UPSC Mains 2018 GS3 Q6 — Waste Management
What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What areHow do we
- Scope keywords
- discarded solid wastescontinuously being generatedremove safelytoxic wasteshabitable environment
- Implicit sub-parts
- Structural and systemic hurdles preventing efficient waste disposal (Impediments).
- Specific protocols for the safe treatment and neutralization of hazardous/toxic waste specifically.
- The challenge of legacy waste vs. fresh waste generation.
- Role of technology and policy in detoxification of the ecosystem.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on Swachh Bharat without addressing the 'toxic' aspect specifically.
- Failing to distinguish between municipal solid waste (MSW) and hazardous/toxic waste treatment.
- Focusing only on generation rather than the 'impediments' to disposal (e.g., land availability, segregated collection).
- Ignoring the 'habitable environment' aspect, which implies remediation of contaminated soil and water bodies.
- Dimensions required
- Technological/ScientificRegulatory/LegislativeInfrastructure/LogisticalEnvironmental/EcologicalPublic Health
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 40% of the words (approx 60 words) to identifying 4-5 core impediments like lack of segregation and funding. Use the remaining 60% (approx 90 words) to detail safe removal methods like bioremediation, secure landfills, and chemical neutralization of toxic waste, ensuring a strong focus on the 'safe removal' of already accumulated toxins.
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