The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Plastic waste management is a critical environmental challenge. Improper disposal methods, such as open burning or littering, result in severe ecological damage, health hazards, and threats to biodiversity.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Burning plastics in open areas is highly hazardous. It releases toxic gases and carcinogenic fumes, such as dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to air pollution and respiratory health issues.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Plastic waste is non-biodegradable. When thrown indiscriminately on roads, it often accumulates in drainage systems, choking drains. This leads to waterlogging, urban flooding, and the creation of unhygienic conditions that breed disease vectors.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Stray animals, particularly cattle, often forage for food in garbage dumps. They frequently ingest plastic bags containing food scraps. Since plastic is indigestible, it accumulates in their stomach or blocks their respiratory and digestive tracts, often resulting in a painful death.
Key Takeaway:
Improper disposal of plastics causes multi-dimensional harm, including air pollution from burning, infrastructure failure (clogged drains), and fatal health risks to terrestrial animals.