Previous Year Questions: Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems

Previous Year Questions 2025

Q.1. Read the following facts about 'Swachh Bharat Mission' carefully and choose the correct option: (1 Mark)
i. It is a part of urban renewable mission. 
ii. It is launched by Government of India. 
iii. It is associated with improving greenery in urban areas. 
iv. It is aimed to improve quality of life in urban slums.
(A) Only i, ii and iii are correct. 
(B) Only ii, iii and iv are correct. 
(C) Only i, ii and iv are correct. 
(D) Only i, iii and iv are correct.

Answer: (C) Only i, ii and iv are correct. 
Solution: The Swachh Bharat Mission is a Government of India initiative under the urban renewal mission specifically designed to improve the quality of life in urban slums through better sanitation and waste management.

Q.2. Identify the unit to measure sound from the following: (1 Mark)
(A) Particles per hundred 
(B) Decibel 
(C) Particles per thousand 
(D) Nanometer

Answer: (B) Decibel 
Solution: The level of steady noise or sound intensity is measured and expressed in terms of decibels (dB), which helps determine if it exceeds human tolerance levels.

Q.3. Choose the correctly matched pair of areas and their characteristics from the following: (1 Mark)
(A) Jhabua District - Bhil Tribe
(B) Daurala Meerut - Gaddi Tribe 
(C) Bharmaur Tehsil - Dilapidated Houses 
(D) Dharavi Mumbai - Groundwater Pollution

Answer: (A) Jhabua District - Bhil Tribe
Solution: Jhabua district in Madhya Pradesh is characterized by a high concentration of the Bhil tribe, who have successfully participated in watershed management programmes to restore degraded land.

Q.4. Which one of the following is the main polluter of Yamuna water in Delhi? (1 Mark)
(A) Flood water spreading 
(B) Dumping of domestic waste 
(C) Use of pesticides 
(D) Use of fertilizers

Answer: (B) Dumping of domestic waste
Solution: According to the sources, the Yamuna river in the Delhi stretch is primarily polluted due to the massive dumping of domestic and industrial waste from the city.

Q.5. Identify the correct set of water-borne diseases. (1 Mark)
(A) Asthma, Headache and Diarrhoea 
(B) Hepatitis, Asthma and Blood pressure 
(C) Intestinal worms, Headache and Blood pressure 
(D) Hepatitis, Diarrhoea and Intestinal worms

Answer: (D) Hepatitis, Diarrhoea and Intestinal worms
Solution: Contaminated water is a direct source of various communicable diseases in India, specifically hepatitis, diarrhoea, and intestinal worms, which account for one-fourth of such illnesses.

Q.6. Choose an objective of the 'Namami Gange Programme' from the following: (1 Mark)
(A) To monitor industrial effluents 
(B) To develop the network of canals
(C) To construct dams for water management 
(D) To increase the production of river fish

Answer: (A) To monitor industrial effluents
Solution: A key objective of the Namami Gange Programme is to effectively control pollution in the Ganga by monitoring industrial effluents and developing sewerage treatment systems in towns.

Q.7. Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option. (1 Mark)
Assertion (A): Lack of basic necessities such as housing, health and drinking water, etc. are found in slum settlements. 
Reason (R): Slums are the areas of residence with least choice.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). 
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). 
(C) (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect. 
(D) (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.

Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). 
Solution: Slums are inhabited by people forced to migrate for livelihoods who cannot afford proper housing, making them residences of least choice lacking basic amenities.

Q.8. Identify the practical measure from the following to control air pollution in the metropolitan cities in India. (1 Mark)
(A) Public Transport with Ring Railway 
(B) Carpooling with Metro Rail 
(C) Metro Rail with CNG Buses 
(D) Ring Railway with CNG Buses

Answer: (C) Metro Rail with CNG Buses 
Solution: Using Metro Rail combined with CNG-powered buses is the most appropriate practical measure to reduce toxic emissions from fossil fuel combustion in large metropolitan areas.

Q.9. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions: (3 Marks)
Promoting Gender Sensitivity through 'Beti Bachao - Beti Padhao' Campaign
The division of the society into male, female and transgender is believed to be natural and biological. But, in reality, there are social constructs and roles assigned to individuals which are reinforced by social institutions. Consequently, these biological differences become the basis of social differentiations, discriminations and exclusions. The exclusion of over half of the population becomes a serious handicap to any developing and civilised society. It is a global challenge, which has been acknowledged by the UNDP when it mentioned that, "If development is not engendered, it is endangered." (HDR UNDP 1995). Discrimination, in general, and lack of education in particular, to the female population is a great hindrance to the development.

(9.1) Describe any one ill-effect of gender discrimination on a society. (1 Mark)

 Answer: One major ill-effect is that it leads to the social exclusion of over half the population, becoming a serious handicap to any civilized society.

(9.2) "If development is not engendered, it is endangered." Explain the statement. (1 Mark) 

Answer: This means that if development efforts do not include and empower all genders, the entire development process is at risk of failure.

(9.3) Suggest any two measures to sensitize the society about the campaign. (1 Mark) 

Answer: Measures include promoting female education and using social institutions to challenge traditional social constructs and roles assigned to individuals.

Q.10. Suggest the measures to solve the problems of urban waste disposal in India. (3 Marks)

Answer: To solve urban waste problems, India must shift from mere disposal to resource recovery. Solid waste should be treated as a valuable resource and utilized for generating energy and compost, which prevents it from fermenting and releasing toxic methane gas. Implementing the "Polluter Pays" principle, as seen in the Daurala model, encourages industrial accountability. Furthermore, increasing the collection efficiency in smaller towns-where 30 to 50 per cent of waste remains uncollected-is crucial to prevent health hazards and the spread of diseases.

Q.11. Suggest the measures to solve the problems of slums in India. (3 Marks)

Answer: Solving slum problems requires an integrated approach to improve living standards. First, the Swachh Bharat Mission and other urban renewal missions must be utilized to provide basic amenities like potable water, electricity, and toilet facilities to eliminate open defecation. Second, the government should focus on providing affordable housing to reduce the proliferation of shanty structures in environmentally degraded areas. Finally, providing school education and healthcare to slum-dwellers' children is essential to prevent vulnerability to drug abuse and social exclusion.

Q.12. Suggest the measures to overcome the problem of water pollution in India. (3 Marks)

Answer: Water pollution can be controlled by addressing industrial and domestic sources. A primary measure is the strict monitoring of industrial effluents and ensuring that untreated wastewater is not disposed of in rivers or lakes. The Namami Gange Programme highlights the need for developing sewerage treatment systems in urban centres. Additionally, promoting rainwater harvesting can help dilute contaminants in groundwater. Finally, creating public awareness to stop dumping domestic waste and carcasses into water bodies is vital for restoring water quality.

Q.13. Suggest the measures to overcome the problem of air pollution in India. (3 Marks)

Answer: To overcome air pollution, India must reduce the emission of toxic gases from the combustion of fossil fuels in industries and automobiles. Switching to cleaner energy sources like CNG for public transport and promoting the use of renewable energy can significantly lower pollutants like oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. Afforestation along roads and in industrial belts helps in absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering dust. Lastly, regular monitoring of air quality and strictly regulating industrial smoke emissions are necessary to prevent respiratory and circulatory diseases.

Q.14. Suggest the measures to overcome the problem of noise pollution in India. (3 Marks)

Answer: Noise pollution is location-specific and requires targeted interventions. Measures include strictly regulating the use of loudspeakers and sirens during festivals and community activities. Improving the condition of roads and maintaining vehicles can significantly reduce the nuisance produced by traffic. In industrial areas, installing sound-absorbing equipment and creating green belts acts as a buffer to decline noise intensity with distance. Furthermore, zoning industrial and airport activities away from residential areas helps protect citizens from high-level noise that exceeds tolerance levels.

Q.15. Evaluate the impact of urban waste disposal problem and suggest any two measures to overcome it. (5 Marks)

Answer: Impact of Urban Waste Disposal: The enormous growth of solid waste poses severe environmental and health hazards. Carelessly handled refuse becomes a breeding ground for flies and rodents, which act as carriers for dangerous diseases like typhoid, cholera, malaria, and diphtheria. In many Indian cities, uncollected waste accumulates in open spaces, creating obnoxious smells and releasing toxic biogases like methane into the atmosphere during slow fermentation. It also leads to the contamination of surface and groundwater through leachate, especially when industrial waste is dumped improperly.
Measures to Overcome it:
1. Waste-to-Energy and Composting: Instead of dumping, solid waste should be processed to produce compost for agriculture or used in plants to generate electricity, thereby turning a nuisance into a resource.
2. Community and NGO Participation: Following the Daurala model, successful waste management requires the active participation of local communities, NGOs, and industrialists to restore ecology through collective accountability.

Q.16. Industrial expansion has led to degradation of the quality of water. Evaluate the statement. (5 Marks)

Answer: Industrial expansion is the most significant contributor to water pollution in India. Industries like leather, pulp and paper, textiles, and chemicals produce undesirable products, including toxic effluents and heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. Most of these wastes are disposed of directly into running water or lakes without treatment.
This leads to several devastating consequences:

• Destruction of Bio-systems: Poisonous elements reach reservoirs and rivers, destroying the aquatic bio-system and making the water unfit for any use.
• Groundwater Contamination: Untreated wastewater often leaches into the ground, as seen in Daurala, where groundwater became contaminated with heavy metals, severely impacting human health.
• Loss of Self-Purifying Capacity: The concentration of pollutants becomes so high that the natural self-purifying capacity of rivers like the Yamuna and Ganga is unable to function, resulting in pervasive layers of toxic foam.

Q.17. Suggest any five measures to solve the problem of air pollution in India. (5 Marks)

Answer: Air pollution, caused by the addition of contaminants like dust, fumes, and toxic gases, requires comprehensive mitigation strategies:
1. Shift to Clean Fuels: Encouraging the use of CNG and electricity for public and private transport to reduce reliance on coal, petrol, and diesel.
2. Industrial Emission Control: Mandating the use of scrubbers and filters in industries to minimize the release of oxides of sulphur and nitrogen.
3. Extensive Afforestation: Planting trees on common lands and along river banks, as seen in Jhabua, to increase biodiversity and improve air quality.
4. Promoting Public Transport: Developing efficient Metro Rail and Ring Railway networks to reduce the number of private vehicles and consequent traffic-related pollution.
5. Public Awareness: Educating the community about the harmful effects of air pollution on the respiratory and nervous systems and encouraging practices like carpooling.

Previous Year Questions 2024

Q.1. Which one of the following human body systems gets affected the most by water pollution? 
(A) Nervous system 
(B) Circulatory system 
(C) Respiratory system 
(D) Digestive system 

Answer: (D) Digestive system 
Solution: Water pollution is a source of various water-borne diseases like diarrhoea and intestinal worms, which primarily target and disrupt the human digestive system.

Q.2. Which one of the following diseases is caused by water pollution? 
(A) Hepatitis 
(B) Asthma 
(C) Pneumonia 
(D) Deafness

Answer: (A) Hepatitis 
Solution: Contaminated water is a direct cause of communicable diseases such as Hepatitis, diarrhoea, and cholera, which are prevalent in areas with poor water quality.

Q.3. Which one of the following is an example of solid waste? 
(A) Kitchen discarded items 
(B) Polythene bags 
(C) Plant leaves and branches 
(D) Old newspapers 

Answer: (B) Polythene bags 
Solution: Solid waste refers to old and used articles like polythene bags, plastic containers, and broken glassware dumped at different places from domestic or industrial sources.

Q.4. Read the following sources of land pollution carefully and choose the correct option: 
I. Improper human activities 
II. Untreated industrial waste 
III. Practice of primitive subsistence agriculture
IV. Use of pesticides and fertilizers 
(A) Only I, II and III are correct 
(B) Only II, III and IV are correct 
(C) Only I, II and IV are correct 
(D) Only I, III and IV are correct 

Answer: (C) Only I, II and IV are correct 
Solution: Land pollution is primarily caused by improper human activities, the disposal of untreated industrial waste, and the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers in modern agriculture.

Q.5. Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Dharavi
There is only one main road that traverses Dharavi, which has been reduced to less than half of that for most of its length. Some of the side alleys and lanes are so narrow that not even a bicycle can pass. The whole neighbourhood consists of temporary buildings, two or three storeyed high with rusty iron stairways to the upper part, where a single room is rented by a whole family, sometimes accommodating 10 - 12 people; it is a kind of tropical version of the industrial dwelling of... But Dharavi is a keeper of more sombre secrets than the revulsion it inspires in the rich; a revulsion, moreover, that is, in direct proportion to the role it serves in the creation of the wealth of Bombay. In this place of shadowless, treeless sunlight, uncollected garbage, stagnant pools of foul water, where the only creatures are the shining black crows and long grey rats, some of the of the most beautiful, valuable and useful articles in India are made. From Dharavi come delicate ceramics and pottery, exquisite embroidery and zari work, sophisticated leather goods, high-fashion garments, finely-wrought metalwork, delicate jewellery settings, wood carvings and furniture that would find its way into the houses, both in India and abroad.

(5.1) Describe the physical condition of Dharavi. (1 Mark) 

Answer: Dharavi is characterized by extreme congestion, with narrow alleys impassable by bicycles. It consists of temporary two-to-three storey buildings where single rooms house up to 12 people.

(5.2) Explain one major problem of Dharavi. (1 Mark) 

Answer: A major problem is the lack of basic sanitation, visible through uncollected garbage and stagnant pools of foul water, creating a highly unhygienic living environment.

(5.3) Explain the main objective of Swachh Bharat Mission in the context of Dharavi. (1 Mark) 

Answer: The main objective is to improve the quality of life in urban slums like Dharavi by providing better sanitation, waste management, and infrastructure.

Q.6. Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Land Degradation
The pressure on agricultural land increases not only due to the limited availability but also by deterioration of quality of agricultural land. Soil erosion, waterlogging, salinisation and alkalinisation of land lead to land degradation. What happens if land is consistently used without managing its fertility ? Land is degraded and productivity declines. Land degradation is generally understood either as a temporary or a permanent decline in productive capacity of the land. Though all degraded land may not be wasteland, but unchecked process of degradation may lead to the conversion to wasteland. There are two processes that induce land degradation. These are natural and created by human beings. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has classified wastelands by using remote sensing techniques and it is possible to categorise these wastelands according to the processes that have created them. There are a few types of wastelands such as gullied/ravinous land, desertic or coastal sands, barren rocky areas, steep sloping land, and glacial areas, which are primarily caused by natural agents. There are other types of degraded lands such as waterlogged and marshy areas, land affected by salinity and alkalinity and land with or without scrub, which have largely been caused by natural as well as human factors. There are some other types of wastelands such as degraded shifting cultivation area, degraded land under plantation crops, degraded forests, degraded pastures, and mining and industrial wastelands, that are caused by human action.

(6.1) Explain the meaning of land degradation. (1 Mark) 

Answer: Land degradation refers to the temporary or permanent decline in the productive capacity of the land, often caused by consistent use without fertility management.

(6.2) Explain any one man-made process which is responsible for land degradation. (1 Mark) 

Answer: Mining and industrial activities are significant man-made processes that create wastelands by stripping the land of its natural quality and fertility.

(6.3) Suggest any two measures to solve the problem of land degradation. (1 Mark) 

Answer: Key measures include implementing watershed management programmes and promoting community participation in afforestation and land leveling to restore soil quality.

Q.7. Explain any three problems of slums in India. 

Answer: Slums in India face several acute problems. First, they suffer from a lack of basic amenities, including potable drinking water, electricity, and proper toilet facilities. Second, the overcrowded and narrow street patterns combined with unregulated drainage systems create serious health hazards, making residents prone to communicable diseases. Third, because most residents work in low-paid, high-risk unorganised sectors, they face chronic undernourishment and social exclusion, which can lead to vulnerability toward drug abuse and crime. Additionally, insecure land tenure and the constant threat of eviction further worsen the living conditions and economic instability of slum dwellers.

Q.8. Explain any three measures to solve the problem of urban waste disposal in India. 

Answer: To address urban waste disposal, three effective measures are essential. First, solid waste should be treated as a resource to generate energy and compost, thereby reducing the pressure on landfill sites. Second, cities must improve collection efficiency, as many towns currently leave 30-50% of waste uncollected. Third, local authorities must ensure that industrial wastes are treated separately and are not dumped on public lands or into water bodies, which helps prevent the leaching of toxic chemicals into groundwater and protects public health and the environment.

Q.9. Explain the meaning of noise pollution. Why is noise pollution location specific? 

Answer: Noise pollution refers to a state of unbearable and uncomfortable sound levels, usually measured in decibels, caused by sources such as industries, traffic, and aircraft. It is considered location specific because its intensity is highest at the source, such as airports or industrial areas, and decreases rapidly with increasing distance. Unlike air or water pollution, noise does not spread far from its point of origin through a medium. As a result, it remains a localized environmental hazard that mainly affects populations living or working near the source.

Q10. Suggest any three measures to solve the problem of land degradation in India and explain them. (3 Marks)

Answer: Land degradation can be mitigated through integrated resource management and community-led initiatives. First, the implementation of Watershed Management Programmes, such as those in Jhabua district, helps in preventing land degradation by acknowledging the vital linkage between land, water, and vegetation. Second, community participation is essential for activities like land leveling on common property resources to restore productive capacity. Third, afforestation and social fencing should be promoted; for instance, encouraging households to plant and maintain trees while adopting stall-feeding for cattle prevents the deterioration of pastures and soil quality.

Q.11. Describe any two sources of air pollution in India and suggest any three measures to overcome it. 

Answer: Air pollution in India primarily stems from the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, petrol, diesel) in automobiles and the emission of toxic gases from industrial processes and mining. These sources release contaminants like oxides of sulphur, nitrogen, and lead, which are harmful to both human health and the environment.
To overcome air pollution, the following measures are suggested:
1. Transition to Cleaner Energy: Increasing the use of non-conventional energy sources and cleaner fuels in industries can significantly reduce toxic emissions.
2. Technological Innovations: Installing advanced filters and "scrubbers" in industrial chimneys can capture dust, fumes, and smoke before they enter the atmosphere.
3. Urban Greenery and Afforestation: Planting trees along transportation arteries and in industrial belts acts as a natural buffer, absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering particulate matter.

Q.12. Describe any two sources of water pollution in India and suggest any three measures to overcome it. 

Answer: The two most significant sources of water pollution in India are industrial effluents from sectors like leather, pulp, and paper, which discharge poisonous chemicals into rivers, and agricultural run-off containing inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, domestic sewage from urban centers remains a major contributor.
To overcome water pollution, the following measures are recommended:
1. Effective Effluent Treatment: Implementing the "Polluter Pays" principle to ensure industries treat wastewater before disposal into water bodies or groundwater.
2. National Clean-up Programmes: Strengthening initiatives like the Namami Gange Programme, which focuses on developing sewerage treatment systems and monitoring industrial discharge in major rivers.
3. Community-led Conservation: Encouraging rainwater harvesting and desilting of ponds through community participation to recharge aquifers and dilute groundwater contaminants.

Q13. Suggest any five measures for prevention of water pollution in India and explain them. (5 Marks)

Answer: Preventing water pollution requires a combination of strict regulation and ecological restoration. First, developing sewerage treatment systems in urban areas is critical to prevent domestic waste from entering rivers like the Ganga. Second, the monitoring of industrial effluents must be prioritized to control the discharge of toxic chemical residuals and heavy metals from industries such as leather and chemicals. Third, afforestation along river banks helps increase biodiversity and acts as a natural filter for runoff. Fourth, creating public awareness is necessary to discourage the dumping of carcasses and pollutants resulting from religious rituals. Fifth, the cleaning and desilting of ponds along with the construction of rainwater harvesting structures can recharge aquifers and dilute existing groundwater contaminants. Finally, adopting the "Polluter Pays" principle ensures that industries take responsibility for treating wastewater before it leaches into the ground.