WBCS Prelims Environment Questions 2024
29. Joint Forest Management is primarily a partnership between
(A) Central Government and State Government.
(B) Local Communities and the Forest Department.
(C) NGOs and International Environment Agencies.
(D) Private Corporation and Tribal Communities.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (B) Local Communities and the Forest Department
Explanation
Joint Forest Management (JFM) is a participatory forest management programme in which local communities and the Forest Department jointly protect, manage, and regenerate forests. In return, local people receive a share of forest produce and other benefits. It aims to promote sustainable forest conservation and improve the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
Exam Facts
- Joint Forest Management (JFM) was formally introduced through the Government of India Guidelines, 1990.
- It is based on people’s participation in forest conservation and management.
- JFM is implemented through Village Forest Committees (VFCs) or Forest Protection Committees (FPCs).
- Arabari Forest (West Bengal) is considered the first successful JFM experiment under Ajit Kumar Banerjee.
- The National Forest Policy, 1988 emphasized community participation in forest management.
- Communities receive benefits such as Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and a share in timber revenue, as per state rules.
- JFM contributes to sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood generation.
45. What is the efficiency of currently available commercial solar cells?
(A) 0–5%
(B) 15–20%
(C) 30–40%
(D) 80–90%
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (B) 15–20%
Explanation
Commercially available silicon solar cells generally have an efficiency of about 15–20%, meaning they convert around one-fifth of the sunlight they receive into electricity. Higher efficiencies are achieved in laboratory or specialized multi-junction cells but are not common in standard commercial panels.
Exam Facts
- A solar cell (photovoltaic cell) converts sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
- Silicon (Si) is the most widely used material for manufacturing commercial solar cells.
- Typical commercial solar cell efficiency is 15–20% (commonly asked in competitive exams).
- The unit of solar power generation capacity is Megawatt (MW) or Gigawatt (GW).
- The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched in 2015 at COP21 (Paris) by India and France.
- The ISA Headquarters is located at Gurugram, Haryana, India.
- National Solar Mission was launched in 2010 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to promote solar energy in India.
71. On a per hectare basis which of the following forests will hold maximum amount of carbon?
(A) Peninsular Sal forest as found in West Medinipur district
(B) Tropical moist deciduous forest as found in Buxa Tiger Reserve
(C) Mangrove forest as found in Sundarbans
(D) Evergreen Temperate forest as found in Lava area of Kalimpong
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (C) Mangrove forest as found in Sundarbans
Explanation
Mangrove forests store the highest amount of carbon per hectare among major forest ecosystems. Besides storing carbon in trees, they also trap large quantities of organic carbon in waterlogged soils, making them one of the world’s most effective blue carbon ecosystems. Hence, the Sundarbans mangroves have the highest carbon storage among the given options.
Exam Facts
- Mangroves are the richest carbon-storing forest ecosystems on a per hectare basis.
- Carbon stored in coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes is known as Blue Carbon.
- The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, shared by India and Bangladesh.
- The dominant mangrove species in the Sundarbans is Sundari (Heritiera fomes), from which the forest derives its name.
- The Sundarbans National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987) and a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.
- India has major mangrove forests in West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Goa.
- Mangroves protect coastlines from cyclones, storm surges, coastal erosion, and tsunamis, besides serving as important breeding grounds for fish and other marine organisms.
81. East Kolkata Wetland has been declared as
(A) Biodiversity Site
(B) World Heritage Site
(C) Ramsar Site
(D) World Trade Site
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (C) Ramsar Site
Explanation
The East Kolkata Wetlands is an internationally important wetland recognized under the Ramsar Convention. It was designated as a Ramsar Site in 2002 because of its unique ecosystem, natural sewage treatment system, rich biodiversity, and sustainable resource management practices.
Exam Facts
- East Kolkata Wetlands was declared a Ramsar Site on 19 August 2002.
- It is located on the eastern fringe of Kolkata, West Bengal.
- The wetland covers an area of approximately 12,500 hectares.
- It is famous for being the world’s largest natural wastewater-fed aquaculture system, where city sewage is naturally treated and reused.
- The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, and came into force in 1975.
- India became a Contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
- The East Kolkata Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Act, 2006 was enacted by the Government of West Bengal for its protection.
- The Sundarbans and East Kolkata Wetlands are two important Ramsar Sites in West Bengal frequently asked in WBCS and other competitive examinations.
WBCS Prelims Environment Questions 2023
44. Forests having no free entry by people in India—
(A) National Park
(B) Wildlife Sanctuary
(C) Reserved Forest
(D) Protected Forest
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (C) Reserved Forest
Explanation
A Reserved Forest is the most protected category of forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Public entry and activities such as grazing, hunting, or collection of forest produce are prohibited unless specifically permitted by the government. Therefore, people do not have free entry into Reserved Forests.
Exam Facts
- Reserved Forest is declared under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
- It is the most protected category of forest under the Act.
- In a Reserved Forest, all activities are prohibited unless expressly permitted by the Forest Department.
- Protected Forests have fewer restrictions than Reserved Forests; certain customary rights of local people may continue.
- Village Forests are another category under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, managed with community participation.
- National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are declared under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, not under the Indian Forest Act.
- National Parks provide stricter wildlife protection than Wildlife Sanctuaries, but the terms “Reserved Forest” and “Protected Forest” refer specifically to legal classifications under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
50. The main source of methane gas in India—
(A) Floriculture gardens
(B) Orchards
(C) Tea gardens
(D) Paddy fields
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (D) Paddy fields
Explanation
Paddy fields are one of the largest sources of methane (CH₄) emissions in India. Waterlogged conditions in rice fields create an anaerobic environment, where microorganisms decompose organic matter and release methane into the atmosphere.
Exam Facts
- Methane (CH₄) is the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO₂).
- Paddy cultivation, livestock (especially cattle), landfills, and wetlands are major sources of methane.
- Methane has a much higher global warming potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period.
- Rice cultivation emits methane due to the activity of methanogenic bacteria under anaerobic (oxygen-deficient) conditions.
- India is one of the largest producers of rice, making paddy cultivation a significant source of agricultural methane emissions.
- Methane is the main component of natural gas and biogas.
- Reducing continuous flooding in paddy fields through Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) is an effective method to lower methane emissions.
197. The word ‘Biodiversity’ was coined by
(A) Ernst Mayr
(B) W. G. Rosen
(C) Tansley
(D) Odum
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (B) W. G. Rosen
Explanation
The term “Biodiversity” was coined by Walter G. (W. G.) Rosen in 1985 while planning the National Forum on Biological Diversity in the United States. It was later popularized by E. O. Wilson through his 1988 book Biodiversity. The term refers to the variety and variability of all living organisms and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Exam Facts
- W. G. Rosen coined the term “Biodiversity” in 1985.
- E. O. Wilson popularized the term through the book Biodiversity (1988).
- Biodiversity includes three levels: Genetic diversity, Species diversity, and Ecosystem diversity.
- India is one of the 17 Megadiverse Countries in the world.
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit (1992) and came into force in 1993.
- India became a party to the CBD in 1994.
- The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Chennai were established to conserve biodiversity in India.
WBCS Prelims Environment Questions 2021
34. The leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolon is
(A) Anna Hajare
(B) Medha Patkar
(C) Ramdev
(D) Binayak Sen
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (B) Medha Patkar
Explanation
The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is a social and environmental movement led by Medha Patkar against the large dam projects on the Narmada River, particularly the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The movement demanded proper rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced people and raised concerns about environmental impacts.
Exam Facts
- Medha Patkar is the principal leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA).
- The movement began in 1985 to oppose large dam projects on the Narmada River.
- The Narmada River originates from Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh) and drains into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat.
- The Sardar Sarovar Dam is located on the Narmada River in Gujarat.
- The Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) was constituted in 1969 and gave its final award in 1979.
- The movement focused on environmental conservation, tribal rights, and rehabilitation of displaced families.
- Other important environmental movements in India include the Chipko Movement (Sunderlal Bahuguna, Chandi Prasad Bhatt), Silent Valley Movement (Kerala), and Appiko Movement (Karnataka).
68. The Sundarban is declared as a ‘Ramsar Site’ in
(A) 1987
(B) 1972
(C) 2018
(D) 2019
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (D) 2019
Explanation
The Sundarban Wetland in West Bengal was designated as a Ramsar Site on 27 January 2019 under the Ramsar Convention. It was recognized for its unique mangrove ecosystem, rich biodiversity, and ecological importance. It is different from the Sundarbans National Park, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Exam Facts
- Sundarban Wetland was declared a Ramsar Site on 27 January 2019.
- The Sundarbans National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
- The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, shared by India and Bangladesh.
- It is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and numerous endangered species, including the Estuarine Crocodile, Fishing Cat, and Gangetic Dolphin.
- The dominant mangrove tree is Sundari (Heritiera fomes).
- The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, and India became a party in 1982.
- Other important Ramsar Sites in West Bengal include East Kolkata Wetlands and Sunderban Wetland, both frequently asked in WBCS and other competitive examinations.
78. ‘Chipko Andolon’ is known as
(A) Feminist Movement
(B) Tribal Movement
(C) Political Movement
(D) Caste Movement
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (A) Feminist Movement
Explanation
The Chipko Andolan is widely regarded as a Feminist (Ecofeminist) Movement because women played the leading role in protecting forests by hugging trees to prevent their felling. The movement highlighted the close relationship between women, forests, and sustainable livelihoods, making it an important environmental and women’s movement.
Exam Facts
- Chipko Movement began in 1973 in the Chamoli district (now in Uttarakhand).
- The movement literally means “to hug” or “to cling” to trees.
- Gaura Devi led the famous women’s protest at Reni village (1974).
- Prominent leaders associated with the movement include Sunderlal Bahuguna and Chandi Prasad Bhatt.
- The movement aimed to prevent commercial deforestation and promote forest conservation.
- It inspired similar environmental movements such as the Appiko Movement (1983) in Karnataka.
- In 1980, the Government of India imposed a 15-year ban on green felling in the Himalayan forests following the movement’s impact.
164. Started in June, 2014 by the Union Government of India, the ‘Namami Gange’ Programme is associated with
(A) Worshipping the Ganga
(B) Canal irrigation from the Ganga
(C) River linking with the Ganga
(D) National Mission for Clean Ganga
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (D) National Mission for Clean Ganga
Explanation
The Namami Gange Programme is the flagship programme of the Government of India for the conservation, protection, and rejuvenation of the River Ganga. It was launched in June 2014 and is implemented through the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). The programme focuses on reducing pollution and restoring the ecological health of the Ganga.
Exam Facts
- Namami Gange Programme was launched in June 2014.
- It is implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- NMCG was registered as a society in 2011 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Major components include sewage treatment infrastructure, river surface cleaning, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, and public awareness.
- The National Ganga Council (2016) is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
- The Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier as the Bhagirathi River, and at Devprayag, the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda to form the Ganga.
- The Ganga flows through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
WBCS Prelims Environment Questions 2020
136. Consider the following statements with reference to the National Hydrology Project.
- It was launched in 2016 with the assistance of the World Bank.
- It provides for establishment of National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC).
- Its objective is to improve the extent, quality and accessibility of water resources information.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1, 2 and 3
(D) None of the above
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (C) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
The National Hydrology Project (NHP) was approved in 2016 with financial assistance from the World Bank. It aims to improve the collection, management, and accessibility of water resources data across India. The project also supports the establishment and strengthening of the National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) for integrated water information management.
Exam Facts
- The National Hydrology Project (NHP) was launched in 2016 with World Bank assistance.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (formerly the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation).
- The project aims to improve the extent, quality, reliability, and accessibility of water resources information.
- National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) serves as the central repository for water-related data in India.
- NHP promotes real-time hydrological data collection, flood forecasting, and water resources planning.
- It covers surface water, groundwater, meteorological, and water quality data.
- The project supports Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) for sustainable and scientific management of India’s water resources.
138. Which of the following is the first beach in Asia to get Blue-Flag certification?
(A) Arambol Beach, Goa
(B) Chandrabhaga Beach, Odisha
(C) Chiwla Beach, Maharashtra
(D) None of the above
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (B) Chandrabhaga Beach, Odisha
Explanation
Chandrabhaga Beach, located near Konark in Odisha, became the first beach in Asia to receive the Blue Flag certification for meeting international standards of environmental management, water quality, safety, and sustainable tourism. The recognition highlighted India’s efforts to promote eco-friendly coastal tourism.
Exam Facts
- Chandrabhaga Beach is located near the Konark Sun Temple in Puri district, Odisha.
- It became the first beach in Asia to receive the Blue Flag certification in 2018.
- The Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark.
- The certification is based on criteria such as water quality, environmental management, safety, environmental education, and public facilities.
- India’s BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) programme helps beaches achieve Blue Flag standards.
- In 2020, India received Blue Flag certification for eight beaches, including Golden Beach (Odisha), Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kappad (Kerala), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), and Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
141. The greenhouse gas that is a product of the combustion of fossil fuels is
(A) CO₂
(B) CH₄
(C) O₃
(D) N₂O
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (A) CO₂
Explanation
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the primary greenhouse gas released during the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. It is the largest contributor to human-induced global warming because of its large volume of emissions and long atmospheric lifetime.
Exam Facts
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the largest anthropogenic greenhouse gas emitted from burning fossil fuels.
- Major sources of CO₂ include thermal power plants, industries, motor vehicles, and deforestation.
- Other important greenhouse gases are Methane (CH₄), Nitrous Oxide (N₂O), Water Vapour (H₂O), Ozone (O₃), and fluorinated gases (CFCs, HFCs, PFCs, SF₆).
- Methane (CH₄) is mainly released from paddy fields, livestock, wetlands, landfills, and natural gas production.
- Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is mainly emitted from nitrogen fertilizers, industrial processes, and biomass burning.
- The Kyoto Protocol (1997) regulates emissions of six greenhouse gases, including CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O.
- The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C, while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
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