PG Department of English

N.S.S College, Pandalam

S2 EVS Notes

June 2020

PG Dept. of English, N.S.S College, Pandalam Page 1

Unit 1

Significance of Environmental Studies – The Earth and its Resources

1.1. Chief Seattle’s Speech

At a Glance

Chief Seattle

Chief Seattle (1786−1866) was the famous 19th century American Indian chief of the
Duwamish and the Suquamish tribes. He earned a huge reputation as a pacifist and was much
respected for his commitment towards the protection of his nation-state. The speech was
made in January 1854 and his words underline the immensity of nature and his tribe’s
connection with the ancestral lands. Seattle delivered the prophetic speech to mark the
transfer of ancestral Indian lands to the federal government. The speech has been interpreted
in myriad ways and it still stands as a classic example for highlighting ecological
responsibility.

Summary

Chief Seattle begins his speech with the question, “How can you buy or sell the sky, the
warmth of the land?” The chief of the Red Indian tribe says that man owns nothing in this
world and how can even ever think of selling and buying earth and nature. Then he narrates
about the strong bond which exists between his people and nature. He says that even the sap
which courses through the trees carries the memory and experience of his people. Even the
dead among his community never forget nature because they consider the earth as their
mother.He says that they are part of the Earth and they belong to the same family. Though
many ideas repeatedly occur in Seattle’s speech, the critics consider as a powerful discourse
regarding the protection of nature.

In the next part, Seattle tells about the American President George Washington’s decision to
buy the land of the Red Indian community. Seattle feels that it is not an easy decision for
them. He says that everything in nature is sacred for him and his community. The water in
river carries the reflection of various events which occurred in their lives, and hence the river
is like a brother for them. Seattle says that, the White man will never understand the ways of
the Red man. He never values nature. For him, one portion of land is the same to him as the
next. He treats the Earth as his enemy and it is something to be conquered it. He kidnaps the
Earth from his children, and he does not care. He considers the Earth as a commodity, as
things to be bought, plundered, and sold like sheep or bright beads. Seattle feels that the
greed of the White or modern man will make the Earth a desert. The Whites consider the Red
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Indians as savages but Seattle ironically states that though they are like that, they still value
nature unlike the ‘cultured’ moderns.

The tribes can live only by listening to the sounds of nature. For others, these sounds can
cause disturbance but the Red Indians prefer all the pulsations of nature than anything else.
The White man is numb to the stench because he hardly notices the air he breathes. But for
the tribes, the air too is precious because it gave the first breath for their grandfathers. Seattle
says that everything is nature (land, rivers, beasts, man, etc.) is connected like a family.He is
ready to give the land but on certain conditions. Seattle wants the White community to teach
their children certain things, that is, to make the children or the next generation to understand
the significance of nature.

Seattle says that the White should teach the children to respect land as it is the ashes of their
grandfathers. Make them understand that the Earth is their mother and whatever befalls the
Earth will befall the sons of the Earth too Above all, man is just a part of nature and he is
nothing before its vastness. He wants the Whites to comprehend that God does not have any
discrimination. For him, all the communities have the same value as he is the God of man,
and his compassion is equal for red man and the white. For God, the Earth is precious and to
harm the Earth is to heap contempt on its creator. Seattle concludes with the remark, “The
end of living and the beginning of survival.”

Questions and Answers – Basic Concepts

1. Define the term ‘Biodiversity’.

Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, that is, the
diversity of plant and animallife in a particular habitat, a high level of which is
usually considered to be important and desirable.
2. What do you mean by Energy Conservation?
Answer: Energy Conservation is the effort taken to reduce the consumption of energy
by using less of an energy service. This can be achieved either by using energy more
efficiently or by reducing the amount of service used.
3. What is ‘Resource’?
Answer: Resource is any material, which is essential for the living beings and that,
can be transformed into a useful product.
4. Which are the four realms or sub-systems of the Earth?
Answer: The Earth has four subsystems or realms, that is, land, water, living things
and air.

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 5. Name and explain the four spheres of the Earth.
Answer: The Earth is divided into four spheres. They are Lithosphere, Hydrosphere,
Biosphere and Atmosphere. The lithosphere contains all the landmass or the solid
realm of the Earth, which includes the mountains, plateaus
and plains. The hydrosphere comprises all solid, liquid and gaseous water bodies of
the planet. This sphere is 10 to 20kilometers thick. The biosphere contains all the
planet’s living beings, which includes all the plants, animals and the
microorganisms. The atmosphere is the Earth’s outer layer, which contains all the air
in the planet’s system. Its upper portion provides protection from ultraviolet radiation
and it consists of various gases besides the living organisms.
6. What is a Biome?
Answer: A biome can be defined as a community of plants and animals that have
common characteristics for the environment they exist in. Deserts, grasslands, and
tropical rainforests are three of the many types of biomes that exist within the
biosphere.
7. What is referred to as an ‘Event’ in the context of Environmental Studies?
Answer: An ‘Event’ refers to an activity which can alter or change the balance of the
ecosystem which can lead to a major calamity. An event can be either natural such as
an earthquake or a hurricane or caused by humans, such as an oil spill or air pollution.

Exercises from the Text, Ecoscapes (Page 10 onwards)

I. Answer the following questions in a sentence.

1. Define the term, ‘Biodiversity’.

Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, that is,
the diversity of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, a high level of which
is usually considered to be important and desirable.
2. Who is referred to as the ‘Great Chief in Washington’ in Chief Seattle’s Speech?
Answer: George Washington, America’s first President is referred to as the Great
Chief in Washington.
3. How does Chief Seattle consider the “murmur of the water”?
Answer: Chief Seattle considers water’s murmur as the voice of his father’s
father.

4. According to Chief Seattle, how does the white man treat the Mother Earth?
Answer: The white man considers the Earth as his enemy to be conquered and not
as his brother. He does not care for the Earth and kidnaps it from his children.

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 5. What was the occasion of Chief Seattle’s speech?
Answer: The speech was made in January 1854 and it was delivered to mark the
transfer of ancestral Indian lands to the federal government.

II. Answer the following questions in about 50 words.

1. Explain the statement: “Our ways are different from your ways.”
Answer: Through these lines, Chief Seattle wants to prove the different attitudes
of the Red Indians and Whites towards Mother Earth. Seattle says that for his
people, Earth is their mother. For them, rivers and other beasts are their siblings.
But for the white man, one portion of land is the same to him as the next because
he is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he
needs. He considers earth as his enemy and something to be conquered. The white
man does not care and he kidnaps the Earth from his children, Moreover, he feels
that the earth is something to be bought, plundered, and sold like sheep or bright
beads. On the other hand, the red man considers every part of the earth as sacred
and therefore he says that their ways
are different from the white men’s ways.
2. How does Chief Seattle prove that in nature, “all things are connected”?
Answer: Chief Seattle believes that man cannot exist without beasts. He says that,
if all the beasts are gone, man would die from a great loneliness of the spirit
because for whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. Hence he says
that, all things are connected.
3. What are Resources?
Answer: Resources are any material, which is essential for the living beings and
that can be transformed into a useful product. Land, air, water, food from plants
and animals, wood, coal, oil, etc. are all environmental resources. The resources
can be broadly divided into two – Renewable and Non-renewable. Renewable or
infinite resources are materials which are sufficiently present in nature, something
available for a long time and can be renewed. But Non-renewable or finite
resources like oil, coal, etc cannot be renewed because once they are extracted
from the earth and burned they cannot be used again. Such resources are limited in
nature and need to be used carefully.
4. What does Chief Seattle want the white man to teach his children?
Answer: Chief Seattle says that the White man should teach his children to respect
the land or Earth and also make them understand that the ground beneath their feet
is the ashes of their grandfathers. He should teach them that the Earth is rich with
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 the lives of their kin. Above all, teach the children that the Earth is their mother
and whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. Finally, teach them
that the Earth does not belong to man but man belongs to the Earth.
5. Describe Chief Seattle’s concept of God as expressed in his speech.
Answer: Chief Seattle believes that God does not show any discrimination. He is
not the guardian of a particular community but he is the God of man and his
compassion is equal for red man and the white. Nature itself is God and he is not a
separate entity. The Earth is precious to God, and to harm the Earth is to heap
contempt on its creator.

III. Answer the following in about 100 words each.

1. Write a short note on Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources.

Answer: Resources can be defined as materials essential for the living beings and
that can be transformed into a useful product. Land, air, water, food from plants
and animals, wood, coal, oil, etc. are all environmental resources. The resources
can be broadly divided into two – Renewable and Non-renewable. Renewable or
infinite resources are materials which are sufficiently present in nature, something
available for a long time and can be renewed. Examples include solar energy,
wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass energy, etc. But Non-
renewable or finite resources like oil, coal, etc. cannot be renewed because once
they are extracted from the earth and burned they cannot be used again. Such
resources are limited in nature and need to be used carefully.
2. How does Chief Seattle illustrate that the land is ‘sacred’ to the tribes?
Answer: According to Chief Seattle, the Red man considers earth as his mother
and whole nature as sacred. He says that, for his people, the shining water that
moves in streams and rivers is not just water but the blood of their ancestors. The
reflection in the clear water of the lakes reminds the community of events in the
life of their people. He feels that the murmur of water is the voice of his father’s
father. The Red man believes that the rivers are their brothers and it carries the
canoes and feed their children. Even the sap which courses through the trees
carries the memory and experience of their people. The perfumed flowers are their
sisters and the beasts their brothers. Chief Seattle says that man is just an element
of nature and he belongs to Earth. Therefore, the land is scared for him and his
tribes.
3. Explain the statement: “the Earth does not belong to man − man belongs to the
Earth”.

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 Answer: For the community of Red Indians, Earth is sacred and they believe that
man is just a component of this vast nature. Chief Seattle being the leader of that
tribe believes that it is the obligation of man to respect nature and earth and he
says that the Earth does not belong to man but man belongs to the Earth. Seattle
says that ground beneath their feet is the ashes of their grandfathers and the Earth
is rich with the lives of their kin. It is important to realize that whatever befalls the
Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. So, man should always respect nature and use
the resources in a wise manner.

4. How does Seattle differentiate the tribes from the Whites?

Answer: Through his speech, Chief Seattle illustrates the different attitudes of the
Red Indians and the Whites towards Mother Earth. Seattle says that for his
community, Earth is sacred and their mother too. For them, rivers and other beasts
are their siblings. But for the white man, one portion of land is the same to him as
the next because he is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land
whatever he needs. He considers earth as his enemy and something to be
conquered. The white man does not care and he kidnaps the Earth from his
children, Moreover, he feels that the earth is something to be bought, plundered,
and sold like sheep or bright beads. Seattle says that, the attitude of the Whites
will devour the Earth leaving a desert. The Red Indians are comfortable living in
their premises listening to the polyphonic sounds of nature and even the sight of
the cities made by the Whites pains their eyes. Seattle passes an ironic statement
too when he says that the Red man is a savage who fails understand the ways of
the Whites. But in reality, it is the Red man who understands the value of nature
while the Whites destroy nature for their profit oriented endeavors. This is how,
Seattle differentiate the tribes from the Whites.

IV. Write essays in about 300 words on the following topics.

1. Critically evaluate how Chief Seattle illustrates the interrelationship between

humans and nature in his celebrated speech.
Answer: (Points to be included) Nature and Earth as sacred and something to be
admired – for the Red Indian community, each and every object of nature carries
the memory and experience of his people – a strong bond between humans and
nature – humans as part of nature – Seattle illustrates the significance of nature in
his life – earth as mother, animals as brothers, water in the river as the blood of his
ancestors, etc. – the White man’s attitude towards nature is different – he is like a
stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs – the
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 Earth as his enemy and something to plundered – Seattle urges the White man to
teach his children about the value of nature - he says that all things are connected
and it is like a family – Seattle warns that whatever befalls the Earth will soon
befall the sons of the Earth –man belongs to earth and he should carefully utilize
its resources – one should identify God in nature –the whole speech as a warning
for the whole community and world.
2. Attempt an essay on the various ecological concerns presented in Chief Seattle’s
speech in connection with the contemporary social predicament.
Answer: (Points to be included) Chief Seattle’s speech is primarily concerned
with the utilization of Earth’s natural resources – it is important for every man to
realize the value of nature – Seattle narrates how his community treats nature – as
an example for the whole world and other communities to follow – the White man
as the representative of the modern man who destroys nature for his selfish
motives –man’s love for materialistic pleasures – a universal message and
contemporary relevance – different protests happening in various parts of the
world to protect nature – Nature and Earth as sacred and something to be admired
– Seattle urges the readers to understand the value of nature - he says that all
things are connected and it is like a family – Seattle warns that whatever befalls
the Earth will soon befall the sons of the Earth – man belongs to earth and he
should carefully utilize its resources – the whole speech as a warning for the
whole community and world.
3. Explain how Chief Seattle communicates the message of an eco-friendly
educational process through his speech of immense universal appeal.
Answer: (Points to be included)Significance of Environmental studies and Chief
Seattle’s speech – modern man’s attitude towards nature – utilization of natural
resources in a vigilant manner – Seattle has a universal message to convey –
different protests happening all over the world to preserve nature – Nature and
Earth as sacred and something to be admired – Seattle urges the readers to
understand the value of nature - he says that all things are connected and it is like
a family – Seattle warns that whatever befalls the Earth will soon befall the sons
of the Earth – for the Red Indian community, each and every object of nature
carries the memory and experience of his people – a strong bond between humans
and nature – humans as part of nature – Seattle illustrates the significance of
nature in his life – as a warning of the modern world.

Unit 1

Renewable Resources – Forests and their Significance

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1.2 The Religion of the Forest

At a Glance

Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore (1861−1941) was born in Calcutta and achieved fame as a multifaceted
genius and a polymath. He went to England to learn law and later evolved as a writer,
educator and philosopher. He was instrumental in reshaping Bengali literature, art and music
and in 1913, he became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature for his
work Gitanjali. Often referred to as ‘Gurudev’ and ‘Bard of Bengal’, Tagore has written
poems, songs, novels, stories, plays and essays.

Summary

Tagore’s article titled, “The Religion of the Forest” depicts the relationship of an individual
with forest and nature. According to Tagore, forest is the sources of life and is the storehouse
of biodiversity. He emphasizes the significance of forest in Indian life, culture and literature.
Tagore shows that the forest is not just the source of knowledge and freedom but also the
source of beauty and joy, of art and aesthetics, of harmony and perfection.

Tagore begins by saying that the truth of our life depends upon our attitude of mind towards
it and that attitude is formed through our interaction with our surroundings and
temperaments. This realization can ultimately lead to soul’s salvation. Tagore quotes a line
from the Upanishads which states that the emancipation of our soul lies in its realizing the
ultimate truth of unity. The Indians right from the early days of civilization lived very close
to forest and other natural resources. Forest was considered as an example for the concept of
ideal perfection and it can be traced in India’s classical literature. Tagore says that the forest
entered into a close living relationship with their work and leisure, with their daily
necessities and contemplations. They could not think of other surroundings as separate or
unfavorable. They believed in the line, “yadidam kinch sarvam prana ejati nihsratam”, which
means all that is vibrates with life, having come out from life.

In the next part, Tagore writes about the Sanskrit word, ‘Sacchidananda’. The word has three
phases. ‘Sat’, means the fact which relates us to all things through the relationship of
common existence. ‘Chit’, means something relates us to all things through the relationship
of knowledge. ‘Ananda’ is the thing we enjoy, which unites us with all things through the
relationship of love. Tagore then discusses how the Indian writers have employed nature as
an image in their works.

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Kalidasa has portrayed the different dimensions of nature in his works. In the play,
Shakuntala, the majority of the story takes place in the forest and the major events happen
around the hermitage. In fact, the hermitage dominates the play, overshadowing the king’s
palace. He presents the strong bond between nature and humans in this play. The hermitage
is presented as something which bridges the chasm man and the rest of creation. In
Ritusamhara, which is an early work of Kalidasa, the poet depicts the different Indian
seasons and runs in tune with the changes in nature. Different images of nature find a place
in Kalidasa’s texts like Shakuntala, Ritusamhara and Kumara-Sambhava. In Raghuvamsa,
Kalidasa presents the beauty and vastness of forest. He describes in detail about the variety
of animal species in the forest. The natural scenery and the sandal forests of India have been
described in the poem through the words of Lord Rama. Kalidasa has presented the myriad
forms of nature in his works.

In the Ramayana, Valmiki has used the image of the forest as a major motif. Rama and his
companions, in their banishment, had to cross forest after forest and they had to live in leaf-
thatched huts, to sleep on the bare ground. They were able to identify themselves with nature
while dwelling in the forest. Animals became their friends and Valmiki unlike other poets,
used the opportunity to make the readers realize the greatness the hero, not in a fierce
struggle with Nature, but in sympathy with it. The poet states that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana
forgot all the pain of leaving the home and country at the sight of the forests filled with
beasts and birds. Rama even achieved the name ‘Girivanapriya’ which means the lover of the
mountain and the forest by living in the woodland. The whole forest laments with Rama
when he searches for Sita after her abduction. Thus, the forest plays a major role in the epic
Ramayana.

In India, man does not look upon Nature as a source of supply of his necessities alone but as
a medium to realize his soul beyond himself. For us everything like The Himalayas, the
Vindhya Hills, Ganges,and the Jamuna are sacred. The Indians have a tradition to worship
nature as has the capacity to awaken the soul of man. India gains the world through worship
and through spiritual communion.

In the final part, Tagore writes about the two eminent sages, Vashishtha and Vishvamitra
who represent two different types of wisdom. A conflict always existed among them but
King Rama was able to imbibe both the qualities of these sages. He understood the value of
spiritual life from Vashishtha, the life of inner peace and perfection but he grasped the vigor
to initiate a war Vishvamitra, who called him to kill the demons and gave him weapons that
were irresistible. According to Tagore, the two sages are the two guiding spirits of
civilization. Thus, Tagore says that creation is the harmony of contrary forces, that is, the

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forces of attraction and repulsion. Tagore writes, “When they join hands, all the Fire and
fight are changed into smile of flowers. When there is only one of them triumphant and the
other defeated, then either there is the death of cold rigidity or that of suicidal explosion.”
Tagore concludes his argument by focusing on the spiritual musings required for individuals
to reach salvation.

Questions and Answers – Basic Concepts

1. Define Ecocriticism.
Answer: Ecocriticism can be defined as the study of literature and the environment
from an interdisciplinary point of view, where the scholars examine texts that
illustrate environmental concerns and study the various ways literature treats the
subject of nature.
2. What is an Ecosystem?
Answer: Ecosystem is a community of living organisms in combination with the non-
living components of their environment, interacting as a system, which includes biotic
and abiotic components.
3. What do you mean by Biotic and Abiotic factors?
Answer: Biotic factors include all living organisms. Abiotic factors are the non-living
parts of an environment which include the climatic factors, topography, etc.
4. Define a ‘Forest’.
Answer: A forest can be defined as a large area dominated by trees comprising of a
wide range of flora and fauna.
5. Which are the three types of forests?
Answer: There are three types of forests – the tropical, temperate and boreal forests
(taiga). The tropical forest has a stable temperature with heavy rainfall and immense
species diversity. Such forests are found in Southeast Asia, Africa and South
America. The temperate forests have fertile lands with moderate temperature and
large number of trees along with many common animals. This type of forest is found
in Northeast Asia, Europe and North America. Boreal forest has a moist/cold weather
dominated by evergreen conifers and animals that can withstand long periods of cold
temperatures. Boreal forest is also known as Taiga and can be seen in Alaska,
Canada, Scandinavia and Siberia.
6. What is considered as the lungs of the earth?
Answer: Forests are considered as the lungs of the Earth and its destruction can result
in the end of the world.
7. Mention the chief functions of forests.

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 Answer: The chief functions of forest include the sustenance of life, environmental
protection and water conservation. It also acts as a storehouse, provides livelihood
and facilitates research. It can help in controlling pollution, preventing soil erosion,
cleaning the atmosphere by absorbing gases, providing home for several species and
maintaining ecological balance.
8. What are the outcomes of deforestation or over exploitation of forests?
Answer: Deforestation can lead to desertification of lands, climate change, loss of
habitat for millions of species, soil erosion and flooding.

Exercises from the Text, Ecoscapes (Page 22 onwards)

I. Answer the following questions in a sentence.

1. In which year did Rabindranath Tagore win the Nobel Prize?

Answer: Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in the year 1913 for his
work, Gitanjali.
2. According to Tagore, what does the image of ‘sea’ symbolize?
Answer: The Sea symbolizes certain ideals of life like vastness, danger and
also a barrier. The sea represented the untamed nature and it was a challenge
for the humans to dominate it. (This part is not mentioned in the text/passage
prescribed for study)
3. Define Ecocriticism.
Answer: Eco Criticism can be defined as the study of literature in connection
with the environment or ecology from an interdisciplinary perspective. It is a
pluralistic term with heterogeneous approaches. An Eco Critic tries to delve
deep into a literary text and aims to analyze how a particular text illustrates the
various environmental concerns. It also examines how writers present nature
in their literary creations.
4. What is the meaning of the term ‘Sacchidananda’in Indian philosophy?
Answer: ‘Sacchidananda’ is a Sanskrit word, which means that reality which is
essentially one has three phases. The first is ‘sat’, which means the fact which
relates us to all things through the relationship of common existence. The
second is ‘chit’, is something which relates us to all things through the
relationship of knowledge and the third is ‘ananda’ is the thing
which unites us with all things through the relationship of love.
5. What do you mean by Ecosystem?

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 Answer: Ecosystem is a community of living organisms in combination with
the non-living components of their environment, interacting as a system,
which includes biotic and abiotic components.

II. Answer the following questions in about 50 words.

1. Explain Biotic and Abiotic factors.

Answer: Biotic and Abiotic factors together constitute an ecosystem. Biotic
factors are the living parts of an environment, such as plants, animals and
micro-organisms. Abiotic factors are the non-living parts of an environment.
These include things such as sunlight, temperature, wind, water, soil and
naturally occurring events such as storms, fires and volcanic eruptions.
2. Image of the ‘hermitage’ in Kalidasa’s Shakuntala.
Answer: In Kalidasa’s drama, Shakuntala, the image of the hermitage
dominates the play, overshadowing the king’s palace. The playwright presents
hermitage as a place of serenity from where a person learns the philosophy of
life. It also indicates man’s bond with nature and is presented a place where
the chasm between man and the rest ofcreation has been bridged.
3. Depiction of forest in Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsa.
Answer: Kalidasa in Raghuvamsa, presents the beauty and vastness of forest.
He describes in detail about the variety of animal species in the forest. The
natural scenery and the sandal forests of India has been described in the poem
through the words of LordRama which proves the extraordinary power of
imagination of Kalidasa. (This part is not mentioned in the text/passage
prescribed for study)

4. Illustrate how forest forms a major motif in the epic Ramayana.

Answer: In the Ramayana, Valmiki has used the image of the forest as a major
motif. Rama and his companions, in their banishment, had to cross forest after
forest and they had to live in leaf-thatched huts, to sleep on the bare ground.
They were able to identify themselves with nature while dwelling in the forest.
Animals became their friends and Valmiki unlike other poets, used the
opportunity to make the readers realize the greatness the hero, not in a fierce
struggle with Nature, but in sympathy with it. The poet states that Rama, Sita
and Lakshmana forgot all the pain of leaving the home and country at the sight
of the forests filled with beasts and birds. Rama even achieved the name
‘Girivanapriya’ which means the lover of the mountain and the forest by living
in the woodland. The whole forest laments with Rama when he searches for
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 Sita after her abduction. Thus, the forest plays a major role in the epic
Ramayana.

5. Comment on the relationship between literature and ecology.

Answer: Literature has an essential connection with nature and ecology. Many
writers employ literature as a channel to express the ecological concerns. Right
from the epic days, writers have used nature both as the background and also
as a medium to connect the emotions of the characters. The branch known as
Ecocriticism itself is the result of such works. It the study of literature and the
environment from an interdisciplinary point of view, where literature scholars
analyze texts that illustrate environmental concerns and examine the various
ways literature treats the subject of nature. The study also examines how
writers present nature in their literary creations.

III. Answer the following in about 100 words each.

1. Discuss the role and function of forests.

Answer: A forest can be defined as a large area dominated by trees comprising of
a wide range of flora and fauna. Forests are considered as the lungs of the Earth.
There are three types of forests – the tropical, temperate and boreal forests (taiga).
The tropical forest has a stable temperature with heavy rainfall and immense
species diversity. Such forests are found in Southeast Asia, Africa and South
America. The temperate forests have fertile lands with moderate temperature and
large number of trees along with many common animals. This type of forest is
found in Northeast Asia, Europe and North America. Boreal forest has a
moist/cold weather dominated by evergreen conifers and animals that can
withstand long periods of cold temperatures. Boreal forest is also known as Taiga
and can be seen in Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia and Siberia. The chief functions
of forest include the sustenance of life, environmental protection and water
conservation. It also acts as a storehouse, provides livelihood and facilitates
research. It can help in controlling pollution, preventing soil erosion, cleaning the
atmosphere by absorbing gases, providing home for several species and
maintaining ecological balance.
2. Explain the portrayal of Nature in the works of Kalidasa.
Answer: Kalidasa has portrayed the different dimensions of nature in his works. In
the play, Shakuntala, the majority of the story takes place in the forest and the
PG Dept. of English, N.S.S College, Pandalam Page 14
 major events happen around the hermitage. In fact, the hermitage dominates the
play, overshadowing the king’s palace. He presents the strong bond between
nature and humans in this play. The hermitage is presented as something which
bridges the chasm man and the rest of creation. In Ritusamhara, which is an early
work of Kalidasa, the poet depicts the different Indian seasons and runs in tune
with the changes in nature. Different images of nature find a place in Kalidasa’s
texts like Shakuntala, Ritusamhara and Kumara-Sambhava. In Raghuvamsa,
Kalidasa presents the beauty and vastness of forest. He describes in detail about
the variety of animal species in the forest. The natural scenery and the sandal
forests of India have been described in the poem through the words of Lord Rama.
Kalidasa has presented the myriad forms of nature in his works.
3. Discuss the contrast between the King’s court and forest hermitage in Kalidasa’s
Shakuntala.
Answer: In the play, Shakuntala, the majority of the story takes place in the forest
and the major events happen around the hermitage. In fact, the hermitage
dominates the play, overshadowing the king’s palace. He presents the strong bond
between nature and humans in this play. The hermitage is presented as something
which bridges the chasm man and the rest of creation. The forest hermitage is
presented as a metaphor in the play. It stands for the serene part of life and a
human learns the nuances of life from here. The hermitage teaches humans to love
nature and other beasts and enable them to live in harmony with the surroundings.
On the other hand, the king’s court indicates restiveness and greed for
materialistic pleasures/artificial life. Once the king (Dushyanta) leaves the forest
and gets back to court, he forgets everything which proves the attitude of a normal
man. At the end, he realizes the significance of forest and nature. Thus, by
presenting the contrast between the King’s court and forest hermitage, Kalidasa
has depicted the dual dimensions of life.
4. Explain the representation of Nature in Shakespearean plays.
Answer: Shakespeare attempts to juxtapose the life in the forest and king’s court
through his works. He believes that courtly life is artificial and also a life of
ungrateful treachery and falsehood. Shakespeare has presented nature in different
ways. In certain works, nature and forests appear as balm to the injured soul of
man while in others he presents nature as an obstruction to life’s opportunities.
Plays like Timon of Athens and Cymbeline are examples. In As You Like It, the
forest of Arden plays a major role and it is didactic in its lessons. In The Tempest,
through Prospero’s treatment of Ariel and Caliban, Shakespeare presents man’s
struggle with Nature and his longing to sever connection with her. In Macbeth, the
three witches represent the Nature’s malignant forces while in King Lear,
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 Shakespeare presents the fury of a father’s love turned into curses through the
symbol of the storm. In plays like Hamlet, Othello, Merchant of Venice, Romeo
and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra and The Winter’s Tale, Shakespeare has
presented the different moods of nature. At times, he has ignored nature in his
works but in many works, nature finds a space too. . (This part is not mentioned in
the text/passage prescribed for study)
5. Examine the various ecological concerns presentedin the works of Kalidasa.
Answer: Kalidasa has portrayed various ecological concerns in his works. He has
highlighted the significance of nature in all his works. Nature is presented as a
guide and soul mate of the humans. In the play, Shakuntala, the majority of the
story takes place in the forest and the major events happen around the hermitage.
He presents the strong bond between nature and humans in this play. The
hermitage is presented as something which bridges the chasm man and the rest of
creation. In Ritusamhara, which is an early work of Kalidasa, the poet depicts the
different Indian seasons and runs in tune with the changes in nature. Different
images of nature find a place in Kalidasa’s texts like Shakuntala, Ritusamhara
and Kumara-Sambhava. In Raghuvamsa, Kalidasa presents the beauty and
vastness of forest. He describes in detail about the variety of animal species in the
forest. The natural scenery and the sandal forests of India have been described in
the poem through the words of Lord Rama. Kalidasa has presented the myriad
forms of nature in his works.

IV. Write essays in about 300 words on the following topics.

1. Explain how Tagore brings out the significance of forests through his article, ‘The
Religion of Forest.’
Answer: (Points to be included)Forest has a significant role in Indian culture –
dwellers of the forest as the preachers of ideal perfection – forest as an ideal place
where everyone lives in harmony – forest as part of the narrative in India’s
classical literature – notion of ‘Sacchidananda’, a kind of union through the
relationship of love – writers have depicted the importance of forests in their
works – Kalidasa and his works as examples – image of the ‘hermitage’ in
Shakuntala, nature and its images in Ritusamhara, forest as a metaphor in
Kadambari – portrayal of forest in the epic, Ramayana which again underlines the
significance of forests – how Rama and his companions valued forests – nature
not only as a source which supplies all the necessities for humanity but as a source
to realise his soul beyond himself – functions of forests – spiritual musings
regarding forests.
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 2. Illustrate how various writers have presented their ecological concerns, as
exemplified by Tagore.
Answer: (Points to be included) Writers all over the world have presented nature
and its myriad dimensions through their works – significance of forests is evident
in the ancient Indian works – epics, works of Kalidasa, etc. – Shakespeare, Milton,
British Romantic poets, etc. are other examples – concept of the forest as an image
of ideal perfection is a recurrent theme in India’s classical literature – forest, land
and sea as major images in literary works - Kalidasa and his works as examples –
image of the ‘hermitage’ in Shakuntala, nature and its images in Ritusamhara,
forest as a metaphor in Kadambari – portrayal of forest in the epic, Ramayana
which again underlines the significance of forests – how Rama and his
companions valued forests – nature as a source which supplies all the necessities
for humanity – works of Shakespeare and Milton – forest and its spiritual presence
in the works.

1.3 Food Resources and Food Chain

Context

The poem, “Trophic Cascade”, by Camille T. Dungy deals with the reemergence of species
in the wake of the reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park. The term,
“trophic” refers to the relationships between species in a food chain or web. Trophic cascade
is an ecological phenomenon often cause by the addition or removal of top predators and
involving reciprocal changes in the relative populations of predator and prey through a food
chain, which often results in dramatic changes in ecosystem structure and nutrient cycling.

In a three-level food chain, an increase (or decrease) in carnivore animals cause a decrease
(or increase) in herbivores and an increase (or decrease) in primary producers such as plants
and phytoplankton. For example, in eastern North America the removal of wolves (Canis
lupus) has been associated with an increase in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and
a decline in plants eaten by the deer. American zoologist Robert Paine coined the term
trophic cascade in 1980 to describe reciprocal changes in food webs caused by experimental
manipulations of top predators.

Answer the following questions in a sentence.

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1) The poem speaks about the trophic cascade at Yellow Stone National Park in 1995

2) Which animal species was reintroduced according to the poet?

Gray Wolves

3) Who culled the deer fawns?

Reintroduced wolves culled the overabundant deer population

4) Name four birds which returned as a result of the trophic cascade.

Hawk, falcon, bald eagle, kestrel

5) Who sang the night song?

The night song of the fathers of tadpoles

II Answer the following in about fifty words

1) Discuss the significance of the title Trophic cascade?

Trophic cascade is an ecological phenomenon triggered by the addition or removal of top
predators and involving reciprocal changes in the relative populations of predator and prey
through a food chain, which often results in dramatic changes in ecosystem structure and
nutrient cycling. The poem speaks about the trophic cascade at Yellow Stone National Park
in 1995. Reintroduced wolves culled the overabundant deer population followed by many
other changes.

2) Comment on the ending of the poem Trophic cascade?

The title poem exemplifies this as it describes the reintroduction of gray wolves at
Yellowstone National Park. Reintroduced wolves culled the overabundant deer population.
But what is most striking about this poem is how Dungy talks about how she reintroduced
herself, that all the changes occurred to Mother Nature because of the intervention of one
hungry animal, i.e gray wolves. In the same way being a mother in poet’s life is a form of
reintroduction to herself and after which life was never the same. Therefore we can say that
the poet concludes the poem in an eco-feminist way.

III) Answer the following in about hundred words

1)The passive restoration of the ecosystem and trophic cascade?

Passive restoration means simply allowing natural succession to occur in an ecosystem after
removing a source of disturbance and Trophic cascade is an ecological phenomenon
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triggered by the addition or removal of top predators. Here it is the introduction of grey
wolves in Yellostone national park in 1995. Reintroduced wolves culled the overabundant
deer population followed by many other changes. (students can add pints from essay)

2) What is food web?

Food web is an important ecological concept. Basically, food web represents feeding
relationships within a community. It also implies the transfer of food energy from its source
in plants through herbivores to carnivores. There are two types of food chains: the grazing
food chain, beginning with autotrophs, and the detrital food chain, beginning with dead
organic matter. In a grazing food chain, energy and nutrients move from plants to the
herbivores consuming them, and to the carnivores or omnivores preying upon the herbivores.
In a detrital food chain, dead organic matter of plants and animals is broken down by
decomposers, e.g., bacteria and fungi, and moves to detritivores and then carnivores.

|V) Write essays in about 300 words on the following topics.

1) Explain the idea of trophic cascade and comment on the changes that happened after the
same at yellowstone? OR 2) Man's intervention in the ecosystem for a positive change as
explained in trophic cascade?

Nature, motherhood, and racial violence intersect in Camille T. Dungy’s poem Trophic
Cascade. In Trophic Cascade, Dungy signals her commitment to the small, the grieving, and
the interconnectedness of our world. Camille T. Dungy catalogues the reemergence of
species in the wake of the reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park. In
ecology, “trophic” refers to the relationships between species in a food chain or web. While
in some respects this is both a list poem and a nature poem, it builds (or cascades) with such
a “degree of motion and momentum” that it becomes something more. Dungy mimics the
kind of rhythmic swells leading to a break at the end of her line that one sees or hears in an
ocean tide, and it’s the kind of rhythm and cadence the poet says she wants to achieve in her
poems. The title poem exemplifies this as it describes the reintroduction of gray wolves at
Yellowstone National Park. Reintroduced wolves culled the overabundant deer population,
and the positive results rippled out to other species, which Dungy catalogues in a rapturous
listing of returning “weasel and water shrew,” “hawk shadow, falcon shadow,” “water
striders,” and “the night song of the fathers / of tadpoles.” Removal of a top predator from
the food chain creates irretrievable changes in the food chain. Reintroduced wolves culled
the overabundant deer population and birds like Hawk, falcon, bald eagle, kestrel returned as
a result of the trophic cascade. Now many animals at the park are not ‘rummaged’ or

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controlled by anything, they get plenty of food. Cherry trees started to grow again which
brought back bears. Others animals like beavers, musk rats too arrived; night song of the
fathers of tadpoles. But what is most striking about this poem is how Dungy talks about how
she reintroduced herself, that all the changes occurred to Mother Nature because of the
intervention of one hungry animal, i.e gray wolves. In the same way being a mother in poet’s
life is a form of reintroduction to herself and after which life was never the same. Poet
concludes the poem in an eco-feminist way. Here, and throughout Trophic Cascade, Dungy
reminds us of our place, permanently connected to the world around us. Her poems shake us
awake to the rippling effects of the choices we make each day.

Unit 2 Natural Resources and their Conservation

Important Points

 Natural resources
 Interconnections of all natural resources
 Biodiversity
 Conservations of biodiversity
 Threats to biodiversity
 Co-habitation

Introduction

Natural resources are the basis of life on earth. They are called natural resources
because they cannot be created artificially, but rather exist naturally. We can divide them into
two groups exhaustible (not reusable) and inexhaustible (reusable).

E.g., water, land , soil, vegetation ,fossil fuels and minerals

2.1 An Extract from Silent Spring

A Fable for Tomorrow

It is an extract from Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (the first book of its kind that
describes the severe problems created by the over usage of pesticides and predicts the
possibilities of man- made environmental hazards).

At the beginning, she described a very beautiful place in central part of America. A
mysterious disease that spread over the whole place destroyed the peaceful atmosphere. The

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life became miserable and the death toll increased. At last they realized that the white powder
which was widely used by farmers for controlling pests created all these diseases.

In the conclusion part writer pointed out that the story was not real. But she warned
that over usage of pesticides would cause such disasters in anywhere .

Answer the following questions

1. What is the basis of life?

Natural resources are the basis of life.

2. What are natural resources?

Water, land, soils , rocks ,vegetation ,fossil fuels and minerals are natural resources.

3. Does Carson say that the town exist?

No .The town does not exist.

4. Where is the fable set?

The fable set in an imaginary town in America.

5. What happened to the town?

The whole town was spread by mysterious maladies (diseases)

6. How are natural resources interconnected?

Natural resources cannot be created artificially, but rather created naturally. They are
connected to each other in one way or another the increase and decrease in one of them will
directly or indirectly affect the quantity and quality of others.

7.How does Carson describe the vegetation of the town before the blight?

The town had many prosperous farms, with fields of grain and hillsides of orchards
where in spring, bloomed with white flowers. In autumn , oak ,maple and birch set up a blaze
of colour that flamed and flickered across a backdrop of pines.

8.What happened to the birds?

The feeding stations in the backyards were deserted. The few birds seen anywhere
were moribund(stagnant) ; they trembled violently and could not fly .It was a spring without
voices .The fine voices of robins, catbirds ,doves, jays, wrens and many other birds were
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disappeared and only silence laid over the fields ,woods and marsh.On the farms the hens
brooded ,but no chicks hatched.

7.Why were there no anglers?

The streams in the town were almost lifeless. Anglers no longer visited them, for all
the fish had died.

8. What happened to the animals?

Animals were unable to give birth healthy offspring .The litters were small and the
young survived only a few days.

9. What is greenhouse effect?

Transparent gases of the atmosphere allow sunlight to warm the earth‘s surface, and
then prevent the warmth from escaping back into space. Like the inside of a green house, the
earth is thus warmer because of this effect than it would be if the atmosphere did not hold
heat. Carbon dioxide and other gases that constitute only less than one percentage of the
atmosphere’s volume, are responsible for this heat-trapping effect.

10. What are right-to-know laws?

Right-to-know laws are referred as regulations that require the disclosure of

information about hazardous materials used,stored,emitted or disposed of in a
community,when requested by local authorities or citizens.

11. What are the major threats to natural resources?

Over population leading to over exploitation

Climate change and global warming

Environmental pollution

Unscientific use of land and development

Intensive agricultural practices

12. Describe the town before the blight?

The town had many prosperous farms, with fields of grain and hillsides of orchards
where in spring, bloomed with white flowers. In autumn , oak ,maple and birch set up a blaze
of colour that flamed and flickered across a backdrop of pines. Then foxes barked in the hills

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and dear silently crossed the fields. Along the roads, laurel, viburnum, alder, ferns and
wildflowers delighted the travellers through much of the year. Even in winter the road sides
were places of beauty ,where countless birds came to feed on the berries and on the seed
heads of the dried weeds rising above the snow. The countryside was famous for the
abundance and variety of its bird life and in the spring and fall seasons the place was visited
by several migrant birds .Several people came to see the birds, some of them came to fish
from the fresh streams, which flowed out of the hill.

13. Describe the symptoms of the malady that hit the town.

The flocks of chickens, the cattle and sheep sickened and died. The doctors had
become puzzled by new kinds of sickness appearing among their patients. There had been
several sudden and unexplained deaths, not only among adults but even among children.
Hens brooded but no chicks hatched .The litters (young ones of animals) were small and
survived only a few days.

13. What is the prophesy that Carson makes at the end?

Carson commented that the town which she described in her book ,was not actually
existed, but in and outside America there would be chances to find a thousand of such places.
She warns that every one of these disasters has actually happened somewhere, and many real
communities have already suffered a substantial number of them. Over usage of pesticides as
a grim spectre, has crept upon us almost unnoticed, and this imagined tragedy may easily
become a reality.

2.2 Biodiversity

1. What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living beings on the earth.It includes ecosystems,
plants ,animals and micro-organisms. It also refers to the abundance of various species living
in a specific region.

2. What are the three elements in a biodiversity?

Genetic diversity, Ecosystem diversity and species diversity.

3. What is “Evil Quartet”?

Jared Diamond in 2006 identified the Evil Quartet which leads to the destruction and
extinction of species. They are Overkill, Habit destruction, Secondary extinction and
Introduced species.

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4. When was the UN biodiversity Decade observed?

2011-2020

5. How big was the land owned by the narrator?

The narrator owned two acres of land

6. Who were the first other inheritors to enter the land?

Birds and butterflies are the first other inheritors to enter.

7. Why can’t the snake go to the neighbouring plots?

The owners of the neighbouring plots will harm the snake. So it can’t go to the
neighbouring plots.

8. What happened one night?

A big centipede trespassed into writer’s house.

9. Why did the government banned rat poison?

The government banned the selling of rat poison as many used it for easy suicide.

10. Who come to shoot the bat?

Maternal cousin of writer’s wife.

11. What is Biofilm?

A thin layer of one or more types of microorganisms adhering to the surface of a

structure, which may be organic or inorganic, together with the polymers that they secrete.

12. What is the relevance of biodiversity?

It maintains the balance of ecosystem and provide biological resources.It also acts as
a source for recreation ,education and research.It is very much linked to human life as source
of food,medicines and industrial materials.

13. What are the adverse factors identified by Edward Wilson?

The adverse factors as identified by Wilson are climate change, invasive species
,pollution, human over population, over harvesting, genetic pollution as a result of
uncontrolled hybridization and gene swamping.

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14. What is Alien Species?

A species( plants, animals or micro organisms) thatis introduced by humans,

accidentally or intentionally, outside of its historically known natural geographic range into
an area where it is not naturally present. It is often introduced as a result of the globalization
of economies, for instance by trade via ships, shipment of wood products infested with
insects, or the transport of ornamental plants that then establish themselves into the wild and
spread. Alien Species caused serious negative consequences for their new environment. Also
known as an exotic or introduced species.

E.g., Siam weed, locally known as “Communist Pacha ” and Acacia

15.What happened when the narrator met a snake?

A snake suddenly appeared the narrator’s two acre plot. It was a horrible cobra. It
raises its head, spreading its hood. The very thought of its poison removed the idea of co-
living with the snake from the narrator’s mind. He asked it to go away and told it had no
right to live there. At last the writer agreed the right of the snake as a being to live anywhere
in this globe but he alerted himself on the matter of careful walking on the plot and keeping
a torch with him at night. A bit later the snake withdrew its hood and retreated. The dog
pursued ,barking. The snake disappeared through a hole in the fence.

16.What does the wife find when she cleans the house?

Spiders, lizards, chameleons, rat, scorpions, termites, crickets and ants filled
everywhere inside the house. Books and clothes were eaten by termites. The electric wire to
the radio was snapped by the rats.

17.How did the wife manage to get rat poison?

The government banned the selling of rat poison as many used it for easy suicide. So
special sanction from the government was necessary for buying rat poison. Wife got rat
poison through her friend and she got it for the wife from her husband’s office.

18. What all steps were taken to keep the bats away from the coconuts?

At night bats came in battalions and made long inroads and drank the juice of tender
coconuts. Several ways are tried to solve the bat problem. Coconuts were covered with

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prickly and stinging creepers. Plosives and crackers were used during late evenings. Palm
trees were beaten with reeds, stones and broken iron bottles for sound effects that drove off
bats. Scarecrows with full-sleeved shirts had begun to appear at palm tops. But all that and
even howling, wild roaring and throwing stones failed to ward off the bats.

19.What is the level of extinction predicted by the experts?

Climate change, invasive species ,pollution, human over population, over harvesting,
genetic pollution as a result of uncontrolled hybridization and gene swamping are the chief
factors which lead to large level extinction. Experts forecast large scale extinction of various
species ,unless drastic steps for preservation and conservation of biodiversity are taken up.
The IUCN warns that almost one third of all known species are threatened with extinction. It
is even predicted that 25 percentage of all mammals might become extinct within the next 20
years.

20..Describe the vegetation in the land owned by the narrator in The Inheritors of the Earth

In the two acre plot of narrator is filled with mango and jack trees. Also guava,
cashew, sapodilla and custard apple and a large number of coconut trees. Moreover ,trees
like teaks and pines too. The front yard is outlined by flower plants like the champaka.Two
sides of the gate are guarded by blossomed bougainvillea. From the gate to the front door all
over the courtyard, there is bright white sand. A fiery dog guards the house and the plot.
Domestic dependents such as goats, cats, cows and fowls are other beings in the land owned
by the narrator.

21.Who all are identified as inheritors of the plot?

Birds and butterflies are the first to enter. Crows, squirrels, kites, mongooses and
jackals are in plenty. Snakes and centipedes are there. Spiders, lizards, chameleons,
scorpions, termites,ants,cockroaches,crickets,beetles,flies,fire-flies,mosquitoes,bed-bugs and
rats are everywhere inside the house. Domestic dependents such as goats, cats, cows and
fowls are also there. At night bats come in battalions for drinking the juice of tender
coconuts. Writer is against killing all these creatures. According to him they are the real
inheritors of this earth.

22.What happened when they tried to shoot the bats?

Several ways were tried to solve the bat problem but all were in vain. Writer’s wife
sought the help of her maternal cousin and who came with a huge, costly gun. They decided
to shoot down all about three thousand bats hang at the two pipals of a nearby temple within
two or three days. Wife and her friend escorted the gunman but they returned with
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disappointment. The residents in the temple premises, about three hundred of them, encircled
them. They said that if they attempted to kill the bat, they would tear them to pieces. To the
residents bats were the souls of their departed forefathers hanging on papal trees. Shooting
them was sacrilege.

23.What is the role of biodiversity and why should it preserved?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living beings on the earth. It includes ecosystems,
plants ,animals and micro-organisms. It also refers to the abundance of various species living
in a specific region. There are three elements in a biodiversity: genetic diversity, ecosystem
diversity and species diversity and recently molecular diversity is also added to this category.

It maintains the balance of ecosystem and provide biological resources. It also acts as
a source for recreation ,education and research.It is very much linked to human life as source
of food,medicines and industrial materials.

Jared Diamond in 2006 identified the Evil Quartet which leads to the destruction and
extinction of biodiversity. They are Overkill, Habit destruction, Secondary extinction and
Introduced species. The adverse factors as identified by Wilson are climate change, invasive
species, pollution, human over population, over harvesting, genetic pollution as a result of
uncontrolled hybridization and gene swamping. Climate change, invasive species, pollution,
human over population, over harvesting, genetic pollution as a result of uncontrolled
hybridization and gene swamping are the chief factors which lead to large level extinction.
Experts forecast large scale extinction of various species ,unless drastic steps for preservation
and conservation of biodiversity are taken up. The IUCN warns that almost one third of all
known species are threatened with extinction.it is even predicted that 25 percentage of all
mammals might become extinct within the next 20 years.

Biodiversity is of great importance in order to maintain stable ecosystems. An

ecosystem is a group of life forms that live together in a balanced and stable community. If
there is a sudden change in that community’s environment, the balance of the community
may change which may cause it to be destroyed.

The destruction of ecosystems can have a very serious effect both on local and global
levels. Rainforests, for example, contribute both to the process of soil formation and help to
regulate the climate through photosynthesis – both producing oxygen and absorbing carbon
dioxide. Wetlands act as sponge-like reservoirs in dry weather and help to filter and purify
water. Coral reefs and mangrove swamps protect the land that they surround by reducing the
effects of erosion. The destruction of rainforest causes erosion, loss of valuable species and
changes in climate.

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 Biodiversity and the protection of our ecosystems is also important to us all as
individuals. Human beings like to live in a varied natural environment with open spaces to
walk and play in, trees for shade, colourful flowers, clean water for swimming and paddling,
birds and animals. What would our world be like without trees? There is also an ethical side
to maintaining biodiversity. Many people feel that it is their duty to pass on the same natural
world to their children that they have enjoyed. Some argue that species themselves have their
own value and right to exist whether humans need them or not. Our landscapes also reflect
our history and contribute to our sense of belonging and our natural world has inspired our
imagination, poetry and art for thousands of years.

When developing new medicines. Modern researchers are looking more and more
towards our natural biological resources. Many animal and plant species have been useful in
the past for finding new treatments and cures. One of the most famous examples is digitalin
which is derived from the foxglove and is used to treat heart conditions. Another is
vincristine, taken from the rosy periwinkle of Madagascar and used to treat childhood
leukemia. Many more medicines have been derived from species found in rainforest areas
and it is possible that many species could hold the answer to future medical cures – so the
more species that are conserved, the more chance there is of discovering something of
medical value.

Thus it is essential that biodiversity, the magnificent gift of Mother Nature should be
preserved, so that life on this earth continues in its varied and beautiful forms. Organizations
and nations to come together to frame policies to sustain biodiversity, and individuals should
ensure the enforcement and implementation of these policies so that the life on earth goes on
and the earth retains its uniqueness.

24.Write a Critical summary of the story The Inheritors of the Earth.

“Beypore Sultan” Vaikom Muhammad Basheer was a freedom fighter, and

Malayalam writer who wrote short fiction, novels, and also many of his works were made
motion pictures.

No other writer in Malayalam made such rapport with the readers as Basheer did. His
conversational style of writing, often used with the dialect commonly used by ordinary
people, made his work popular. People could identify with the caricatures that he had made
with his pen, and often those names such as Aanavari Raman Nair, PonkurisuThoma,
MandanMuthappa, EttukaaliMammoonju, OttakkannanPokkar etc became household names.

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 “The Rightful Inheritors of the Earth” (BhoomiyudeAvakasikal) by Vaikom
Muhammad Basheer is a short narrative in which the author talks about the need to consider
the other animals also as part of this earth, as they are the rightful inheritors of the earth. The
narrative progresses through a situation faced by the narrator and his wife after they started
living in the newly bought house and surrounding land. The problem encountered by them
was that their coconuts were eaten by some animals. Later they identified that bats are the
real culprits. Narrator’s wife, with the help of her cousin, thought of killing the bats. They
identified that the bats came from the nearby temple. They went to kill the bats using a gun.
But they were chased by the local people as it is believed that bats are the souls of their
forefathers.

The story concludes with the narrator saying that although bats cannot be considered
as the reincarnation of our forefathers, they definitely have a right to reside on this earth. The
words of the author may remind us of an age-old concept in ancient India, that
of vasudhaivakutumbakam, ‘vasudha’ being ‘the earth’, and ‘kutumbakam’ means family. In
other words, the whole world is a family, including the animals.

2.3 Conservation of Natural Resources

1.What is conservation?

Conservation refers to the practices undertaken to nurture and preserve natural resources so
that diversuty of life forms is preserved for the future.

2. What is the golden rule in natral resouce conservation?

Minimising the use reducing waste is the golden rule

3.what is IUCN

International Union for Conservation of Nature

4. How does the tree come back to life according to Gieve Patel?

a simple jab of the knife cannot kill a tree. The place from where the tree is cut will give out
sap and once the wound heals, new branches and leaves will grow from it which will develop
into trees.

5.What does he mean by “the strength of the tree exposed”

“the strength of the tree exposed” means that upon being uprooted, the most sensitive and
important part of the tree i.e. the roots will no longer remain hidden in the Earth.

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6. Sustainable development

When the environment is used for development without damaging the resources, ensuring
their availability for the future, it is called sustainable development. Sustainable forestry
practices include leaving fallen trees to decay, recycling and choosing alternative materials
like bamboo instead.

7. Biodiversity hotspots

Norman Myers introduced the concept called biodiversity hotspots in 1988. It is a

biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with
destruction. There are 4 biodiversity hotspots in India: the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the
Indo-Burma region and Sundaland, including the Nicobar group of Islands.

8.What is Social-Ecological system?

A system that includes societal and ecological subsystems in mutual interactions and thus
captures the interactions between ecosystems, biodiversity and peoples.

9. Conservation of environment

Business concerns, international and local oranizations and governments are involved in the
efforts. The United Nations World Wildlife Fund, IUCN, zoos and Botanical gardens etc
help in the conservation and preservation on natural resources. NGO s and individuals also
contribute by preadin awareness.

9. A critical summary of the poem On Killing a Tree?

“On Killing a Tree” is a sensitive poem. The poet persuades the reader not to destroy trees
and equates it with “killing” a human being. He says that a plant takes sunlight, water, air
and nutrients from the soil to gradually become a huge tree. It develops a strong trunk and
gets numerous leaves.
Merely cutting the trunk of the tree does not kill it. When a tree is cut, the sap flows out just
like a wounded man bleeds. Once the wound heals, new branches and tiny leaves grow from
there which grow into trees.
In order to destroy a tree, it has to be uprooted. The roots which are white in colour and are
damp due to the moisture that they get from the soil are hidden in a pit in the Earth. These
roots are the most sensitive part of the tree as they bind it to the earth. In order to kill the
tree, these roots have to be detached from the soil.
Once the roots are detached, the tree starts dying, It withers, dries up with the action of heat
and wind, twists, hardens and finally, dies.

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On Killing a Tree by Gieve Patel depicts a series of qualities in varying manners, including
resilience, selfishness, arrogance, growth, and nurturing. These concepts are presented in
various lights, all with the idea of the “tree” as a driving force. This “tree,” though it begins
as something to be admired for its “strength,” changes in circumstance to become something
worth pity since it ends while what it used and took for granted continues around it.

Literary devices in the poem

1. No rhyme scheme is there in the poem. It is written in free verse. There is no rhyme or
rhythm.
2. Enjambment:
When one sentence continues into two or more lines.
Not a simple jab of the knife
Will do it. It has grown
Slowly consuming the earth
Rising out of it, feeding
Upon its crust, absorbing
Years of sunlight, air, water,
And out of its leprous hide
Sprouting leaves.
The most sensitive, hidden
For years inside the earth.
3. Metaphor: indirect comparison
Leprous hide - the uneven colour of the surface of the trunk of a tree is compared to the skin
of a person suffering from leprosy.
Bleeding bark - the sap coming out of tree where it is cut is compared to the bleeding from
the wound in a human’s body.
4. Alliteration: repetition of a consonant sound in 2 or more closely places words.
Bleeding bark - ‘b’ sound
White and wet - ‘w’ sound
5. Repetition: a word or sentence is repeated to lay emphasis on it.
‘Pulled out’ is repeated

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3.1 Non Biodegradable Waste

1)What is a non biodegradable waste?

Non-Biodegradable wastes are those that cannot break down or degrade for many years. ...
Examples of non-biodegradable wastes are plastics, glasses, metals, toxic chemicals, toxins,
plastic products like plastic bags, grocery bags, plastic containers, and plastic water bottles
are also non-biodegradable.

2) How does non biodegradable waste affect the environment?

The microorganisms that break it down can cause disease and produce harmful gases. Non-
biodegradable materials are often synthetic products like plastic, glass and batteries. Because
they don't break down easily, if not disposed of properly, non-biodegradable waste can cause
pollution, block drains and harm animals.

3)What are the harmful effects of non biodegradable waste?

There are many hazardous issues that result due to generation of non-biodegradable wastes.

These are:

Clogging of drain.

Soil destruction.

Biomagnification of mercury, DDT and other chemicals in the body.

Air pollution. Land pollution.

Water pollution.

Ecological imbalance.

Death of cattle due to ingestion of plastics.

4)Is there a biodegradable plastic?

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Biodegradable plastics are made from all-natural plant materials. These can include corn oil,
orange peels, starch, and plants. Traditional plastic is made with chemical fillers that can be
harmful to the environment when released when the plastic is melted down.

5) zero waste management

Zero Waste is a set of principles focused on waste prevention that encourages the redesign of
resource life cycles so that all products are reused. The goal is for no trash to be sent to
landfills, incinerators, or the ocean. Currently, only 9% of plastic is actually recycled.

6) Plastic pollution (essay)

Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects and particles (e.g. plastic bottles, bags
and microbeads) in the Earth's environment that adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat,
and humans. Plastics that act as pollutants are categorized into micro-, meso-, or macro
debris, based on size. Plastics are inexpensive and durable, and as a result levels of plastic
production by humans are high. However, the chemical structure of most plastics renders
them resistant to many natural processes of degradation and as a result they are slow to
degrade. Together, these two factors have led to a high prominence of plastic pollution in the
environment.

Plastic pollution can afflict land, waterways and oceans. It is estimated that 1.1 to 8.8 million
tonnes of plastic waste enters the ocean from coastal communities each year. Living
organisms, particularly marine animals, can be harmed either by mechanical effects, such as
entanglement in plastic objects, problems related to ingestion of plastic waste, or through
exposure to chemicals within plastics that interfere with their physiology. Effects on humans
include disruption of various hormonal mechanisms.

As of 2018, about 380 million tonnes of plastic is produced worldwide each year. From the
1950s up to 2018, an estimated 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic has been produced worldwide, of
which an estimated 9% has been recycled and another 12% has been incinerated.This large
amount of plastic waste enters the environment, with studies suggesting that the bodies of
90% of seabirds contain plastic debris. In some areas there have been significant efforts to
reduce the prominence of free range plastic pollution, through reducing plastic consumption,
litter cleanup, and promoting plastic recycling.

Some researchers suggest that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans by
weight.

Types of plastic debris

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There are three major forms of plastic that contribute to plastic pollution: microplastics as
well as mega- and macro-plastics. Mega- and micro plastics have accumulated in highest
densities in the Northern Hemisphere, concentrated around urban centers and water fronts.
Plastic can be found off the coast of some islands because of currents carrying the debris.
Both mega- and macro-plastics are found in packaging, footwear, and other domestic items
that have been washed off of ships or discarded in landfills. Fishing-related items are more
likely to be found around remote islands. These may also be referred to as micro-, meso-, and
macro debris.

Plastic debris is categorized as either primary or secondary. Primary plastics are in their
original form when collected. Examples of these would be bottle caps, cigarette butts, and
microbeads. Secondary plastics, on the other hand, account for smaller plastics that have
resulted from the degradation of primary plastics.

Microdebris

Microdebris is plastic pieces between 2 mm and 5 mm in size. Plastic debris that starts off as
meso- or macrodebris can become microdebris through degradation and collisions that break
it down into smaller pieces. Microdebris is more commonly referred to as nurdles. Nurdles
are recycled to make new plastic items, but they easily end up released into the environment
during production because of their small size. They often end up in ocean waters through
rivers and streams. Microdebris that come from cleaning and cosmetic products are also
referred to as scrubbers. Because microdebris and scrubbers are so small in size, filter-
feeding organisms often consume them.

Nurdles enter the ocean by means of spills during transportation or from land based sources.
The Ocean Conservancy reported that China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam
dump more plastic in the sea than all other countries combined. It is estimated that 10% of
the plastics in the ocean are nurdles, making them one of the most common types of plastic
pollution, along with plastic bags and food containers. These micro-plastics can accumulate
in the oceans and allow for the accumulation of Persistent Bio-accumulating Toxins such as
bisphenol A, polystyrene, DDT, and PCB's which are hydrophobic in nature and can cause
adverse health effects.

A 2004 study by Richard Thompson from the University of Plymouth, UK, found a great
amount of microdebris on the beaches and waters in Europe, the Americas, Australia, Africa,
and Antarctica.[5] Thompson and his associates found that plastic pellets from both domestic
and industrial sources were being broken down into much smaller plastic pieces, some
having a diameter smaller than human hair. If not ingested, this microdebris floats instead of
being absorbed into the marine environment. Thompson predicts there may be 300,000
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plastic items per square kilometre of sea surface and 100,000 plastic particles per square
kilometre of seabed. International pellet watch collected samples of polythene pellets from
30 beaches from 17 countries which were then analysed for organic micro-pollutants. It was
found that pellets found on beaches in America, Vietnam and southern Africa contained
compounds from pesticides suggesting a high use of pesticides in the areas.

Macrodebris.

Plastic debris is categorized as macrodebris when it is larger than 20 mm. These include
items such as plastic grocery bags.Macrodebris are often found in ocean waters, and can have
a serious impact on the native organisms. Fishing nets have been prime pollutants. Even after
they have been abandoned, they continue to trap marine organisms and other plastic debris.
Eventually, these abandoned nets become too difficult to remove from the water because
they become too heavy, having grown in weight up to 6 tonnes.

Effects on the environment

The distribution of plastic debris is highly variable as a result of certain factors such as wind
and ocean currents, coastline geography, urban areas, and trade routes. Human population in
certain areas also plays a large role in this. Plastics are more likely to be found in enclosed
regions such as the Caribbean. It serves as a means of distribution of organisms to remote
coasts that are not their native environments. This could potentially increase the variability
and dispersal of organisms in specific areas that are less biologically diverse. Plastics can
also be used as vectors for chemical contaminants such as persistent organic pollutants and
heavy metals.

Serious Effects of Plastic Pollution

It seems rather obvious that this amount of a material that isn’t meant to break down can
wreak havoc on natural environments, leading to long-term issues for plants, animals, and
people. Some of the major long-term effects of plastic pollution are:

1. It Upsets the Food Chain

Because it comes in sizes large and small, polluting plastics even affect the world’s tiniest
organisms such as plankton. When these organisms become poisoned due to plastic
ingestion, this causes problems for the larger animals that depend on them for food. This can
cause a whole slew of problems, each step further along the food chain. Plus, it means that
plastic is present in the fish that many people eat every day.

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2. Groundwater Pollution

Water conservation is already a concern in places ranging from California to parts of India,
but the world’s water is in great danger because of leaking plastics and waste. If you’ve ever
seen a garbage dump, imagine what happens every time it rains – then imagine that being in
your drinking water. Groundwater and reservoirs are susceptible to leaking environmental
toxins.

Most of the litter and pollution affecting the world’s oceans also derives from plastics. This
has had terrible consequences on many marine species, which can lead to consequences for
those that eat fish and marine life for nutrients – including people

3. Land Pollution

When plastic is dumped in landfills, it interacts with water and forms hazardous chemicals.
When these chemicals seep underground, they degrade the water quality. The wind carries
and deposits plastic from one place to another, increasing the land litter. It can also get stuck
on poles, traffic lights, trees, fences, towers, etc. and animals that may come in the vicinity
and might suffocate them to death.

4. Air Pollution

Burning of plastic in the open air leads to environmental pollution due to the release of
poisonous chemicals. The polluted air when inhaled by humans and animals affects their
health and can cause respiratory problems.

5. It Kills Animals

Despite countless TV ads over the years showing ducks or dolphins trapped in six-ring
plastic can holders, these items are still used and discarded en masse each day. Whether
because the mass of plastic has displaced animals or the related toxins have poisoned them,
plastic pollution does a lot of damage to the world’s ecosystems.

6. It is Poisonous

Man artificially makes plastic by using a number of toxic chemicals. Therefore, the use of
and exposure to plastics has been linked to a number of health concerns affecting people
around the world. The processes of making, storing, disposing of, and just being around
plastics can be extremely harmful to living things.

7. It is Expensive

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It costs millions of dollars each year to clean affected areas after exposure, not to mention the
loss of life to plants, animals, and people. As land becomes more valuable, just finding a
place to put garbage is becoming a problem in many parts of the world.

Plus, excess pollution leads to decreased tourism in affected areas, significantly impacting
those economies.

I. Answer the following questions in a sentence.

1. Why is the poem dedicated to the people of Peringome?

The poem is dedicated to the people of Peringome in proclaiming solidarity with them in
their struggle against the proposed nuclear reactor at Peringome Village in Kannur district.

2. Identify the speaker in the poem.

The poem is uttered by grass, the silent witness to murderous crimes.

3. What does the poet mean by the term, 'primal explosion'?

The poet means 'Big Bang' by the term 'primal explosion', which explains the birth of our
earth.

4. Which are the two places mentioned in the poem?

The horrors of radioactive pollution in Hiroshima and Chernobyl are mentioned in the poem.

5. What is a nuclear reactor?

Nuclear reactor is a facility where fissile material is allowed to undergo controlled nuclear
fission so as to release energy.

II. &III. Refer the essay given below for the answers of Section II and III

IV. Write an essay in about 300 words on the following topics.

Consider the poem "Memory of Hiroshima" written by K. Satchidanandan as a piece of

Resistance literature.

Or

How does Satchidanandan present the horrors of radioactive pollution in the poem "Memory
of Hiroshima"?
PG Dept. of English, N.S.S College, Pandalam Page 37
K Satchidanandan is a bilingual poet, critic, playwright, editor and columnist who writes in
English and Malayalam. His poetry is noted for its immediacy, deceptive simplicity, rich
symbolism and subtle irony. He is also an organic intellectual who critically intervenes in
issues of environment, human rights and gender equality, which is evident in the poem
"Memory of Hiroshima".

This poem is dedicated to the people of Peringome in proclaiming solidarity with them in
their struggle against setting up a nuclear reactor with USSR's cooperation at Peringome
village of Kannur district in Kerala. It is written on Hiroshima Day in 1991. The horrors of
radioactive pollution, caused by radioactive waste - a by-product of nuclear fission, in
Hiroshima and Chernobyl are presented in this poem. The poem is uttered by grass, the
survivors of animals, natural calamities and man-made ones and the silent witness to
murderous crimes committed against nature and humanity.

The first stanza graphically presents the human aspects of the gruesome atomic explosion in
Hiroshima in poignant terms. America dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of
Hiroshima in 1945. It resulted in the death of more than a lakh people. In many parts of the
world, Hiroshima day is observed to commemorate that event on August 6th, every year.

When the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, death descended like spring in the valley with
the light of a million suns. The city is full of charcoal, ashes, an orchard of skulls and burnt
kimonos dripping breast milk and blood. There lay the tiny shoes of children who fell dead
on the steps. Darling dolls lay charred on the floor. Fingers that had woven clothes and bread
remained stuck to the stilled machines. Singers and dancers were struck down and lovers
were liquefied. Cherry blossoms dissolved in the heat of the blazing summer. Everything
seemed melted; molten eyes, the molten time on molten clock, molten language stuck to
molten slate.

The stunning imagery of the second stanza evokes the horror and terror experienced by the
people around Chernobyl following the nuclear disaster. Chernobyl is a city in northern
Ukraine, which was a part of the U. S.S.R., where in 1986 a nuclear disaster took place. It is
considered to be the deadliest nuclear power plant accident in the history.

The scenes in Chernobyl were equally heart-rending. There, death did not come bloody like
the knife thrower. Neither did it come dressed like a gentleman. The bitter sun of Hiroshima
descended again like the explosion that gave birth to our earth. The poet means 'Big Bang' by
the term 'primal explosion'. The disaster came one mid-summer night during a festival time.
The singers and dancers became still. Mothers were seen running with their burning children,
still-borns on white beds, tomato fields red with human blood, dead birds fell from trees.
Honey tasted bitter, and pollen and snow became black. Everything was deathly.
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In the concluding part of the poem Sachidanandan exhorts us to wake up and save the world
from the atomic eclipse. The poet inspires the brave peasants to rise up and express their
protest against massacres like those happened in Hiroshima and Chernobyl. He urges the
peasants on to rise up and work hard to make the earth green and lush again. Let the plants
bloom and the rhythm of Nature be restored. Let us not be crushed by the atomic eclipse, and
let us hold aloft the triumphant flag of life. Thus this poem can be considered as a piece of
Resistance literature.

The poet's outcry against the nuclear disasters in Hiroshima and Chernobyl is rooted in his
desire to avert such tragedies in future. The massive destruction of life and the worsening of
conditions of life make the ideal of peace more and more unrealisable. The poet's dissent in
the extortion of the dying earth, its smell and rhythm of life is a positive note to the
humanity. Through this poem Satchidanandan exhorts the entire humanity to bring life and
peace back to earth. Sachidanandan wrote this poem with the purpose of rousing the
conscience of mankind against such disaster.

E is for E-Waste Ellen Banda-Aaku

Ellen Banda-Aaku is aZambianwriter who was born in the UK and grew up in Africa. Her
first novel, Patchwork, is the winner of the 2010 Penguin Prize for African Writing in the
fiction category. E is for E-Wasteis ashort story about protecting the environment for the
future generations.

The story is told from the perspective of a school boy, Saku who wishes to prove his teacher
Mr. North that he is not a dimwit. The class teacher announced in front of the whole class
that even a boy like Saku can do the assignment on ‘Ways to save our planet earth’.Although
this is the characteristic feature of this teacher who provokes students to develop academic
skills, Saku was not happy. This was mainly because of a new student Tasha in the class. In
order to impress Tasha, Saku decides to prove Mr. North that he is a bright student. He thus
prepares himself to write a brilliant assignment on the topic ‘ways to save our planet earth’.

At home, Saku was searching for some points to prepare the assignment. His mother was on
the look out for her documents which was kept on one of the boxes in the garage. The
pathetic condition of the garage was detailed out where: there are boxes, an old fridge, old
freezer, Dad’s old computer, a tricycle, landmower, motor etc. Saku’s mother gets angry with
her husband for not throwing all these rubbish away, and keep the place clean. For this he

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replies this is e-waste which cannot be thrown out as such, because it will pollute the
environment. Sakuinorder to understand more about the new topic gets engaged in the scene.

The angry mother finds no reason in believing Saku’sfather.Saku agrees with his mother’s
words on his father. Saku’s Dad always has a way of complicating everything. In his
mother’s opinion, this is because of his reading of too many books. Therefore Saku didn’t say
anything about the assignment or ask his Dad more about e-waste. He was quite sure that his
father will explain these ideas with the help of big words that Saku won’t understand at all.
Sometimes he will venture on detailing the whole history of saving the environment. Inorder
to avoid this whole encyclopedia, he kept the assignment a secret from the parents and try to
find out ways to impress Tasha and prove Mr North wrong. But in the mean time, he was
preparing ideas in his mind regardin the topic ‘‘ways to save our planet earth’. The following
are the main ideas that Saku presented in front of the class the next day inorder to impress
Tasha therby proving Mr. North wrong.

E-Waste (Electronic waste)

Electronics contain many toxic materials. E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic
products nearing the end of their "useful life." Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos,
copiers, and fax machines are common electronic products. Many of these products can be
reused, refurbished, or recycled. E-waste is any electrical or electronic equipment that’s been
discarded. This includes working and broken items that are thrown in the garbage.
If not properly disposed, toxins from e-waste will leak into the earth and be released into the
air. Just some of these toxic materials include: mercury, lead and cadmium. Electronic waste
poses threats to the Earth and human health.
How can you save our planet Earth

"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle"

• Reduce your generation of e-waste through smart procurement and good

maintenance.
• Reuse still functioning electronic equipment by donating or selling it to someone who
can still use it.
• Recyclethose products that cannot be repaired. Computer monitors, televisions and
other electronic equipment should not be disposed of with regular garbage.

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ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

4.1 UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING NATURAL DISASTER

I.Answer the following questions in a sentence.

1) Which ministry takes care of disaster management in India?

The Ministry of Home Affairs is the Central Ministry of the Government of India for
disaster management. (Page no: 101)

2) Which ministry is the nodal ministry for drought management in India?

Drought management is assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture. (101)

3) Who is the nodal officer for natural disasters in India?

In the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Central Relief Commissioner functions as the
nodal officer and is responsibleto coordinate relief operations for natural disasters.(102)

4) What is the poet’s job in the poem “The Truth About the Floods?”

Through the poem “The Truth about the Floods”, Nissim Ezekiel gives a realistic
picture about the lack of proper disaster management in a flood affected area in India. The
poem is more about the inept administrations and inadequate relief and rehabilitation
measures, than about the havoc caused by the floods. In the poem, the poet’s job is to seek
the truth of the claims related to the disaster management by the government officials.

5) The actions taken beforehand by the community of a disaster-prone area to mitigate the
effects of potential disasters is called Community Preparedness.(114).

II. Answer the following questions in about 50 words.

1) What is the function of CWC?

The Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Indian Meteorological Department
(IMD) provide the information about weather and possibilities of a storm or heavy rain to
the Central Relief Commissioner, who functions as the nodal officer to coordinate relief

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operations for natural disasters. Flood forecasting and warnings are monitored by the
Central Water Commission. The CWC guidelines stress on the flood plain zoning to
mitigate the adverse impacts caused due to flood. The CWC has issued notice to follow the
non-structural measures to cope with flood situations. According to the BBC, the CWC has
only “flood monitoring sites in Kerala”. (102,107,108,109)

2) Define storm surge?

Storm surge can be defined as an unusual rise in sea water level on a coast due to the
action of high winds or storm. It is also known as storm flood, tidal surge or storm tide. It is
a coastal flood or tsunami like situation of rising water commonly associated with low
pressure weather systems.

3) What is precipitation flood?

Floods occur when a large volume of water from heavy rainfall or overflow of a river
is not able to drain off quickly through normal processes of runoff and ground absorption.
There are mainly three types of flood and they are Precipitation flood, Non- precipitation
flood andMan-made flood. Precipitation is the condensation of atmospheric water vapour
that falls to the ground in the form of drizzle, sleet, snow or hail. Precipitation floods
include floods due to heavy rainfall, flash floods due to sudden cloudburst and the melting
of snow. (105,106)

4) What is the role of a District Collector during a disaster?

The District Collector also known as the District Magistrate is the person who
charts and executes all action plans as per the instructions received from the State Crisis
Management Group (SCMG).The District level committee is headed by the District
Collector who coordinates various departments like the Police, Health, and Public Relations
etc. to operate at disaster sites. The District Collector plays an important role in setting up
relief camps and coordinating day to day affairs there. The District Relief Committee under
the leadership of the District Collector establishes a control room, coordinates medical care,
takes steps to prevent epidemics, and interacts with media to give correct updates. (104)

5) What did the poet see at Badapal?

Through the poem “The Truth about the Floods”, Nissim Ezekiel gives a realistic
picture about the lack of proper disaster management in a flood affected area in India. The
poem is more about the inept administrations and inadequate relief and rehabilitation
measures, than about the havoc caused by the floods. The poet describes the pathetic
conditions of the people in many flood affected villages in Odisha. At Badapal, the poet saw
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a village enveloped in despair and heard the wail of hungry children. When he sought the
help of men to organize relief measures, they turned their backs in disagreement until they
were convinced that he was not a government official.

III Answer the following in 100 words each

1) Describe the role of Central Relief Commissioner.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is the Central Ministry of the Government of India for
disaster management and the Central Relief Commissioner functions as the nodal officer who
coordinates relief operations for natural disasters. The Central Water Commission (CWC)
and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) provide the information about weather and
possibilities of a storm or heavy rain to the Central Relief Commissioner. In the event of a
potential threat, the Central Relief Commissioner will convey the matter to the Cabinet
Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Cabinet Secretary of the MHA
will inform the National Crises Management Committee (NCMC) and the central and state
ministries concerned.

2) What is the function of the District Level Disaster Management Committee?

District collector who is also the District Magistrate leads the District Level Disaster
Management Committee by coordinating various departments like the Police, Health, Public
Relations, Fire, Forest, Public Work etc to operate at disaster sites. As per the instructions of
SCMG, District Collector charts out an action plan and the District Relief Committee under
his leadership sets up relief camps, establishes a control room, coordinates medical care,
takes precautions to prevent epidemics and interacts with media to provide updates. Local
legislators are also a part of the District Relief Committee. Ministers of State, MP and MLA
give their suggestions to the District Relief Committee, but District Collector is the person
who executes all action plans. Headed by the Ministry of Home Affairs at the center, the
operations link to the state through State Crisis Management Group and then to the district
through the District Relief Committee. Thus through center-state-district coordination, the
disaster management functions effectively in our country.

3) What steps can be taken to modify the flow of water to prevent a flood?

Floods occur when a large volume of water from heavy rainfall or an overflow of a
river is not able to drain off quickly through normal processes of runoff and ground
absorption. Various methods can be adopted to deal with floods and to mitigate their adverse
impacts. Structural and non-structural measures can be adopted. Non-structural measures are
cost effective whereas structural measuresneed huge amount of investments and engineering

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skills. Modifying the flow of water comes under thenon-structural measures. Modifying land
to allow free flow of water is an adaptable method for preventing water accumulating in an
area. The flow of water is often prevented by the unscientific leveling of land for
construction purposes. The free passage of water is often prevented by plastic waste dumped
in heaps. CWC has issued notice to follow the non-structural measures to cope with flood
situations as the structural measures are highly expensive.

IV. Write an essay in about 300 words.

1) Describe the functions and responsibilities of central and state governments during a
disaster?

According to the World Health Organization a natural disaster “is an act of nature of
such magnitude as to create a catastrophic situation in which the day-to-day patterns of life
are suddenly disrupted and people are plunged in to helplessness and suffering, and, as a
result, need food, clothing, shelter, medical and nursing care and other necessities of life, and
protection against unfavorable environmental factors and conditions.” Natural disasters
include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, hurricanes, floods, wildfires,
heat waves and droughts. They have an immediate impact on human lives and often result in
the destruction of the physical, biological and social environment of the affected people,
thereby having a longer- term impact on their health, well-being and survival.

India has a properly structured system to manage natural disasters. The Ministry of
Home Affairs is the Central Ministry of the Government of India for disaster management
and it collaborates with other departments to coordinate and tackle the situation. Nodal
ministries are assigned to deal with disasters related to their departments and they are
assigned the task of coordinating all activities of the state and district administration. The
Ministry of Home Affairs is the Central Ministry for disaster management and the Central
Relief Commissioner functions as the nodal officer who coordinates relief operations for
natural disasters. The Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Indian Meteorological
Department (IMD) provide the information about weather and possibilities of a storm or
heavy rain to the Central Relief Commissioner. In the event of a potential threat, the Central
Relief Commissioner will convey the matter to the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA) and the Cabinet Secretary of the MHA will inform the National Crises
Management Committee (NCMC) and the central and state ministries concerned. The
Emergency Relief Division (EMRD) under the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs
coordinates with state agencies to operate relief and medical camps.

The state government is responsible for seeking central guidance and coordinating
immediate relief operations in the affected area and the state is responsible for long-term
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preparedness and rehabilitation measures. In a state, the Relief Commissioner is in charge of
relief measures and the state operates through the Revenue Department or the Relief
Department. State Crisis Management Group (SCMG) functions under the leadership of the
Chief Secretary of the State. In some states, the Relief Commissioner heads the SCMG and
the group consists of officers from other departments like Revenue, Forest, Health, Civil
Supplies, Power, Public Work, Information and Public Relationships and Finance. SCMG
functions according to the design charted out by the Central Ministry of Home Affairs and
the group is responsible for coordinating state and district agencies to effectively manage
disasters. In the event of crises, the SCMG establishes an Emergency Operation Centre
commonly called control room and operates by providing updates about weather condition
and the possibilities of heavy rain or storm.The EOC functions as the contact point for
coordinating disaster management efforts. It connects other agencies and effects quick relief
to areas where the calamity has occurred.

District collector who is also the District Magistrate leads the District Level
Disaster Management Committee by coordinating various departments like the Police,
Health, Public Relations, Fire, Forest, Public Work etc to operate at disaster sites. As per the
instructions of SCMG, District Collector charts out an action plan and the District Relief
Committee under his leadership sets up relief camps, establishes a control room, coordinates
medical care, takes precautions to prevent epidemics and interacts with media to provide
updates. Local legislators are also a part of the District Relief Committee. Ministers of State,
MP and MLA give their suggestions to the District Relief Committee, but District Collector
is the person who executes all action plans. Headed by the Ministry of Home Affairs at the
center, the operations link to the state through State Crisis Management Group and then to
the district through the District Relief Committee. Thus through center-state-district
coordination, the disaster management functions effectively in our country.

I.

1. What was the gas that leaked out of the UCC plant at Bhopal?

MIC (Methyl Isocyanate).

2. When did the Bhopal gas tragedy occur?

The gas tragedy occurred on the night of 2 December 1984,in the city of Bhopal,
India.

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3.What led to the gas leakage?

On the night of 2 December 1984, a large volume of water was introduced into the
MIC tank. This caused a chemical reaction that forced the pressure release valve to open
and allowed the poisonous gas to leak, causing the entire tragedy.

4.How will you listen to background sounds while noting down the conversation
between you and the caller?

We should tell the caller that we couldn’t hear his voice properly, thereby making
him repeat the things that he had already said. While he is repeating his sentences, we can
listen to the background noises. If possible, we should record the call.

5. What should you do if you happen to locate the bomb?

We shouldn’t try to touch or diffuse the bomb by ourselves. Instead, we should

call the experts and help others to evacuate the place.

II.

1. Define anthropogenic disaster.

A man-made disaster or anthropogenic disaster is a man-made event, which causes a
sudden or progressive damage to a society.It is an emergency situation of which the
principal direct causes are identifiable human actions, deliberate or otherwise.
2. Why did the survivors of Bhopal gas leakage feel that those who died were lucky?
The survivors of the Bhopal gas tragedy felt that those who died on the eventful night
were lucky because those who lived on after that night had to face the full brunt of the
poisonous gas, in the form of deadly diseases like cancer and the death of dear ones.
Those who died on the fateful night were lucky enough to have ended their sufferings
instantly.
3. What was the reason for the leakage in the Bhopal UCC plant?
The reason for the gas leakage was the introduction of a large volume of water into
the MIC tank, which caused the poisonous gas to escape and spread havoc.

4. Describe the procedure to be followed during a bomb threat.

If the threat is received via phone, we should immediately alert the nearby person to inform
the police. Try recording the call and try to extract the maximum amount of information
from the caller by prompting him gently to speak more. Listen to the background noises of
the call, by making the caller repeat the things that he had already said. These things will
later help the police to trace the caller.The next step is to evacuate the place, by following

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 the evacuation procedure of the institution. If we happen to see the bomb, we should not
touch it or attempt to diffuse it by ourselves. Instead, we should immediately alert the
experts.

5. What are the properties of Methyl Isocyanate?

Methyl isocyanate is a water reactive liquid at room temperature. It is irritating and

corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, causing asthma like allergy. It can also
cause cough, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, excessive tearing (lacrimation), swelling
of the eyes and unconsciousness.

III.
1. Narrate the experiences of the Bhopal victims.
Due to exposure with the poisonous methyl isocyanantegas, people started dying in
the most hideous ways. They vomited uncontrollably, went into convulsions and fell
dead. They ran helter skelter, losing control of their own bodies and getting drowned in
their own body fluids. Many got crushed in the stampedes that ensued. The searing
poisonous gas reduced people to near blindness. Pregnant women spontaneously
miscarried.
2. What are the procedures to be followed in the college laboratory?
We should be well aware about the potential risk factors involved in handling the
chemicals used in our labs. We should have a sound knowledge of theflammability,
corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity of the chemicals in our lab.There should be written
response procedures for the anticipated spills. We should ensure that everyone using the
lab has the equipment and training necessary to follow those procedures. Before using the
lab, we should ensure that all safety equipment and spill cleanup materials are available
and in good working condition. If a spill occurs, the student should inform the teacher or
laboratory assistant.
3. What is the recommended procedure for cleaning up simple spills?
Before attempting to clean up a simple spill, we should have the right personal protective
equipment, including appropriate eye protection, protective gloves and a lab coat. Then
the following steps should be taken during spill cleanup:
1. Prevent the spread of dust and vapors.
2. Neutralize acids and bases.
3. Control the spread of the liquid.
4. Absorb the liquid.
5. Collect and contain the cleanup residues.
6. Dispose of the wastes.

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 7. Decontaminate the area and affected equipment.
8. Document the procedure for future use.
4. What are the procedures to be followed in the event of a bomb threat?
Refer to the earlier answers
4. What are the procedures to be followed in the event of a bomb threat.
Refer to the earlier answers.
5. How will you identify a possible man made threat in your locality?
We should visit the nearby industries and check the safety measures taken by them to
prevent leakage and spillage.Knowledge and awareness about the possible health hazards
in our neighborhood is essential for anticipating and arming ourselves with the necessary
precautions in the event of a casualty.

IV.
1. What is the procedure to be followed in the event of a gas leakage in your college
laboratory?

Refer answer to question no: 3 from section III.

2. What are the safety measures to be taken to prevent gas leakage in

factories and laboratories?

Ensure the availability and maintenance of all equipment including the ones for safety
in the factory. Impart awareness about the possible hazards from the factory to the
employees and those in the vicinity of the factory. Give necessary training to employees
and neighbors to face any anticipated casualties.

4.3 Coping with Personal Emergency Situations

Summary

Just like we prepare for natural or man-made disasters by taking precautions, it is very
important to also be prepared for personal emergencies. Often we can see that people who
have been through a personal emergency situation suffer from nightmares, depression, panic
attacks etc. When something happens to our near or dear ones, it is better to be prepared to
deal with a crisis rather than just look on with stress. There are many ways we can do this.
(i) We can get first aid training so that in case of a medical emergency we will know
what to do.
(ii) A house should be equipped with basic situations.
(iii) Keeping cash reserves and having a good medical insurance plan will cover the
financial part of an emergency.

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 The following extract from the novel Patna Blues by Abdullah Khan shows how Arif Khan
deals with both a medical emergency and a riot situation.

Arif Khan, a young student is sitting in Nehru Park with a blue diary and Diwan-e-
Momin ( book of songs written by Momin Khan Momin, a Mughal poet, also contemporary
of Mirza Ghalib) The park is quite deserted with just a few children. There are many flowers
and also a marble bust of Jawaharlal Nehru. It’s quite chill and windy. A thin old man
wrapped in white shawl accompanied by a tall, thin saree clad lady walk towards him.
Although the woman seems to have been crying Arif finds her very beautiful and as they sit
on a bench he writes two verses about her in his diary. As he looks on he sees the man lose
consciousness and the woman shaking him in an attempt to revive him. She calls out to Arif
for help and as he checks the man’s pulse, Arif realizes he has had a heart attack. He
stretches the old man out and gives him CPR (mouth to mouth resuscitation followed by
chest compressions). He sends the lady for a taxi and as she returns with the taxi driver
(Habib, who is a friend of Arif) he manages to revive the old man. Both Arif and Habib carry
the old man to the taxi and they leave for Patna Medical College) .
On the way the woman is sobbing uncontrollably while rubbing the old man’s palms
and chest and Arif is so moved by her tears that he prays for the old man. Unfortunately they
are stopped by a road barricade near the Dak Bungalow Square where about seventy students
are on strike. There are many vehicles queued up and they find themselves stuck. Arif tries
to reason with them but the students refuse to let the car pass. Arif gets into an argument with
one of the striking students who hits him. The woman begs the students to let Arif go and
they let go of him. When they reach the car they find the old man mumbling and woman
begins chanting the Hanuman Chalisa. Two buses of riot policemen arrive and disperse the
students. Arif reaches the Medical College where the old man is quickly attended to. The
lady thanks Arif for his help and asks his name. It is only then that we get to know that Arif
is a BSc. Honours student in A.N College. He however does not ask the woman her name as
it is impolite to ask an older woman her name.

Exercises

I. Answer the following questions in one sentence.

1. What was the book Arif had in his hand?
Ans. Diwan-e-Momin
2. In what class was Arif studying?
Ans. BSc. Honours
3. What did Arif do when he saw the man was sick?
Ans. Arif administered first aid.

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 4. Expand CPR.
Ans. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
5. Expand STEMI.
Ans. ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
II. Answer the following in about fifty words.
1. What steps did Arif take when he noticed the man was sick?
Ans. Arif first checked the man’s pulse. He then laid him on the ground and
unbuttoned his shirt. He placed his finger below the man’s nose to see if he
was breathing. He opened the old man’s mouth and proceeded to give him
CPR. He began with mouth to mouth resuscitation and then gave chest
compresses.
2. What did Arif write down in his book?
Ans. Arif wrote two verses in Urdu about the woman in his blue diary. The
verses refer to the woman’s black hair and her saree. He describes her body as
made of marble, beautiful but even more beautiful is her face which he
compares to the full moon.
3. How did Arif perform the CPR?
Ans. Arif first laid the man straight on the ground and loosened his clothes. He
opened the man’s mouth, placed a tissue with a hole over it and placed his own
mouth over it. He breathed into the man’s mouth twice but seeing no effect he
placed his left hand on the breast of the man and placed his right over it. He
then pushed down trying to restart his heart.
4. What did Arif do when he saw the road was blocked?
Ans. Although he was scared, he first attempted to reason with the students
who were blocking the road. When he couldn’t see his reasoning having any
effect, he got angry and upset. He got into an argument and physical tussle
with one of them. The lady’s intervention saved him from injury.
5. What is STEMI?
Ans. ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction, this is a complete blockage
of a coronary artery leading to a very severe heart attack often leading to
permanent damage of the heart. People who suffer this often complain of a
tightness in the chest rather than pain in the chest. They also often complain of
pain in both arms, back, neck and even jaw.
III. Answer the following in about a hundred words.
1. What are the likely ways a person will behave while experiencing personal
disasters?
Ans. While dealing with a personal disaster, a person will usually not know
how to handle it. Even though a person may see people around him go through
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 personal problems, he or she never feels that the same fate may befall him or
her so there is a lack of preparedness. The person will go through a lot of
stress and even after the problem is solved, the person may continue to relive
the situation through nightmares, panic attacks and general sense of stress.
2. Describe what Arif did to save the man’s life?
Ans. After laying the man on the ground and loosening his clothing Arif
performed CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on him. He first placed a
tissue with a hole in it over the man’s mouth and breathed into his mouth
twice. Unfortunately the man did not respond and then Arif did chest
compresses. He placed his left hand on the breast of the man and placed his
right over it. He then pushed down trying to restart his heart. He pressed two
inches deep and then released the pressure. He then repeated this till the man’s
heart finally began beating again.

3. How did Arif deal with the riot situation?

Ans. When Arif saw that students had barricaded the road, he became tense
because he knew that trying to convince irate students was not only difficult
but also risky. But when he looked at the lady’s tear filled face, he summoned
courage and walked to the students. He explained that it was medical situation
and a person’s life was at stake but the students refused to listen to him. They
argued that the lives of many students were at stake. At this Arif lost his
temper and told them that what they were doing was illegal. One of the
students hit him but the lady begged them to spare him.
4. What are the steps to be taken when you encounter a person with cardiac
arrest?
Ans. It is important to first check the pulse rate and whether the person is
breathing. Then the next step is to ensure that the person is laid straight and
clothes are loosened. Then CPR can be performed. (write this in detail from
the above answers)
5. What are the precautions to be taken to handle a medical emergency at home?
Ans. In order to handle a medical emergency at home the first step is to keep
ourselves informed about the steps to be taken in such a situation. This can be
done by learning First Aid so that we know how to handle each situation with
a cool head rather than get tense. In the case of heart attacks, choking on food
etc. timely interventions at home are often life saving so learning the basics of
First Aid is essential.
Similarly financially preparing for a medical emergency is also
important. Keeping a cash reserve is essential in case of hospitalization. In
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 today’s world having a good medical insurance policy is also a precautionary
measure.
IV. Answer the following questions in about three hundred words.
1. Comment on the general nature and character of Arif based on what he did to
save a stranger’s life?
Ans. – helpful- good knowledge of first aid- was willing to even accompany
them all the way to the hospital- commitment-risks his life with the protesters-
easily moved by seeing another person’s grief- street smart as he realizes the
arrival of police will clear the way – high social quotient

2. Describe the role of students in spreading awareness about medical

emergencies among local people.
Ans. Students are the future of any nation- can be taught first aid at school-
spread further awareness through campaigns, street plays etc.- create an
awareness about the need for insurance etc.

Language Activities

I. Frame questions so that you get the following answers.

1. Let’s go!
Ans. Shall we go?
2. Please allow us to go.
Ans. What do you want?
What can I /we do for you?
3. They have taken him for some tests.
Ans. Where have they taken him?
4. My name is Arif Khan.
Ans. What is your name?
II. Combine the following sentences using conjunctions.
1. She had been crying. Arif couldn’t help looking at her. (though)
Ans. Though she had been crying, Arif couldn’t help looking at her.
2. She was looking at him worried. Tears had started flowing down her cheeks.
(as)
Ans. Tears had started flowing down her cheeks as she was looking at him
worried.
3. Near Dak Bungalow Square, the car stopped with a jolt. The road ahead was
blocked.
(since)

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 Ans. Since the road ahead was blocked, the car stopped with a jolt near Dak
Bungalow.
4. The old man was muttering something indecipherable. Habib was fanning him
with a folded newspaper. Arif heaved a sigh of relief. (and)
Ans. The old man was muttering something indecipherable, Habib was
fanning him with a newspaper and Arif heaved a sigh of relief.
5. The policemen went after the protesters. Arif saw the students scatter. (as soon
as)
Ans. As soon as the policemen went after the protesters, Arif saw the students
scatter.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

4.4 Disaster Preparedness and Rehabilitation

Answer the following in a sentence

1. Who is in charge of the relief camp?

The district collector, who is the camp officer, will be in charge of the camp. An
assistant camp officer will also be there to assist the camp officer.

2. What is the preferred mode of power supply in a camp?

Proper lighting should be arranged. Generators should be used as power failure

is possible during natural disasters. A trained person should be at the camp to
supervise lighting arrangements.

3. Suggest two ways to warn people about disaster.

Warning signals should be fixed and awareness should be given to people

residing in the locality. Bells can be used as warning signals. The following signals
can be given:
“Ring-gap-ring-gap-ring” indicates a possible threat.
“two rings-gap-two rings –gap-two rings” indicates that people have to leave
their house/ office after the next warning.
Continuous ringing indicates an emergency so that people have to reach the
community shelter immediately.

4. Suggest two ways to engage the inmates of a relief camp.

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 To help the inmates to overcome their trauma, camp administrators can give
them tasks to perform. Educating the adult members in the camp is also a way
to alleviate their anxiety.

5. Suggest one method to dispose biodegradable waste.

The best way to get rid of biodegradable waste is to dig a huge pit and dispose it.
Ensure that the pit is away from the camp and no child can go near it.

Answer the following in around fifty words.

1. What is the need for a neighbourhood directory?

It is very important to create a neighbourhood directory which will help the

camp officer and volunteers to get information about needy people. The
directory should contain the name, address, contact details (telephone number
and Email address) of people in the affected locality. It should also contain
information about children and senior citizens who may be alone at their
homes. Details of people with special needs and disability should be recorded.
It is also essential to prepare a list of skilled people like nurses, doctors and
electricians.

2. How can you effectively use church bell or temple bell to signal an emergency?

Church or temple bells can be used immediate or emergency warning systems

in a locality. They can be used if other warning systems will be delayed. People in a
locality know the usual time and tone of church and temple bells. To indicate an
emergency the church or temple bells can be rung at regular intervals or continuously
to alert the people. Unusual time and tone of bells will be noticed by people and they
may rush to these venues where the authority can wait and inform them about the
disaster.

3. What kinds of food items are required at a relief camps?

In a relief camp, only cooked food and hot water should be given to the inhabitants. It
is desirable that the food given is culture specific. Food must meet nutritional needs
and include pulses, cereals, egg and sources of fat. The expiry dates of packed food

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 like biscuits, tinned food, ready to eat meals, noodles should be properly checked
before serving.

Try to store maximum dry food like dry rise, pulses etc. and use it only when cooked
food is not available.

Diabetic meals should be provided and special care should be given to inmates having
health problems.

4. How will you chart out a family emergency plan?

Encourage community members to develop family preparedness plans that cover

emergency contact information for family members. It should contain details of
predetermined meeting places, home evacuation procedures, safe storage of food and
water and assembling disaster supply kits.

5. What are the items to be included in a relief kit?

People leaving the camp should be given a relief kit containing all the essential items.
Inmates who were undergoing medical treatment should be given a discharge report
and a medical kit. Proper transportation should be arranged.

III. Answer the following in about hundred words.

1. What are the things to be done while establishing shelter during an emergency
situation?

Disasters occur very quickly and hence there may not be much time to
plan a relief camp. Certain things have to be ensured while setting up a relief
camp or shelter.
The location of the camp should be a safe place which is not vulnerable
to landslide to flood. An existing building like a school or a community hall can
be chosen to make a relief camp. it should be a permanent building that is
maintained well. It should be accessible to vehicles and there should adequate
space for parking vehicles. Information about the camp should be shared
through all possible means and the affected people should be brought to the
camp immediately. Emergency relief materials like food, bedding, clothes,
medicines etc. should be made available at the camp. A control room should be
opened to gather and share information. Proper bedding should be arranged for
old and sick people and pregnant women. If the disaster is a land slide camp has

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 to be arranged in open areas. During such situations temporary shelters like tents
can be made in open fields.

2. What are the procedures to be followed during evacuation?

Evacuating people from the affected area is one of the most difficult and
challenging tasks. People need to be aware of the consequences of disaster and
they should be given accurate information about the procedures of evacuation.
An evacuation plan should be communicated and shared to the people of
the affected locale. Information about the relief camp and alternative routes to
reach the camp should be communicated. Print, digital and social media can be
used for communicating the emergency evacuation measures. Through them
helpline or control room numbers can be shared. People should be informed
about the things which are to be done before leaving home. They should be told
to switch off and disconnect all electrical appliances and cooking gas. People
should be prepared for immediate evacuation. A survival kit containing all the
essential stuff like medicines, mobile phones and their accessories should be
prepared in advance.
Church bells and temple bells can be used as emergency warning
systems to alert people. The authorities/ NGOs/ volunteers should ensure that
enough transportation systems are arranged for people to reach camps. This can
be done by the effective deployment of law and order as well as rescue
departments. A task force comprising trained personnel from the above
departments has to be formed and they have to execute and monitor the
evacuation procedures.

3. Who are the people responsible for running a relief camp and what are their
roles?

The district collector who is the camp officer will coordinate all the activities.
An assistant camp officer will also be there to assist the camp officer. If the
camp is functioning in a school, usually the principal will be the assistant
camp officer as he is the person who knows the camp the best. An advisory
committee should be quickly formed with the MLA as the head. Municipal
council members, local leaders of political parties, parish priest, members of
NGO association, teachers etc. should be its members. The advisory
committee should direct the activities of the camp but all executive powers are
vested with the camp officer who must oversee the activities. Two meetings
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 should be held every day, one in the morning to plan the day’s activity and one
in the evening to evaluate the activities and make plans for the coming days.

4. What are the procedures to be followed to keep the relief camp clean and tidy?

Cleanliness in the camp is very important as relief camp can be sources for
epidemics. Groups can be formed from the inmates to clean and disinfect the
camp and premises.
Special care should be given to kitchen which should be kept neat, dry and
clean. Food items should be preserved well and food served should be healthy
and properly cooked. Dry and well- ventilated areas should be for storing food
items.
Proper sanitation facilities are essential to avoid air- water borne and soil
transmitted diseases. Ideally there should be one toilet for 25 people. Toilet
should be minimum 15 metres away from shelters.
Waste management is another significant process. Th type and volume of
waste should be calculated and disposal strategies have to be decided
accordingly. Municipal/ Panchayat staff should be entitles to manage waste.
Volunteers from inmates should be assigned for waste management tasks.
Hazardous waste like medical waste and toxic waste should be scientifically
disposed. The best way to get rid of biodegradable waste is to dig a huge pit
and dispose it. Ensure that the pit is away from the camp and no child can go
near it. Waste bins should be placed in possible areas of waste deposit.

5. What are the procedures to be followed while closing a relief camp?

It is the district collector who takes decision about closing the relief camp
based on the reports submitted by various officers in charge of the affected
area. Before closing the camp the authorities should ensure that the affected
area is safe, well- equipped and inhabitable. People leaving the camp should
be given a relief kit containing essential items. Inmates undergoing medical
treatment should be given a discharge sheet and medical kit. Proper
transportation facilities should be arranged.
The relief camp should be cleaned and properly disinfected as soon people
leave there. Accounts officers should give a detailed report on the income and
expenditure. Medical officers should also make a report and have to send
excess medicines to the district pharmacy. Waste management team has to
actively engage in disposing the waste accumulated in the camp.
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 IV. Answer the following in about three hundred words.

1. Describe the procedures to be followed while establish a relief camp during

an emergency.

Disasters occur very quickly and hence there may not be much time to plan a
relief camp. Disasters are part of our lives from time immemorial. We cannot
completely avoid disasters, but can manage it effectively. Disaster preparedness is
defined as using knowledge and experience of individuals to effectively
anticipate, respond to and recover from a disaster. Disaster management begins as
soon as it becomes obvious that a disaster is likely to happen and lasts until a
disaster is declared to be over. Clarity of plan is essential and all stakeholders
must be briefed to get a clear vision about the hazard and procedure to be
followed.

Evacuating and rescuing people from the affected locale, and setting up a
relief camp for the primary steps in disaster management. Evacuating people from
the affected area is one of the most difficult and challenging tasks. An evacuation
plan should be communicated and shared to the people of the affected locale.
Print, digital and social media can be used for communicating the emergency
evacuation measures. Through them helpline or control room numbers can be
shared. Church bells and temple bells can be used as emergency warning systems
to alert people. The authorities/ NGOs/ volunteers should ensure that enough
transportation systems are arranged for people to reach camps.

Relief Camp organization is dynamic in nature and aims in promoting a

holistic approach of the well-being of the inhabitants. A relief camp in India will
be inhabited by people of different religion and communities. Special care should
be given to the social emotional well-being of the inmates.The location of the
camp should be a safe place which is not vulnerable to landslide to flood. An
existing building like a school or a community hall can be chosen to make a relief
camp. it should be a permanent building that is maintained well. It should be
accessible to vehicles and there should adequate space for parking vehicles.
Information about the camp should be shared through all possible means and the
affected people should be brought to the camp immediately.

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 Emergency relief materials like food, bedding, clothes, medicines etc. should
be made available at the camp. A control room should be opened to gather and
share information. Proper bedding should be arranged for old and sick people and
pregnant women. If the disaster is a land slide camp has to be arranged in open
areas. During such situations temporary shelters like tents can be made in open
fields. Proper lighting should be arranged. Generators should be used as power
failure is possible during natural disasters. A trained person should be at the camp
to supervise lighting arrangements.

The district collector who is the camp officer will coordinate all the activities.
An assistant camp officer will also be there to assist the camp officer. An advisory
committee should be quickly formed with the MLA as the head. Municipal
council members, local leaders of political parties, parish priest, members of NGO
association, teachers etc. should be its members. The advisory committee should
direct the activities of the camp but all executive powers are vested with the camp
officer who must oversee the activities.
To help the inmates to overcome their trauma, camp administrators can give
them tasks to perform. Educating the adult members in the camp is also a way to
alleviate their anxiety. In a relief camp, only cooked food and hot water should be
given to the inhabitants. It is desirable that the food given is culture specific. Food
must meet nutritional needs and include pulses, cereals, egg and sources of fat.
The expiry dates of packed food like biscuits, tinned food, ready to eat meals,
noodles should be properly checked before serving. Try to store maximum dry
food like dry rise, pulses etc. and use it only when cooked food is not available.
Diabetic meals should be provided and special care should be given to inmates
having health problems.

Cleanliness in the camp is very important as relief camp can be sources for
epidemics. Groups can be formed from the inmates to clean and disinfect the
camp and premises. Special care should be given to kitchen which should be kept
neat, dry and clean. Food items should be preserved well and food served should
be healthy and properly cooked. Dry and well- ventilated areas should be for
storing food items. Proper sanitation facilities are essential to avoid air- water
borne and soil transmitted diseases. Ideally there should be one toilet for 25
people. Toilet should be minimum 15 metres away from shelters.

Waste management is another significant process. The type and volume of

waste should be calculated and disposal strategies have to be decided accordingly.
PG Dept. of English, N.S.S College, Pandalam Page 59
 Municipal/ Panchayat staff should be entitles to manage waste. Volunteers from
inmates should be assigned for waste management tasks. Hazardous waste like
medical waste and toxic waste should be scientifically disposed. The best way to
get rid of biodegradable waste is to dig a huge pit and dispose it. Ensure that the
pit is away from the camp and no child can go near it. Waste bins should be
placed in possible areas of waste deposit.

Before closing the camp the authorities should ensure that the affected area is
safe, well- equipped and inhabitable. People leaving the camp should be given a
relief kit containing essential items. Inmates undergoing medical treatment should
be given a discharge sheet and medical kit. Proper transportation facilities should
be arranged. The relief camp should be cleaned and properly disinfected as soon
people leave there.

PG Dept. of English, N.S.S College, Pandalam Page 60