Question

Regarding environmental degradation: Identify the correct statement. [label=\roman*.]
• Deforestation leads to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
• Over-grazing is a major cause of land degradation in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Use of chemical fertilizers leads to water and soil pollution.
• Land degradation decreases the productivity of land over time.

• A. i, ii, iii are correct
• B. i, iii and iv only
• C. i and iii only
• D. All are correct

Hint:

Major causes of land degradation: Over-grazing -- Rajasthan, Gujarat
Mining -- Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh
Over-irrigation -- Punjab, Haryana
Deforestation -- Himalayan and tribal regions

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the natural environment due to excessive exploitation of natural resources and harmful human activities. Land degradation, deforestation, pollution, and overuse of chemicals negatively affect soil quality, biodiversity, water resources, and agricultural productivity.

Step 1: Analyzing Statement (i): Deforestation leads to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Tree roots bind soil particles together and prevent them from being washed away by rain or blown away by wind. When forests are cut down:
• Soil becomes loose and vulnerable to erosion.
• Habitats of plants and animals are destroyed.
• Biodiversity decreases significantly. Thus, deforestation directly causes both soil erosion and biodiversity loss. Therefore, statement (i) is correct.

Step 2: Analyzing Statement (ii): Over-grazing is a major cause of land degradation in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Over-grazing occurs when livestock graze excessively on grasslands without allowing vegetation enough time to regenerate. This process:
• Removes protective vegetation cover
• Exposes soil to erosion
• Reduces soil fertility
• Accelerates desertification In dry and semi-arid states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan, over-grazing is indeed a major cause of land degradation. Hence, statement (ii) is correct.

Step 3: Analyzing Statement (iii): Use of chemical fertilizers leads to water and soil pollution.
Chemical fertilizers are widely used to increase agricultural productivity. However, excessive use creates serious environmental problems. These chemicals:
• Alter the natural composition of soil
• Reduce long-term soil fertility
• Leach into groundwater
• Pollute nearby rivers and lakes This causes both soil pollution and water pollution. Therefore, statement (iii) is correct.

Step 4: Analyzing Statement (iv): Land degradation decreases productivity over time.
Land degradation reduces:
• Soil fertility
• Moisture retention capacity
• Nutrient content
• Agricultural efficiency As a result, the productivity of land continuously decreases with time. Thus, statement (iv) is also correct.

Step 5: Final conclusion.
Since all four statements are correct, the correct option is: \[ \boxed{\text{(D) All are correct}} \]