced.
 100% registration of birth, death and marriages.
 Encourage late marriage and late child bearing.
 Encourage breast feeding.
 Improves women health and education.
 Constrain the spread of AIDS.
 Prevent and control communicable disease.
 Promotes small family norms.
 Compulsory school education up to age 14.
Fertility control methods
o Traditional methods
o Tubectomy (female sterilization)
o Vasectomy (male sterilization)
o Condoms
o Copper Ts.
o Oral contraceptive pills.
Family Planning Programs:
o 1952 - launched
o 1970 – Forced family planning campaign
o 1978 – Minimum age for marriage 18 & 21
o 1981 – Funding increased due to inadequate results.

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