Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Case Based Questions - Contemporary India - II

Q2: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

The rapid decline of wildlife and forests has made conservation necessary. Forests help in maintaining air, water, and soil quality and provide habitat for various species. The Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972) was introduced to protect forests and wildlife. Several measures were taken, such as banning hunting, legal protection of habitats, and establishing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Specific species like tigers, rhinoceros, elephants, and the snow leopard were given special protection.

i. When was the Indian Wildlife Protection Act introduced?(1 mark)
ii. What were the two main objectives of this Act?(1 mark)
iii. How did the Indian government protect endangered species?(2 marks)

Ans:
i. The Indian Wildlife Protection Act was introduced in 1972.
ii. The two main objectives were banning hunting and providing legal protection to habitats.
iii. The Indian government protected endangered species by:

• Establishing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to conserve habitats.
• Launching specific conservation projects for species like tigers, rhinoceroses, elephants, and snow leopards.
• Banning trade in wildlife products and imposing strict penalties for violations.

Q3: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

The Project Tiger campaign was launched in 1973 when the tiger population declined drastically to 1,827 from an estimated 55,000 at the start of the 20th century. Poaching, shrinking forests, and human encroachment were major threats to tigers. Illegal trade in tiger skins and bones in Asian markets further reduced their numbers. To protect tigers, India created Tiger Reserves in places like Corbett National Park, Sunderbans, Bandhavgarh, and Sariska. Today, tiger conservation focuses on protecting entire ecosystems rather than individual species.

i. When was Project Tiger launched?(1 mark)
ii. What were the major reasons for the decline in the tiger population?(1 mark)
iii. How did Project Tiger contribute to wildlife conservation?(2 marks)

Ans:
i. Project Tiger was launched in 1973.
ii. The major reasons for the decline in the tiger population were poaching, habitat loss due to shrinking forests, and illegal wildlife trade (e.g., tiger skins and bones).
iii. Project Tiger contributed to wildlife conservation by:

• Establishing protected Tiger Reserves, such as Corbett National Park and Sunderbans, to safeguard habitats.
• Regulating hunting and banning illegal trade of tiger products.
• Focusing on conserving entire ecosystems rather than just individual species, which helped increase tiger numbers and preserve biodiversity.

Q4: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

In India, local communities play an important role in conserving forests and wildlife. In Rajasthan, villagers protected forests under Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’, banning hunting and protecting biodiversity. The Chipko Movement in the Himalayas prevented deforestation by hugging trees to stop them from being cut. Farmers’ groups like the Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri have promoted ecological farming without synthetic chemicals. Such community efforts show that people’s participation is essential for conservation.

i. What was the main objective of the Chipko Movement?(1 mark)
ii. How did the Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’ initiative help in conservation?(1 mark)
iii. Why is community participation important in conservation efforts?(2 marks)

Ans:
i. The Chipko Movement aimed to:

• Prevent deforestation by protecting trees.
• Raise awareness about the importance of forests.
• Encourage local communities to engage in conservation.

ii. The villagers banned hunting and created their own conservation rules to protect forests and wildlife.
iii. Community participation is important in conservation efforts because it ensures local involvement, which leads to better protection of natural resources. Local communities have traditional knowledge and a vested interest in preserving ecosystems, making conservation more sustainable and effective. Their active role also fosters awareness and collective responsibility for protecting biodiversity.

Q5: Read the source below and answer the questions that follow:

Indian tribal communities have long conserved nature through sacred groves—forests protected due to religious and cultural beliefs. These forests remain untouched and are rich in biodiversity. The Mundas and Santhals worship the mahua and kadamba trees, while tribals in Odisha and Bihar revere tamarind and mango trees. Such traditions show how cultural beliefs support conservation.

i. What are sacred groves?(1 mark)
ii. Name any two trees worshipped by tribal communities in India.(1 mark)
iii. How do sacred groves contribute to forest conservation?(2 marks)

Ans:
i. Sacred groves are forests protected due to religious and cultural beliefs.
ii. The mahua and kadamba trees are worshipped by tribal communities in India.
iii. Sacred groves contribute to forest conservation by preventing deforestation and preserving biodiversity. These areas remain untouched due to their sacred status, providing a safe habitat for wildlife and maintaining ecological balance. They also help protect rare plant and animal species, ensuring the sustainability of local ecosystems.