The Prayas ePathshala

Exams आसान है !

Q1. Discuss about the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)?

Paper & Topic: GS III – Science and Technology

Model Answer:

Introduction:

Experiments using an orbiting platform during the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) launch vehicle.
The fourth and final stage (PS4) of the four-stage PSLV rocket, which was used to propel the satellite into orbit, ends up as space debris while the first three expended stages of the rocket fall back into the ocean.

Body:

The spent final stage will serve as a “stabilised platform” for experiments during PSLV-C53, nevertheless.
The fourth stage, or PS4, will orbit the earth for the first time as a stabilised platform.
For the purpose of managing any aerospace vehicle’s orientation within allowed bounds, POEM has a specific Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) system. The NGC will serve as the platform’s brain in order to precisely stabilise it.

Conclusion:

What is carried by it?

Six payloads are carried by POEM, including two each from Digantara and Dhruva Space, two Indian space startups supported by IN-SPACe and NSIL.
POEM will be powered by a Li-Ion battery and solar panels installed around the PS4 tank. It will use four sun sensors, a magnetometer, gyros, and NavIC to navigate.
Additionally, it has specialised control thrusters that store helium gas. It has a telecommand feature enabled.

Q2. What are Eco-Sensitive Zones? Discuss.

Paper & Topic: GS III – Environmental Conservation

Model Answer:

Introduction:

What are ESZs, or eco-sensitive zones?

The Environmental (Protection) Act of 1986 requires state governments to designate land within 10 kilometres of the borders of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), according to the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Although the 10-km rule is applied as a general guideline, its exact scope can vary. If areas exceeding 10 km contain bigger ecologically significant “sensitive corridors,” the Union government may additionally declare those areas to be ESZs.
The primary goal of these regulations is to limit the detrimental effects of certain activities on the delicate ecosystem surrounding National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Body:

What are the ESZ Activities that are permitted?

Commercial mining, sawmills, industries that pollute the environment (air, water, soil, noise, etc.), the construction of large hydroelectric projects (HEP), and the use of wood for commercial purposes are prohibited activities.
Activities related to tourism such as hot air balloon flights over a national park, the release of effluents or any solid waste, or the manufacture of hazardous materials
Regulated Activities: Cutting down trees, building hotels and resorts, using natural water for commercial purposes, erecting electrical lines, drastically altering the agriculture system, such as by using heavy machinery, insecticides, etc., and widening highways.
Current agricultural or horticultural methods, the use of renewable energy sources, organic farming, and the application of green technology for all activities are permitted activities.

What are ESZs Important for?

Reduce the negative effects of development activities:

The areas close to protected areas have been designated as Eco-Sensitive Zones in order to lessen the effects of urbanisation and other developmental activities.

Localized conservation:

ESZs support in-situ conservation, which focuses on preserving a threatened species in its own environment, such as the one-horned rhinoceros of Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.

Minimize Man-Animal Conflict and Forest Depletion:

Eco-sensitive zones reduce man-animal conflict and the loss of forests.
The core and buffer style of management serves as the foundation for the protected areas, which also benefits and protects the surrounding communities.

Reduce Negative Effects on the Vulnerable Ecosystems:

Eco-sensitive zones are designated around protected areas in order to act as a “Shock Absorber” for the protected region.
They serve as a crossing point between regions with high levels of protection and those with lower levels of protection.

What difficulties and dangers face environmentally sensitive areas?

Growth-Promoting Activities:

In the ESZ, projects like building roads, dams, and other urban and rural infrastructure cause interference, have a negative effect on the ecosystem and upset the natural system.
For instance, building roads would result in the removal of trees, which would worsen soil erosion and ultimately damage the habitats of the species protected by the ESZ.

Regulation and New Laws:

Legislation like the Environmental Protection Act of 1986 and the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 weaken the ESZs in favour of development activities by failing to respect the rights of forest communities and reducing animal poaching.
The latest draught notification for shrinking the ESZs of Bannerghatta National Park, for instance.

Tourism:

The government is creating new locations and entrances to the ESZ as tourism pressure increases.
The land around parks and sanctuaries is being removed through deforestation, eviction of locals, etc. to meet the growing demand for eco-tourism.
Tourists pollute the ecosystem by dumping trash such as plastic bags, bottles, and other items.
Exotic Species Introduction: Natural forests are under pressure by plantations of exotic species like Eucalyptus and Acacia auriculiformis, among others, and these species’ plantations.

Changing Climate:

Climate change and biodiversity are related; for instance, the increase in world temperature has caused ecological, water, and land stress in the ESZs.
Consider forest fires or the Assam floods, both of which had a negative impact on the wildlife and Kaziranga National Park.
Local Communities: The protected areas are under strain from slash-and-burn farming practices, the pressure of a growing population, and the expanding demand for firewood and other forest products, among other things.

Conclusion:

Promoting Eco Restoration: Reforestation and afforestation of damaged forests, regeneration of lost ecosystems, and education are required to lessen the effects of climate change.
Awareness is needed: People should be educated about conservation methods and the negative effects of resource overuse.
Collaboration at Various Levels: In order to strike a balance between development and sustainable development, stakeholders including the government, civil society, and civil society organizations must work together.
The government shouldn’t limit itself to acting as a catalyst for economic activity in order to boost the State’s fortunes right away.
Achieving Sustainable Development: In order to achieve sustainable development over the long term, the States should act as a trustee for the benefit of the general public in relation to natural resources.