Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent)
Q2. “Human interventions in fragile geomorphic landscapes often produce unintended geographical consequences.” Discuss with reference to India’s hill and rocky ecosystems. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
Recent debates surrounding interventions in the Aravalli Range and other fragile landscapes have highlighted how human attempts to modify natural landforms can generate unintended geographical and ecological consequences.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires discussing how human interventions in fragile geomorphic landscapes produce unintended outcomes. It specifically requires examining these consequences with reference to India’s hill and rocky ecosystems.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly highlight the sensitivity of hill and rocky ecosystems due to their geomorphic fragility and long geological evolution.
Body
- Nature of human interventions: Mention major anthropogenic modifications in hill and rocky landscapes.
- Unintended geographical consequences: Explain the resulting impacts on slopes, drainage, soils, geomorphic stability and ecosystem functioning.
- Implications for hill and rocky ecosystems: Discuss broader effects on environmental stability, biodiversity and disaster vulnerability.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing the need for landscape management that works with natural geomorphic processes rather than against them.
