Access the latest NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter-9: Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems, updated for 2024-2025. Solution is designed to help students tackle difficult questions with ease. The content is written in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Exercise
Choose the right answers from the given options:
(i) Which one of the following rivers is highly polluted?
(a) Brahmaputra (c) Yamuna
(b) Satluj (d) Godavari
Answer: (c) Yamuna
The Yamuna River, especially around Delhi, suffers from severe pollution due to domestic and industrial waste disposal.
(ii) Which one of the following diseases is caused by water pollution?
(a) Conjunctivitis (c) Respiratory infections
(b) Diarrhea (d) Bronchitis
Answer: (b) Diarrhea
Water pollution often leads to the spread of water-borne diseases like diarrhea, affecting a large number of people annually.
(iii) Which one of the following is the cause of acid rain?
(a) Water pollution (c) Noise pollution
(b) Land pollution (d) Air pollution
Answer: (d) Air pollution
Acid rain is caused by the emission of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, which combine with water to form acidic precipitation.
(iv) Push and pull factors are responsible for –
(a) Migration (c) Slums
(b) Land degradation (d) Air pollution
Answer: (a) Migration
Migration is often driven by push factors like poverty and unemployment and pull factors such as better job opportunities in urban areas.
Answer the following questions in about 30 words:
(i) What is the difference between pollution and pollutants?
Answer: Pollution refers to the contamination of natural resources, such as air and water, leading to harmful effects. Pollutants are the specific harmful substances (like chemicals or waste) causing pollution.
(ii) Describe the major source of air pollution.
Answer: The primary sources of air pollution are combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles and industries, leading to the release of gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
(iii) Mention major problems associated with urban waste disposal in India.
Answer: Urban waste disposal in India faces challenges like improper collection, lack of infrastructure, open dumping, health hazards, and environmental degradation due to untreated waste.
(iv) What are the effects of air pollution on human health?
Answer: Air pollution affects human health by causing respiratory diseases (like asthma and bronchitis), cardiovascular problems, and, in severe cases, neurological disorders due to toxic pollutants like lead.
Answer the following questions in about 150 words:
(i) Describe the nature of water pollution in India.
Answer: Water pollution in India is primarily caused by industrial waste, sewage, agricultural runoff, and cultural activities. Rivers like the Yamuna and Ganga suffer from high levels of contamination, making the water unfit for consumption. Agricultural runoff introduces chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, which infiltrate water bodies. Industrial effluents add toxic substances, including heavy metals, to the water. Poor waste management in urban areas also contributes to water pollution. The resulting contamination leads to various water-borne diseases and environmental degradation, affecting aquatic ecosystems.
(ii) Describe the problem of slums in India.
Answer: Slums are characterized by overcrowded, poorly ventilated dwellings with inadequate access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity. Due to rapid rural-to-urban migration, people unable to afford housing end up in slums. These areas often face problems like open defecation, poor drainage, and unhygienic conditions, leading to health hazards. Additionally, slum dwellers have limited access to education and healthcare, making them vulnerable to poverty, crime, and social exclusion. Major cities like Mumbai and Delhi have large slum populations, presenting significant challenges for urban planning.
(iii) Suggest measures for reduction of land degradation.
Answer: To reduce land degradation, several measures can be implemented:
1. Afforestation: Planting trees helps in reducing soil erosion and improving soil fertility.
2. Sustainable farming practices: Techniques like crop rotation, terracing, and use of organic fertilizers maintain soil health.
3. Watershed management: Conserving water and preventing runoff helps in maintaining soil moisture and reduces erosion.
4. Regulating mining activities: Ensuring proper reclamation of land after mining operations prevents further degradation.
5. Awareness and education: Promoting environmental awareness about sustainable land-use practices among farmers and local communities can prevent land misuse.
These steps, combined with community participation, can effectively combat land degradation and restore productivity.
Other Important Short-answer Questions
Here are important short-answer questions with answers based on Chapter 9: Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems from the NCERT Class 12 Geography book. These questions are designed in simple language and reflect themes from previous NCERT board exams and UPSC topics.
1. What are the main causes of water pollution in India?
Water pollution in India is caused by both natural and human activities. Key human sources include industrial waste, sewage disposal, agricultural runoff (pesticides and fertilizers), and religious activities. Industries release toxic chemicals and heavy metals into water bodies, while untreated sewage contributes to bacterial contamination. Agricultural chemicals often seep into groundwater and surface water, causing pollution. Cultural activities, such as immersion of idols during festivals, also degrade water quality. Rivers like the Yamuna and Ganga suffer from severe pollution due to domestic, industrial, and agricultural waste.
2. What are the effects of air pollution on human health?
Air pollution poses significant risks to human health, particularly through respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections. Pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter cause irritation in the eyes, throat, and lungs. Long-term exposure can lead to cardiovascular diseases, nervous system damage, and reduced lung function. Additionally, air pollution can aggravate pre-existing health conditions and cause premature deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
3. What are the major sources of noise pollution in urban areas?
Noise pollution in cities is caused by various sources, including road traffic, construction activities, industrial machinery, and public events. Automobiles, trains, and airplanes generate continuous noise that affects urban residents. Loudspeakers, festivals, and social gatherings also add to noise levels. Construction and demolition projects further contribute to sound pollution. High noise levels can cause stress, hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and reduced productivity in people.
4. How does urban waste disposal affect health and the environment?
Improper urban waste disposal results in serious health and environmental hazards. Accumulated waste becomes a breeding ground for pests and rodents, which spread diseases like typhoid, malaria, and cholera. Open dumping of waste leads to water and soil contamination, affecting nearby ecosystems. Inadequate waste management also results in air pollution from the decomposition of organic materials, which releases harmful gases like methane. It is crucial to manage urban waste through recycling, composting, and efficient waste disposal systems.
5. What are the main causes and impacts of land degradation in India?
Land degradation in India is caused by deforestation, overgrazing, waterlogging, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Industrial activities and mining also contribute to the degradation of soil and vegetation. The impacts of land degradation include reduced agricultural productivity, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased desertification. It threatens food security and leads to economic losses for farmers. Proper soil management, afforestation, and sustainable agricultural practices can help mitigate land degradation.
6. What are the objectives of the Namami Gange Programme?
The Namami Gange Programme aims to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River by controlling pollution and improving water quality. Key objectives include developing sewage treatment plants, monitoring industrial effluents, promoting afforestation along riverbanks, and improving biodiversity. The program also focuses on cleaning river surfaces, creating public awareness, and developing ‘Ganga Grams’ in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The initiative encourages community participation to restore the ecological health of the river.
7. What challenges are posed by slums in urban areas?
Slums face numerous challenges, including poor housing, inadequate sanitation, lack of clean drinking water, and overcrowded living conditions. Residents often work in low-paying, unorganized sectors with limited access to healthcare and education. Slums are prone to health risks due to unhygienic surroundings and limited waste disposal facilities. Children in slums often miss out on formal education, and the population is vulnerable to crime and social exclusion. Governments aim to improve living conditions through slum rehabilitation programs and better infrastructure.
8. What are the reasons for rural-urban migration in India?
Rural-urban migration in India occurs due to the lack of job opportunities in rural areas and better economic prospects in cities. Push factors include poverty, low agricultural income, and natural disasters, while pull factors include employment in industries, better healthcare, and access to education. Migrants often move to megacities, bypassing smaller towns, leading to overcrowding in urban areas. However, they usually face challenges like informal employment, poor living conditions, and separation from their families.
9. What are the benefits of watershed management programs?
Watershed management programs aim to conserve water resources, prevent land degradation, and improve soil quality through community participation. These programs focus on linking land, water, and vegetation management to enhance rural livelihoods. In areas like Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh, watershed initiatives have improved agricultural productivity, replenished groundwater, and restored common property resources. Social fencing, afforestation, and water conservation measures under these programs help create sustainable ecosystems and ensure long-term benefits for local communities.
10. How does solid waste management contribute to sustainable development?
Efficient solid waste management reduces environmental pollution, promotes public health, and supports sustainable development. Recycling and composting convert waste into valuable resources, reducing landfill usage. Proper management prevents the release of harmful gases like methane, thus mitigating climate change. It also creates job opportunities in waste collection and recycling industries. Public awareness and community participation play a crucial role in successful waste management practices, ensuring cleaner cities and a healthier environment.
MCQs: Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems
Below are 20 MCQs based on Chapter 9: Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems from the NCERT Class 12 Geography book. These questions are relevant for board exams and competitive exams like UPSC.
1. Which type of pollution results from the combustion of fossil fuels and mining activities?
a) Water pollution
b) Land pollution
c) Air pollution
d) Noise pollution
2. Which river is highly polluted due to industrial waste and untreated sewage from Delhi?
a) Ganga
b) Yamuna
c) Brahmaputra
d) Narmada
3. What is the main cause of acid rain?
a) Noise pollution
b) Land pollution
c) Air pollution
d) Water pollution
4. Which program aims to clean the Ganga river and monitor industrial effluents?
a) Swachh Bharat Mission
b) Namami Gange Programme
c) Jal Shakti Abhiyan
d) Sagarmala Project
5. Which water-borne disease is commonly caused by contaminated water in India?
a) Bronchitis
b) Diarrhea
c) Asthma
d) Tuberculosis
6. What is a major pollutant responsible for respiratory diseases in urban areas?
a) Lead
b) Nitrogen oxides
c) Asbestos
d) Phosphates
7. What term refers to solid waste from households and industries?
a) Rubbish
b) Sewage
c) Urban smog
d) Biogas
8. What is the decibel unit (dB) used to measure?
a) Noise levels
b) Water quality
c) Air quality
d) Soil pH
9. Which city in India is known for Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi?
a) Kolkata
b) Mumbai
c) Chennai
d) Delhi
10. What is a common health hazard caused by solid waste disposal?
a) Tuberculosis
b) Typhoid
c) Pneumonia
d) Flu
11. Which term refers to the movement of people from rural areas to urban centers?
a) Urbanization
b) Emigration
c) Migration
d) Land degradation
12. What are the primary pollutants involved in water pollution?
a) Nitrogen oxides
b) Carbon dioxide and methane
c) Pesticides and fertilizers
d) Sulphur dioxide
13. Which of the following factors is responsible for land degradation?
a) Acid rain
b) Waterlogging and salinization
c) Air pollution
d) Noise pollution
14. What is the main focus of the Swachh Bharat Mission?
a) Reducing air pollution
b) Improving water resources
c) Urban sanitation and waste management
d) Promoting organic farming
15. What happens when land is consistently overused without maintaining fertility?
a) Soil erosion
b) Land degradation
c) Acidification
d) Desertification
16. What is the primary source of industrial water pollution?
a) Mining activities
b) Agricultural runoff
c) Untreated waste discharge
d) Deforestation
17. Which sector is the largest contributor to noise pollution in urban areas?
a) Transportation
b) Manufacturing industries
c) Construction activities
d) Agriculture
18. What is a major pollutant found in river Yamuna?
a) Mercury
b) Pesticide residues
c) Microbial waste
d) Lead
19. What percentage of communicable diseases in India are caused by water pollution?
a) 10%
b) 25%
c) 50%
d) 35%
20. Which area in Madhya Pradesh serves as a case study for community-driven watershed management?
a) Jhabua district
b) Panna district
c) Khandwa district
d) Mandla district
Answer Key
1. c) Air pollution
2. b) Yamuna
3. c) Air pollution
4. b) Namami Gange Programme
5. b) Diarrhea
6. b) Nitrogen oxides
7. a) Rubbish
8. a) Noise levels
9. b) Mumbai
10. b) Typhoid
11. c) Migration
12. c) Pesticides and fertilizers
13. b) Waterlogging and salinization
14. c) Urban sanitation and waste management
15. b) Land degradation
16. c) Untreated waste discharge
17. a) Transportation
18. c) Microbial waste
19. b) 25%
20. a) Jhabua district
Other Chapter
| Chapter 1:- POPULATION: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition | Chapter 2:- HUMAN SETTLEMENTS |
| Chapter 3:- LAND RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE | Chapter 4:– WATER RESOURCES |
| Chapter 5:- MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES | Chapter 6:- PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN INDIAN CONTEXT |
| Chapter 7:- TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION | Chapter 8:- INTERNATIONAL TRADE |
