Q2(c). Write briefly on the following: Underwater Nodules (Polymetallic Nodules); Acid Rain; Remote Sensing in Agriculture; Social Forestry and Agro-Forestry

I. Underwater Nodules (Polymetallic Nodules)

Found at depths of 4000–6000 meters on ocean floors (e.g., Central Indian Ocean Basin), these nodules contain manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu) critical for electronics and green technologies.

India, through Deep Ocean Mission (2021), has exploration rights over 75,000 sq. km granted by the International Seabed Authority.

II. Acid Rain

Rain with pH < 5.6, caused by SO₂ and NOₓ emissions from industries, vehicles, and power plants.

Impacts:

• Damages crops, aquatic life, and soil fertility,
• Corrodes monuments (e.g., Taj Mahal),
• Acidifies lakes and weakens forests.

Haryana’s Panipat and Gurugram industrial belts are monitored for SO₂/NOx emissions to prevent acidification of soil and water bodies.

III. Remote Sensing in Agriculture

Remote sensing uses satellite imagery and sensors to monitor crops, soil moisture, stress levels, and land-use patterns.

Applications:

• Early warning for drought, pest outbreaks,
• Crop acreage and yield estimation (FASAL project),
• Precision farming (NDVI imagery),
• Soil moisture mapping.

Haryana Application:

The state uses HARSAC (Haryana Space Applications Centre) for crop mapping especially for wheat, mustard, cotton, and paddy and for monitoring groundwater depletion in arid zones.

IV. Social Forestry and Agro-Forestry

Social Forestry: Plantation of trees on community land, panchayat land, roadsides, canal banks, and wastelands to meet fuelwood, fodder, and small timber needs.

Objectives: reduce pressure on forests, generate livelihoods, and improve the environment.

Agro-Forestry: Integration of trees, crops and livestock on the same land.

Benefits:

• Improves soil fertility,
• Provides income from timber and fruit,
• Reduces erosion and enhances carbon sequestration.