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IAE – III answer key
1. Define Sustainable development
Meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future
generations, to meet their own needs.
2. Mention the objectives of Environment Protection Act and Wild life protection act.
The Act empowers the Central Government to take all appropriate measures to prevent
and control pollution and to establish effective machinery for the purpose of protecting
and improving the quality of the environment and protecting controlling and abating
environmental pollution.
3. Express green house effect? List green house gases
The green house effect is defined as the natural warming effect of the troposphere. The
green house gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane
and chlorofluoro carbons are allowing the sunlight to pass through the troposphere.
4. List the objective of forest conservation act.
Is to develop forest Policy and to be sure Illegal Cutting has stopped.
To conserve the forest from deforestation for forest products.
5. State the effects of global warming and mention few practices to reduce it.
Global warming- effects on
1. sea level
2. agriculture and forestry
3. water resources
4. terrestrial ecosystems
5. human health
6. Population Explosion.
The enormous increase in population due to low death rate (mortalityt) and high birth rate
(natality), is termed as population explosion.
 Unemployment
 Economy reduction, etc
7. Illustrate doubling time, total fertility rates
The time required by a population to double itself is called doubling
time.
The total fertility rate of a population is the number of children born per woman per
lifetime.
8. Expand GIS and HDI.
Geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system designed to capture, store,
manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data.
Human Development Index is a statistical tool used to achieve the country’s overall
development .
9. Differentiate HIV and AIDS
HIV – Human Immuno Virus. It is a virus.
AIDS – Aquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is a condition where HIV occurs.
10. Write the advantages of family welfare program
To increase the female literacy rate.
To enhance child survival through universal immunization.
To reduce the birth rate
11. a). Discuss the modern techniques of rain water harvesting and water shed management
practices.
WATER CONSERVATION
The process of saving water for future utilization.
Methods of water conservation
Rain water harvesting- A technique of capturing and storing of rain water for further
utilization.
Objectives of rain water harvesting
 Increasing demands
 Recharging the ground water
 Reducing the ground water
 Increase in hydro static pressure.
WATER SHED MANAGEMENT – The management of rainfall and resultant run-off.
Objectives
 To minimize of risk of floods
 For improving the economy
 For developmental activities
 To generate huge employment opportunities
 To promote forestry
 To protect soil from erosion.
Factors affecting watershed
 Unplanned land use
 Deforestation
 Droughty climates.
11. b) Compile the sustainable development. Describe the important waste land
reclamation practices
Sustainable development
Meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations, to
meet their own needs.
True sustainable development
Optimum use of natural resources with high degree of reusability, minimum wastage, least
generation of toxic byproducts and maximum productivity.
Dimensions of sustainable development
Multi dimensional concept – derived from interactions between society, economy and
environment.
Aspects of sustainable development
 Inter-generational equity
 Intra-generational equity.
Approaches for sustainable development
 Developing appropriate technology - locally adaptable, eco-friendly, resource
efficient and culturally suitable.
 Reduce, reuse, recycle [3R] approach – reduces waste generation and pollution
 Providing environmental education and awareness – changing attitude of the people
 Consumption of renewable resources – attain sustainability
 Conservation of non renewable resources – conserved by recycling and reusing
 Population control.
WASTELAND RECLAMATION
Loss of vegetation cover leads to loss of soil through erosion, which ultimately
creates waste- lands. This is one of the pressing problems of the country. Loss of soil
has already ruined a large amount of cultivable land in our country. If it remains
unchecked, it will affect the remain- ing land. Unless we adequately safeguard our ‘good’
lands, we may eventually face a serious shortage of food grains, vegetables, fruit, fod- der
and fuel wood. Hence, conservation of soil, protecting the existing cultivable land and
re- claiming the already depleted wastelands fig- ures prominently among the priority
tasks of planning for the future. Some of the wasteland reclamation programs have been
unsuccessful because after sometime the land reverts to its original poor condition due
to mismanagement and unscientific ways in which the reclamation has been carried out.
In choosing wasteland reclamation methods at- tention must be paid to the cost factor.
This has to be taken into account before deciding on a particular method for reclamation
of wastelands. A proper study of environmental aspects and human impacts which are
responsible for the development of wastelands have to be looked into.
Wasteland can be classified into three forms:
(1) Easily reclaimable, (2) Reclaimable with some difficulty, (3) Reclaimable with
extreme difficulty.
Easily reclaimable wastelands can be used for agricultural purposes. Those which can
be re- claimed with some difficulty can be utilized for agro forestry. Wastelands that
are reclaimed with extreme difficulty can be used for forestry or to recreate natural
ecosystems.
Agriculture: Wasteland can be reclaimed for agriculture by reducing the salt content
which can be done by leaching and flushing. Gypsum, urea, potash and compost are
added before planting crops in such areas.
Agro forestry: This involves putting land to mul- tiple uses. Its main purpose is to have
trees and crops inter- and /or under planted to form an integrated system of biological
production within a certain area. Thus, agro forestry implies inte- gration of trees with
agricultural crops or live- stock management simultaneously.
Forestry: Attempts to grow trees in highly non alkaline saline soils have been largely
unsuccess- ful. Field experiments have shown that species like Eucalyptus, Prosopis and
Acacia Nilotica could not be grown in highly alkaline soil. Stud- ies have shown that if
tree seedlings are planted with a mixture of original soil, Gypsum, and manure, better
growth can be achieved. It is however important to use indigenous species of trees so
that the program recreates the local ecosystem with all its species.
Need for wasteland development:
Wasteland development provides a source of income for the rural poor. It ensures a
constant supply of fuel, fodder and timber for local use. It makes the soil fertile by
preventing soil ero- sion and conserving moisture. The program helps maintain an
ecological balance in the area. The increasing forest cover helps in maintaining local
climatic conditions. Regenerated vegeta- tion cover helps in attracting birds which feed
on pests in the surrounding fields and function as natural pest controllers. The trees help
in hold- ing back moisture and reduce surface run off rates thus helping in the control
of soil erosion.
12. a) Predict the issues about climate change and give solutions for solving this problem and
Dicuss about the urban problems related to energy
CLIMATE
The average weather of an area.
Causes of climate change
 Presence of green house gases
 Depletion of ozone gases.
Effect of climate change
 Migration of animals
 Upsetting the hydrological cycles results in floods and droughts
 Changes in global pattern of winds.
Green house effect
The progressive warming of earth surface due to blanketing effect of man made CO2 in the
atmosphere.
Green house gases- causing global warming CO2, CH4, N2O, CFCs.
Effect on global warming
 Sea level
 Agriculture and forestry
 Water resources
 Terrestrial ecosystems
 Human health.
Measures
 Reducing CO2 emission
 Utilizing renewable resources
 Plant more trees
 Adopt sustainable agriculture.
ACID RAIN
The precipitation of CO2, SO2, and NO2 gases as pollutants in water.
Effects of acid rain
1. Human beings
 Destroy life – nervous, respiratory and digestive system
 Causes premature death from heart and lung disorders.
2. On Buildings
Corrosion - Taj Mahal, houses, statues, bridges, metals.
3. On terrestrial and Lake Ecosystem
 Reduces rate of photosynthesis, growth of crops, Fish population.
 And bio mass production.
Control measures
 Clean combustion technologies
 Using pollution control equipments
 Replacement of coal by natural gas
 Liming of lakes and soils.
OZONE LAYER DEPLETION
Ozone is formed in the stratosphere by photo - chemical reaction.
Ozone depleting chemicals
Chloro Fluro carbon, Hydro chloro fluoro carbon, Bromo fluoroCarbon.
Effects
 On human health – Skin cancer, cataracts, allergies etc.
 On aquatic systems- phyto plankton, fish
 On materials- paints, plastics
 On climate – increasing the average temperature of the earth surface.
Control Measures
 Replacing CFCs Use of methyl bromide – crop fumigant
12 b) Explain in detail about water,air ,forest ,environmental,wildlife welfare act .
Water
1882 - The Easement Act allows private rights to use a resource that is, groundwater, by viewing it
as an attachment to the land. It also states that all surface water belongs to the state and is a state
property.
1897 - The Indian Fisheries Act establishes two sets of penal offences whereby the government can
sue any person who uses dynamite or other explosive substance in any way (whether coastal or
inland) with intent to catch or destroy any fish or poisonous fish in order to kill.
1956 - The River Boards Act enables the states to enroll the central government in setting up an
Advisory River Board to resolve issues in inter-state cooperation.
1970 - The Merchant Shipping Act aims to deal with waste arising from ships along the coastal
areas within a specified radius.
1991 - The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification puts regulations on various activities, including
construction, are regulated. It gives some protection to the backwaters and estuaries.
Air
1948 – The Factories Act and Amendment in 1987 was the first to express concern for the working
environment of the workers. The amendment of 1987 has sharpened its environmental focus and
expanded its application to hazardous processes.
1981 - The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act provides for the control and abatement of
air pollution. It entrusts the power of enforcing this act to the CPCB .
1982 - The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules defines the procedures of the meetings
of the Boards and the powers entrusted to them.
1982 - The Atomic Energy Act deals with the radioactive waste.
Forest and wildlife
1927 - The Indian Forest Act and Amendment, 1984, is one of the many surviving colonial statutes.
It was enacted to ‘consolidate the law related to forest, the transit of forest produce, and the duty
leviable on timber and other forest produce’.
1972 - The Wildlife Protection Act, Rules 1973 and Amendment 1991 provides for the protection
of birds and animals and for all matters that are connected to it whether it be their habitat or the
waterhole or the forests that sustain them.
1980 - The Forest (Conservation) Act and Rules, 1981, provides for the protection of and the
conservation of the forests.
Environment:
1986 - The Environment (Protection) Act authorizes the central government to protect and improve
environmental quality, control and reduce pollution from all sources, and prohibit or restrict the
setting and /or operation of any industrial facility on environmental grounds.
1986 - The Environment (Protection) Rules lay down procedures for setting standards of emission
or discharge of environmental pollutants.
13 a) Extend nuclear accidents and holocaust.
NUCLEAR ACCIDENTS AND HOLOCAUST
The release of large amounts of nuclear energy and radioactive products into the
atmosphere.
Nuclear energy was researched by man as an alternate source of energy compared to fossil
fuels. Although this did happen along with the benefits came its downfall. In the short history of
nuclear energy there has been a number of accidents that have surpassed any natural calamity. A
single nuclear accident causes loss of life, long term illness and destruction of property on a large
scale.
Examples
1.THE CARELESS SITING OF INDUSTRIES- Bhopal gas tragedy
The careless siting of industries and relatively poor regulatory controls leads to ill health in
the.The Bhopal gas tragedy on December 2nd 1984, where Union Carbide's Plant leaked 43 tons of
Methyl Isocynate and other substances, used in the manufacture of pesticides is one of the worst
industrial accidents in the recent past. Of the 5,20,000 people who were exposed to the gas - 8,000
died during the first week and another 8,000 later. The impact of the survivors is visible even today.
2. CHERNOBYL REACTOR INCIDENT
On April 25, 1986, Russian engineers and scientists begin preliminary tests on Chernobyl power
plant's 4th reactor. In order to control the experiment, the automatic control system was shut down.
After some work, stability was reached at very low power outputs. Unfortunately, manual control of
the water pressure wasn't maintained. The reactor began to create excess heat. Without the
automatic control, the control rods couldn't be reinserted in time; a deadly chain reaction had begun.
Within a matter of 3-4 seconds, the reactor went from 5% output to 100 times its normal level. The
water in the reactor flash-boiled, creating an explosion that leveled thousands of tons of concrete
and steel, including the housing for the reactor. The steam carried almost 70% of the nuclear
material out of the reactor into the surrounding environment. Several thousand volunteers died on
the scene, and it is estimated that 7,000 to 10,000 volunteers died in total, considering short and
long-term effects. Thousands of miles from the scene, the birth defect rate became double the world
average. It is also estimated that 150,000 were put at risk for thyroid cancer, and over 800,000
children were put at risk of contracting leukemia. 2 million acres of land (1/5 of the usable farmland
in the Ukraine) was, and still is, completely unusable. It remains difficult to determine the scope of
the disaster; radiation resulting from the event was detected all over the globe. It is estimated that it
may cost up to $400 billion and will take up to 200 years to correct the damage done to the area,
and to compensate those affected by the meltdown.
Effects
 Nuclear winter
 Ignition of all combustible material
(b) state 12 principles of Green chemistry
1. Prevention.
2. Atom Economy.
3. Less Hazardous Chemical Synthesis.
4. Designing Safer Chemicals.
5. Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries.
6. Design for Energy Efficiency.
7. Use of Renewable Feedstocks.
8. Reduce Derivatives.
9. Catalysis.
10. Design for Degradation.
11. Real-time Analysis for Pollution Prevention.
12. Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention.
13 b) Enumeruate population explosion,Growth ? Discuss the Indian Scenario
Population Growth
The rapid growth of the global population for the past 100 years from the
difference between the rate of birth and death.
Causes of rapid population growth
The rapid population growth is due to decrease in death rate and increase in
birth rate.
Availability of antibiotics, immunization, increased food production, clean
water and air decreases the famine-related deaths.
In agricultural based countries, children are required to help parents in the
field that is why population increases in the developing countries.
Characteristics of population growth
Exponential growth
Doubling time
Infant mortality rate
Total fertility rate
Replacement level
Male/female ratio
Demographic transition.
Variation of population based on age structure
1. Pyramid shaped – India, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia.
2. Bell shaped – France, USA, and UK.
3. Urn shaped - Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Population Explosion
The enormous increase in population due to low death rate and high birth rate.
Causes
Modern medical facilities, life expectancy, illiteracy.
Effects
Poverty, Environmental degradation, over –exploitation of natural resources,
threat, communal war.
Remedy
Through birth control programmes.
14 a) Discuss the role of information technology in the protection of environment and human
health..
ROLE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN ENVIRONMENT
Remote sensing
Components - A platform, aircraft, a balloon, rocket and satellite.
Functions
Origin of electro magnetic energy
Transmission of energy
Interaction of energy
Detection of energy
Preprocessing of data
Data analysis and interpretation
Integration and other applications.
Applications
In agriculture, forestry, land cover, water resources.
Data Base- Collection of inter related data on various subjects.
Applications
Ministry of environment and forest
National management information system
Environmental information system.
Geographical information system (GIS)
It is a technique of superimposing various thematic maps using digital data on a
large number of inter-related aspects.
Application
Thematic maps are super imposed using soft wares.
Interpretation of polluted zones
To check unplanned growth and related environmental problems.
Satellite data
Helps in providing reliable information and data about forest cover
Provide information about forecasting weather
Reserves of oil, minerals can be discovered.
World Wide Web - It provides Current data.
Applications
Online learning
Digital files or photos, animations on environmental studies.
ROLE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN HUMAN HEALTH
The health service technology involves three systems
Finance and accounting
Pathology
Patient Administration – clinical system.
Applications
Data regarding birth and death rates
To monitor the health of the people effectively
The information regarding the outbreak of epidemic diseases.
Online Consultation
Drugs and its replacement.
14 b) Compile various issues & measures for Women & Child Welfare at International &
National level
CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMMES
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS: THE DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY
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Article 25 lays down that no child below 14 shall be employed to work in any factory or any
hazardous employment.
Article 39 ensures that children are not forced by economic necessity to enter vocations
unsuited to their age and strength.
Article 45 requires the state to provide free and compulsory education for all children up to the
age of 14 years.
NATIONAL POLICY FOR CHILDREN - 1974
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To provide adequate services to children, both before and after birth and through their period of
growth to ensure their full mental, physical and social development.
Health and nutrition of children and mothers, education of mothers, free and compulsory
education of children up to the of 14 yrs, recreation and cultural and scientific activities.
Treatment, education and rehabilitation of physically handicapped, emotionally disturbed and
mentally retarded children and special assistance to children belonging to weaker sections, SCs
and STs and other economically weaker sections.
Provisions of facilities to the delinquent, destitute, neglected and exploited children to enable
them to become useful citizens.
INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (ICDS) - 1975
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To improve the nutrition and health status of children in the age group of 0-6 yrs.
To lay the foundations for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child.
To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school drop-outs.
To achieve effective coordination of policy and implementation amongst the various depts to
promote child development.
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To enhance the capability of the mother, through proper nutrition and health education and the
normal health and nutritional needs of the child.
The scheme covers children below the age of 6 yrs, expectant & nursing mothers in the age gp
of 15 – 44yrs who are poor.
Packages of services includes: supplementary nutrition, immunisation, health check-up, referral
services, non-formal pre-school education and health & nutrition education to all women.
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF COOPERATION AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (NIPCCD) 1966
Main functions are:
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Research and evaluation studies in public cooperation, women and child development.
Training of govt & voluntary sector personnel engaged in social devt of women & children.
Dissemination of information pertaining to women & child devt and public cooperation
through documentation & publications.
Technical advice and consultancy to Central & State Govts in promotion and implementation of
policies and progms for women & child devt.
Liaison with international and regional agencies, research institutions, universities and
technical bodies engaged in activities.
WOMEN WELFARE PROGRAMMES
LEGAL PROVISIONS:
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The Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act 1994.
The Equal Remuneration Act 1976.
The Hindu marriage Act 1955 & The Special Marriage Act1956.
The Dowry Prohibition Act 1961.
The Maternity Benefit Act 1961.
DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVT
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Hostels for working women.
Employment and income generating production progm – 1982-83.
Short stay homes for women and girls.
Support to training and employment progm for women.
National Commission on women.
HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
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National surveillance Progm for Communicable Diseases – 1997-98.
National Anti Malaria Programme.
AIDS Control Programme.
National TB Control Programme.
Active Programme for Control of Blindness – 2002-07.
National Cancer Control Programme.
National Mental Health Programme – 1982.
Prohibition of smoking in public places.
Prohibition of advertisement of cigarette and other tobacco products.
Prohibition of sale of cigarette and other tobacco products to a person below the age of 18 yrs.
15 a) Write the objectives & elements of Value-education? How can the same be achieved
VALUE EDUCATION
Education
It is nothing but learning about the particular thing through knowledge. We can identify our
values and ourselves with the help of knowledge and experience.
Types
1. Formal education-Self related learning process.
2. Value education – Analyze based on instruments.
3. Value-based environment education- Based on environment.
Objectives
 To improve the integral growth of human begins.
 To create attitudes and improvement towards sustainable lifestyle.
 To increase awareness about our national history our cultural heritage, constitutional
rights, national integration, community develo9pment and environment.
 To create and develop awareness about the values and their significance and role.
 To know about various living and non- living organisms and their interaction with
environment.
Types of values
 Universal values-Importance of the human conditions.
 Cultural values-Right, wrong, good and bad.
 Individual values-Individual personality and experiences.
 Global values-Human civilization.
 Spiritual values-Self-restraint, discipline.
15 b) Briefly discuss HIV/AIDS, mode of its spread and its effect on environment.
HIV /AIDS
AIDS is the abbreviated form for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome caused by a virus
called HIV (Human Immune deficiency Virus).
Origin of HIV/AIDS
1. Through African Monkey
African monkey or Chimpanzees To human.
2. Through Vaccine Programme
(a)Polio, small pox vaccine from monkey’s kidney-Africa.
(b) Hepatitis-B viral vaccine-Los Angles and New York.
Factors influencing modes of Transmission of HIV
1. Unprotected sex with infected person.
2. Using needles or syringes from HIV positive person.
3. During pregnancy, breast feeding HIV transmits from mother to infant babies.
4. Blood transfusion during accident and pregnancy.
5. Biologically the male to female transmission is 2 to 4 time more efficient than female to male
transmission.
6. Women’s cervical tissue is more vulnerable to HIV than men.
Factors not influencing transmission of HIV
1. Tears, food, air, cough, handshake and normal kissing.
2. Mosquito flies and insect bites.
3. Sharing of utensils, clothes, toilets and bathroom.
Effects
 Death
 Loss of labor
 Inability to work
 Lack of energy.
Functions of HIV in human body
White blood cells (WBC) are responsible for the formation of antibodies called T-helper cells’helper cells are the key infection fighters in the immune system. Once HIV cells are enter into the
boy they destroy the T-cells and cause many infection diseases.
Symptoms
I.
Minor symptoms
 Persistent cough for more than one month.
 General skin disease.
 Viral infection.
 Fungus infection in mouth and throat.
 Frequent fever, headache and fatigue.
II.
Major symptoms
 Diarrhea for more than one month.
 TB for more than one month.
 Fall of hairs.
 10% of body weight loss within short period.
Control and Preventive measures
1. Education.
2. Prevention of Blood borne HIV transmission.
3. Primary health care.
4. Counseling services.
5. Drug treatment.
Scenario in India
Large number of cases has been reported in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
World Scenario
Nearly 90% of the HIV affected peoples live in developing countries.13% of world’s
population live in Africa. About 3 million people so far died due to HIV in 2003.In the
world AIDS ranking India is in 2nd place.
16 a) Drought in Gujarat & Rajasthan:
Gujarat is prone to drought once in three years while states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka tend to have two years of drought in a period of five years. This is one of the
conclusions of the central government's report, 'Drought, Crisis Management Plan-2015' which also
says that around 16% of the country and 68% of the sowing area nationally is drought prone.
In the states mentioned above, droughts are caused mainly because of the failure of the South-West
monsoon which is responsible for 75% of the rainfall in the country, the report says. (The SouthWest monsoon is active in the country from June to September.)
"Areas affected by drought need to wait till the next monsoon as 75% of the annual rainfall in the
country is received during the South-West monsoon season," says the report.
Management:
For Tamilnadu:
16.b) CHENNAI FLOODS
Chennai was officially declared a disaster area on the evening of 2 December. At the MIOT
Hospital, 14 patients died after power and oxygen supplies failed. With a letup in rainfall,
floodwaters gradually began to recede in Chennai on 4 December, though 40 percent of the city's
districts remained submerged and safe food and drinking water remained in short supply. Though
relief efforts were well underway across most of the area by 3 December, the lack of any
coordinated relief response in North Chennai forced thousands of its residents to evacuate on their
own. As intermittent rains returned, thousands of displaced residents from Chennai, Kancheepuram
and Tiruvallur districts attempted to flee the stricken region by bus or train and travel to their family
homes. Chennai International Airport was partly reopened for cargo flights on 5 December, with
passenger flights scheduled to resume from the following morning.[37] By 6 December, rescue
efforts had largely concluded and relief efforts intensified, with the Chennai Corporation beginning
to disburse relief packages.[38] Mobile, banking and power services were gradually restored; fuel
and food supplies were reaching their destinations, the airport had fully reopened and rail services
slowly resumed. Many city neighbourhoods, however, remained flooded with some lacking basic
necessities due to the uncoordinated distribution of relief materials. With the city slowly beginning
to recover, state and national health officials remained watchful against disease outbreaks, warning
that conditions were right for epidemics of water-borne illnesses to occur. Chennai Corporation
officials reported at least 57,000 homes in the city had suffered structural damage, mostly those
of working class pincodes. State housing boards said they would conduct safety inspections of both
public and residential buildings.[40] After being closed for the past month, schools and colleges
across the affected districts began to reopen from 14 December.[41] Relief operations were largely
wound up by 19 December.
CONTROL MEASURES
Regulate the urban planning and illegal construction
Union Minister for Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar termed the Chennai floods a
"natural disaster of unprecedented scale", and said it provided lessons to improve urban planning
and improve city governance. "Chennai gives a lesson, and we must learn from this lesson and
improve our urban planning and improve city governance, which is very essential." He also
criticised the Chennai Corporation for not having done enough "to remove all encroachments.
Unless you allow the drains to flow freely to the sea, water will be clogged and that is what has
unfortunately happened."
Proper design and maintenance of drainage systems
Media reports stated the Chennai Corporation had ignored September warnings of above-average
monsoonal rains issued by the Indian Meteorological Department, and that extensive and costly
projects begun in 2013 to desilt city storm drains had been ineffectively conducted. The drains
themselves were reported to have been shoddily built and improperly designed. A 2014 CAG report
revealed that a diversion channel from the Buckingham canal near Okkiyum Maduvu to the sea (a
drain project under the JNNURM scheme) could have saved South Chennai from flooding; the
government, however, dropped the ₹100 crore scheme, which, had it been completed, would have
drained floodwater from southern neighbourhood at a rate of 3,500 cubic feet per second. The 2014
CAG report said the defective planning of flood control projects caused delays and increased costs,
defeating the objective of the scheme. "The fact is that alleviation of inundation of flood water in
Chennai city remains largely unachieved", it said.
Climate-change related
In 2006, a study by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune showed extreme
precipitation events had increased in frequency and intensity in India over the period from 1950 to
the 2000s; while CSE’s climate change experts recommend detailed attribution studies to establish
more links between the Chennai floods and climate change, they did state that existing scientific
studies establish a possible connection