WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Topic B Environmental Degradation And India

Chapter 7 Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Analytical Type Questions

Question 1. Discuss the negative effects of the Green Revolution.
Answer:

Negative Effects Of The Green Revolution:-

The negative effects of the Green Revolution are as follows-

1. Loss of soil fertility:

An area of land loses its fertility if it is used to grow the same crops repeatedly year after year, rendering it barren and useless after some time.

2. Increase in salinity:

Repeated cultivation on the same plot of land results in its repeated irrigation, which increases the salinity of the soil, thereby making the soil infertile.

3. Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides:

The amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides being used since the time of the Green Revolution have had adverse effects on the soil. It makes the soil infertile, increase its salinity and pollutes it as well.

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4. Loss in biodiversity:

The repeated cultivation of the same high-yielding variety of crops results in the loss of biodiversity.

5. Genetic change:

High-yielding varieties of seeds are usually grown by making genetic modifications of the seeds. These crops, when consumed by human beings or domestic animals, can have adverse effects on their bodies.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Topic B Environmental Degradation And India

Question 2. Give a brief account of environmental degradation in India, citing recent examples.
Answer:

Environmental Degradation In India, Citing Recent Examples:-

India is a fast-developing country. Various activities such as the construction of roads and railways, the building of townships, the extraction of natural resources, industrialization, etc., are taking place in different parts of the country.

Though these activities are necessary for the development of human society, they also have adverse effects on the environment. Examples of environmental degradation due to development are discussed below-

Environmental degradation in India examples

Green Revolution and the Degradation of Land under Cultivation:

The phase in the early 1970s when improved agronomic technology was taken up for farming, in the states of Punjab, Haryana, etc., which resulted in a high yield of crops, is known as the Green Revolution.

But this ‘revolution’ was also responsible for the degradation of land under cultivation and several environmental problems arising from it.

Problems:

Cultivating crops repeatedly on the same patch of land makes it infertile and it slowly turns in to barren and

  1. Excessive use of pesticides kills the useful microorganisms present in the soil.
  2. Use of chemical fertilizers also changes the nature of the soil and degrades its quality.
  3. Excessive irrigation increases the salinity of the soil.
  4. Various genetic problems can occur in the crops that are produced from high-yielding seeds.
  5. Unregulated use of underground water is lowering the level of the watertable.
  6. Farming methods using modern technology are very costly and hence poor farmers face difficulties in using those.

Filling of wetlands and environmental degradation:

Wetlands also play important functions such as controlling floods, maintaining the level of the underground watertable, providing water for irrigation, etc.

However, they are now undergoing detrimental changes, which is further degrading the environment.

Problems:

  1. Several wetlands are being filled up for construction purposes. This increases the salinity of the soil as well as decreases the level of the groundwater table.
  2. The filling up of wetlands increases the chances of flood in the surrounding areas.
  3. Wetlands are often used as landfills, which pollute the air, water, and soil of that place. Dumping of garbage in wetlands has contaminated the groundwater and soil substantially, which has also made the air stink.

Causes of environmental degradation in India

Chapter 7 Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Short Analytical Type Questions

Question 1. Write a short note on the Chipko Movement.
Answer:

Chipko Movement:-

The word Chipko (or Chipak jao) in Hindi means ‘to stick to’ or ‘ to hug’ or ‘hold tightly onto something. The movement where people hugged trees in order to protect them from being cut down is known as the Chipko Movement.

This non-violent movement started in 1973 in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand in order to protect the trees. People embraced the trees and saved them from being felled whenever the lumbering contractors came to fell those.

Prominent environmentalists such as Sarla Behn, Sunderlal Bahuguna, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, and several others were involved in this movement.

 

WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Human Activities And Environmental Degradation Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Chipko Movement

Effects:

  1. This movement ensured that trees were not cut in the Himalayan region for a long time.
  2. With this movement, the idea of prevention of deforestation came into prominence, nationwide. This helped in the protection of the environment.

Question 2. What is the Ganga Action Plan? Get an idea about it from your teacher. Write a brief note on the Ganga Action Plan (GAP).
Answer:

Ganga Action Plan:

The 2525 km long river Ganga has become one of the most polluted rivers today due to various causes. The river is especially polluted in the 600 km stretch from the estuary toward its source.

The project that has been taken up to make the Ganga pollution free is known as the Ganga Action Plan (GAP).

Time of initiation and objectives of the Ganga Action Plan:

This project was officially initiated in Varanasi on January 14, 1986. The objectives of the Ganga Action Plan-

  1. Make the water of the Ganga pollution-free and maintain the ecological balance;
  2. Maintain the depth of the river;
  3. Make the river water suitable for drinking;
  4. Prevent rapid erosion of river banks;
  5. Keep the surrounding areas of the river clean and beautiful.

To attain the above objectives, a huge amount of funds has been allotted. The sewage generated from 25 Class I cities was tackled. Many sewage treatment plants were also established.

Impact of urbanization on environmental degradation in India

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Question 3. Discuss the positive effects of the Green Revolution.
Answer:

Positive Effects Of The Green Revolution:-

The positive effects of the Green Revolution are as follows-

  1. There has been a rapid increase in the production of food crops, which has helped in supplying food to people all over the country.
  2. Many farmers have achieved economic stability.
  3. Agriculture-based industries have developed rapidly.
  4. Factories for manufacturing agricultural tools and machinery, as well as chemical fertilizers and pesticides producing plants have come up.
  5. Area of arable land has increased many times. Thus, crop yield has enhanced.

Question 4. Briefly discuss about the Narmada Bachao Andolan.
Answer:

Narmada Bachao Andolan:-

Originating in Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, the Narmada River flows to the west and discharges into the Gulf of Khambhat.

The government had decided to build 10 large dams along the main course of the river and 30 large, 135 medium, and 3000 small dams on its tributaries.

If this plan had been worked upon, large areas of land would have been flooded and about 320000 people would have been displaced. Besides, it would have caused major disturbances in the ecosystem of the area.

The movement that was carried out in protest of this plan is known as the ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’. Environmentalists such as Medha Patkar and Baba Amte initiated this movement.

This movement helped in spreading awareness among the people which is a prior need for protecting the environment.

Question 5. What do you know about the Anti-Tehri Dam Movement?
Answer:

Anti-Tehri Dam Movement:-

In the Tehri district of Uttarakhand, a project for the construction of a dam at the confluence of the rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilangana was taken up.

The dam will have a maximum installed capacity for the production of 2400 MW of power and for the irrigation of about 270000 hectares of land. The movement started as a protest against the construction of this dam.

Origin of the movement:

The movement was started presuming and anticipating the follow-

  1. The physical environment of the place would be destroyed by the construction of the dam.
  2. There would be a major change in the climate of the place.
  3. The place is geologically unstable and earthquakes might occur, damaging the dam and causing the destruction of life and property.
  4. About 125000 people from 112 villages would be displaced.

Effects:

The movement started under the leadership of Sunderlal Bahuguna and gained huge popularity, which resulted in the construction of the dam being kept on hold for a long time.

Question 6. Write a short note on the Silent Valley Movement.
Answer:

Silent Valley Movement:-

The evergreen forest situated in the Palakkad district in north Kerala is known as the Silent Valley.

A project was initiated by the Kerala State Electricity Board that planned to build a dam over the river Kunthipuzha that flowed through the valley, in order to produce hydroelectricity.

This valley has a tropical evergreen forest that is home to hundreds of different species of flora and fauna. If a dam had been built here, it would have resulted in the loss of a variety of plant and animal species, wiping out the entire ecosystem and destruction of natural resources as well.

To prevent all these from occurring, the Silent Valley Movement was started.

Effects:

This movement was mainly initiated in the 1970s by the Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) and after much protest, the plan for the project was canceled. In the year 1985, Silent Valley has declared a National Park.

Class 8 Geography Solutions WBBSE

Chapter 7 Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What do you mean by G20?
Answer:

G20:-

G20 or Group of 20 is an international association formed by 20 countries. This group came into being in 1999 and now has a total membership of 20 nations (2017). It was created primarily to develop trade relations among its member nations.

Question 2. What is WHO?
Answer:

WHO:-

The full form of WHO is World Health Organisation. Its headquarters is located in Geneva in Switzerland.

As an agency of the United Nations, WHO is responsible for issues on public health around the world. It also plays an important role in the eradication of diseases.

Question 3. With which environmental movements are Sundarlal Bahuguna, Baba Amte and Medha Patekar associated?
Answer:

Environmental Movements Are Associated With Sundarlal Bahuguna, Baba Amte And Medha Patekar:-

Sundarlal Bahuguna-Chipko Movement, Anti-Tehri Dam Movement. Baba Amte (Murlidhar Devidas Amte)- Narmada Bachao Andolan. Medha Patekar- Narmada Bachao Andolan, Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao.

Water pollution effects in India

Question 4. Though the Green Revolution was a success at many levels, why did it result in environmental degradation?
Answer:

The negative effects of the Green Revolution are as follows-

Loss of soil fertility:

An area of land loses its fertility if it is used to grow the same crops repeatedly year after year, rendering it barren and useless after some time.

Increase in salinity:

Repeated cultivation on the same plot of land results in its repeated irrigation, which increases the salinity of the soil, thereby making the soil infertile.

Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides:

The amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides being used since the time of the Green Revolution have had adverse effects on the soil. It makes the soil infertile, increase its salinity and pollutes it as well.

Loss in biodiversity:

The repeated cultivation of the same high-yielding variety of crops results in the loss of biodiversity.

Genetic change:

High-yielding varieties of seeds are usually grown by making genetic modifications of the seeds. These crops, when consumed by human beings or domestic animals, can have adverse effects on their bodies.

Deforestation consequences in India

Question 5. Why do the filling of wetlands cause environmental degradation?
Answer:

Filling Of Wetlands Cause Environmental Degradation:-

Wetlands help to maintain a balance in the environment. Thus, when these are being dredged and filled, they can have adverse effects on the environment.

Some of these include

  1. The underground water level will decrease.
  2. The Wetland ecosystem will be destroyed.
  3. Wetlands often act as natural water purifiers, and this too shall be affected.
  4. As the filling of wetlands adversely affects the marine ecosystem, the growth of fish will also be affected.
  5. The overall biodiversity of that place shall be disturbed.

Chapter 7 Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Multiple Choice Questions Choose The Correct Option

Question 1. The Chipko Movement was launched in-

  1. Punjab
  2. Bihar
  3. Uttarakhand
  4. Kerala

Answer: 3. Uttarakhand

Question 2. The Chipko Movement started in order to-

  1. Protect trees
  2. Purify rivers
  3. Conserve arable land
  4. Support local contractors

Answer: 1. Protect trees

Question 3. According to WHO report, out of the 20 most polluted cities in G-20 countries, India has-

  1. 0
  2. 3
  3. 10
  4. 13

Answer: 4. 13

Class 8 Geography Solutions WBBSE

Question 4. Medha Patkar was associated with the-

  1. Chipko Movement
  2. Appiko Movement
  3. Narmada Bachao Andolan
  4. Anti-Tehri Dam Movement

Answer: 3. Narmada Bachao Andolan

Question 5. Silent Valley is situated in-

  1. Manipur
  2. Karnataka
  3. Madhya Pradesh
  4. Kerala

Answer: 4. Kerala

Question 6. Pandurang Hegde was an active leader in the-

  1. Chipko Movement
  2. Appiko Movement
  3. Narmada Bachao Andolan
  4. Anti-Tehri Dam Movement

Answer: 2. Appiko Movement

Class 8 Geography Solutions WBBSE

Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. The Chipko Movement was organized in the year ________.
Answer: 1973

Question 2. The ________ was a notable protest against deforestation in India.
Answer: Chipko Movement

Question 3. Sunderlal Bahuguna is an eminent environmentalist who led the ________ movement.
Answer: Chipko

Question 4. The full form of G-20 is ________ of Twenty.
Answer: Group

Question 5. Environmental movements are also known as ________ movements.
Answer: Green/ Conservation

Question 6. Amrita Devi was the main leader of the ________ movement.
Answer: Bishnoi

Question 7. The Appiko Movement was held in the ________ and ________ districts of Karnataka.
Answer: Shimoga, Uttara Kannada

Class 8 Geography Solutions WBBSE

Write True Or False

Question 1. The Sundarbans region in West Bengal was the worst affected by Aila.
Answer: True

Question 2. Medha Patkar was a leader of the Chipko Movement.
Answer: False

Question 3. India is a developed country.
Answer: False

Question 4. Environmental degradation is occurring with simultaneous economic development in India.
Answer: True

Question 5. Unplanned urbanization and poverty are the two main causes of environmental degradation in India.
Answer: True

Question 6. Excessive irrigation in Punjab-Haryana has not created any environmental problems in those areas.
Answer: False

Question 7. We should increase the use of plastics at home, but not in school.
Answer: False

Chapter 7 Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Match The Columns

1. WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Human Activities And Environmental Degradation Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Match the cloumns

Answer: 1. C, 2. A, 3. D, 4. B

 

Answer In One Or Two Words

Question 1. How much monetary loss does India suffer due to environmental degradation every year?
Answer: About 80 billion USD or 480000 crore rupees.

Question 2. Where did the Chipko Movement start?
Answer: Garhwal region in Uttarakhand.

Question 3. What is the meaning of the word ‘Chipko”?
Answer: “To stick to or to hold tightly onto something.”

Question 4. Where is the headquarters of WHO?
Answer: Geneva, Switzerland.

Question 5. What is the full form of SPM?
Answer: Suspended Particulate Matter.

Class 8 Geography WBBSE

Chapter 7 Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Conceptual Questions And Answers

 

Who am I?

Question 1. ‘I am used to increasing crop yield. But I am harmful for the soil as well as the crops.-  Who am I?
Answer: Chemical fertilizers

Question 2. ‘I am sprayed on crops to protect them from insects. But I pollute the soil and even cause the deaths of farmers.’-Who am I?
Answer: Insecticides/ Pesticides

Question 3. I am the poisonous gas responsible for Bhopal Gas Tragedy. I am also used in pesticides and certain chemicals.’-Who am I?
Answer: MIC (Methyl Isocyanate)

Question 4. ‘I am generated when coal is burnt. I am converted into electrical energy that runs. the fans and lights in your house.’-Who am I?
Answer: Thermal power

Question 5. ‘I am a protest movement originating in the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, where people protested against the cutting down of trees by hugging them.’-Who am I?
Answer: Chipko Movement

Question 6. ‘I am concerned with international public health. I look after vaccinations, proper use of medicines, healthy eating and maintaining a pollution-free world.’-Who am I?
Answer: World Health Organisation

Class 8 Geography WBBSE

Scrambled Words

1. OCHOSTAMETI
2. LIPHANI
3. LLPOAIIONUTR
4. THMMARITESU
5. IEFRECLYOND

Answers

1. Homeostatic
2. Phailin
3. Air pollution
4. Earth Summit
5. Eco-friendly

 

Fill Up The Blanks In The Knowledge Hive

Question 1. Fill in the knowledge hive with information on the Earth Summit.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Human Activities And Environmental Degradation Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Fill the blanks

Answers:

1. Governments of 178 countries took part in this conference.
2. A meeting of a parallel NGO called the ‘Global Forum’ was also held here.
3. A seminar called ‘Eco-Tech’ was held here.
4. Issues related to environments like ozone layer depletion and the ways to control it were discussed in this conference.
5. Discussions were made on the idea of sustainable development.

 

Strike The Odd One Out

Question 1. Fani, Phailin, Aila, Tsunami
Answer: Tsunami (It is not the name of a cyclone)

Question 2. Storm, Industry, Flood, Drought
Answer: Industry (It is not a natural hazard)

Class 8 Geography WBBSE

Chapter 7 Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Crossword

 

WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Human Activities And Environmental Degradation Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Crossword

 

CLUES

Down:

1. A disastrous gas tragedy took place here in 1984.
3 The revolution is specially related to the state of Punjab and Haryana regarding agriculture.

Across:

2. Full form of WHO is World Organisation.
4. The Narmada Bachao Andolan was aimed at saving this river from being blocked.

Answers:

Down: 1. Bhopal, 3. Green
Across: 2. Health, 4. Narmada, 5. Ozone

 

Correct The Following

Question 1. Overall qualitative reduction of the components of the environment is called environmental pollution.
Answer: Degradation

Question 2. The main factors causing environmental degradation are illiteracy and impertinence.
Answer: Poverty

Question 3. Volcanic eruption is a type of man-made environmental disaster.
Answer: Natural

Soil degradation and agriculture in India

Advanced Questions And Answers

Question 1. How can we protect our environment even while carrying on development?
Answer:

We Can Protect Our Environment Even While Carrying On Development:-

Along with carrying on developmental processes, the earth can also be protected and conserved. In order to do this the following steps should be taken-

1. Recycling of substances:

Recycling of used substances enables development as well as helps reduce the wastage of resources.

2. Development of technology:

Both technology and knowledge should be put to use to figure out in how many different ways a single material can be used.

Example- A decade ago, 10 tonnes of coal was required to produce 1 tonne of steel. However, nowadays, the production of 1 tonne of steel requires only 0.75 tonnes of coal.

3. Judicious use of resources:

Instead of wasting resources in an unplanned manner, they should be used judiciously and within a certain limit.

Example- If we use public transport instead of private transport, we can save a lot of fuel.

Question 2. Write a short note on Green Bench.
Answer:

Green Bench:-

A separate bench, called the Green Bench, has been formed for dealing with the issues related to the environment. The Supreme Court of India has ordered the High Courts of different states to form this bench.

West Bengal government formed its Green Bench in the year 1986.

Issues of appeal:

The issues which are handled by this Bench include

  1. Filling up of ponds and wetlands,
  2. Pollution from the transport sector,
  3. Pollution caused by industries,
  4. Pollution from waste material and garbage and sound pollution.

Air quality issues in Indian cities

Special advantage: Common people can easily convey their problems to this Bench. An ordinary letter enjoys the status of an appeal in this Bench. This Bench is also known as Environment Court.

Question 3. Briefly discuss about arsenic pollution.
Answer:

Arsenic Pollution:-

When the arsenic level in the drinking water of a particular area rises above the acceptable limit, the water is said to be contaminated by arsenic. Groundwater in different parts of West Bengal contains high levels of arsenic.

Sources of arsenic:

  1. Sedimentary rock layers contain arsenic which comes up with groundwater.
  2. Excessive use of arsenic-laced pesticides which, in turn, contaminates the environment.
  3. The ores of iron, lead as well as coal themselves contain arsenic. So arsenic is released when these ores are melted and when coal is burnt.

Effects:

  1. When arsenic comes into contact with human hair, nails, and skin, it gives rise to black spots. This is known as ‘Blackfoot disease.
  2. Drinking and using of water that is contaminated with arsenic can affect the lungs, kidneys, and liver very badly. It can even cause cancer.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Human Activities And Environmental Degradation Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Black foot disease

Question 4. Write a short note on global warming.
Answer:

Global Warming:-

An increase in the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is causing a rise in the average temperature of the earth. This gradual increase of temperature all over the world is known as global warming.

According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the temperature of the earth has increased by about 0.74°C in the last century. Besides carbon dioxide, gases such as methane, nitrous oxide, freon, ozone, and water vapor are also responsible for global warming.

Effects:

  1. Sea level is rising due to the melting of ice in the polar regions.
  2. Coastal areas are getting inundated.
  3. Forest fires are occurring and large-scale destruction of forests is an inevitable effect.
  4. Various plants and animals are being lost permanently.
  5. Different types of diseases will also spread.

Government initiatives for environmental protection in India

Question 5. What is eutrophication?
Answer:

Eutrophication:-

Phosphates present mostly in detergents, fertilisers, etc., reach closed water bodies (ponds, lakes) due to surface run-off from the land. This results in excessive growth of algae in those waterbodies. This process is known as eutrophication.

Harmful effects:

  1. The level of oxygen present in water decreases, creating a Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD).
  2. Excessive algae create a layer over water, blocking the sunlight to penetrate. This prevents underwater plants from receiving sunlight and they are unable to perform photosynthesis.
  3. Layers of algae on the water’s surface obstruct the movement of boats. These also release a toxin, which is harmful for livestock.

 

Chapter 7 Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Formative

 

Participation

This segment will indicate how much the students have actively participated and taken the initiative during the class.

Question 1. Human activities are responsible for the degradation of the environment. With reference to this, answer the following-

Question 1. How does environmental degradation take place?
Answer: Due to environmental pollution/ deforestation/ destruction of ecosystems/…

Question 2. What is the difference between environmental degradation and environmental pollution?
Answer: Environmental pollution occurs due to various natural and human activities, whereas environmental degradation is the deterioration of the overall quality of the environment.

Question 3. Give a few examples of environmental degradation.
Answer: Bhopal MIC Gas Tragedy in India (1984)/Chornobyl Nuclear Disaster in Ukraine (1986)/ Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster in Japan (2011)/…

Question 4. How can environmental degradation be controlled?
Answer: Strict measures should be taken for environmental conservation/ steps have to be taken for sustainable development/ use of environment-friendly products should be encouraged/…

Coastal erosion impacts in India

Question 2. Point out the ones in the following related to environmental degradation and those related to environmental pollution.

Loss of biodiversity, expansion of the desert, deforestation, Jhoom cultivation, fish dying in the pond, Bhopal Gas Tragedy, smog in the airport, dearth of food for animals in the forests, construction of a dam and reservoir on a river, the effect of Aila in the Sunderbans, a stinking fish market.

Answer: Points mentioned above are divided into two panels of environmental degradation and environmental pollution.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Human Activities And Environmental Degradation Topic B Environmental Degradation And India pollution and Degration

 

Question 3.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Human Activities And Environmental Degradation Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Natural

1. Bimal lives in a village near the sea in Gopalpur of Odisha. The wrath of ‘Phailin’ has put them in a great crisis. Demolished huts and uprooted trees can be seen everywhere. Sea water has flooded the roads and agricultural lands.

Scenes of devastation are all around. Dead and decayed corpses of cattle are floating around. Bimal’s family has taken refuge in the Pucca village school building.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Human Activities And Environmental Degradation Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Man made thing

2. The dumping ground is quite far away from Sreelekha’s locality. Garbage trucks dump garbage here from all over the city. Household garbage, industrial and medical wastes, and all other wastes are thrown here! Over time a huge hillock of garbage has accumulated. agricultural lands, water bodies and people around are suffering a lot.

Biodiversity loss due to human activities in India

Questioning And Experimentation

This segment will investigate the student’s understanding of the subject, questioning capacity, ability to explain and apply and urge for experimentation.

Question 1. Discuss in your class about the events related to environmental degradation and pollution that you observed in your locality.
Answer:

Many events related to environmental degradation and pollution are observed in our locality. Some of these are-

  1. Dumping of household wastes into nearby lakes and ponds;
  2. Indiscriminate use of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials;
  3. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides;
  4. Unplanned farming;
  5. Extreme use of fossil fuel;
  6. Discharge of untreated water, toxic wastes from factories into waterbodies, and emission of smoke that come out from industrial units;
  7. Directly dumping both solid and liquid municipal waste into rivers etc.

Interpretation And Application

This segment will test whether the students have understood the topics, or whether they are just mugging up.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Human Activities And Environmental Degradation Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Environmental Degradation

 

Question 1. What is your impression after seeing the above pictures? Which activities of humankind, do you think, can cause such incidents? Discuss among yourselves and write it down.
Answer: The first thing that comes up seeing the above pictures is, all images depict the effects of environmental degradation.

The effects of man-made environmental degradation are as follows-

Drought:

Excessive deforestation and the lifting of groundwater are the main reasons of drought.

Earthquake:

Terrace farming, deforestation and construction of roads in hilly areas, multipurpose river valley projects, extraction of minerals, and test explosion of nuclear bombs are the vital reasons of earthquakes.

Water pollution and water scarcity:

Discharge of toxic water and waste of industries and municipalities into the river are the main causes of water pollution. Besides this, unregulated use of groundwater and depletion of groundwater level creates a scarcity of water.

Loss of biodiversity:

Numerous plants and animal species that have evolved on the earth’s surface have been wiped out by man-made events, that cause environmental degradation.

Air pollution:

Toxic gases released from running vehicles, industrial sectors, nuclear power plants, etc., into the atmosphere, are the main source of air pollution.

WBBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 8 Question Answer

Chemical disaster:

Lack of skilled laborers, back-dated technology, and carelessness of laborers are the main causes of a chemical disaster. 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the Nuclear disaster of Chornobyl, 1908, etc., are a few examples of this type of disaster.

Inflation and decreasing balance between demand and supply:

Inflation is an economic problem. Population explosion, trade deficit, all these lead to inflation. These also disrupt the balance between demand and supply.

Depletion of natural resources:

Excessive use of natural resources, forest fires, and animal hunting are slowly depleting the biodiversity from the surface of the earth.

Flood:

Deforestation, unplanned farming, filling of wetlands, and unscientific construction of river dams lead to floods.

Global warming and climate change:

Excessive use of fossil fuels, deforestation, unplanned urbanization, etc., are increasing the average temperature of the earth. This in turn, is causing the polar ice caps to melt, causing a significant rise in the sea level.

 

Empathy And Cooperation

This segment will determine the ability of students to cooperate and help others within a group.

Question 1. Do you know that many things of daily use help environmental degradation? Discuss in the classroom and make a list of such items. Write down with the help of your teacher how they cause environmental degradation.
Answer:

Some of the items of daily use that degrade the environment are-

WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Human Activities And Environmental Degradation Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Degrade environment

 

Aesthetics And Creativity

This segment will check the aesthetic sense and creativity of the students.

Question 1. Make a collage showing the effects of human development on the environment.
Answer:

The following collage depicts the effects of human development on the environment-

WBBSE Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 7 Human Activities And Environmental Degradation Topic B Environmental Degradation And India Human development.

 

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