CBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter 12: India People and Economy - NCERT Solutions

The correct options are:

1. (c) Yamuna: The Yamuna River is widely recognized as one of the most polluted rivers in India due to extensive untreated sewage and industrial waste discharge.
2. (b) Diarrhorea: Diarrhorea is a waterborne disease commonly caused by the consumption of water contaminated with pathogens, often from sewage or other pollutants.
3. (d) Air pollution: Acid rain is primarily caused by atmospheric pollutants, specifically sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids.
4. (a) Migration: Push factors (negative aspects of the origin place) and pull factors (positive aspects of the destination place) are the fundamental drivers that explain why people decide to migrate from one location to another.

1. Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment, causing adverse effects. Pollutants are the specific substances or agents (like chemicals, waste, or noise) that cause pollution.
2. Major sources of air pollution include emissions from vehicles (cars, ships, trains) and industrial processes (power plants, factories) that combust fossil fuels like coal and oil.
3. Major problems include insufficient municipal budgets, lack of trained professionals, inadequate waste management plans, poor collection/segregation, and limited public awareness.
4. Air pollution can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and aggravate conditions like asthma. Fine particles can enter the bloodstream, leading to heart problems and other severe health impacts.

1. Water pollution in India is a significant environmental concern, primarily stemming from untreated sewage discharged into rivers and water bodies. Other major contributors include agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers, and effluents from unregulated small-scale industries. Consequently, most rivers, lakes, and surface water sources are heavily polluted, impacting aquatic life and human health.
2. The problem of slums in India is characterized by overcrowded, informal settlements with inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and lack of basic amenities like clean water and electricity. These areas often arise due to rapid urbanization, rural-to-urban migration driven by economic disparities, and a shortage of affordable housing, leading to significant socio-economic and health challenges for their inhabitants.
3. To reduce land degradation, several measures can be implemented. These include promoting afforestation and tree plantation drives to prevent soil erosion and improve soil structure. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, contour ploughing, and reduced use of chemical fertilizers, are crucial. Proper management of industrial waste and mining activities to prevent contamination and soil damage is also essential. Additionally, controlling overgrazing and implementing water conservation techniques can help restore and protect land resources.