Question.1. Find out stories prevalent in your region which are about the harmonious relationship between human beings and nature.
As area wise stories are different such as Chiplo Movement. So the answer is written in context of harmonious relationship between human beings and nature.
Ans. A truly harmonious relationship between humans and nature signifies a state of balance. We rely on nature for clean air, water, food, and resources, while also having a responsibility to protect its delicate ecosystems.

This harmony can be achieved through several practices:

• Sustainable practices: Minimizing waste, using renewable resources, and employing eco-friendly technologies all contribute to a healthier planet.
• Respectful interaction: Recognizing the intrinsic value of nature, not just its utility, fosters a deeper connection and encourages responsible actions.
• Conservation efforts: Protecting endangered species and preserving habitats ensures a thriving natural world for generations to come.

Living in harmony with nature isn’t about domination; it’s about recognizing our place within a complex and interconnected system. By respecting nature’s delicate balance, we ensure a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

Question.2. Have you noticed any activity which leads to the loss of biodiversity around you? Write a note on it and suggest some measures to prevent it.
Ans. Activities which lead to the loss of biodiversity are:

• The transformation of the natural areas results into the loss of the vegetable species and decrease in the animal species associated to them.
• Species originating from a particular area, introduced into new natural environments can lead to different forms of imbalance in the ecological equilibrium.
• Human activity influences the natural environment producing negative, direct or indirect, effects that alter the flow of energy, the chemical and physical constitution of the environment and abundance of the species.
• Heating of the Earth’s surface affects biodiversity because it endangers all the species that are adapted to the cold due to the latitude (the Polar species) or the altitude (mountain species).
• When the activities connected with capturing and harvesting (hunting, fishing, farming) a renewable natural resource in a particular area is excessively intense, the resource itself may become exhausted.

Precautions:

• Maintain wetlands by conserving water and reducing irrigation. Avoid draining water bodies on your property.
• Leave native plants undisturbed, and landscape using native trees and vegetation. Native plants are well adapted to local conditions and provide a low maintenance, drought resistant garden and can prevent local flooding.
• Use pesticides that have minimal residual effects.
• Don’t deteriorate the environment.
• Try to avoid wastage of energy.
• Recycle, reuse and reduce. Recycling decreases pollution by decreasing energy, electricity, and water consumption and the need for landfills.
• Use natural products and avoid buying things which are made from animal skins, shells, feathers, etc.
• Encourage and support local government initiatives that protect habitat and decrease threats to biodiversity.

Question.3. Collect more information on the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of India and cite their locations on the map of India.
Ans. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are protected areas declared by Government with the primary objective to preserve wildlife, save flora & fauna and restore the natural ecological balance. There are 104 National Parks (as in January 2021) and 544 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India. Madhya Pradesh and Andaman have the maximum number of National Parks (11). The spectacular natural beauty across the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India attracts millions of tourists every year.

Question.4. Write a short essay on any practices which you may have observed and practised in your everyday lives that conserve and protect the environment around you.
Ans. There are no such customs around us. Some people are interested in the environment, they plant trees and some people plant saplings in the memory of their ancestors or those who have love for trees and plants and like greenery, they plant trees, that is, There is no special custom for this. Example – Chipko movement.

Ways to conserve and protect the environment around us:

• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Cut down on what you throw away.
• Follow the three R’s to conserve natural resources and landfill space.
• Conserve water: The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean.
• Shop wisely: Buy less plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag.
• Use long-lasting light bulbs: Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Conserve electricity: Turn the light switch off when you leave the room!
• Plant a tree: Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change.
• Bike more: Drive less.
• Volunteer: Volunteer for cleanups in your community. You can get involved in protecting your watershed, too.
• Educate: When you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.
• Don’t send chemicals into our waterways: Choose non-toxic chemicals in the home and office.

Question.5. Can you find out the reasons for the above mentioned problems?
Ans. India’s special crocodilian Gharial population is the biggest concern for the wildlife lovers, Due to the river pollution, loss of riverine habitat and fishing gill nets, the Gharial came to the brink of extinction and fall in the critically endangered category.

The same goes for the birds as these birds which fed on the fishes of Yamuna river were contaminated by the harmful pollutants released into the rivers.