Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation.
6. Lakes are important part of urban ecosystem. The depleting lake resources lead to not only disturbed hydrology but also loss of local ecology. In this light, discuss the significance of community-based lake management and rejuvenation. (250 words).
Reference: Down to Earth
Why this question?
Local bodies and activists are leading by example and working to save the dying the lakes in urban and non-protected areas.
Key demand of the question:
One must first discuss the importance of lakes and wetlands for urban ecosystem. Then analyse the impact of deterioration of lakes and their effect on the ecology and hydrology. Now talk about how the community based conservation efforts have led to the rejuvenation of the lakes.
Directive Word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start off with the importance of the lakes and wetlands in the urban ecosystem.
Body:
Discuss the challenges faced in safeguarding the lake ecosystem?
- Encroachment and increasing stress on the lake boundaries
- Dumping of the solid waste, sewerage etc.
- Industrial and residential effluents from the cities that discharge into the lake
- spread of the invasive alligator weed is slowly destroying the beneficial vegetation growing in the lake
- Increasing siltation etc.
How can this be overcome?
Discuss the importance of community based conservation efforts.
Conclusion:
Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
