Q.Read the case study given below and answer the questions that follow : Case Study : A Role Model to Restore the Ecology and Safeguard Human Health in Daurala Based on the universal law “Polluter pays”, effort to restore the ecology and safeguard the human health with people’s participation has taken place in Daurala near Meerut. These efforts are now bearing fruits after a span of three years when a Meerut based NGO had developed a model for ecological restoration. The meeting of the Daurala industries officials, NGOs, Government officials and other stakeholders at Meerut has brought out results. The powerful logics, authentic studies and the pressure of people have brought a new lease of life to the twelve thousand residents of this village. It was in the year 2003 that the pitiable condition of Dauralaites drew the attention of the civil society. The groundwater of this village was contaminated with heavy metals. The reason was that the untreated wastewater of Daurala industries was leaching to the groundwater table. The NGOs conducted a door-to-door survey of the health status of the residents and came out with a report. The organisation, the village community and people’s representatives sat together to find out sustainable solutions to the health problem. The industrialists showed a keen interest towards checking the deteriorating ecology. The overhead water tank’s capacity in the village was enhanced and a 900 m extra pipeline was laid to supply potable water to the community. The silted pond of the village was cleaned and recharged by desilting it. Large quantity of silt was removed paving way to large quantity of water so that it recharged the aquifers, Rainwater harvesting structures have been constructed at different places which has helped in diluting the contaminants of the groundwater after the monsoon. 1000 trees have also been planted which have improved the environment. (19.1) What is meant by water pollution ? (19.2) Explain the role of industrialists in checking the deteriorating ecology. (19.3) Analyse the contribution of the NGO in Daurala’s problem.

The question asks why slums are described as areas of residence with least choice. The key idea is that "least choice" means residents have no real alternative — they are compelled to live in conditions that lack basic necessities and dignity. Any option that describes a deficiency or deprivation supports this; any option that describes a facility or improvement contradicts it.

Let’s examine each statement:

1. Statement (i): "They have dilapidated houses with poor ventilation."

   This is a clear sign of poor housing quality. Residents do not choose such conditions voluntarily — they are forced by poverty or lack of affordable housing. This supports the idea of least choice.

2. Statement (ii): "The basic facilities like lights and toilets are difficult to get."

   Lack of access to electricity and sanitation is a hallmark of slum life. Again, no one would willingly choose such deprivation. This also supports the idea.

3. Statement (iii): "Hygienic conditions and drinking water are improper."

   Unsafe water and poor hygiene are serious health hazards. Residents endure these because they have no better option. This too supports the idea.

4. Statement (iv): "Better drainage facilities are available." …

Urban waste management is one of the most pressing environmental challenges in India today. As cities grow, the sheer volume of waste generated every day puts immense pressure on municipal services, land, and public health. Solid waste, in particular, refers to any discarded material that is not liquid or gaseous — essentially, anything we throw away that is solid in form. This includes household rubbish, commercial refuse, industrial scrap, and even biodegradable matter like leaves and food scraps.

Now, look at the options given. Kitchen discarded items — vegetable peels, leftover food, eggshells — are solid waste. Polythene bags, which clog drains and choke landfills, are also solid waste. Plant leaves and branches, whether from gardening or natural shedding, are solid waste too. Old newspapers, which we often sell to a scrap dealer or give to the waste collector, are another classic example of solid waste.

Part (a)

Urban waste is a serious problem in India mainly because the volume of solid waste generated by fast-growing, densely populated cities greatly exceeds the capacity of municipal systems to collect, transport and process it. A key reason is the absence of segregation at source: wet (biodegradable) waste is mixed with dry recyclables and hazardous material, so it cannot easily be recycled or composted. The mixed waste ends up in overflowing open dumps and poorly managed landfills, where organic matter decomposes to release methane (a greenhouse gas) and toxic leachate that seeps into soil and groundwater. Waste also clogs drains and becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and rats, spreading disease.

Part (b) …