Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh
begam to experience water shortages, life didn’t grind to a halt. Why? Because
chewing Norphel. A retired civil engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government
came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.
2. Ladakh, a cold desert at an alritude of 3000-3500 metres above sea level, hasa
low average annual rainfall rate of 50mm. glaciers have always been the only
sources of water. Agriculture is completely dependent on glacier melt unlike the
rest of river/monsoon –fed India. But over the years with increasing effects of
climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in
severe shortage and drought situations. Given the severe winter conditions, the
window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.
3. It is located between the natural glacier above and the village below. The one
closer to the village and lowest in altitude melts first, providing water during
April/May, the crucial sowing season. Further layers of ice above melt with
increasing temperature thus ensuring continuous supply to the fields. Thus,
farmers have been able to mange two crops instead of one. It costs about Rs.
1,50,000 and above to create one.
4. Fondly called the “glacier man”, Norphel has designed over 15 artificial glaciers
in and around Lehh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort, he was
conferred the Padma Sri by President Pranab Mukherjee, in 2015.
5. There are few steps followed increasing the artificial glacier.
6. River or steam water at higher altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill,
facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At
the start of winter/ November, the diverted water is made to flow on to sloping
hill face through the flow of water, making shallow pools and freeze, forming a
cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation for 3-4 months resulting in a large
accumulation of ice which is referred to as an artificial glacier”
Attempt the following questions the basis of the passage you have read. 8
i) Who was Chewang Norphel?
ii) What kind of land form is Ladakhh?
iii) Why has the pattern of snowfall and rainfall changed?
iv) How do farmers manage to grow two crops instead of one?
v) In which year did President Pranab Mukherjee confer Padma Shri to Mr.
Norphel?
vi) How many months does the ice formation continue for?
vii) Find the word iin the paragraph 6 which means the same as gathering?
viii) Find the word in the paragraph 4 which means the same founder.
Answers
Answer:
i). Chewang Norphel is an Indian civil engineer from Ladakh, who has built 15 artificial glaciers. He has earned the nickname Ice Man.
ii). Ladakh is the highest altitude plateau region in India (much of it being over 3,000 m), incorporating parts of the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges and the upper Indus River valley
Answer:
Answer ⬇
2.1. i. There are various attributes of human beings that make them differentiate from robots. Human beings have feelings and emotions and at the same time, they can dream. Apart from the difficult circumstances and limitations, we human beings possess the tendency to grow. Human beings flourish and try to make their dreams come true for a smooth going life.
ii. Grit means courage and resolves i.e. strength of character. In this context, it is being used to describe human nature. What human beings do irrespective of their continuous failure? Do they sit down and accept the defeat? Or do they stand up again and possess the tendency to accept the challenges of life and keep moving? So, the tendency of human being to keep going is being perceived as grit.
iii. Failing cause physical and mental pain also causes embarrassment and is one of the frightening experiences of human life. But at the same time, it makes an individual stronger and more confident. Failure is an important part of success and it is must for a successful and fulfilling life. Thus, ‘failing’ is an educational and empowering part as it is the key to personal success and for the betterment of society.
iv. Grit can be developed only when one is conscious or aware of something. The technique mentioned in the passage is ‘mindfulness’ in which an individual focus on one’s awareness on the present by accepting one’s feelings and thoughts. This is used generally to lower down the fears and doubts in the minds of an individual. It is basically done to prevent self-damage, raise hope and achieve success.
v. Mindfulness helps an individual in many respects. It helps human beings to stay calm in every situation. It creates self-awareness by minimizing the doubts and fears in the minds of human beings. With the continuous practice of mindfulness, one can stop any interference in long-standing goals. It can raise hope by minimizing anguish and annoyance. Thus, mindfulness helps a lot in overcoming negativity.