UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Notes  >  Geography for UPSC CSE  >  GS2 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Environmental Impact of Urban Land Use

GS2 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Environmental Impact of Urban Land Use | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. (UPSC GS1 Mains Paper)

Answer:

Land reclamation is one of the most consequential fields of human induced environmental transformation. In this light reclamation of water bodies into urban land use has following environmental consequences:

  • Damage to water ecology: Urban land transformation leads to creation of residential, commercial buildings, such as houses, restaurants around water bodies, causing degradation of water ecology and influx of nutrients. For example, Dal Lake in Sri Nagar.  
  • Increased incidence of flooding: Water bodies act as sponges for extra rainfall, reclamation of water bodies, has led to higher incidences of floods. A case in point is Mumbai, which lost 71% of its wetlands between 1970 to 2014.  
  • Species extinction: Land reclamation of Hussain Sagar Lake in Telangana, have increased the BOD to 116 mg/l. It is detrimental for not only aquatic species but also for aerial fauna.  
  • Drinking water pollution: Water bodies have purifying effect through buffering out contaminants. Encroachment of water bodies lead to concentration of harmful chemicals such as arsenic, copper, chromium in the water table. For example, encroachment of water bodies in West Bengal have led to high level of arsenic pollution.  
  • Environmental hazards: Water reclamation for urban land use in the coastal areas may aggravate the incidents of earthquakes etc., due to soil liquefaction and land subsidence. 

Water bodies play an important part in sustaining the ecology. In this light their conservation through waste water treatment, non-encroachment, reduced anthropogenic stress etc., is an imperative.


The document GS2 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Environmental Impact of Urban Land Use | Geography for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course Geography for UPSC CSE.
All you need of UPSC at this link: UPSC
Are you preparing for UPSC Exam? Then you should check out the best video lectures, notes, free mock test series, crash course and much more provided by EduRev. You also get your detailed analysis and report cards along with 24x7 doubt solving for you to excel in UPSC exam. So join EduRev now and revolutionise the way you learn!
Sign up for Free Download App for Free
180 videos|485 docs|193 tests

Up next

FAQs on GS2 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Environmental Impact of Urban Land Use - Geography for UPSC CSE

1. How does urban land use impact the environment?
Ans. Urban land use can have various environmental impacts such as habitat loss, air and water pollution, increased energy consumption, and higher greenhouse gas emissions due to increased development and infrastructure.
2. What are some ways to mitigate the environmental impact of urban land use?
Ans. Some ways to mitigate environmental impact include promoting sustainable urban planning practices, implementing green infrastructure, preserving green spaces, promoting public transportation, and encouraging energy-efficient buildings.
3. How does urbanization contribute to climate change?
Ans. Urbanization contributes to climate change through increased energy consumption, transportation emissions, and the heat island effect caused by large amounts of concrete and asphalt in cities.
4. What are the effects of urban land use on biodiversity?
Ans. Urban land use can lead to habitat fragmentation, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems, impacting wildlife populations and their ability to thrive in urban environments.
5. How can individuals contribute to reducing the environmental impact of urban land use?
Ans. Individuals can contribute by practicing sustainable living habits such as reducing waste, using public transportation or biking instead of driving, supporting local green spaces, and advocating for sustainable urban development policies.
180 videos|485 docs|193 tests
Download as PDF

Up next

Explore Courses for UPSC exam
Related Searches

Free

,

past year papers

,

Viva Questions

,

Sample Paper

,

MCQs

,

GS2 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Environmental Impact of Urban Land Use | Geography for UPSC CSE

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

practice quizzes

,

GS2 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Environmental Impact of Urban Land Use | Geography for UPSC CSE

,

Summary

,

Objective type Questions

,

video lectures

,

Extra Questions

,

study material

,

Exam

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

pdf

,

Important questions

,

mock tests for examination

,

GS2 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Environmental Impact of Urban Land Use | Geography for UPSC CSE

,

Semester Notes

,

ppt

;