(a) "The consequences of environmental degradation do not respect national and state boundaries." Examine the statement in context of sustainability…

(i) Since the second half of twentieth century several scientists have been warning us about present type usage of resources indiscriminately, and levels of development are not sustainable.

(ii) Sustainable development refers to economic development without any damage to the environment.

(iii) Underground water is an example of a renewable resource which is overused.

(iv) It should be used judiciously to maintain the water levels.

(v) Urbanization and industrialization have depleted water reserves in a major way.

(vi) We need to sustain development for future generations as our future is linked together.

(vii) Non-renewable resources like coal, petroleum should be used in a judicious manner so as to decrease environmental degradation.

(viii) For example, the poor air quality in one town or country will adversely affect the quality of air in the neighbouring city or country.

(ix) Global warming and climate change are a consequence of not maintaining our resources judiciously and is experienced by people across national and state boundaries.

(b) “The question of sustainability of development is becoming more and more complex day by day.” Examine the statement in context of use of underground water in India.

(i) With passing days, we need to focus more on the issue of sustainability on a serious note as our valuable resources are depleting day by day at a faster pace.

(ii) Sustainable development refers to economic development without any damage to the environment.

(iii) For example, Groundwater is an example of renewable resource which is overused in India.

(iv) Recent evidences suggests that the groundwater in under serious threat of overuse in many parts of the country.

(v) In recent years many districts have reported a decline in water level.

(vi) Currently, about one-third of the country is over-extracting from underground water reserves.

(vii) If the present way of using this resource continues it will be overused by many parts of the country.

(viii) Non-renewable resources are also overused and some of them are about to get exhausted.

(ix) Resources should be made available in decent quantity for the upcoming generations.

(x) The question of development or progress is perennial.