Environment & Ecology MCQs - 2026-06-01

The Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra river systems, along with others like the Mekong and Yangtze, are critically dependent on meltwater from Himalayan glaciers, supporting a vast population in South and Southeast Asia.

Accelerated melting initially increases water flow, but in the long run, it leads to reduced glacier mass, impacting river flows and potentially causing water scarcity for millions dependent on these rivers for drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower.

Scientific consensus points to human-induced climate change, primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions leading to global warming, as the main cause of accelerated glacier melt worldwide, including in the Himalayas.

The policy emphasizes 'wise use' which allows for sustainable human activities, rather than a complete prohibition of all activities. It focuses on regulation and management, not outright bans.

The policy aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable management of India's wetlands, recognizing their ecological, economic, and cultural importance.

The new National Wetland Conservation Policy is framed under the provisions of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which provides the legal basis for environmental protection measures in India.