SOLVED SPECIMEN QUESTIONPAPER

ICSE 2024 EXAMINATION

GEOGRAPHY,
H.C.G. PAPER- 2

PART – I (30 Marks)

Attempt all questions from this Part.

Q1. Study the extract of the survey of India Map, sheet No. G43S7 and answer the
following:- [10]
(i) (a) Give the six-figure grid reference for .201 in the Eastern part of the Map extract.
Ans- (a) The six-figure grid reference for .201 in the Eastern part of the map is 301074.
(b) What are the brown patches in the North-East quarter of the map extract?
Ans- (b) The brown patches in the North-East quarter of the map are Sand-dunes.

(ii) Mohan goes on a bicycle from 02 northing to 12 northing in a straight line. If he moves at
a speed of 10 kilometres per hour, how much time will he take to reach his destination?
(ii) The time Mohan takes to reach his destination is 1 hour.

(iii) (a) What is the compass direction of Rampura ( 2709) to Kotda (3005)?
Ans-(a) The compass direction of Rampura (2709) to Kotda (3005) is North-West.
(b) What is the nature of streams seen in the map extract?
Ans-(b) The nature of the streams seen in the Map is Seasonal/ dry Streams.

(iv) (a)Ramesh returned to his native place Mahudi Moti (2404) after a gap of ten years and
was happy to see the development around his village. What according to you show that the
area around his village has developed?
(b) What is the black vertical line made between the Easting 25 and 26?
Ans-(a)
(i) A metalled Road in the Settlement of Mahudi Moti which is connected with the
Expressway shows Mahudi Moti is well connected to other settlements
(ii) Power lines with poles unsurveyed are installed which shows availability of electricity
(iii) A Covered tank is available to supply water to the Settlement of Mahudi Moti

Ans- (b) The black vertical line between Easting 25 and 26 is Line of Longitude, 17’30” of
Longitude.

(v) Mention two man-made and two natural features in the grid square 2508.
Ans- The two man-made features in the grid square are Pack track, Cart track, Covered
tanks, Temple, Perennial lined well, Permanent Settlement (Santawada)
The two natural features are Dry/Seasonal stream, Sand features, Broken ground.
Question 2
On the outline map of India provided:
(i) Shade and label an alluvial soil area of India. [1]
(ii) Mark with a dot and name the city which lies on the banks of river
Jhelum. [1]
(iii) Mark and name the highest peak of India. [1]
(iv) Shade and label Gulf of Kutch. [1]
(v) Mark with arrow and label N E Monsoon wind. [1]
(vi) Shade and label a densely populated area in South India. [1]
(vii) Mark and label Himalayas. [1]
(viii) Mark and label Brahmaputra [1]
(ix) Mark and label Tropic of Cancer. [1]
(x) Mark and label Malabar Coast [1]
Question 3.
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. [10]
(Do not copy the question. Write the correct answers only.)

(i) Which of the following is the CORRECT set of water bodies from which The Southwest
monsoon picks up moisture?
(a) Arabian sea + Bay of Bengal + Indian Ocean
(b) Indian Ocean + Andaman Sea + Arabian Sea
(c) Bay of Bengal + Indian Ocean + Andaman Sea
(d) Gulf of Mannar + Mediterranean Sea + Indian Ocean

(ii) Feel and consistency of soil is called ___________ of the soil.

(a) Profile
(b) Parent rock
(c) Texture
(d) Nature

(iii) Teak and Shisham are the typical trees of which of the following natural Vegetation belt?
(a) Tropical Evergreen
(b) Tropical Monsoon
(c) Tropical Desert
(d) Littoral forest

(iv) Which of the following may be used for the recharging of underground Water?
(a) Planting of shelter belt
(b) Gullies and ravines
(c) Percolation pit
(d) Commercial farming

(v) Which type of coal is called an industrial coal?

(a) Peat
(b) Lignite
(c) Bituminous
(d) Anthracite

(vi) Maharashtra is the leading producer of which of the following cash crop?
(a) Jute
(b) Cotton
(c) Coffee
(d) Tea

(vii) Which crop is associated with Ratooning?

(a) Sugarcane
(b) Jute
(c) Rice
(d) Cotton

(viii) Which steel plant amongst the following was set up with the Collaboration with
Germany?
(a) Bhillai
(b) Tata Steel
(c) Vishakhapatnam
(d) Rourkela

(ix) Which is the busiest artificial port of India?

(a) Goa
(b) Mumbai
(c) Chennai
(d) Vishakhapatnam

(x) What is the depletion of oxygen in a water body resulting from pollution called?
(a) Decay of water
(b) Eutrophication
(c) Bio magnification
(d) Greenhouse effect
Ans- (i) (a) Arabian sea + Bay of Bengal + Indian Ocean
(ii) (c) Texture
(iii) (b) Topical Monsoon
(iv) (c) Percolation pit
(v) (c) Bituminous
(vi) (b) Cotton
(vii) (a) Sugarcane
(viii)(d) Rourkela
(ix) (c) Chennai
(x) (b) Eutrophication

PART II(50 Marks)

Attempt any five questions from this Part

Question 4. [2]
(i) The southwest monsoon is late this year. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)
on Tuesday, May 16, had predicted that the onset of Southwest monsoon is delayed by four
days. An agricultural economy, India is heavily reliant on the monsoon which brings 75
percent of its Annual rainfall.
- Indian Express
(a) As a student of Geography, what according to you may be the reason for the delay of
monsoon?
Ans- (a) The Characteristics of Indian Monsoon winds are:-
  They are Erratic, Sporadic, Uncertain and Unpredictable as they are periodic winds
and depend on the differential heating of land and sea. Thus, seasonal changes in
low pressure or high pressure on sea, may cause delay of monsoon.

(b) What is the usual time for the onset of summer monsoon in Kerala?
Ans- (b) The usual time for the onset of Summer Monsoon is between 1 st to 5th June every
year.

(ii) What is the source of winter rainfall in the following areas? [2]
(a) Punjab
(b) Tamil Nadu
Ans- (a) The source of Winter rainfall in Punjab are Westerly depressions/Western
disturbances / Temperate cyclones, that originate in the Mediterranean Sea in the Months
of December to February.
(b) The source of Winter rainfall in Tamil Nadu is the North East Monsoon and
Retreating monsoon winds, which blow from NE to SW and pick up moisture during winter
from Bay of Bengal. These winds cause winter rainfall in Tamil Nadu.

(iii) Give reason for each of the following: [3]

(a) West Bengal gets rainfall from summer monsoons much before Uttar Pradesh.
(b) Mawsynram is the rainiest place in the world
(c) Himalayas act as a climate divide
Ans- (a) West Bengal is situated in the Ganga delta region whereas Uttar Pradesh is located
inland in the middle Course of the Ganga. Moisture of Bay of Bengal branch of the South
West Monsoon is exhausted as it blows Up the Ganga Plains. As it intercepts West Bengal
before UP, therefore West Bengal receives more rainfall than Uttar Pradesh.

Ans- (b) Mawsynram experiences Orographic rainfall as it is located on Wind-Ward side of

Garo hill in NE. The Bay of Bengal branch of South west Monsoon Wind brings heavy rain
to this area as it blows from SW to NE and picks up lots of moisture from Bay of Bengal. As
it strikes against Garo hills, it gives heavy rains to Mawsynram.

Ans- (c)
 The great Himalayan range obstructs the bitter cold winds from Siberia from
entering the Indian Subcontinent.
 The Himalayan range intercepts the rain-bearing South West Monsoon winds and
forcing them to shed their moisture, resulting in heavy rainfall in the North- East
and Indo-Gangetic Plains.
(iv) Study the climatic data of station and answer the following questions: [3]

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr Ma Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
y
Temp
(0C) 23. 24. 26. 29. 32 32. 33. 32. 30. 29. 28. 26.
1 8 5 3 8 1 1 5 3 7 1

Rainfal 15. 10. 0.3 0.1 1.3 4.5 6.1 10. 10. 20. 16. 19.
l 3 1 2 5 1 8 0
(cm)

(a) What is the annual range of temperature of station X?

(b) Which is the driest month?
(c) Name the wind that brings maximum rainfall to this station.

Ans- (a) The annual range of temperature of Station X is 10 0C.

Ans- (b) The driest month is April.
Ans- (c) The Wind that brings maximum rainfall to this Station is The Retreating Monsoon
Winds in the Month of October- November/ The North- East Monsoon Winds in the
Month of December

Question 5
(i) Define the following terms:
(a) Soil Fertility [2]
(b) Soil conservation
Ans- (a) Soil fertility refers to the ability of Soil to sustain agricultural Plant Growth. It also
refers to the soil’s ability to supply plant/crop nutrients in the right quantity and quality
ove a sustained period of time to optimize crop yield.
Ans- (b) Soil conservation is an effort, made by man to prevent soil erosion to retain the
fertility of soil.

(ii) With reference to soil erosion in India, answer the following questions. [2]
(a) State any two human activities that have led to soil erosion in India.
(b) Mention any two agricultural techniques that can help to prevent Soil erosion.
Ans- (a) Human activities like cutting down the trees in large scale ie, Deforestation,
construction work, Mining/ Quarrying Overgrazing by animals, clearing the forest for
Ploughing.
(Shifting Agriculture or Slash and Burn (Any two points).
Ans (b) Any two agricultural techniques that can help to prevent Soil erosion are:-
 Afforestation
 To check overgrazing
 Contour Ploughing
  Terrace Farming
 Strip Cropping
 Constructing Dams and Barrages
 Plugging Gullies
 Shelter Belts
 Crop rotation (Any two points)

(iii) With reference to Red Soil, answer the following: [3]

(a) How is it formed?
(b) Why is it good for Dry Farming?
(c) Name any two areas where it is found.
Ans-(a) Red Soil is formed by weathering of ancient Crystalline and Metamorphic rocks.
Ans-(b) Dry farming is associated with arid conditions or areas prone to drought or having
scarce water resources. Red soil is ideal for dry farming as it does not require much
moisture. It has good drainage properties, allowing excess water to move away from plant
roots. It also allows better aeration.
Ans-(c) Areas in North India where it is found are parts of Bihar, West Bengal, parts of
Assam, and eastern Rajasthan.
Areas in South India where It is found are Tamil Nadu, parts of Odisha, North East Andhra
Pradesh and parts of Southern Karnataka,

(iv) Give a reason for the following statements: [3]

(a) Black Soil has self-ploughing property.
(b) Laterite Soil is not suitable for cultivation.
(c) Alluvial soil is the most fertile soil.
Ans- (a) Black soil’s self ploughing property is a unique characteristic that stems from its
high clay content. Its clay particles have the ability to retain water and expand when wet.
As the soil dries out, the clay particles shrink. This repeated cycle of swelling and shrinking
due to moisture changes creates a mechanical action within the soil. This self ploughing
action creates a loose and friable top layer, which is beneficial for seed germination and
root penetration.
Ans- (b) Laterite Soil is poor in lime, potash, magnesium, and phosphoric acid It is porous/
friable/coarse in texture. Due to intensive leaching ,Laterite Soils lack in fertility
Ans- (c) Alluvial is the most fertile Soil because it is rich in Potash, Humus, Calcium and
Magnesium. These soils are fertile due to their mineral content.

Question 6
(i) Mahesh went for an excursion with his friend and came across a marshy Area with the
trees that had like roots. [2]
(a) Which natural vegetation belt did he come across?
(b) Name one area in India where this kind of vegetation is found.

Ans- (a) Mahesh came across Mangrove forests/ Littoral forests/ Tidal forests.
(b) This kind of forests are found in Sundarbans/ Ganga-Brahmaputra delta/delta of
Mahanadi/delta of Godavari/Delta of Krishna/delta Cauvery. (Any one Point).

(ii) [2]
(a) Why is tropical deciduous forest commercially the most important Forest belt of India?
(b) Why are long and deep roots a typical characteristic of desert vegetation?

Ans-(a) Tropical deciduous forest/ Tropical Monsoon Forest is most important

Commercial/ economical as it yields valuable timber and several other forest products
such as fruits, fire-wood, honey, wax, wood-pulp for Paper-industry, medicinal herbs. It
also has tourist-attraction.
 Less dense/ easy to cut/easy to exploit/ easily accessible
 Transport facility is available.
 It occupies much larger area than the Tropical Evergreen forest.
It occurs in Pure-Stands. (Any one point).
Ans-(b) Desert and Semi desert vegetation have long roots to draw water as the rainfall is
very scarce (less than 25cms)
Thick fleshy stems to store water during drought. (Any one point)

(iii) Why is forest conservation the need of the hour? (Three points) [3]
Ans- Forests must be conserved because they have a favourable effect on the Climate/
control temperature
 They help in soil conservation/Recharge the ground water.
 They control flood.
 They maintain the ecological balance.
 They are the store-house of timber and home for wild life.
 They provide forest products such as fruits, fire- wood , herbs, honey, bamboo,
canes, wood-pulp and fibres.
 They provide employment to thousands of people.
 They are a source of income to the Government.( Any three points).

(iv) (a) Name a forest conservation method that involves the local Community. [3]
(b) Which primitive system of agriculture had led to large scale Destruction of forest in
the past?
(c) Name the process which involves planting two saplings for each tree Felled.
Ans- (a) A forest conservation method that involves the local Community Is Agro-Forestry.
Ans- (b) Shifting -Agriculture/ Slash and Burn is the primitive system of agriculture which
had led to large scale Destruction of forest in the past.
Ans- (c) The process which involves planting two saplings for each tree felled is
Reafforestation.

Question 7.
(i) Why is there a need for irrigation in India? (Two reasons) [2]
Ans- Irrigation is required as rainfall is erratic, sporadic, uncertain,
 Unpredictable and unevenly distributed.
 Irrigation is required to grow crops throughout the year as rainfall is Seasonal.
 Irrigation is required as some crops like rice, jute, Sugarcane and chilly as they
require more water than supplied by rain.
 To increase agricultural output by providing the right amount of water at the right
time to meet the demand of growing population.

(ii) Distinguish between Inundation Canals and Perennial Canals [2]

Inundation canals Perennial canals

1) Inundation canals are taken out from the
rivers. When they are in flood, without any
regulating system like weirs and barrages to
regulate the flood of water.
2) The purpose of constructing inundation
canals is to manage excess water during
heavy rainfall or flooding.
3) These canals prevent water logging.
4) These canals rely on rainwater and carry
water intermittently during specific
conditions.
1) Perennial canals are useful throughout the
year as they draw their water from snow fed,
perennial rivers, artificial lakes or barrages
constructed across the river.
2) These canals have a continuous supply of
water throughout the year
3) These canals are used for irrigation, during
hot season and cultivation of some crops can
be carried out round the year.

(iii) Name a State in India where Tube-wells are commonly used. Give two reasons to
support your answer. [3]
Ans- (iii) Tube-wells are commonly used in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and
West-Bengal. (Any one point).
* Tube-wells are commonly used in these States as water-table is high with perennial
water supply
*The area gets adequate rainfall so as to replenish ground water.
*Cheap Hydroelectric power is available to draw water through the Tube-well with the
help of the pump.

(iv) (a) What is meant by rain water Harvesting? [3]

(b) Mention any two water harvesting practises followed in India.
Ans-(iv) (a) The activity of collecting rainwater directly or recharging it into the ground to
improve groundwater storage in the acquifer. It is the most important technique for
storing water to be used during dry season.
Ans-(b) Two water harvesting practises followed in India are:-
1) Rooftop rainwater harvesting method: in this method the rainwater is collected on
rooftop and is directed to store in dry tanks.
2) Recharge of groundwater is a new concept of rainwater harvesting. Following are used
for this purpose – Percolation pit, Trenches, Dug wells and Hand pumps. (Any two points).

Question 8.
(i) (a) Give any one use of Iron ore. [2]
(b) Name any two Indian states where copper is found.
Ans- (a) Iron ore is used for making Pig iron, Sponge iron and Steel.
Ans- (b) Two Indian States where Copper is found are:-
 Madhya Pradesh (the largest producer of copper in India).
 Rajasthan (the second largest producer State of Copper in India).
 Jharkhand (the third largest producer State of Copper in India).
(Any two States).

(ii) With reference to Hirakud project answer the following: [2]

(a) On which river is it based?
(b) Name an Indian state benefitted by the project.
Ans-(ii) (a) Hirakud Project is based on River Mahanadi.
Ans- (b) An Indian State benefitted by the Project is Odisha.

(iii) (a) Give two disadvantages of using Petroleum as a source of power. [3]
(b) Name an offshore oil field of India.
Ans-(iii) (a) * Petroleum is Conventional source of energy, Therefore, this resource is now
limited.
*It is not Environment friendly because extracting and burning oil generates greenhouse
gases that contribute to environmental Pollution and global warming.
*The depletion of fossil fuel leads to limited supply of Petroleum, therefore, this leads to
increase in prices which may cause conflict between nations.
*Petroleum is a Non-renewable form of energy resource. Once burned to generate
electricity, it cannot be replaced. (Any two points).
Ans-(b) Off-shore oil fields of India are:-
 Mumbai- High in Maharashtra.
 Bassein located further South of Mumbai-High in Maharashtra.
 Aliabet in Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat. (Any one).

(iv) (a) Mention two advantages of wind energy. [3]

(b) What is the advantage of using nuclear power in place of
Conventional sources of energy?
Ans- (iv) (a)
 It is Eco-friendly.
 It is renewable.
 Reduces pressure on conventional sources.
 It is Clean, Sustainable, Cost-effective.
  Produces no green-house gases.
 Land owner earns extra income/ Additional income. (Any two Points).

(b) Advantage of using Nuclear Power is :-

 It produces large amount of energy from a small amount of fuel.
 Once we put the nuclear fuel in the reactor, it can produce energy for 2-3 years
continuously. So we do not need to refuel it again and again.
 No green house gas is emitted while producing Nuclear Energy.
 It reduces the dependency on fossil fuels.
 Cost of fuel is less than the price of energy related / not affected by the fluctuation
of old prices.
 Not affected by climatic change. (Any one point)

Question 9
(i) Mention two agricultural reforms done by the government for the betterment of the
agricultural sector. [2]
Ans: (i) Various land reforms have been introduced, which are given below:-
 Consolidation of fragmented agricultural land holdings has been an Integral part of
the land reforms policy of the Indian Government.
 Creation of irrigation infrastructure and its optimum utilisation has been given
greater importance. For this, an accelerated irrigation Benefit Programme has been
started to ensure completion of Irrigation projects.
 Zamindari and all intermediaries were completely abolished by the end of the First
Five-Year Plan.
 The Government of India provides subsidy on fertilizers to ensure adequate
availability of fertilizers to farmers at reasonable rates.
 The Government announced minimum prices for various agricultural commodities
from time to time to ensure adequate returns to the farmers. ( Any two points)

(ii) (a) Mention the climatic conditions found suitable for growing Groundnut. [2]
Ans: (a) Since groundnut is a tropical crop, it grows well with temperature between 20 0C
to 25 0C.
 warm and dry weather is important at the ripening stage.
 It needs a rainfall of 50 to 70 cms.

(b) Name the state that is the leading producer of groundnut in India.
Ans: Gujarat is the largest producer of groundnut along with Andhra Pradesh.
Telangana is the second largest producer state of groundnut.
Tamil Nadu is the third largest producer state of groundnuts.

(iii) With reference to cultivation of pulses answer the following: [3]

(a) Name a soil found suitable for the growth of pulses.
Ans: Loamy soil, i.e, Alluvial soil is the most suitable soil for the growth of pulses. It can
grow well in Black soil also.
(b) Name any two pulses grown in India.
Ans: Arhar, Urad, Moong, Masur, Khesari, Chana(Bengal gram), Tur/Tuar, Moth Dal, Chick-
pea are a few pulses grown in India.(Any two points)
(c) Why is it a popular food crop of India?
Ans: It is a popular crop of India because
 They form an important part of Indian diet., as they have great nutritive value and
provide vegetable proteins to a very large vegetarian population of India
 They are the substitute of meat or non-veg protein for vegetarian people. (Any one
point)

(iv) Rohan is a farmer. He asked his friend to help him get some labourers For ‘GINNING’. [3]
(a) Which crop do you think is grown by Rohan?
Ans: Cotton, because ginning is associated with cotton.

(b) Mention any two climatic conditions suitable for this crop.
Ans: The two climatic conditions suitable for Cotton crop are :
1. Temperature should be between 20 0C to 32 0C.
2. Rainfall should be between 80cms to 120cms / 50cms to 120cms.
 Abundance sunshine during ripening. 200 frost free days during ripening.

Question 10
(i) Differentiate between large scale and small scale industries. [2]
Ans:
Large scale industry Small scale industry
1) Large scale industry is generally large in 1) Relatively smaller in size often operated by
size with extensive operations individuals
2) High production output and capacity 2) Lower production output with limited
capacity
3) Requires huge investment on raw material 3) Requires lesser capital for machinery and
machinery and infrastructure infrastructure
4) Employs a larger workforce due to 4) Employs a smaller workforce, often family
extensive operations or local workers
5) Wider market reach often catering to 5) Serves local market for daily consumption
national or global market

(ii) Give two ways in which the Electronic Industry is important for India. [2]
Ans: Electronic industry is important because it is helping in meeting the needs of the
postal department, railways, defence overseas communication services, electricity board
and meteorological department.
It is a post-Independence phenomenon and has revolutionized the lifestyle of the Indian
masses in the recent past.
(iii) With reference to petrochemical industry answer the following: [3]
(a) Why is it becoming popular in recent times?
Ans: Petrochemical industry is becoming popular in recent times because:
 raw materials are easily available.
 It is cost effective / economical/ cheap in price.
 Not dependent on agricultural raw material
 It is durable.
 It employs large number of people.

(b) Why is it located close to oil refineries?

Ans: They are located close to the oil refineries because
 they take their raw materials from the oil refineries, hence transportation cost is
reduced.
 Raw materials are easily available. ( Any one point)

(c) Name any two petrochemical products.

Ans: Plastic, synthetic rubber, synthetic fibre, PVC, detergents, Detergents, nylon, dacron,
tetron, terylene, dyes, naphthalene.
(Any two points)

(iv) (a) Name the country that had helped in the establishment of Bhillai Steel plant. [3]
Ans: USSR is the country that helped in the establishment of Bhillai Steel Plant.
(b) Why is the iron and steel industry called a basic or key industry?
Ans: Iron and Steel industry is called a basic or key industry because all other industries
are dependent on iron and steel industry for their raw materials as automobiles,
locomotive, railways, ship-buildings, machine and tools and manufacture of defence
equipment. Therefore, they are the backbone of industrial economy of India.
(c) Where is Tata Steel located?
Ans: Tata Iron and Stell Industry is located at Sakshi in Singhbhum district of Jharkhand or
it is located in Jamshedpur in Jharkhand.

Question 11
(i) Mention two advantages of using waterways. [2]
Ans:
 Waterways are the cheapest mode of transport in India.
 They are fuel-efficient and cheap as compared to other modes of transport
 They are environment friendly mode of transport.
 Helpful in defense. It is called second line of defense
 Less Maintenance cost
 Useful for bulky goods

(ii) What is the importance of the Golden Quadrilateral? [2]

Ans: The Golden Quadrilateral is a six-lane super highway network project, connecting
four major metropolitan cities i.e, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
The importance of Golden Quadrilateral is given below:
 The purpose of this project is to reduce the time and distance between the major
cities of India, therefore it saves money.
 Better movement of products to facilitate truck transport.
 Helps in Industrial growth of the smaller towns through which it passes
 Helps in transport of agricultural produce/ raw materials from Hinterland to major
cities and ports for export.
 provides job opportunities.
(any two points)

(iii) Mention three disadvantages of roadways. [3]

Ans: The three disadvantages of roadways are:
 Most of the roads in the villages are unmetalled and badly maintained,
 Waterlogging is also a common problem during rainy season.
 Traffic jams due to lack of order are very common.
 Lack of roadside amenities along the roads. Eg: Repair shops, First-aid ,Telephone
booths, rest houses are lacking which are essential for long Distance routes.
 Although the Road tax varies from State to state, every few kilometres there is a toll-
tax or a check-post causing unnecessary delay and Limitation to the people.
 There is no stable Government Policy for regulation of construction and maintenance
of the roads. It keeps changing which leads to chaos and irregular practices. (Any three
points).

(iv) Give a reason for following:- [3]

(a) Railways are well developed in northern states of India.

Ans- (iv) (a) Railways are well developed in the Northern States of India because-
 The flat level of Northern Ganga-Plains with high density of population facilitates
for development of Railways in Northern States of India.
 Rich Agricultural output provides ideal conditions for development of Railways in
the Northern States of India.
 Railways are cheap means transport.
 Railways facilitates easier movement of bulky goods. (Any one point).

(b) Sea transport has lost its popularity in recent times.

Ans- (b)
 Sea transport is slowest means of transport.
 It needs long travelling hours which causes sea-sickness.
 It depends on weather conditions.
  There is imbalance in coastal traffic movement as traffic is not equally available in
both directions. Hence, this makes it necessary for the ship to return from the
journey, at any time. (Any one point).
 Failure of monsoon may result into fall in water level of rivers making navigation
difficult

(c) Helicopter services are crucial during emergencies.

Ans- (c)
 With their ability to quickly reach remote areas, Helicopter Ambulances can make
the difference between life and death in Emergency medical situations.
 Helicopter services are very useful during war-time to reach quickly to remote
hilly/mountainous regions such as Ladakh/ North Eastern regions of India to drop
foods, drinking water, medical-aids and also for sending defence equipment or
rescuing the local people of war prone areas/Tsunami/floods/earthquakes affected
areas/ volcanic eruption zones to any safe-zone.
 They also help to carry the soldiers to war prone areas/ when any Explosion/
accident has taken place in ONGC/Petroleum sector, Helicopter services are
necessary. (Any one point).

Question 12
(i) What is the impact for waste generation on the following? [2]
(a) Surface water
(b) Landscape
Ans- (a)
 Surface water pollution affects human health and also animal life.
 It also affects aquatic animals adversely.
 Leaching of chemicals affects surface water/ ground water.
 Water pollution reduces the oxygen from water bodies, is called Eutrophication
which affects the aquatic animals/marine-life.
 Various toxic substances increase through the process of Biomagnification which
affects the food chain.
 Many water borne diseases spread and affect the human-health.
(Any one point)
(b)
 The impact of waste generation spoils the landscape.
 It spoils not only aesthetic beauty of the land but also causes severe damage to
the environment.
 The decaying waste matter becomes the breeding ground for all sorts of insects,
flies mosquitoes and rodents.
 It spread infectious diseases. ( Any one point).

(ii) Why is dumping considered a harmful method of waste disposal?

(Any two points) [2]
Ans-(ii) Dumping is considered harmful method of waste disposal as
 The landfill gives out a bad odour and affects people living or working nearby
 A major problem associated with landfills involves the contamination of
surrounding water supplies, aquifers and soil by leachate.

(iii) A fire broke out at Kochi city corporation-run waste treatment plant. [3]
Thick clouds of toxic smoke engulfed the city. The unsorted waste at the Plant contained PVC
and clinical waste, both of which, on combustion are Extremely harmful for the general
health of people.
-Economic times
(a) Which method of waste management would have helped in reducing health hazard in
the above case?
Ans- (a) Segregation is the method which would have helped in reducing health hazard in
the above case. (1m)
(b) What measures may be undertaken by individuals to reduce waste?
Ans-(b)
 Re-using your household trash is a good way to reduce waste For example,
instead of throwing the plastic bottles, use them to decorate your house and
make other DIY plastic show pieces.
 Switch to items that can be refilled like printer cartridges or glue, reuse Plastic
folders.
 Purchase wisely and recycle, don’t purchase disposable utensils, instead buy
steel utensils which can be reused many times.
 compost kitchen waste, use cloth-bag instead of plastic carry bag.
 to use three Rs, i.e. Reuse, reduce and recycle. (Any one point).

(c) How can urban waste be made useful?

Ans- (c) Urban waste can be made useful by the process of segregation, ie
 To sort out the biodegradable waste from the non-biodegradable waste.
Biodegradable waste can be sent for composting
 It can be used for plant’s growth and non- biodegradable waste can be sent for
recycling, example plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled. (1m).

(iv) Mention three ways to reuse waste that is generated at home. [3]
Ans- (iv)
 Converting old piece of cloth into dolls, cushion covers, doormats.
 Plastic bottles can be made flower-pots/decorative DIY plastic Showpieces.
 Kitchen waste can be decomposed to make manure(Composting)for plant’s growth.
 Making new notebooks from unused pages of old notebooks.
 Fly-ash is used in making of roads and filling up low-lying areas (any three points)
 Reusing old tyres for swings
 Fly-ash for making bricks
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