{"id":1681,"date":"2024-10-07T06:55:18","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T06:55:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=1681"},"modified":"2026-02-11T19:05:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T19:05:38","slug":"gs-1-salient-features-of-world-physical-geography-important-geophysical-phenomena-earthquakes-tsunami-volcanoes-cyclones-geographical-features-and-location","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/gs-1-salient-features-of-world-physical-geography-important-geophysical-phenomena-earthquakes-tsunami-volcanoes-cyclones-geographical-features-and-location\/","title":{"rendered":"GS-1: Salient Features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, cyclones); Geographical features and location;"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In News:Why is salt pan land being used for homes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.Explain the ecological significance of salt pan lands and the threats they face due to anthropogenic activities.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salt pan lands, characterised as low-lying coastal areas where seawater periodically flows and evaporates, leaving behind salt and minerals, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ecological significance of salt pans includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Flood mitigation: <\/strong>They absorb excess rainwater, reducing flood risks in urban areas. For instance, Mumbai’s salt pans help manage stormwater during heavy monsoons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Biodiversity support:<\/strong> Salt pans provide habitats for diverse species, including migratory birds like flamingos and various salt-tolerant plants, supporting rich ecosystems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Intertidal activity:<\/strong> Salt pans serve as feeding grounds for species such as crabs and mollusks, which are essential for local food chains and attract birdwatchers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Natural defence mechanism:<\/strong> Salt pans contribute to coastal protection by reducing the impact of storm surges and high tides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Natural resource:<\/strong> Historically, salt pans have been used for salt extraction, providing income for local communities, such as those in the Rann of Kutch in India.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Threats from anthropogenic activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Urban development pressure:<\/strong> Many salt pan lands are targeted for real estate projects; for example, proposals in Mumbai aim to convert these areas into housing complexes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Legal and regulatory challenges:<\/strong> Despite CRZ protections, loopholes allow development; recent cases show unauthorised constructions on protected salt pan lands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Environmental impact:<\/strong> Urbanisation of salt pans increases flooding risks; the 2005 Mumbai floods highlighted how loss of these natural buffers exacerbated disaster impacts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Community livelihoods:<\/strong> Encroachment threatens traditional salt harvesting jobs; communities reliant on these activities face economic instability as their resources diminish.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Thus protecting salt pan areas is essential for maintaining coastal resilience and ecological balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      PYQ<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? 2023<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples.2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism?2019<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Source:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/why-is-salt-pan-land-being-used-for-homes-explained\/article68722845.ece#:~:text=The%20land%20will%20be%20used,government%20has%20a%2020%25%20stake.<\/a><\/p>\n