NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 9 Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems

1. Choose the right answer:

(i) Which one of the following river is highly polluted?

• (a) Brahmaputra
• (b) Satluj
• (c) Yamuna
• (d) Godavari

Answer: (c) Yamuna.

(ii) Which one of the following diseases is caused by water pollution?

• (a) Conjunctivitis
• (b) Diarrhoea
• (c) Respiratory infections
• (d) Bronchitis

Answer: (b) Diarrhoea.

(iii) Which one of the following is the cause of acid rain?

• (a) Water pollution
• (b) Land pollution
• (c) Noise pollution
• (d) Air pollution

Answer: (d) Air pollution.

(iv) Push and pull factors are responsible for–

• (a) Migration
• (b) Land degradation
• (c) Slums
• (d) Air pollution

Answer: (a) Migration.

2. Answer the following in about 30 words:

(i) What is the difference between pollution and pollutants?

Answer: Pollution is the addition of unwanted and harmful substances to the environment in significant amounts, leading to a decline in its quality. Pollutants are the actual substances—such as chemicals or waste—that cause pollution and degrade the environment.

(ii) Describe the major source of air pollution.

Answer: The major source of air pollution is the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petrol, and diesel in industries, vehicles, and power plants. These activities release harmful gases and particulates, especially oxides of sulphur, nitrogen, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, into the atmosphere.

(iii) Mention major problems associated with urban waste disposal in India.

Answer: Major problems of urban waste disposal in India include overcrowding in cities, inadequate collection of solid waste (with much left uncollected), open dumping, resultant health hazards, foul air, the spread of disease by flies and rodents, and environmental pollution from untreated waste release.

(iv) What are the effects of air pollution on human health.

Answer: Air pollution can cause respiratory diseases like asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and lung infections. It can also affect the nervous and circulatory systems, lead to eye irritation, and increase the risk of heart diseases. Long-term exposure can result in serious health complications.

3. Answer the following in about 150 words:

(i) Describe the nature of water pollution in India.

Answer: Water pollution in India mainly results from the indiscriminate use and disposal of water by the growing population and industrial and agricultural activities. Surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, and canals accumulate suspended particles, organic and inorganic substances, and become polluted when their concentration increases.

Industries play a significant role by releasing untreated effluents, including chemicals and heavy metals, into water bodies. Modern agricultural practices using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides further add pollutants by runoff, contaminating both surface and groundwater.

Cultural activities like fairs, pilgrimage, and tourism also increase the pollution load. As a result, most of India's surface water is now unfit for human consumption. Water pollution leads to water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, intestinal worms, and hepatitis, contributing to about one-fourth of communicable diseases.

Critical rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna have received special attention, prompting initiatives like the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the Namami Gange Programme to restore water quality.

(ii) Describe the problem of slums in India.

Answer: Slums in India are congested, informal settlements usually located in degraded urban environments. They house the poorest migrants who cannot afford proper accommodation. Slum dwellers lack basic amenities such as safe drinking water, sanitation, electricity, and toilets.

Overcrowding, poor hygiene, unregulated waste disposal, and open drainage are common. Most slum residents work in unorganized and low-paying jobs, making them vulnerable to malnutrition and frequent illnesses. Children in slums often miss out on education due to poverty, lack of facilities, and the need to contribute to family income.

Large slums—like Dharavi in Mumbai—are hubs of small-scale production but remain marginalized. The existence of slums signals growing urban inequalities and puts pressure on civic amenities, requiring comprehensive urban renewal initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission to improve living conditions.

(iii) Suggest measures for reduction of land degradation.

Answer: Land degradation can be reduced through various measures such as afforestation and reforestation to check soil erosion and restore vegetation cover. Controlled and regulated use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides helps maintain soil fertility. Adopting contour ploughing and terracing in hilly regions prevents soil erosion.

Proper irrigation management can avoid problems like waterlogging and salinity. Banning or controlling shifting cultivation and open grazing prevents further land decline. Revival of community-owned land (CPRs) with community participation, as practiced in Jhabua’s watershed management, improves degraded lands.

Encouraging organic farming and sustainable land-use practices also contribute to land conservation. These integrated approaches ensure the long-term productivity of land and prevent further wasteland development.

NCERT Solutions Class 12 Geography Chapter 9 Geographical Perspective On Selected Issues And Problems (2025-26)

Mastering NCERT Solutions Class 12 Geography Chapter 9 Geographical Perspective On Selected Issues And Problems is crucial for building a strong understanding of real-world environmental challenges. This chapter helps students analyze critical issues like pollution, urban waste, slums, migration, and land degradation.

By practicing these expert-reviewed NCERT solutions for Geography Chapter 9, you will strengthen your knowledge of key concepts such as environmental pollution, resource management, and urban problems—helpful not just for board exams but for competitive exams too.

Stay ahead by reviewing every topic with concise, well-structured answers. Revise regularly, note important case studies, and remember to interlink concepts. This approach will help you score maximum marks in your 2025-26 Geography exam.