General Studies 2021 GS Paper I 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Explain

Q6

What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use ? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

शहरी भूमि उपयोग के लिए जल निकायों से भूमि-उद्धार के पर्यावरणीय प्रभाव क्या हैं ? उदाहरणों सहित समझाइए । (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

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Directive word: Explain

This question asks you to explain. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'explain' requires clear causal reasoning showing how reclamation leads to specific environmental outcomes. Structure: brief introduction defining water body reclamation → body covering hydrological, ecological, climatic and socio-environmental implications with Indian examples → conclusion highlighting sustainable alternatives or policy lessons.

Key points expected

Hydrological impacts: reduced groundwater recharge, increased urban flooding (e.g., Chennai floods 2015 linked to wetland loss)
Biodiversity loss: destruction of aquatic ecosystems, loss of migratory bird habitats (e.g., Okhla Bird Sanctuary encroachment)
Microclimate alteration: urban heat island intensification due to loss of evaporative cooling
Water quality degradation: reduced natural sewage treatment capacity, eutrophication of remaining water bodies
Socio-environmental costs: displacement of fishing communities, loss of cultural ecosystem services
Regulatory violations: contravention of Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 and judicial interventions (e.g., NGT orders on Bellandur Lake, Bangalore)

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Clearly interprets 'explain' by establishing cause-effect chains between reclamation activities and specific environmental outcomes; distinguishes reclamation from mere pollution	Lists environmental problems without explicitly linking them to reclamation processes; treats question as generic environmental degradation	Misinterprets directive as 'describe' or 'list'; provides only definition of reclamation without implications
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Covers multiple interconnected dimensions (hydrological, ecological, climatic, social) with accurate scientific terminology; mentions specific regulations like Wetlands Rules 2017	Covers 2-3 dimensions superficially; mixes reclamation impacts with general urbanization effects without precision	Factually incorrect statements; confuses reclamation with deforestation or air pollution; irrelevant content
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical progression from definition → categorized implications → conclusion; smooth transitions between hydrological, biodiversity and climatic dimensions; adheres to 150-word limit	Present but disjointed structure; some logical gaps between paragraphs; minor word limit deviation	No discernible structure; random listing of points; significantly over/under word limit
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Provides 2-3 specific Indian examples (e.g., Chennai wetland loss-flood nexus, Bangalore lake encroachment, East Kolkata Wetlands) or cites NGT judgments; examples directly illustrate reclamation impacts	One relevant Indian example with vague reference; or generic international examples without Indian context	No examples; or incorrect/irrelevant examples (e.g., mentioning Yamuna pollution without reclamation angle)
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Brief but insightful conclusion suggesting sustainable alternatives (sponge cities, ecological restoration) or policy integration; demonstrates systemic understanding of urban planning-environment trade-offs	Generic conclusion restating points; or abrupt ending without synthesis	No conclusion; or conclusion advocating complete halt to urbanization without nuance; purely emotional appeal

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