General Studies 2025 GS Paper III 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Explain

Q17

Mineral resources are fundamental to the country's economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard ? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

खनिज संसाधन देश की अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए आधारभूत हैं तथा इनका खनन द्वारा शोषण होता है। खनन को पर्यावरणीय आपदा क्यों समझा जाता है ? खनन द्वारा पैदा होने वाली पर्यावरणीय आपदा को कम करने हेतु आवश्यक उपचारात्मक उपायों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में 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 for why mining is hazardous and systematic elaboration of remedial measures. Structure as: brief introduction acknowledging mining's economic importance → two balanced body sections (environmental hazards with causes, then remedial measures at operational/policy levels) → forward-looking conclusion on sustainable mining.

Key points expected

Land degradation: subsidence, deforestation, and loss of agricultural productivity due to open-cast and underground mining
Water pollution: acid mine drainage, heavy metal contamination (arsenic, mercury), and groundwater depletion affecting communities
Air pollution: particulate matter, coal dust, and toxic emissions causing respiratory diseases in mining belts like Jharia, Dhanbad
Biodiversity loss: habitat destruction in ecologically sensitive zones like Western Ghats, Aravallis, and Northeast
Remedial measures: progressive mine closure, bio-reclamation, EIA compliance, use of cleaner technologies, and institutional frameworks like Sustainable Development Framework (SDF) by IBM
Legal-institutional measures: MMDR Act 2015 provisions, Star Rating of mines, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) for local welfare

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Clearly distinguishes between 'why' (causal analysis of hazards) and 'how' (remedial solutions); addresses both parts proportionally without conflating them; demonstrates awareness that 'explain' requires process-oriented reasoning	Covers both parts but treats them descriptively rather than explanatorily; some overlap between hazards and remedies; directive partially understood	Misses one part entirely or confuses hazards with remedies; treats question as 'describe' or 'list'; fails to establish cause-effect relationships
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Covers multiple hazard categories (land, water, air, biodiversity) with specific mechanisms; remedies span technological, regulatory, and community-based approaches; accurate reference to mining-specific terminology and current frameworks	Mentions major hazards and generic remedies like 'afforestation' and 'pollution control' without specificity; limited coverage of institutional measures; some factual gaps	Superficial listing of 2-3 hazards; remedies are generic environmental solutions not specific to mining; significant factual errors or outdated information
Structure & flow	20%	3	Clear bipartite structure with visible transition between hazards and remedies; logical sequencing from extraction impacts to mitigation; effective use of subheadings or paragraphing within word limit	Recognizable structure but uneven weightage; some abrupt transitions; either hazards or remedies dominate; readable but not optimally organized	Disorganized or linear narrative without clear sections; repetitive or circular arguments; poor paragraphing making it difficult to identify which part is being addressed
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific Indian examples: Jharia coal fires, Bellary mining scam (Supreme Court intervention), Rat-hole mining ban in Meghalaya, Vedanta bauxite mining controversy in Niyamgiri; references to DMF, SDF, or Star Rating system	Generic mention of 'coal mining areas' or 'iron ore mines' without specificity; one concrete example at most; no legal or policy references	No Indian examples; only international references or none at all; examples factually incorrect or irrelevant to mining context
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Forward-looking synthesis emphasizing sustainable mining, circular economy in minerals, or just energy transition; balances economic necessity with ecological limits; may suggest way forward like critical mineral strategy with environmental safeguards	Summary restatement of points made; generic conclusion on 'balanced approach' or 'sustainable development' without specific insight; no clear value addition	No conclusion or abrupt ending; purely descriptive closing; contradictory or unrealistic suggestions; ignores the tension between mining dependence and environmental protection

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