CUET Exam Syllabus for Environmental Studies - Commerce PDF Download

 Page 1


2 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. Human Beings and Nature 
(i) Modern schools of ecological thought. 
(ii) Deep ecology (Gary Snyder, Earth First) vs. shallow ecology. 
(iii) Stewardship of land (e.g. Wendell Berry). 
(iv) Social ecology [Marxist environmentalism and socialist ecology (Barry Commoner)]. 
(v) Feminism. 
(vi) Green Politics (e.g. Germany and England). 
(vii) Sustainable Development. 
Modern schools of ecological thought; definition and basic understanding of Deep Ecology as opposed to 
Shallow Ecology; Stewardship, Social Ecology - Marxist environmentalism and Socialist Ecology, Eco 
feminism, Green political movements of Germany and England and Sustainable Development (basic 
concepts). 
World Wide Fund for Nature – organisation, mission, strategy for conservation. 
Greenpeace – organisation, mission statement, core values, objectives and strategy. 
2. Population and Conservation Ecology 
(i) Population dynamics: factors causing population change (birth, death, immigration and emigration); 
relation between the factors; age structure and its significance; population pyramids; survivorship curves; 
three general shapes r and K strategies. 
Factors causing population change (birth, death, immigration and emigration); relation between the factors; 
Age structure and its significance; Population Pyramids – interpretation and implications. Rate of change of 
population – the three general shapes of Survivorship Curves, r and K strategies and differences between 
the two. 
(ii) Human populations (Malthusian model and demographic transition). 
Definition of Carrying Capacity; Malthusian view: concept of ‘over-population’ and shortage of resources; 
Questioning Malthus. Population Growth vs. Disparate Consumption of resources within and amongst nations. 
Definition and understanding of Demographic Transition; Factors influencing demographic transition. 
Population Regulation: growth without regulation (exponential); simple population regulation (logistic growth 
curve); factors regulating population size (space, food and water, territories, predators, weather and climate, 
parasite and diseases, disasters and self-regulation). Basic understanding of the Exponential growth curve (J – 
shaped) and Logistic growth curve (S - shaped); Factors regulating population size (space, food and water, 
territories, predators, weather and climate, parasite and diseases, disasters and self-regulation). 
 
 
 
Note:  
There will be one Question Paper which will have 50 questions out of which 40 questions need to be 
attempted. 
Page 2


2 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. Human Beings and Nature 
(i) Modern schools of ecological thought. 
(ii) Deep ecology (Gary Snyder, Earth First) vs. shallow ecology. 
(iii) Stewardship of land (e.g. Wendell Berry). 
(iv) Social ecology [Marxist environmentalism and socialist ecology (Barry Commoner)]. 
(v) Feminism. 
(vi) Green Politics (e.g. Germany and England). 
(vii) Sustainable Development. 
Modern schools of ecological thought; definition and basic understanding of Deep Ecology as opposed to 
Shallow Ecology; Stewardship, Social Ecology - Marxist environmentalism and Socialist Ecology, Eco 
feminism, Green political movements of Germany and England and Sustainable Development (basic 
concepts). 
World Wide Fund for Nature – organisation, mission, strategy for conservation. 
Greenpeace – organisation, mission statement, core values, objectives and strategy. 
2. Population and Conservation Ecology 
(i) Population dynamics: factors causing population change (birth, death, immigration and emigration); 
relation between the factors; age structure and its significance; population pyramids; survivorship curves; 
three general shapes r and K strategies. 
Factors causing population change (birth, death, immigration and emigration); relation between the factors; 
Age structure and its significance; Population Pyramids – interpretation and implications. Rate of change of 
population – the three general shapes of Survivorship Curves, r and K strategies and differences between 
the two. 
(ii) Human populations (Malthusian model and demographic transition). 
Definition of Carrying Capacity; Malthusian view: concept of ‘over-population’ and shortage of resources; 
Questioning Malthus. Population Growth vs. Disparate Consumption of resources within and amongst nations. 
Definition and understanding of Demographic Transition; Factors influencing demographic transition. 
Population Regulation: growth without regulation (exponential); simple population regulation (logistic growth 
curve); factors regulating population size (space, food and water, territories, predators, weather and climate, 
parasite and diseases, disasters and self-regulation). Basic understanding of the Exponential growth curve (J – 
shaped) and Logistic growth curve (S - shaped); Factors regulating population size (space, food and water, 
territories, predators, weather and climate, parasite and diseases, disasters and self-regulation). 
 
 
 
Note:  
There will be one Question Paper which will have 50 questions out of which 40 questions need to be 
attempted. 
3 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES-307 
 
 Human population control: family planning; education; economic growth; status of women. 
Strategies for human population control with emphasis on women’s empowerment. (Details of methods of 
family planning not required.) 
(iii) Threats to the ecosystem: habitat destruction; genetic erosion; loss of diversity; expanding agriculture; 
impound water; waste from human societies; increasing human consumption. 
Only a brief understanding of the causes and consequences of threats to provisioning and regulatory functions 
of the ecosystem with suitable examples. 
(iv) Conservation: importance; the critical state of Indian forests; conflicts surrounding forested areas - 
populations and tribals and their rights 
- tourism - poaching - roads - development projects - dams; scientific forestry and its limitations; social 
forestry; the role of the forest department; NGOs; joint forestry management; wild life - sanctuaries, 
conservation and management in India; Project Tiger as a case study in conservation. 
Definition of: Conservation, in situ and ex situ conservation. Importance of Conservation. 
In-situ conservation: Wildlife sanctuaries, National parks, Biosphere reserves (definition, objectives, 
features, advantages and disadvantages). 
Ex-situ conservation: zoos, aquaria, plant collection (objectives, features, advantages and 
disadvantages). 
Conflicts in managing and conserving Forests: India’s forest cover, issues concerning people living in 
and around forests with particular reference to tribal rights;   threats   to   forests: poaching, 
developmental projects like roads and dams, over exploitation of forest resources (direct and indirect). 
The role of the forest department and NGOs in managing forests. 
Some management measures: scientific forestry, social forestry (various types of social forestry), Joint 
Forestry Management (JFM), ecotourism. 
Definition, scope, advantages and disadvantages of each of the above. 
Project Tiger as a case study in conservation: Origin, aims, and objectives, successes, failures. 
3. Monitoring Pollution 
(i) Pollution monitoring. 
Primary and secondary pollutants. Importance of monitoring air pollution including Ambient Air Quality 
Monitoring (gaseous and particulate). Concept of carbon credits and carbon trading in regulating 
emissions. Causes for excessive vehicular pollution and various steps taken to regulate pollution-emission 
standards for new vehicles, implementation of CNG programme, inspection & maintenance programme for in-use 
vehicles, phasing out of old commercial vehicles and promotion of public transport. 
Page 3


2 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. Human Beings and Nature 
(i) Modern schools of ecological thought. 
(ii) Deep ecology (Gary Snyder, Earth First) vs. shallow ecology. 
(iii) Stewardship of land (e.g. Wendell Berry). 
(iv) Social ecology [Marxist environmentalism and socialist ecology (Barry Commoner)]. 
(v) Feminism. 
(vi) Green Politics (e.g. Germany and England). 
(vii) Sustainable Development. 
Modern schools of ecological thought; definition and basic understanding of Deep Ecology as opposed to 
Shallow Ecology; Stewardship, Social Ecology - Marxist environmentalism and Socialist Ecology, Eco 
feminism, Green political movements of Germany and England and Sustainable Development (basic 
concepts). 
World Wide Fund for Nature – organisation, mission, strategy for conservation. 
Greenpeace – organisation, mission statement, core values, objectives and strategy. 
2. Population and Conservation Ecology 
(i) Population dynamics: factors causing population change (birth, death, immigration and emigration); 
relation between the factors; age structure and its significance; population pyramids; survivorship curves; 
three general shapes r and K strategies. 
Factors causing population change (birth, death, immigration and emigration); relation between the factors; 
Age structure and its significance; Population Pyramids – interpretation and implications. Rate of change of 
population – the three general shapes of Survivorship Curves, r and K strategies and differences between 
the two. 
(ii) Human populations (Malthusian model and demographic transition). 
Definition of Carrying Capacity; Malthusian view: concept of ‘over-population’ and shortage of resources; 
Questioning Malthus. Population Growth vs. Disparate Consumption of resources within and amongst nations. 
Definition and understanding of Demographic Transition; Factors influencing demographic transition. 
Population Regulation: growth without regulation (exponential); simple population regulation (logistic growth 
curve); factors regulating population size (space, food and water, territories, predators, weather and climate, 
parasite and diseases, disasters and self-regulation). Basic understanding of the Exponential growth curve (J – 
shaped) and Logistic growth curve (S - shaped); Factors regulating population size (space, food and water, 
territories, predators, weather and climate, parasite and diseases, disasters and self-regulation). 
 
 
 
Note:  
There will be one Question Paper which will have 50 questions out of which 40 questions need to be 
attempted. 
3 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES-307 
 
 Human population control: family planning; education; economic growth; status of women. 
Strategies for human population control with emphasis on women’s empowerment. (Details of methods of 
family planning not required.) 
(iii) Threats to the ecosystem: habitat destruction; genetic erosion; loss of diversity; expanding agriculture; 
impound water; waste from human societies; increasing human consumption. 
Only a brief understanding of the causes and consequences of threats to provisioning and regulatory functions 
of the ecosystem with suitable examples. 
(iv) Conservation: importance; the critical state of Indian forests; conflicts surrounding forested areas - 
populations and tribals and their rights 
- tourism - poaching - roads - development projects - dams; scientific forestry and its limitations; social 
forestry; the role of the forest department; NGOs; joint forestry management; wild life - sanctuaries, 
conservation and management in India; Project Tiger as a case study in conservation. 
Definition of: Conservation, in situ and ex situ conservation. Importance of Conservation. 
In-situ conservation: Wildlife sanctuaries, National parks, Biosphere reserves (definition, objectives, 
features, advantages and disadvantages). 
Ex-situ conservation: zoos, aquaria, plant collection (objectives, features, advantages and 
disadvantages). 
Conflicts in managing and conserving Forests: India’s forest cover, issues concerning people living in 
and around forests with particular reference to tribal rights;   threats   to   forests: poaching, 
developmental projects like roads and dams, over exploitation of forest resources (direct and indirect). 
The role of the forest department and NGOs in managing forests. 
Some management measures: scientific forestry, social forestry (various types of social forestry), Joint 
Forestry Management (JFM), ecotourism. 
Definition, scope, advantages and disadvantages of each of the above. 
Project Tiger as a case study in conservation: Origin, aims, and objectives, successes, failures. 
3. Monitoring Pollution 
(i) Pollution monitoring. 
Primary and secondary pollutants. Importance of monitoring air pollution including Ambient Air Quality 
Monitoring (gaseous and particulate). Concept of carbon credits and carbon trading in regulating 
emissions. Causes for excessive vehicular pollution and various steps taken to regulate pollution-emission 
standards for new vehicles, implementation of CNG programme, inspection & maintenance programme for in-use 
vehicles, phasing out of old commercial vehicles and promotion of public transport. 
4 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES-307 
 
(ii) Monitoring the atmosphere: techniques. 
Monitoring at emission source and of ambient air quality, criteria for monitoring stations, types of stations, 
number of stations, frequency of data collection, characteristics of ambient air sampling, basic consideration 
for sampling (to be dealt with in brief). Classification of techniques- manual and instrumental. Manual-
Passive samplers, High Volume Samplers and Bubbler Systems. Instrumental-photometric techniques-
NDIR, Chemiluminescence - principle and use. 
(iii) International and national air quality standards. 
National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM); the main functions of the Central Pollution Board and 
the State Pollution Control Board, objectives of air quality standards, New name of NAAQM, National Air 
Monitoring Programme (NAMP) objectives of the NAMP. 
Definition of air quality standards and importance; National air quality standards for gases/particulate matter 
covered under WHO guidelines. 
(iv) Water testing: indicators of water quality. 
Indicators (electrical conductivity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, faecal waste, temperature, hardness, 
nitrates and sulphates) the significance of each and their interpretations. B.O.D. and C.O.D., theoretical 
concept only (lab work for better understanding and not for testing) 
(v) Soil testing: indicators of soil type and quality and laboratory work. 
Soil indicators- the characteristics of a good soil indicator, the three basic types of soil indicators- biological, 
physical and chemical, two examples of each. The information provided by each of these types of 
indicators. Definitions, effects and experiments to find out soil respiration, soil pH, soil aggregate, 
infiltration rate and simple methods of controlling each of these. 
4. Third World Development 
(i) Urban-rural divide: urbanisation - push and pull factors; consequences on rural and urban sectors; future 
trends and projections. 
Causes of migration - push and pull factors, consequences on rural and urban areas and ways to reduce 
migration. Future trends and projections. 
(ii) A critical appraisal of conventional paradigm of development from the viewpoints of sustainability, 
environmental impact and equity. 
Definition of Development. 
An understanding that development has become synonymous with growth. This approach has the 
following impacts on the environment: (a) Ignoring negative environmental impacts; (b) Changing 
patterns of resource use due to market pressures; 
(c) Overuse and exploitation of resources; 
(d) Diversion of scarce resources to luxury goods; (e) Disparate access to resources; 
(f) Increasing wastes and pollution. 
The above to be explained with suitable examples. 
Page 4


2 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. Human Beings and Nature 
(i) Modern schools of ecological thought. 
(ii) Deep ecology (Gary Snyder, Earth First) vs. shallow ecology. 
(iii) Stewardship of land (e.g. Wendell Berry). 
(iv) Social ecology [Marxist environmentalism and socialist ecology (Barry Commoner)]. 
(v) Feminism. 
(vi) Green Politics (e.g. Germany and England). 
(vii) Sustainable Development. 
Modern schools of ecological thought; definition and basic understanding of Deep Ecology as opposed to 
Shallow Ecology; Stewardship, Social Ecology - Marxist environmentalism and Socialist Ecology, Eco 
feminism, Green political movements of Germany and England and Sustainable Development (basic 
concepts). 
World Wide Fund for Nature – organisation, mission, strategy for conservation. 
Greenpeace – organisation, mission statement, core values, objectives and strategy. 
2. Population and Conservation Ecology 
(i) Population dynamics: factors causing population change (birth, death, immigration and emigration); 
relation between the factors; age structure and its significance; population pyramids; survivorship curves; 
three general shapes r and K strategies. 
Factors causing population change (birth, death, immigration and emigration); relation between the factors; 
Age structure and its significance; Population Pyramids – interpretation and implications. Rate of change of 
population – the three general shapes of Survivorship Curves, r and K strategies and differences between 
the two. 
(ii) Human populations (Malthusian model and demographic transition). 
Definition of Carrying Capacity; Malthusian view: concept of ‘over-population’ and shortage of resources; 
Questioning Malthus. Population Growth vs. Disparate Consumption of resources within and amongst nations. 
Definition and understanding of Demographic Transition; Factors influencing demographic transition. 
Population Regulation: growth without regulation (exponential); simple population regulation (logistic growth 
curve); factors regulating population size (space, food and water, territories, predators, weather and climate, 
parasite and diseases, disasters and self-regulation). Basic understanding of the Exponential growth curve (J – 
shaped) and Logistic growth curve (S - shaped); Factors regulating population size (space, food and water, 
territories, predators, weather and climate, parasite and diseases, disasters and self-regulation). 
 
 
 
Note:  
There will be one Question Paper which will have 50 questions out of which 40 questions need to be 
attempted. 
3 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES-307 
 
 Human population control: family planning; education; economic growth; status of women. 
Strategies for human population control with emphasis on women’s empowerment. (Details of methods of 
family planning not required.) 
(iii) Threats to the ecosystem: habitat destruction; genetic erosion; loss of diversity; expanding agriculture; 
impound water; waste from human societies; increasing human consumption. 
Only a brief understanding of the causes and consequences of threats to provisioning and regulatory functions 
of the ecosystem with suitable examples. 
(iv) Conservation: importance; the critical state of Indian forests; conflicts surrounding forested areas - 
populations and tribals and their rights 
- tourism - poaching - roads - development projects - dams; scientific forestry and its limitations; social 
forestry; the role of the forest department; NGOs; joint forestry management; wild life - sanctuaries, 
conservation and management in India; Project Tiger as a case study in conservation. 
Definition of: Conservation, in situ and ex situ conservation. Importance of Conservation. 
In-situ conservation: Wildlife sanctuaries, National parks, Biosphere reserves (definition, objectives, 
features, advantages and disadvantages). 
Ex-situ conservation: zoos, aquaria, plant collection (objectives, features, advantages and 
disadvantages). 
Conflicts in managing and conserving Forests: India’s forest cover, issues concerning people living in 
and around forests with particular reference to tribal rights;   threats   to   forests: poaching, 
developmental projects like roads and dams, over exploitation of forest resources (direct and indirect). 
The role of the forest department and NGOs in managing forests. 
Some management measures: scientific forestry, social forestry (various types of social forestry), Joint 
Forestry Management (JFM), ecotourism. 
Definition, scope, advantages and disadvantages of each of the above. 
Project Tiger as a case study in conservation: Origin, aims, and objectives, successes, failures. 
3. Monitoring Pollution 
(i) Pollution monitoring. 
Primary and secondary pollutants. Importance of monitoring air pollution including Ambient Air Quality 
Monitoring (gaseous and particulate). Concept of carbon credits and carbon trading in regulating 
emissions. Causes for excessive vehicular pollution and various steps taken to regulate pollution-emission 
standards for new vehicles, implementation of CNG programme, inspection & maintenance programme for in-use 
vehicles, phasing out of old commercial vehicles and promotion of public transport. 
4 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES-307 
 
(ii) Monitoring the atmosphere: techniques. 
Monitoring at emission source and of ambient air quality, criteria for monitoring stations, types of stations, 
number of stations, frequency of data collection, characteristics of ambient air sampling, basic consideration 
for sampling (to be dealt with in brief). Classification of techniques- manual and instrumental. Manual-
Passive samplers, High Volume Samplers and Bubbler Systems. Instrumental-photometric techniques-
NDIR, Chemiluminescence - principle and use. 
(iii) International and national air quality standards. 
National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM); the main functions of the Central Pollution Board and 
the State Pollution Control Board, objectives of air quality standards, New name of NAAQM, National Air 
Monitoring Programme (NAMP) objectives of the NAMP. 
Definition of air quality standards and importance; National air quality standards for gases/particulate matter 
covered under WHO guidelines. 
(iv) Water testing: indicators of water quality. 
Indicators (electrical conductivity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, faecal waste, temperature, hardness, 
nitrates and sulphates) the significance of each and their interpretations. B.O.D. and C.O.D., theoretical 
concept only (lab work for better understanding and not for testing) 
(v) Soil testing: indicators of soil type and quality and laboratory work. 
Soil indicators- the characteristics of a good soil indicator, the three basic types of soil indicators- biological, 
physical and chemical, two examples of each. The information provided by each of these types of 
indicators. Definitions, effects and experiments to find out soil respiration, soil pH, soil aggregate, 
infiltration rate and simple methods of controlling each of these. 
4. Third World Development 
(i) Urban-rural divide: urbanisation - push and pull factors; consequences on rural and urban sectors; future 
trends and projections. 
Causes of migration - push and pull factors, consequences on rural and urban areas and ways to reduce 
migration. Future trends and projections. 
(ii) A critical appraisal of conventional paradigm of development from the viewpoints of sustainability, 
environmental impact and equity. 
Definition of Development. 
An understanding that development has become synonymous with growth. This approach has the 
following impacts on the environment: (a) Ignoring negative environmental impacts; (b) Changing 
patterns of resource use due to market pressures; 
(c) Overuse and exploitation of resources; 
(d) Diversion of scarce resources to luxury goods; (e) Disparate access to resources; 
(f) Increasing wastes and pollution. 
The above to be explained with suitable examples. 
5 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES-307 
 
(iii) A case study of Gandhian approach in terms of its aims and processes. 
Local self-governance – basic principles behind village policy, Antoday, Sarvoday, Panchayati Raj; 
local self-sufficiency, local markets and environmental sustainability. Village as the basis of 
development; promotion of cottage industries and 
intermediate technologies;  
focus on     employment. 
The above to be contrasted with today’s paradigm of growth. 
(iv) Urban environmental planning and management: problems of sanitation; water management; transport; 
energy; air quality; housing; constraints (economic, political) in tackling the problems; inapplicability of 
solutions that have worked in the First World and the need for indigenous approach to urban environment. 
A basic understanding of the following urban environmental problems: problems of sanitation, water 
management, transport, energy; air quality and housing. 
Awareness of some indigenous solutions: Rainwater harvesting, garbage segregation, composting, energy 
from solid and liquid wastes, sewage management (dry toilets, Decentralized Water Management System 
(DEWATS) 
Features of new urbanism, goals of smart growth. The following examples of urban planning and 
management from the third world to be studied: 
? Bogota – Bolivia (Traffic Management); 
? Cuba (Urban agriculture using organic methods); 
? Curitiba – Brazil (Traffic planning and urban renewal using innovative measures); 
? Cochabamba – (Water management and protests against privatisation of water supply). 
 
5. Sustainable Agriculture 
(i)      Traditional Agriculture in India: irrigation systems; crop           varieties; techniques for maintaining soil 
fertility; impact of colonialism; Indian agriculture at independence - food scarcity - food import - need for 
increasing production - the need for land reform; green revolution - HYVs - fertilizers - pesticides - large 
irrigation projects (dams); critical appraisal of the green revolution from the viewpoints of agro-bio diversity; 
soil health; ecological impact of pesticides; energy (petroleum and petrochemicals); ability to reach the 
poorer sections of the rural communities; sustainability - need for sustainable agriculture - characteristics 
for sustainable agriculture; techniques of water soil and pest management. 
Definition of the following terms: traditional agriculture, natural farming, organic agriculture, modern 
agriculture (use of hybrid seeds, high yielding varieties, chemical fertilizers and pesticides), gene revolution 
(genetically modified seeds) and sustainable agriculture. 
Irrigation systems: 
Macro vs micro irrigation systems - canal irrigation/dam as compared to sprinkler/ drip/ trickle drip/dug 
wells. Basic features, advantages and disadvantages of each kind. Traditional rainwater harvesting- tankas, 
khadins, ahar, pynes, zings, johads and eris (suitability of each type in the particular region). 
Features of pre-colonial agriculture in India: growing for sustenance rather than market; multi-cropping, 
Page 5


2 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. Human Beings and Nature 
(i) Modern schools of ecological thought. 
(ii) Deep ecology (Gary Snyder, Earth First) vs. shallow ecology. 
(iii) Stewardship of land (e.g. Wendell Berry). 
(iv) Social ecology [Marxist environmentalism and socialist ecology (Barry Commoner)]. 
(v) Feminism. 
(vi) Green Politics (e.g. Germany and England). 
(vii) Sustainable Development. 
Modern schools of ecological thought; definition and basic understanding of Deep Ecology as opposed to 
Shallow Ecology; Stewardship, Social Ecology - Marxist environmentalism and Socialist Ecology, Eco 
feminism, Green political movements of Germany and England and Sustainable Development (basic 
concepts). 
World Wide Fund for Nature – organisation, mission, strategy for conservation. 
Greenpeace – organisation, mission statement, core values, objectives and strategy. 
2. Population and Conservation Ecology 
(i) Population dynamics: factors causing population change (birth, death, immigration and emigration); 
relation between the factors; age structure and its significance; population pyramids; survivorship curves; 
three general shapes r and K strategies. 
Factors causing population change (birth, death, immigration and emigration); relation between the factors; 
Age structure and its significance; Population Pyramids – interpretation and implications. Rate of change of 
population – the three general shapes of Survivorship Curves, r and K strategies and differences between 
the two. 
(ii) Human populations (Malthusian model and demographic transition). 
Definition of Carrying Capacity; Malthusian view: concept of ‘over-population’ and shortage of resources; 
Questioning Malthus. Population Growth vs. Disparate Consumption of resources within and amongst nations. 
Definition and understanding of Demographic Transition; Factors influencing demographic transition. 
Population Regulation: growth without regulation (exponential); simple population regulation (logistic growth 
curve); factors regulating population size (space, food and water, territories, predators, weather and climate, 
parasite and diseases, disasters and self-regulation). Basic understanding of the Exponential growth curve (J – 
shaped) and Logistic growth curve (S - shaped); Factors regulating population size (space, food and water, 
territories, predators, weather and climate, parasite and diseases, disasters and self-regulation). 
 
 
 
Note:  
There will be one Question Paper which will have 50 questions out of which 40 questions need to be 
attempted. 
3 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES-307 
 
 Human population control: family planning; education; economic growth; status of women. 
Strategies for human population control with emphasis on women’s empowerment. (Details of methods of 
family planning not required.) 
(iii) Threats to the ecosystem: habitat destruction; genetic erosion; loss of diversity; expanding agriculture; 
impound water; waste from human societies; increasing human consumption. 
Only a brief understanding of the causes and consequences of threats to provisioning and regulatory functions 
of the ecosystem with suitable examples. 
(iv) Conservation: importance; the critical state of Indian forests; conflicts surrounding forested areas - 
populations and tribals and their rights 
- tourism - poaching - roads - development projects - dams; scientific forestry and its limitations; social 
forestry; the role of the forest department; NGOs; joint forestry management; wild life - sanctuaries, 
conservation and management in India; Project Tiger as a case study in conservation. 
Definition of: Conservation, in situ and ex situ conservation. Importance of Conservation. 
In-situ conservation: Wildlife sanctuaries, National parks, Biosphere reserves (definition, objectives, 
features, advantages and disadvantages). 
Ex-situ conservation: zoos, aquaria, plant collection (objectives, features, advantages and 
disadvantages). 
Conflicts in managing and conserving Forests: India’s forest cover, issues concerning people living in 
and around forests with particular reference to tribal rights;   threats   to   forests: poaching, 
developmental projects like roads and dams, over exploitation of forest resources (direct and indirect). 
The role of the forest department and NGOs in managing forests. 
Some management measures: scientific forestry, social forestry (various types of social forestry), Joint 
Forestry Management (JFM), ecotourism. 
Definition, scope, advantages and disadvantages of each of the above. 
Project Tiger as a case study in conservation: Origin, aims, and objectives, successes, failures. 
3. Monitoring Pollution 
(i) Pollution monitoring. 
Primary and secondary pollutants. Importance of monitoring air pollution including Ambient Air Quality 
Monitoring (gaseous and particulate). Concept of carbon credits and carbon trading in regulating 
emissions. Causes for excessive vehicular pollution and various steps taken to regulate pollution-emission 
standards for new vehicles, implementation of CNG programme, inspection & maintenance programme for in-use 
vehicles, phasing out of old commercial vehicles and promotion of public transport. 
4 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES-307 
 
(ii) Monitoring the atmosphere: techniques. 
Monitoring at emission source and of ambient air quality, criteria for monitoring stations, types of stations, 
number of stations, frequency of data collection, characteristics of ambient air sampling, basic consideration 
for sampling (to be dealt with in brief). Classification of techniques- manual and instrumental. Manual-
Passive samplers, High Volume Samplers and Bubbler Systems. Instrumental-photometric techniques-
NDIR, Chemiluminescence - principle and use. 
(iii) International and national air quality standards. 
National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM); the main functions of the Central Pollution Board and 
the State Pollution Control Board, objectives of air quality standards, New name of NAAQM, National Air 
Monitoring Programme (NAMP) objectives of the NAMP. 
Definition of air quality standards and importance; National air quality standards for gases/particulate matter 
covered under WHO guidelines. 
(iv) Water testing: indicators of water quality. 
Indicators (electrical conductivity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, faecal waste, temperature, hardness, 
nitrates and sulphates) the significance of each and their interpretations. B.O.D. and C.O.D., theoretical 
concept only (lab work for better understanding and not for testing) 
(v) Soil testing: indicators of soil type and quality and laboratory work. 
Soil indicators- the characteristics of a good soil indicator, the three basic types of soil indicators- biological, 
physical and chemical, two examples of each. The information provided by each of these types of 
indicators. Definitions, effects and experiments to find out soil respiration, soil pH, soil aggregate, 
infiltration rate and simple methods of controlling each of these. 
4. Third World Development 
(i) Urban-rural divide: urbanisation - push and pull factors; consequences on rural and urban sectors; future 
trends and projections. 
Causes of migration - push and pull factors, consequences on rural and urban areas and ways to reduce 
migration. Future trends and projections. 
(ii) A critical appraisal of conventional paradigm of development from the viewpoints of sustainability, 
environmental impact and equity. 
Definition of Development. 
An understanding that development has become synonymous with growth. This approach has the 
following impacts on the environment: (a) Ignoring negative environmental impacts; (b) Changing 
patterns of resource use due to market pressures; 
(c) Overuse and exploitation of resources; 
(d) Diversion of scarce resources to luxury goods; (e) Disparate access to resources; 
(f) Increasing wastes and pollution. 
The above to be explained with suitable examples. 
5 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES-307 
 
(iii) A case study of Gandhian approach in terms of its aims and processes. 
Local self-governance – basic principles behind village policy, Antoday, Sarvoday, Panchayati Raj; 
local self-sufficiency, local markets and environmental sustainability. Village as the basis of 
development; promotion of cottage industries and 
intermediate technologies;  
focus on     employment. 
The above to be contrasted with today’s paradigm of growth. 
(iv) Urban environmental planning and management: problems of sanitation; water management; transport; 
energy; air quality; housing; constraints (economic, political) in tackling the problems; inapplicability of 
solutions that have worked in the First World and the need for indigenous approach to urban environment. 
A basic understanding of the following urban environmental problems: problems of sanitation, water 
management, transport, energy; air quality and housing. 
Awareness of some indigenous solutions: Rainwater harvesting, garbage segregation, composting, energy 
from solid and liquid wastes, sewage management (dry toilets, Decentralized Water Management System 
(DEWATS) 
Features of new urbanism, goals of smart growth. The following examples of urban planning and 
management from the third world to be studied: 
? Bogota – Bolivia (Traffic Management); 
? Cuba (Urban agriculture using organic methods); 
? Curitiba – Brazil (Traffic planning and urban renewal using innovative measures); 
? Cochabamba – (Water management and protests against privatisation of water supply). 
 
5. Sustainable Agriculture 
(i)      Traditional Agriculture in India: irrigation systems; crop           varieties; techniques for maintaining soil 
fertility; impact of colonialism; Indian agriculture at independence - food scarcity - food import - need for 
increasing production - the need for land reform; green revolution - HYVs - fertilizers - pesticides - large 
irrigation projects (dams); critical appraisal of the green revolution from the viewpoints of agro-bio diversity; 
soil health; ecological impact of pesticides; energy (petroleum and petrochemicals); ability to reach the 
poorer sections of the rural communities; sustainability - need for sustainable agriculture - characteristics 
for sustainable agriculture; techniques of water soil and pest management. 
Definition of the following terms: traditional agriculture, natural farming, organic agriculture, modern 
agriculture (use of hybrid seeds, high yielding varieties, chemical fertilizers and pesticides), gene revolution 
(genetically modified seeds) and sustainable agriculture. 
Irrigation systems: 
Macro vs micro irrigation systems - canal irrigation/dam as compared to sprinkler/ drip/ trickle drip/dug 
wells. Basic features, advantages and disadvantages of each kind. Traditional rainwater harvesting- tankas, 
khadins, ahar, pynes, zings, johads and eris (suitability of each type in the particular region). 
Features of pre-colonial agriculture in India: growing for sustenance rather than market; multi-cropping, 
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management of soil health, diversity in seed. 
Colonial influence: punitive taxation, commercial crops for export and British industry, devaluation of 
sustainable traditional practices. Bengal famine. Comparative study of pre-colonial, colonial 
and post- colonial agriculture and their impact. 
Green Revolution: Origin (food scarcity - food import - need for increasing production). 
Basic principles of Green Revolution- Development of High Yielding Varieties (HYV); introduction of 
fertilizers and pesticides; mono cropping. 
Environmental, social and economic impacts - advantages and disadvantages (from the viewpoints of agro-
bio diversity; soil health; ecological impact of pesticides; energy use; input costs; benefits to small and 
medium farmers, community level and household level food security). 
Land reform – need, advantages, failures and successes. 
Elements of sustainable agriculture: Mixed farming, mixed cropping, inter-cropping, crop rotation, use of 
sustainable practices of water soil and pest management for improving soil fertility (organic fertilizers, bio-
fertilizers, green manure, with two examples) and pest control (bio pesticides). Integrated Pest Management 
(IPM); eating local foods 
Management of agricultural produce: Storage; Food preservation-different methods like use of low 
temperatures, high temperatures, drying, canning, preservation by salt and sugar. Transportation of Food. 
Food processing - Definition, food preservation, packaging, grading. 
Food adulteration and Food additives- definitions; types of adulteration, harmful effects of adulteration. 
Quality Marks - ISI (Indian Standard Institute); AGMARK (Agricultural Marketing); 
FPO(Fruit Product Order) - a brief explanation only. 
(ii) Food: the twin problems of production and access; food situation in the world; integrated and sustainable 
approach to food security for the Third World. Food Security. 
Meaning of Food Security, need for food security. The problems in attaining food security - those of 
production, storage and access. Integrated and sustainable approach to food security for the Third World 
including working for environmental sustainability and social and economic sustainability through land 
reform, credit support to farmers, market support to farmers, inadequacies in the present marketing 
system, ways to improve marketing system, improving access to food, ownership of seeds. 
An understanding that national level food security may not translate into household and community level 
food security or long term environmental sustainability unless the above factors are addressed. Main 
features of the Food Security Law 2013. 
6. Environmental and Natural Resource Economics 
(i) Definition: resources; scarcity and growth; natural resource accounting. 
Classification of natural resources - on the basis of origin (abiotic and biotic), on the basis of renewability 
(renewable and non- renewable), on the basis of development (potential and actual), on the basis of 
distribution (ubiquitous and localized); scarcity and growth, natural resource accounting. 
Classification of resources as renewable and non-renewable. 
Definition, basic principles, advantages and disadvantages of Physical accounting.