Q1. Which of the following is NOT a state fully covered under the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)?
- Sikkim
- Assam
- Manipur
- Uttarakhand
Correct Option: 2. Assam.
Explanation: The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) spans across 13 Indian states. Of these, 10 states are fully covered under the IHR: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
Assam, on the other hand, is only partially covered, specifically its hill districts. Hence, Assam is not fully part of the IHR, making it the correct answer.
Q2. What is the major environmental concern associated with unplanned hill town development in the Himalayas?
- Drying of natural springs
- Decrease in tourist inflow
- Improved biodiversity
- Increase in snowfall
Correct Option: 1. Drying of natural springs.
Explanation: Rapid and unplanned urbanization in Himalayan hill towns disturbs the natural hydrology. Construction near or over spring recharge zones disrupts water percolation into the ground, leading to the drying up of springs, which are vital sources of drinking water for local communities.
This leads to water scarcity, especially in summer months, and forces residents to depend on tankers or distant water sources.
Q3. Which of the following laws was enacted to manage plastic waste in Himachal Pradesh?
- The Environment Protection Act, 1986
- The Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995
- Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
- National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
Correct Option: 2. The Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995.
Explanation: Himachal Pradesh was one of the first states in India to take legislative action against plastic pollution. The 1995 Act prohibited littering or depositing non-biodegradable garbage in public areas like drains, roads, and parks.
It also led to stricter regulations on plastic bag thickness, and eventually, the state imposed a complete ban on plastics in 2009 to protect its fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Q4. What does the “Four Rs” principle in solid waste management stand for?
- Reduce, Reuse, Refuse, Recover
- Reuse, Recycle, Reduce, Refuel
- Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
- Recover, Reduce, Reuse, Rebuild
Correct Option: 3. Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, Recycle.
Explanation: The Four Rs are key principles of sustainable waste management:
• Refuse: Avoid products that generate waste, especially plastic and disposables.
• Reuse: Use items multiple times instead of discarding them.
• Reduce: Minimize consumption to decrease waste generation.
• Recycle: Convert waste materials into new products to prevent landfill accumulation.
Implementing these helps reduce the ecological footprint, especially in eco-sensitive areas like the Himalayas.
Q5. Why is the IHR considered a critical water reservoir for India?
- It receives the highest rainfall.
- It has multiple large dams.
- It houses glaciers and permanent snow cover.
- It imports water from Tibet.
Correct Option: 3. It houses glaciers and permanent snow cover.
Explanation: The Indian Himalayan Region contains thousands of glaciers and vast areas of permanent snow cover, making it a natural freshwater reservoir.
It feeds major perennial rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and Indus, which provide water to millions of people across northern India.
This role is crucial, especially during dry seasons when rainfall is minimal.