Q.How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (Answer in 250 words)
How to approach: Identify every sub-question in the prompt, allocate dedicated sub-headings to each part, substantiate points with examples/data, and conclude with a forward-looking Way Forward.
Practice & AI Tools for This Question
Wrote an answer to this PYQ? Check it with Vision AI in 3 mins or generate custom mind maps.
Matched Topper Handwritten Answer Copies (8)
Open in 3D PYQ RealmSyllabus Point
- Salient features of World’s Physical Geography, changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Approach
- Introduction (30-40 words): Introduce the significance of mountain ecosystems and the challenges they face.
- Body (170-180 words):
- Detail key threats to mountain ecosystems arising from developmental activities and tourism.
- Suggest actionable measures to restore and protect these ecosystems.
- Conclusion (30-40 words): Emphasize the necessity of balancing ecological conservation with developmental goals.
Introduction
Mountain ecosystems in India, particularly the Western Ghats and the Himalayan States (including the Northeast), are under severe stress due to the adverse effects of tourism and rapid developmental projects. This critical issue has been highlighted in the NITI Aayog's Report of Working Group II on Sustainable Tourism in the Indian Himalayan Region.
Body
Major Threats to Mountainous Ecosystems
- Climate Change: It is widely recognized that global warming is the primary driver behind the rapid retreat of glaciers in mountain ranges.
- Encroachment: Rising population density and human greed have led to the occupation of forests, high-altitude regions, and ecologically fragile zones.
- Infrastructure Development: Intense economic competition, expanding urbanization, energy security projects, and road connectivity in remote areas have severely disrupted the natural Himalayan landscape.
- Waste Disposal: Growing human settlements and tourism generate massive quantities of non-biodegradable waste and toxic effluents in mountain regions.
- Land Subsidence: Incidents like the land subsidence in Joshimath highlight the extreme vulnerability of these terrains.
Measures to Restore Mountain Ecosystems
- Sustainable Development: Adopting sustainable practices is key. Infrastructure and tourism must be planned to prevent ecological exploitation.
- Example: Restricting the use of single-use plastics and fossil fuels to curb pollution.
- Regulating Tourist Inflow: Mountain terrains have a limited carrying capacity. Controlling the volume of visitors is essential to prevent resource depletion.
- Example: Implementing regulatory mechanisms like the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
- Community Participation: Local communities must actively participate in conservation efforts to reverse ecological degradation.
- Example: Civil society groups conducting awareness campaigns on waste management.
- Legislative Safeguards: Enforcing strict legal frameworks to penalize activities like illegal logging and open waste burning is crucial for ecosystem recovery.
Conclusion
A balanced policy framework is required to sustain mountain ecosystems without compromising the economic benefits of tourism and development. Achieving this win-win scenario through proactive restoration and conservation will safeguard these natural treasures for future generations.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2019 (Question 6) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper I — Heritage, History, Society & Geography → Physical, Human & Indian Geography |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 15 Marks • 250 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 11–12 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Analytical / Multi-Dimensional: Address all explicit sub-parts of the question with balanced arguments, factual illustrations, and a solution-oriented conclusion. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
Related & Repeated UPSC Mains PYQs (4)
Past UPSC Mains questions connected to this node in the 3D PYQ Realm knowledge graph.
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (Answer in 150 words)
Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (250 words, 15 marks)
More UPSC Mains PYQs on Geography (GS1)
Build comprehensive topical mastery across Physical, Human & Indian Geography by practicing these related UPSC Mains questions.
What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?
What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain.
The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (Answer in 250 words)
What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? (Answer in 250 words)
What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?
Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (10 marks 150 words) (2023)
Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2019 GS1 (Geography)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2019 GS Paper I question on Geography?
This 2019 GS Paper I question carries 15 marks with a 250-word limit and uses the "Analytical / Multi-Dimensional" directive. Identify every sub-question in the prompt, allocate dedicated sub-headings to each part, substantiate points with examples/data, and conclude with a forward-looking Way Forward. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words) and aim to finish within 11–12 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2019 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper I — Heritage, History, Society & Geography under the syllabus module "Physical, Human & Indian Geography". You can explore all repeated questions from Geography in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all Geography PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
How can I get my handwritten answer to this 2019 GS1 PYQ evaluated by AI?
Write your answer on standard UPSC margin sheets, scan it as a PDF or image, and click "Evaluate My Answer (AI)" on this page to open Acme AI's Vision Transformer evaluator (/upsc-answer-evaluation?subject=GS1). It evaluates your structure, directive alignment, diagrams/maps, and handwriting presentation in under 3 minutes with 99% human-examiner accuracy (20 free credits on signup).
Can I generate a custom mind map or Hindi model answer for this question?
Yes. Click "Generate Answer & Mind Map" on this page to open Acme AI's Answer Generator (/gen-ans) with this exact 2019 GS1 question pre-filled. You can generate custom topper-grade answers with embedded Mermaid flowcharts and mind maps in either English or Hindi.
AI-Powered Mains Mastery Suite
Turn Passive PYQ Reading into Active Answer Writing
Evaluate your handwritten UPSC Mains answers in 3 minutes with Vision AI or generate custom model answers with mind maps.
AI UPSC Mains Answer Evaluation
Practice writing any PYQ on paper and upload your handwritten scan (PDF or image) for instant, rubric-aligned UPSC examiner feedback.
- Direct Pixel Vision AI (Not Flat OCR): Evaluates your handwritten diagrams, maps, flowcharts, and spatial presentation
- 99% Human-Examiner Accuracy: Pinpoints missing dimensions, directive-word drift, and value-addition opportunities
- All Papers & 18 Optionals: Covers GS 1–4, Essay, Anthropology, PSIR, Sociology, Geography, History & more in English & Hindi
- Annotated Copy + Topper Benchmark: Visual margin ticks, remarks, and matched topper copy comparisons
AI UPSC Answer Generator & Mind Maps
Generate topper-grade model answers for any UPSC PYQ, current affairs editorial, or mock question—complete with visual mind maps and flowcharts.
- Embedded Mind Maps & Flowcharts: Automatically builds visual diagrams you can replicate in the exam hall for +1.5 extra marks
- Strict Directive & Word Discipline: Calibrated for 150-word (10M), 250-word (15M), and 1000-word Essay structures
- Committee, SC & Data Citations: Enriches body paragraphs with 2nd ARC, NITI Aayog, Constitutional Articles, and SDG hooks
- Auto-Matched Topper Copies & PYQs: Every generated answer links to similar past UPSC questions and ranker scripts
Join the Acme Mains Program (AMP 2027 — 45 Tests) or 1-on-1 Personal Mentorship with Avinash Sir.