Examine the major sources of environmental pollution and degradation in India. Discuss how existing legal frameworks address these challenges.

Question Understanding – Finding Information

Precise Syllabus Mapping: Environmental Pollution and degradation. (GS Paper – III)

Marks and words limit:

• The marks-oriented approach to answering (10-mark, 150-word) questions in the question is to use Bullet Points (one idea per bullet point), Brainstorming, or a combination of both.
• The way to score good marks in questions worth (15 marks. 250 words) is to use the Heading and Subheading method while writing your answers.

Directive words:

• Examine → Identify and explain key sources with reasoning
• Discuss → Explain how laws respond, with scope and limitations

Focal points of the questions:

• Role of environmental conservation in India’s development
• Current challenges weakening conservation efforts

Dos & Don’ts

 Do for Maximum Marks

• Use Key terms: Environmental governance, Polluter pays principle, Sustainable development
• You can use Diagram idea: Pollution sources → Legal response → Outcomes (flowchart)    
• Categorise pollution sources logically
• Link environmental degradation to development activities
• Explain how laws address problems, not just name them
• Maintain analytical and neutral tone
• Highlight enforcement and institutional issues

Don’t do these Common Mistakes

• Do not list Acts without explanation
• Avoid moralistic or activist language
• Do not overload with case laws
• Avoid turning it into a GS-II governance answer
• Don’t ignore informal and rural pollution sources