DSSSB · English

Passage: Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Urbanisation has become a defining characteristic of the 21st century, with cities expanding rapidly to accommodate growing populations. While urbanisation provides economic opportunities and improved infrastructure, it also exerts significant pressure on local ecosystems. Forests, wetlands, and grasslands are often cleared to make way for urban projects, leading to habitat destruction and the displacement of native species. One notable consequence is the decline in biodiversity. Urban areas frequently replace diverse ecosystems with monoculture landscapes, such as lawns and ornamental plants, which cannot support the same range of species. Additionally, pollution from vehicles and industries adversely affects air and water quality, further endangering wildlife. Efforts to mitigate these effects include green urban planning, which integrates parks, rooftop gardens, and sustainable drainage systems into cityscapes. Cities like Singapore have embraced the concept of vertical gardens to enhance greenery despite space constraints. Urban planners worldwide are increasingly recognising the need to balance development with ecological preservation. Nevertheless, challenges persist. The demand for housing and infrastructure often outweighs environmental concerns, especially in developing countries. Effective policies require collaboration among governments, businesses, and citizens to create urban spaces that are both livable and sustainable. Question: What inference can be drawn from the passage?

  1. Habitat destruction is an unavoidable consequence of urbanisation.
  2. Developing countries prioritise ecological health over urban growth.
  3. Green urban planning can mitigate some negative effects of urbanisation.
  4. Rapid urbanisation and biodiversity can never coexist together.
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