Q. What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? (150 words, 10 Marks)
Why the Question?
UPSC PYQ – CSE Mains – 2023
Keywords of the Question
- Oil pollution
- Impacts on the marine ecosystem
- Harmful for a country like India
Directive Word
What – When a question begins with “What,” it typically requires you to provide a clear and concise explanation or description of the subject matter without delving into analysis or evaluation.
How to approach this Question?
Introduction
- Define oil pollution.
- Briefly mention its sources.
Body
- Impacts on Marine Ecosystem:
- Physical smothering of marine life.
- Toxic effects on marine organisms.
- Disruption of food chains.
- Long-term ecological damage.
- Specific Harm to India:
- Impact on coastal communities.
- Threat to biodiversity hotspots.
- Economic losses in fisheries and tourism.
- Challenges in spill management and cleanup.
Conclusion
- Summarize the critical impacts.
- Highlight the need for stringent regulations and effective response mechanisms.
Note: Please note that the following ‘answers’ are not ‘model answers’ nor are they synopses in the strictest sense. Instead, they are content designed to meet the demands of the question while providing comprehensive coverage of the topic.
Answer Key
Introduction
Oil pollution refers to the contamination of marine and coastal environments by oil, typically resulting from spills, leaks, or discharges from ships, pipelines, and offshore platforms. This pollution poses severe threats to marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Body
Impacts on Marine Ecosystem:
- Physical Smothering: Oil coats the feathers of birds and the fur of marine mammals, reducing their insulation and buoyancy, often leading to hypothermia and death.
- Toxic Effects: Oil contains toxic compounds that can poison marine life, affecting their reproduction, growth, and survival. Fish, shellfish, and corals are particularly vulnerable.
- Disruption of Food Chains: Oil pollution can kill or contaminate plankton, the base of the marine food web, leading to cascading effects on higher trophic levels.
- Habitat Destruction: Oil spills can devastate sensitive habitats like mangroves, coral reefs, and estuaries, which are crucial for biodiversity.
Specific Harm to India:
- Economic Impact: India’s economy heavily relies on fisheries and tourism. Oil spills can lead to the closure of fisheries and deter tourists, causing significant economic losses.
- Biodiversity Loss: India’s rich marine biodiversity, including endangered species like the Olive Ridley turtles, is at risk from oil pollution.
- Coastal Communities: Many coastal communities in India depend on fishing for their livelihood. Oil pollution can destroy their primary source of income and food.
Conclusion
Oil pollution is a critical environmental issue with far-reaching impacts on marine ecosystems and human communities. For a country like India, with its extensive coastline and dependence on marine resources, addressing oil pollution is vital for sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Mind Map
