Many people understand the connection between solid waste management

Many people understand the connection between solid waste management and health in terms of the consequences of unattended heaps of dry garbage which become home for flies and other vermin.

However, there is another aspect that is not well-understood, that is, what happens when unscientific solid waste management combines with poor drainage and dumping of untreated sewage into drains which are meant to carry storm water during rains. The result is choked drains which are full of stagnant water breeding mosquitoes, resulting in the spread of water-borne diseases.

In the context of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message of the passage?

  1. In India, the drainage networks are not separate for sewerage and storm water.
  2. Urban local bodies do not have enough resources and legislative authority to deal with the problems of waste management.
  3. Solid waste management should be integrated with the maintenance of drainage and sewerage networks.
  4. Bad management of solid waste and sewerage systems by our municipalities is the reason for drinking water shortages in our cities.

Answer: C

Explanation

Option A is incorrect. The passage mentions, ”However, there is another aspect that is not well-understood, that is, what happens when unscientific solid waste management combines with poor drainage and dumping of untreated sewage into drains which are meant to carry storm water during rains”. The word ‘combines’ refers to the combination of factors, rather than drainage. Also, the passage implies the fact that there are two separate drains, one being the normal drainage system, and the other, the drains meant to carry storm water during rains.

Option B is incorrect. The passage mentions the concern related to the unscientific solid waste management, poor drainage and dumping of untreated sewage in drains. It nowhere mentions the lack of resources with the urban local bodies and legislative bodies, as the reason for the above stated concern.

Option C is correct. The passage sends a message that people understand solid waste management only in terms of dry garbage, as attracting flies and other vermin, but they ignore (or do not completely understand) the other important facet of the harmful effects of dumping of garbage into drains meant to carry storm water during rains.

Option D is incorrect. The passage mentions about chocked drains leading to waterborne diseases. Nowhere does it mention about the drinking water shortages.

  • Exam Year: 2020