UPSC Mains 2019 GS1 Q15 — Environment and Ecology
How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism ? (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- How
- Scope keywords
- mountain ecosystemrestorednegative impactdevelopment initiativestourism
- Implicit sub-parts
- What are the specific ecological vulnerabilities of mountain terrains that make development hazardous?
- A brief diagnostic of how tourism and infrastructure (dams, roads) have specifically degraded these regions.
- Proposing a multi-sectoral restoration strategy (technological, policy-based, and community-led).
- Identifying global best practices or frameworks (like the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration) applicable to Indian mountains.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on the Himalayas and ignoring the Western Ghats or Northeast hills.
- Spending too much time describing the 'negative impacts' instead of focusing on the 'restoration' aspect demanded by the 'How'.
- Generic suggestions like 'plant more trees' without addressing carrying capacity or engineering-led restoration.
- Ignoring the socioeconomic dependency of locals on tourism while suggesting restrictive measures.
- Dimensions required
- Environmental/EcologicalGeological/StructuralPolicy/RegulatoryEconomic/SustenanceCommunity/Traditional Knowledge
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 50 words to briefly identify the core impacts of development and tourism. Devote the bulk (150 words) to diverse restoration solutions including carrying capacity assessments, sustainable engineering, and community-led conservation. Reserve the final 50 words for a forward-looking conclusion integrating the 'Green Economy' or 'Circular Economy' model for hills.
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