Class 10 NCERT Solutions English Chapter 4(E) - Geological Heritage
Geological Heritage Exercise 156
Solution 1
A. (a) These are the ancient structures representing history.
(b) They are marvelous structures and add to the beauty of our land.
(c) These structures help the anthropologists and historians in understanding of evolution of society.
B. (a) The biggest threat to any historical monument is the high aspirations of human race. We have seen this happening when big statues of Buddha in Afghanistan were brought to dust by Taliban.
(b) The geographic or to be exact, seismic activity is again a big threat.
(c) Uneducated and unaware people and even tourists tamper such monuments and structures. We can take example of India where so many locals spit or write on the walls of so many historic monuments. Even the governing authorities stay blind to such degradation.
Geological Heritage Exercise 161
Solution 2
1. While food production has shown only marginal improvement, the demand for food grains, vegetables and fruits has registered an exponential growth the world over, forcing governments to initiate urgent measures to establish a balance between supply and demand.
2. To construct the mammoth structure, the builder had to use enormous quantities of concrete.
3. When he returned from the office, he ensconced himself in an armchair and asked for a cup of tea.
4. When the teacher saw a student perched precariously on the branch of a tree, she asked him to climb down immediately.
5. The newly appointed office assistant earned the praise of her colleagues for the alacrity with which she completed the tasks assigned to her.
6. The new office building was snazzy with its bright and fashionable exterior.
7. The pensioner did not get his dues in time on account of the apathy of the officials.
8. The land abutting the post office was procured by the authorities for expanding the building that housed it.
9. Merchants stock up on goods during festival seasons to meet the booming demand and declare discounts when the sales slacken.
10. During wars armies dig up subterranean passages for the movement of troops and supplies unseen by the enemy.
Geological Heritage Exercise 162
Solution 3(a)
Importance of rocks
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Aesthetic importance |
Ecological importance |
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(a) |
They inspire creativity and reverence in people, forcing them to look beyond the obvious shapes to create imaginary forms. |
(a) |
Rocks help create the natural drainage system of the area. Subterranean passages created by these rocks result in the natural flow of rain water to that area, aiding the formation of ponds and lakes and recharging ground water levels. |
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(b) |
These rocks resemble a shape or the ideas of people think they epitomize. |
(b) |
Rocky hills often act as the biodiversity hub for the area. Fauna and flora of varied kinds thrive in rocky eco-systems. |
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(c) |
Many of these rocks have become landmarks for the locals. Some natural openings and cave-like structures have been used as temples which are considered as symbols of the divine. |
(c) |
Often even medicinal plants and aromatic herbs are found in the area. |
Solution 3(b)
Threats to the geological heritage.
Causes
(i) For centuries these rocks have served as the building material for the whole city. Contractors excavate mud and destroy rocks in remote spots often under the dark cover of night for a paltry sum. Most of this quarrying is illegal.
(ii) As the population is growing in abundance the need to cut down the rocks to create residential areas is growing. The problem however lies at the speed and magnitude with which these rocks are now disappearing.
Effects
(i) Mass destruction of rocks has exacerbated the depletion of green cover. Precious fauna and flora has been destroyed.
(ii) Loss of these rocks has meant ground water depletion which has further compounded the city's water woes.
Solution 3(c)
(i) The efforts of 'Society to Save Rocks' led to the addition of nine rock formations in Regulation No. 13 of Hyderabad Development Authority (HUDA) for the protection of Heritage Buildings and Precincts by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
(i.i) Challenge to the efforts of 'Society to Save Rocks' comes in the form of sold out heritage sites. One of such sites is Durgam Cheruvu, where the government's attempt at conservation and apathy towards rocks, are both visible. A few years ago the inaccessible lake between the rock cliffs was turned into a tourist spot and now the condition is such that the entire stretch of the hills on one bank of this protected area have been destroyed in the past decade to accommodate the fast growing Hi-tech city.
(ii) Individuals have made efforts to preserve the heritage by integrating rocks into the structures of their homes. The rock forms the interior of their homes. Some builders and companies too have taken initiative to include rocks in their building complexes. Due to endless efforts of organizations like STSR, the rocks of Hyderabad have found a voice.
