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Geography — World, India and Andhra Pradesh for Group-I · Chapter 10

Environmental Geography and Disaster Management

What to remember

  • Environmental law in India stands on the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, with separate laws for water (1974) and air (1981). The National Green Tribunal (2010) hears environmental cases. EIA is a step-by-step study done before a big project starts.
  • Climate change is handled through global treaties (UNFCCC 1992, Kyoto Protocol 1997, Paris Agreement 2015) and national plans such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC, 2008).
  • Disaster management in India follows the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It creates a three-tier system: NDMA (Prime Minister), State Authority (Chief Minister) and District Authority (Collector or district head).

Types of pollution

Pollution means adding harmful substances to air, water, soil or sound beyond what nature can absorb.

TypeMain sourcesKey effects
AirVehicles, industry, burning of crop residue, coal power plantsBreathing diseases, smog, acid rain
WaterSewage, factory waste, fertiliser run-offDisease, loss of fish, eutrophication
SoilPlastic, pesticides, mining wasteLoss of fertility, food chain poisoning
NoiseTraffic, loudspeakers, factoriesHearing loss, stress
ThermalHot water from power plantsLess oxygen in water
  • Particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 are very small particles. PM2.5 goes deep into the lungs.
  • Common air pollutants: carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, lead, ammonia.
  • BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) is the oxygen that bacteria need to break down waste in water. High BOD means polluted water.
  • Eutrophication is excess growth of algae in water caused by too many nutrients. It lowers oxygen and kills fish.
  • Acid rain is rain with lower pH (below about 5.6) because of sulphur and nitrogen oxides.
  • Smog is smoke plus fog. Photochemical smog forms from vehicle fumes in sunlight.
  • Noise is measured in decibels (dB).
  • Air Quality Index (AQI) has six categories from Good to Severe. The National Clean Air Programme (2019) aims to reduce particulate pollution in many cities.
  • Solid waste and plastic are managed under rules made under the Environment Protection Act (for example Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and Plastic Waste Management Rules).

Key environmental laws and bodies

Law or bodyPurpose
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972Protect wild animals and plants
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974Created Central and State Pollution Control Boards
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981Controls air pollution
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986Umbrella law after the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984
Biological Diversity Act, 2002Protect biodiversity and share benefits
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010Fast environmental justice

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Each state also has its own Pollution Control Board. Andhra Pradesh has its State Pollution Control Board.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

EIA is a process that studies the effect of a proposed project on the environment before approval. In India it works under the EIA Notification of 2006, made under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The first EIA notification was in 1994.

Stages of EIA

  • 1. Screening: decide whether the project needs EIA.
  • 2. Scoping: decide the main issues and the terms of reference.
  • 3. Public consultation: hearing of people who live near the site.
  • 4. Appraisal: an expert committee reviews the report.
  • 5. Decision (clearance or rejection) with conditions, followed by monitoring.

Projects are placed in Category A (national level appraisal) and Category B (state level appraisal, with B1 needing EIA and B2 usually not). Mining, large dams, thermal plants and big industries are typical examples. The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules control building near the sea.

Climate change

Climate change means long-term change in temperature and weather patterns. The main cause now is the rise of greenhouse gases from burning coal, oil and gas, deforestation and farming.

  • Greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapour, CFCs and ozone.
  • Greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps the Earth warm. The problem is the extra warming caused by human activity.
  • Effects: rising sea level, melting glaciers, more cyclones, floods, droughts and heat waves, and loss of species. Low coasts like those of Andhra Pradesh face sea level rise and stronger cyclones.
  • Ozone depletion: CFCs destroy the ozone layer that protects against ultraviolet rays. The Montreal Protocol (1987) controls ozone-damaging substances.
AgreementYearCore idea
UNFCCC (Rio Earth Summit)1992Framework for cooperation on climate
Kyoto Protocol1997Binding cuts for developed countries
Paris Agreement2015Keep warming well below 2 °C and aim for 1.5 °C; each country sets its own targets (NDC)
Montreal Protocol1987Phase out ozone-depleting substances

India follows the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and has announced a goal of net zero emissions by 2070. NAPCC (2008) has eight missions, including solar, energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, Himalayan ecosystem, green India, sustainable agriculture and strategic knowledge. The International Solar Alliance was started by India and France.

Disaster management

A disaster is a sudden event that causes great loss of life, property and normal life. A hazard is a possible danger; it becomes a disaster when it meets a weak and exposed community. Vulnerability is how easily a group can be harmed. Risk depends on hazard, exposure and vulnerability.

Types

  • Natural: cyclone, flood, drought, earthquake, tsunami, landslide, heat wave.
  • Human-made: industrial accidents, fires, chemical and nuclear accidents.

India's coast is exposed to cyclones from the Bay of Bengal. Andhra Pradesh has a long coastline and often faces cyclones and floods. The Hudhud cyclone hit Visakhapatnam in 2014. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami affected the Bay coast.

Disaster Management Act, 2005

  • NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) is chaired by the Prime Minister. It makes national policy and plans.
  • SDMA (State authority) is chaired by the Chief Minister.
  • DDMA (District authority) is chaired by the District Collector. The elected head of the local body is co-chair.
  • NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) is the specialised force for rescue.
  • National Institute of Disaster Management does training and research.
  • Funds: national and state disaster response funds and mitigation funds exist.

Disaster cycle: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, relief, recovery and rebuilding. Good practice is "build back better".

Sendai Framework (2015-2030) is the global plan to reduce disaster risk. India's earthquake map divides the country into zones II to V. Zone V is the most risky.

Worked ideas for answer writing

Cause and effect chain in climate change: more greenhouse gases lead to higher average temperature, which leads to melting of ice and expansion of warm sea water, which raises sea level, which floods low coastal land and pushes salt water into rivers and fields. For a state like Andhra Pradesh with a long coast and fertile deltas, this threatens farms, fishing villages and ports. Warmer sea water also feeds stronger cyclones.

Mitigation and adaptation: Mitigation means reducing the cause: more solar and wind power, better energy efficiency, more forests. Adaptation means living with the change: cyclone shelters, early warning, flood-resistant houses, drought-tolerant crops and protecting mangroves, which act as a natural shield against storm waves.

Community-based disaster management: Local people are the first to respond. Training of volunteers, mock drills in schools, village disaster plans and early warning through mobile alerts reduce loss. The District Authority prepares a district plan, and local bodies join in preparation and relief.

Exam traps

  • 1. Water Act vs Air Act: Water Act is 1974; Air Act is 1981.
  • 2. Environment Protection Act vs Wildlife Act: 1986 vs 1972.
  • 3. NDMA vs NDRF: NDMA is the planning authority; NDRF is the rescue force.
  • 4. Who heads which body: NDMA - PM; SDMA - Chief Minister; DDMA - Collector.
  • 5. Kyoto vs Paris: Kyoto set binding cuts for developed countries; Paris lets every country set its own target.
  • 6. Montreal vs Kyoto: Montreal is about the ozone layer; Kyoto is about greenhouse gases.
  • 7. Hazard vs disaster: A hazard is a possible danger; a disaster is the actual damage.
  • 8. EIA stages: Scoping comes after screening and before public consultation.

One-liners

  • 1. Bhopal gas tragedy happened in 1984.
  • 2. The Environment (Protection) Act was passed in 1986.
  • 3. The National Green Tribunal was set up in 2010.
  • 4. Disaster Management Act was passed in 2005.
  • 5. The Prime Minister chairs the NDMA.
  • 6. The Collector chairs the district authority.
  • 7. EIA Notification in its present form is of 2006.
  • 8. NAPCC was launched in 2008 and has eight missions.
  • 9. UNFCCC was adopted in 1992.
  • 10. Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015.
  • 11. Sendai Framework covers 2015 to 2030.
  • 12. India's net zero target year is 2070.

Practice questions

  1. Who chairs the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India?

    1. Prime Minister
    2. Home Minister
    3. Chief Justice
    4. President
    Answer

    A. Prime Minister

    Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Prime Minister chairs the NDMA.

  2. The District Disaster Management Authority is headed by whom?

    1. Mandal President
    2. Superintendent of Police
    3. District Collector
    4. Revenue Divisional Officer
    Answer

    C. District Collector

    The Collector (District Magistrate) chairs the DDMA.

  3. Who chairs the State Disaster Management Authority?

    1. Governor
    2. Chief Minister
    3. Chief Secretary
    4. Home Secretary
    Answer

    B. Chief Minister

    The Chief Minister chairs the SDMA.

  4. In which year was the Disaster Management Act passed?

    1. 1984
    2. 1995
    3. 1999
    4. 2005
    Answer

    D. 2005

    The Disaster Management Act was passed in 2005.

  5. The Environment (Protection) Act was passed in which year?

    1. 1986
    2. 1974
    3. 1981
    4. 2002
    Answer

    A. 1986

    It was enacted in 1986 after the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984.

  6. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was passed in which year?

    1. 1986
    2. 1974
    3. 1972
    4. 1981
    Answer

    B. 1974

    The Water Act is of 1974; the Air Act is of 1981.

  7. The National Green Tribunal was established in which year?

    1. 2002
    2. 2015
    3. 2010
    4. 1986
    Answer

    C. 2010

    The NGT Act and tribunal date from 2010.

  8. Which international agreement adopted in 2015 aims to limit global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius?

    1. Paris Agreement
    2. Rio Declaration
    3. Montreal Protocol
    4. Kyoto Protocol
    Answer

    A. Paris Agreement

    The Paris Agreement (2015) sets the goal of well below 2 °C and efforts toward 1.5 °C.

  9. The Montreal Protocol deals with which issue?

    1. Ocean dumping
    2. Ozone-depleting substances
    3. Wetlands
    4. Trade in species
    Answer

    B. Ozone-depleting substances

    Montreal Protocol (1987) controls substances that deplete the ozone layer.

  10. Which unit is used to measure noise?

    1. Lux
    2. Becquerel
    3. Decibel
    4. Hertz
    Answer

    C. Decibel

    Noise level is measured in decibels (dB).

  11. Which of the following is NOT a stage of Environmental Impact Assessment?

    1. Screening
    2. Public consultation
    3. Scoping
    4. Cabinet approval of budget
    Answer

    D. Cabinet approval of budget

    Screening, scoping, public consultation and appraisal are EIA stages; budget approval is not.

  12. The Bhopal gas tragedy, which led to stronger environmental law in India, took place in which year?

    1. 1974
    2. 1979
    3. 1984
    4. 1989
    Answer

    C. 1984

    The Bhopal tragedy happened in 1984.

  13. Which gas is the largest human-caused contributor to the greenhouse effect?

    1. Oxygen
    2. Carbon dioxide
    3. Nitrogen
    4. Argon
    Answer

    B. Carbon dioxide

    Carbon dioxide from fuel burning is the largest human-caused greenhouse gas.

  14. Eutrophication in a lake is caused mainly by an excess of what?

    1. Salt
    2. Nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates
    3. Heat only
    4. Oxygen
    Answer

    B. Nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates

    Extra nutrients cause algae growth, which reduces oxygen and harms fish.

  15. A high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in a river indicates what?

    1. Very clean water
    2. High salt content
    3. Low temperature
    4. Large amount of organic pollution
    Answer

    D. Large amount of organic pollution

    High BOD means much organic waste is using up oxygen.

  16. Acid rain is mainly caused by emissions of which pair of gases?

    1. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
    2. Carbon monoxide and methane
    3. Argon and neon
    4. Hydrogen and helium
    Answer

    A. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides

    Sulphur and nitrogen oxides form acids in the air and lower rain pH.

  17. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) has how many missions?

    1. Ten
    2. Five
    3. Twelve
    4. Eight
    Answer

    D. Eight

    NAPCC, launched in 2008, has eight national missions.

  18. Which Indian city on the Andhra Pradesh coast was badly hit by the Hudhud cyclone in 2014?

    1. Visakhapatnam
    2. Kakinada
    3. Machilipatnam
    4. Nellore
    Answer

    A. Visakhapatnam

    Hudhud made landfall near Visakhapatnam in 2014.

  19. Which force is the specialised national force for disaster rescue in India?

    1. CISF
    2. CRPF
    3. NDRF
    4. BSF
    Answer

    C. NDRF

    The National Disaster Response Force handles specialised rescue.

  20. India's seismic zones range from II to V. Which zone is the most earthquake-prone?

    1. Zone IV
    2. Zone III
    3. Zone V
    4. Zone II
    Answer

    C. Zone V

    Zone V has the highest risk.

  21. The Sendai Framework is a global plan for what?

    1. Space research
    2. Cutting trade tariffs
    3. Ocean fishing limits
    4. Disaster risk reduction
    Answer

    D. Disaster risk reduction

    The Sendai Framework (2015-2030) is about reducing disaster risk.

  22. India announced a target of net zero emissions by which year?

    1. 2070
    2. 2100
    3. 2050
    4. 2060
    Answer

    A. 2070

    India's announced net zero goal is 2070.

  23. The Kyoto Protocol of 1997 is best described as what?

    1. A treaty on wetlands
    2. A treaty setting binding emission cuts for developed countries
    3. A treaty on ozone
    4. A treaty on whale hunting
    Answer

    B. A treaty setting binding emission cuts for developed countries

    Kyoto set legally binding emission targets for developed countries.

  24. A cyclone is approaching the coast and officials move people to safe shelters. Which phase of the disaster cycle is this?

    1. Mitigation
    2. Recovery
    3. Rebuilding
    4. Preparedness and response
    Answer

    D. Preparedness and response

    Moving people before and during impact is preparedness and response.

  25. A company plans a large mining project. Under the EIA process, which step involves hearing local people near the site?

    1. Monitoring
    2. Screening
    3. Public consultation
    4. Final audit
    Answer

    C. Public consultation

    Public consultation is the step that takes views of local people.

  26. A natural event like a heavy rain causes heavy loss only when it meets a weak, exposed community. What is the possible danger itself called before the loss occurs?

    1. Recovery
    2. Hazard
    3. Disaster
    4. Relief
    Answer

    B. Hazard

    A hazard is a potential danger; it becomes a disaster when harm occurs.

  27. Burning of crop residue in a field mainly worsens which type of pollution?

    1. Air
    2. Noise
    3. Thermal
    4. Radioactive
    Answer

    A. Air

    Crop burning releases smoke and particles, worsening air pollution.

  28. The oxygen in a river drops after a power plant releases very hot water. This is an example of which pollution?

    1. Light pollution
    2. Thermal pollution
    3. Noise pollution
    4. Soil pollution
    Answer

    B. Thermal pollution

    Hot water discharge reduces dissolved oxygen: thermal pollution.

  29. Which projects are placed in Category A in the EIA system, needing appraisal at the national level?

    1. Home construction
    2. All small shops
    3. Large projects such as big mines and thermal plants
    4. Roadside repairs
    Answer

    C. Large projects such as big mines and thermal plants

    Category A is for large projects with major impact, appraised nationally.

  30. Which one of the following is the correct match of Act and year?

    1. Air Act - 1981
    2. Water Act - 1986
    3. Air Act - 1974
    4. Wildlife Act - 1981
    Answer

    A. Air Act - 1981

    Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act is of 1981.

  31. Consider the statements. 1. NDMA is the planning authority. 2. NDRF is the response force. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither
    Answer

    C. Both 1 and 2

    Both are correct: NDMA plans and NDRF rescues.

  32. Consider the statements. 1. The Chief Minister chairs the State Disaster Management Authority. 2. The Collector chairs the District Disaster Management Authority. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Neither
    4. Both 1 and 2
    Answer

    D. Both 1 and 2

    Both are correct under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

  33. Consider the statements. 1. The Paris Agreement lets each country set its own climate target. 2. The Kyoto Protocol set binding cuts for developed countries. Which is/are correct?

    1. Both 1 and 2
    2. 1 only
    3. 2 only
    4. Neither
    Answer

    A. Both 1 and 2

    Both statements are correct.

  34. Consider the statements. 1. The Montreal Protocol is about greenhouse gas cuts. 2. The Montreal Protocol is about the ozone layer. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither
    Answer

    B. 2 only

    Montreal Protocol targets ozone-depleting substances, not greenhouse gases in general.

  35. Consider the statements. 1. PM2.5 particles are larger than PM10. 2. PM2.5 can go deep into the lungs. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. Both 1 and 2
    3. 2 only
    4. Neither
    Answer

    C. 2 only

    PM2.5 is smaller than PM10, which lets it go deep into the lungs.

  36. Consider the statements. 1. Eutrophication reduces oxygen in water. 2. Acid rain has a pH above 7. Which is/are correct?

    1. Both 1 and 2
    2. 2 only
    3. Neither
    4. 1 only
    Answer

    D. 1 only

    Acid rain has a low pH (below about 5.6), so only 1 is correct.

  37. Consider the statements. 1. The EIA Notification of 2006 was made under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. EIA is done after a project starts operating. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither
    Answer

    A. 1 only

    EIA is done before approval, so only statement 1 is correct.

  38. Consider the statements. 1. The Environment Protection Act is of 1986. 2. The National Green Tribunal was set up in 2010. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither
    Answer

    C. Both 1 and 2

    Both are correct.

  39. Consider the statements. 1. A hazard always means actual damage. 2. Vulnerability is how easily a group can be harmed. Which is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither
    Answer

    B. 2 only

    A hazard is only a potential danger; vulnerability is correctly defined.

  40. Match the body with its head: 1. NDMA - Prime Minister; 2. SDMA - Chief Minister; 3. DDMA - Governor. Which pairs are correct?

    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. 1 and 2 only
    Answer

    D. 1 and 2 only

    DDMA is headed by the Collector, not the Governor.

  41. Match the treaty with its year: 1. UNFCCC - 1992; 2. Kyoto Protocol - 1997; 3. Paris Agreement - 2015. Which pairs are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1 and 3 only
    Answer

    A. 1, 2 and 3

    All three pairs are correct.

  42. Match the law with its subject: 1. Water Act - pollution control boards; 2. Biological Diversity Act - biodiversity; 3. Air Act - wetlands. Which pairs are correct?

    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Answer

    B. 1 and 2 only

    The Air Act deals with air pollution, not wetlands.

  43. Match the pollution with its main source: 1. Eutrophication - fertiliser run-off; 2. Photochemical smog - vehicle fumes; 3. Thermal pollution - sewage only. Which pairs are correct?

    1. 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 2 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Answer

    C. 1 and 2 only

    Thermal pollution comes from hot water discharge, not sewage alone.

  44. Match the EIA step with its meaning: 1. Screening - decide whether EIA is needed; 2. Scoping - fix the main issues to study; 3. Appraisal - expert review of the report. Which pairs are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Answer

    D. 1, 2 and 3

    All three pairs are correct.

  45. Which body works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to monitor pollution at the national level?

    1. Central Pollution Control Board
    2. Election Commission
    3. NITI Aayog
    4. Finance Commission
    Answer

    A. Central Pollution Control Board

    The CPCB is the national pollution monitoring body, created under the Water Act, 1974.

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