Statement:\nA major river in the city has become a polluted, dirty canal after tonnes of sewage were discharged into it over the years.\n\nCourses of Action:\nI. All those who dump garbage and sewage into the river should be penalized.\nII. The government should modify the sewage system and provide an alternate route for the city’s waste instead of the river.\n\nWhich course(s) of action logically follow(s)?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Both I and II follow

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Chronic river pollution typically arises from weak enforcement and inadequate infrastructure. Effective remediation needs both deterrence (penalties) and structural solutions (sewage treatment and diversion), not one in isolation.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Condition: River degraded into a polluted canal by years of sewage inflow.
  • Actors: Households, industries, municipalities.
  • Gaps: Enforcement, sewage networks, STP capacity, illegal connections.


Concept / Approach:
We test for complementarity. Punitive measures without infrastructure create non-compliance incentives but few alternatives; infrastructure without penalties invites relapse. Both are required to correct and sustain outcomes.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) I (penalize dumpers): Establishes accountability, deters future violations, and drives compliance with discharge norms.2) II (modify sewage system): Build/upgrade sewers, treatment plants, and interceptors; reroute waste away from the river; ensure capacity and O&M.3) Together they form a coherent strategy; hence both follow.


Verification / Alternative check:
River rejuvenation programs globally combine enforcement with infrastructure, monitoring, and public participation—corroborating the need for both strands.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only I / Only II: Each alone is insufficient for durable improvement.• Either: Suggests substitutability; here, actions are complementary.• Neither: Ignores obvious levers.


Common Pitfalls:
Expecting penalties to work when compliant infrastructure is absent; or investing in infrastructure while tolerating illegal dumping.


Final Answer:
Both I and II follow.

More Questions from Course of Action

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