To excel in the APSC Mains exam, it is crucial to develop a strong command over answer writing. Today’s question focuses on the deeply rooted issue of superstitious beliefs, which continues to plague several parts of India. Addressing this topic not only prepares you for questions related to social issues but also sharpens your ability to critically analyze societal challenges.
APSC Answer Writing (Daily) – 24/09/2024
Q. The recent incident of 20 tea workers collapsing due to heat stroke in the Hingrijan tea estate highlights the vulnerability of workers in the tea industry to extreme weather events. Discuss the challenges faced by tea garden workers in Assam due to climate change and suggest measures to mitigate these challenges. (250 words)
Model Answer
Introduction
The incident of 20 tea workers collapsing due to heat stroke in the Hingrijan tea estate underscores the growing challenges faced by tea garden workers in Assam due to the changing climate. Climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts, which directly impact the health, livelihoods, and overall well-being of these workers.
Challenges Faced by Tea Garden Workers
- Heat Stress and Health Risks: Rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves increase the risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses among tea garden workers who spend long hours outdoors in physically demanding tasks.
- Reduced Productivity: Extreme weather events can disrupt tea production, leading to reduced working hours and income for workers. Droughts can affect tea plant growth and yield, while floods can damage crops and infrastructure.
- Water Scarcity: Climate change can alter rainfall patterns, leading to water scarcity in tea-growing regions. This can affect both tea production and the availability of clean drinking water for workers and their families.
- Increased Vulnerability to Pests and Diseases: Climate change can create favorable conditions for the spread of pests and diseases that affect tea plants, further impacting productivity and income.
- Lack of Adequate Infrastructure and Support: Many tea gardens lack basic infrastructure, such as proper housing, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services, making workers more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Measures to Mitigate Challenges
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Promote the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant tea varieties, efficient irrigation systems, and integrated pest management.
- Improved Working Conditions: Provide workers with access to shade, rest areas, clean drinking water, and protective gear to reduce heat stress and health risks.
- Healthcare and Awareness Programs: Conduct regular health check-ups and awareness programs on heat-related illnesses, waterborne diseases, and other health risks associated with climate change.
- Social Security and Insurance Schemes: Extend social security benefits and insurance coverage to tea garden workers to provide financial support during periods of reduced income or health emergencies.
- Skill Development and Diversification: Provide training and support for alternative livelihood options to reduce dependence on tea cultivation and enhance resilience to climate-related shocks.
- Infrastructure Development: Invest in basic infrastructure, such as housing, sanitation, and healthcare facilities, to improve the living conditions of tea garden workers and their families.
Conclusion Addressing the challenges faced by tea garden workers due to climate change requires a multi-pronged approach involving government, industry, and civil society. By implementing climate-resilient agricultural practices, improving working conditions, and providing adequate support and infrastructure, we can ensure the well-being and livelihoods of these vulnerable workers in the face of a changing climate.
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