UG21T6203 - Environmental Science

Unit IV –– Social Issues and the Environment

A.Gokulanathan
Faculty / SNS
IMU CC
• Books:

• Textbook of Environmental Studies for UG Courses- by Erach

Bharucha, Published by Orient Blackswan Pvt Ltd.

• Textbook of Environmental Studies 2e by Deeksha Dave, S.S.Katewa,

Cengage Learning Publication.
From Unsustainable to Sustainable development
• Sustainable Development: Brundltand commission describes sustainable
development as the development that meet needs of present generation
without compromising ability of future generations to meet their own need.

• Objectives: Developing and modernizing the technologies without losing our

sound traditional values and practices is essential.

• True sustainable development: Optimum use of natural resources with high

degree of reusability, minimum wastage, least generation of toxic byproducts
and maximum productivity.

• Dimensions of sustainable development: Derived from interactions between

society, economy and environment.
• Aspects of sustainable development:
• Inter-generational equity - states to hand over safe, healthy & resourceful
environment to future generation
• Intra-generational equity - Technological development of rich countries should
support the economic growth of poor countries.
• Approaches for sustainable development:
• Developing appropriate technology - locally adaptable, eco-friendly, resource
efficient and culturally suitable.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle [3R] approach – reduces waste generation and pollution
• Providing environmental education and awareness – changing attitude of the
people
• Consumption of renewable resources – attain sustainability
• Conservation of non renewable resources – conserved by recycling and reusing
• Population control.
• Problems of sustainable development:
• Disagreement between stakeholders
• Uncertainty
• Consumption and lifestyle
• Arguments over cause and responsibility
(Refer Page No.252 Textbook of Environmental Studies 2e by Deeksha Dave,
S.S.Katewa, Cengage Learning Publication)

• Historical Data:
• UN Conference on Human Environment held at Stockholm in 1972, United
Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
• In 1983, the World Commission on Environment led by Gro Harlem Brundtland of
Norway put forth the concept of sustainable development.
• United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held at
Rio de Janeiro in 1992 – Agenda 21 describes Progressing towards sustainable
society.
Urban problems - Energy
• Urbanization: Movement of human population from rural areas to urban
areas for betterment of education, communication, health, employment
etc.
• Causes: Cities are main centers of economic growth, trade, transportation,
education, medical facilities and employment.
• Urban sprawl: Urban growth is fast, so difficult to accommodate with their
limited area. So cities spread in to rural areas.
• Urban energy requirement: Residential and commercial lighting, Public and
private transportation, Electrical and electronic appliances like A/C, fridge,
washing machine, water heater etc., institutions, industries, healthcare
sector
• Energy conservation can be made possible by limiting the use of energy in
residential sections, urban transport sector and commercial industrial
sector. National energy policy also plays a dominant role in this.
• Solution: Use public transport instead of motor cycles.
Energy consumption must be minimized.
Use solar and wind energy.
Impose strict laws, penalty, and energy audit.

• To mitigate the energy problem, the Ministry of Urban Development focused the
development and application of the following renewable energy technologies
and energy efficient systems:

 Solar Energy devices and systems

 Energy recovery from urban and industrial wastes
 Biomass energy and co-generation (non-bagasse) in industry

• In this context, the idea of ‘Urja Grams’ is put into practice.

• Case Studies & Discussion

 Urja Grams
 Meeting of Energy requirements by the state Karnataka
 Green Buildings

(Refer Page No.254 to 258 Textbook of Environmental Studies 2e by

Deeksha Dave, S.S.Katewa, Cengage Learning Publication)
Water Conservation
Water Conservation: Process of saving water for future utilization.

• Need for water conservation:

 Population increases water requirement also increases.

 Due to deforestation annual rainfall decreases.

 Over exploitation of ground water.

 Changes in environmental factors.

 Better lifestyles need more water.

 Agricultural and industrial activities require more water.

• Strategies of water conservation:
• Reducing evaporation losses → can place asphalt below the soil surface
• Reducing irrigation losses → sprinkling, drip irrigation, irrigation in early
morning / later evening reduces evaporation, use of organic or inorganic
materials such as plant debris slows down surface run offs, interlinking of
water systems through canals, dryland farming techniques in semi-arid and
arid regions, condensed water from fog and dew for watering crops,
growing crops of low water requirement and tolerance to saline water.
• Re use of water → treated waste water from washings, bathrooms, kitchen
can be used for gardening
• Preventing of wastage of water → closing taps when not is use, repairing
leakage, using small capacity taps etc.
• Decreasing run-off losses → Can be done by using contour cultivation
or terrace farming
• Avoid discharge of sewage → discharge of sewage into water resources
should be prevented
• Case Study: Water Conservation through Community Participation
Ex: ‘Bharatpur – Eastern Gate of Rajasthan’
(Refer Page No.261 to 262 Textbook of Environmental Studies 2e by Deeksha
Dave, S.S.Katewa, Cengage Learning Publication)

‘Pani Panchayat – Pune District, Maharastra’

(Refer Page No.169 Textbook of Environmental Studies for UG Courses- by
Erach Bharucha, Published by Orient Blackswan Pvt Ltd.)

• Water conservation methods:

• Rain Water Harvesting

• Watershed Management
Rain Water Harvesting
• A technique of water conservation by increasing the recharge of ground
water through capturing and storing of rain water for further utilization.
• Objective:
 To meet increasing demands of water in domestic, industrial and
agricultural sectors.
 Raise water table by recharging ground water
 Reduce ground water contamination from salt water intrusion
 Minimize ground water pollution
 Reduce the surface run off loss, soil erosion & flooding
 Increase in hydro static pressure.
 Minimize water crisis & water conflicts
• Techniques of Rainwater Harvesting:

 By storage of rain water in tanks or reservoirs; reservoirs may be

constructed either at the ground level or under ground.
 By constructing pits, dug wells, lagoons, trenches, check dams, or
anicuts on small rivulets.
 By recharging the ground water.

• Rainwater harvesting can play an important role during the periods of

scarcity of water. The soil characteristics, topography, rainfall pattern,
and climatic conditions of a given place should also be given due
consideration while selecting appropriate rainwater harvesting
techniques.
• Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting:
• Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting:

• Method of collecting rainwater from roof of the building & storing it in

the ground for future use.

• Involves collecting water that falls on roof of house.

• Rainwater from roof top, road surface, play ground diverted to surface
tank.

• Rain water is collected by PVC / Aluminium pipe to the pit.

• The pit base is filled with stones & sand, which serve as sand filters.
• Advantages of Rain Water Harvesting:
• Increases the well water availability & Reduces the use of current
• Prevent drought
• Increase the water level in well & Rise in ground water level
• Minimize soil erosion & flood hazards
• Upgrades the social & environmental status
• Future generation is assured of water.

• Case Studies: Age-old RWH practice

Traditional RWH in Rajasthan: Paar System
RWH in Sudan
(Refer Page No.263 to 265 Textbook of Environmental Studies 2e by
Deeksha Dave, S.S.Katewa, Cengage Learning Publication)
Mewar Rajasthan
(Refer Page No.170 Textbook of Environmental Studies for UG Courses- by
Erach Bharucha, Published by Orient Blackswan Pvt Ltd.)
Watershed Management
• Watershed: Defined as land area bounded by divide line from which water
drains under influence of gravity into stream, lakes, reservoir.
• Watershed is the area of land surrounding a river, lake, or pond, which
contributes to the water entering into these water bodies.
• Watershed is a delineated area with a well-defined topographic boundary and
a water outlet. The size of the watershed depends upon the geographical
location. It may range from few square kilometers to few thousand square
kilometers.
• Watershed Management: Management of rainfall & resultant runoff.
• Objectives:
• To minimize risk of floods & for improving the economy
• For developmental activities
• To generate huge employment opportunity
• To promote forestry & to protect soil from erosion.
• Watershed Management Techniques:
• Trenches (Pits) – Pits at regular intervals improves ground water storage
• Earthen dam – to check and store runoff water – should be constructed in
catchment area
• Farm pond - Ponds can capture, store, and distribute water for a variety
of agricultural purposes.
• Underground barriers (Dykes)
• Maintenance of Watershed Results:
• Water harvesting
• Afforestation
• Reducing soil erosion
• Scientific mining & Quarrying
• Public participation & Minimizing livestock population
• Advantages of Watershed projects:
• Improved access to drinking water in project areas during drought
• Increase in cultivation area leading to increase in employment
• Increase in crop yield, resulting better income to rural population
• Improved availability of fodder for animals and increase in milk yield
• Increase in employment & involvement of women
• Increase in net returns from all crops, regeneration of vegetation
• Fuelwood plantation and Horticulture plantation
• Decrease in soil erosion.
• Restoration of ecological balance.
• Factors affecting Watershed:
• Unplanned land use
• Deforestation
• Droughty climates.

• Case Study: Bagmati Watershed Project

(Refer Page No.267 Textbook of Environmental Studies 2e by
Deeksha Dave, S.S.Katewa, Cengage Learning Publication)
Resettlement and Rehabilitation of people
• Resettlement: Simple relocation or displacement of human population.
• Causes:
• Anthropogenic factors: Due to Developmental activities – Construction
of dams, mining, roads, airports, tunnels etc., increase the risks of floods
and landslides, Accumulation of wastes and pollution.
• Natural hazards: Due to Disaster (Natural disaster - earthquake, floods,
droughts, landslides, avalanches, volcanic eruptions etc.) (Manmade
disasters - Industrial accidents, nuclear accidents, dam bursts etc)
• Due to conservation initiatives - national park, sanctuary, forest
reserves, biosphere reserve etc.
• Rehabilitation: Involves making the system to work again by replacing the
lost economic assets, employment, land for building, repair damaged
building etc.
• Rehabilitation issues:
• Displacement of tribal’s increases poverty by losing home, land, jobs,
food security etc.
• Breakup of families
• Communal ownership of property
• Vanishing social and cultural activities like folk songs & dances
• Loss of identity between the people
• Extinction of wild life.
• Displacement refers to forced migration.

• Hardships faced by the displaced people:

• The compensation for the lost land is often not paid or the payment is
delayed, and even if it is paid the amount is usually small.
• Basic infrastructure and amenities are not provided in the new area.
• Very often, temporary camps become permanent settlements.
• Ethnic and caste differences make it difficult for the refugees to live
peacefully with the communities already living in the area.
• Alternate livelihood options with compensation package are unsuitable
to the concerned. (Discuss: Relocation issues of people from Western
Ghats, Supa dam issue in Northern Karnataka)

• Discuss: Impacts of Tsunami to fisherman community.

• Case Study: Jharia Coal Mines
(Refer Page No.269 to 270 Textbook of Environmental Studies 2e by
Deeksha Dave, S.S.Katewa, Cengage Learning Publication)
• Additional Case Studies:
• Hirakund dam displaced more than 20000 people residing in about 250
villages.

• Tehri Dam (Uttaranchal) on the river Bhagirathi, would directly have an

immediate impact on the 10,000 residents of Tehri town and the
rehabilitation over here has become much more of a burning issue.

• Sardar Sarover Project - Plans to build 30 big, 135 medium and 3000
minor dams on Narmada River. Tributaries estimated to submerge 573
villages consisting of about 3 lakh people.
Environmental Ethics: Issues and Possible Solutions
• Environmental Ethics – Environmental Conservation.

• Over exploitation of forests, land, water as well as various living

components of biosphere and failure to tackle the problem of pollution
and environmental degradation are exposing human beings to the
thread of a global environment crisis.

• Therefore human beings are ethically responsible for the preservation of

the world’s ecological integrity. The environmental ethics literally means
conscious efforts to protect environment and to maintain its stability
from the pollutants.
• There is an urgent need to spread awareness regarding various
environmental issues.
• Ex: Medical Phrase - “Tobacco kills”
• Tobacco production damages the environment as much as tobacco
consumption.
• Discuss: Dr. Judith Mackey, Former Director of Asian Consultancy on Tobacco
Control, Hong Kong view on tobacco production.
******
• Environmental ethics emerges two contrasting views:
• Utilitarian justification
• Ecological justification
• Environmental fascism (negative aspect of ecological justification) – it is
impossible to respect all nature otherwise humans will not be able to
survive.
• Functions of Environment:
• A life supporting medium for all organisms
• It provides food, air, water, & other natural resources
• Moderates the climatic conditions &Disintegrates the waste discharged by
the society
• Healthy economy depends on healthy environment.
• Ethical Guidelines:
• Environmental equity and priority (Aristotle view) - always respect all nature
except in cases where strong human rights are at stake.
(Discuss: strong and week human rights )
• Love & honor the earth, Should be grateful to plants & animals,
• Should not waste your resources, Should not steal from future generation,
• Should not pollute & hold other living things
• Should not consume more materials
• Should share the precious earth resources.
Global Climate Change
• Weather - Condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time,
characterized by parameters such as temperature, humidity, rain, and wind.
• Climate - Refers to the long-term pattern of weather conditions of a given area.

• Until the mid of the 20th century, Earth's climate was generally regarded as
unchanging, but it is now known to be in a continuous & delicate state of flux.

• Climate change refers to the variation in Earth's global climate or in regional

climates over time. From the ice age of the past to the industrial age of the
present, the climate of Earth has been changing. It describes changes in the
average state of the atmosphere over time scales ranging from a few decades
to millions of years. These changes can be caused by Earth's internal
processes, by external forces such as variations in sunlight intensity, or by
human activities.
• Causes of Climate Change:
• Presence of green house gases
• Depletion of ozone layer
• Pollution
• Deforestation
• Effects of climate change:
• Migration of animals
• Upsetting the hydrological cycles
results in floods and droughts.
• Changes in global pattern of winds.
Greenhouse effect and Global Warming
• Green house effect: The progressive warming of earth surface due to
blanketing effect of man made CO2 in the atmosphere.

• Global warming:
Human activities increase
the green house effect &
raise the atmospheric
temperature.

• Green house gases causing

global warming are CO2, CH4,
N2O, CFCs.
CO2 is the most important
green house gas.
• Human activities over a long period of time have resulted dangerous greenhouse
effect which is used to indicate a heat-trapping process caused by gases such as
carbon dioxide, and water vapour, which are transparent to incoming solar
radiations but do not allow the infrared radiations emitted from the Earth's surface
to escape the atmosphere causing the heat to get trapped. The result of this
phenomenon is a long-term rise in the average temperature of Earth as a whole,
which is called global warming.

• The release of key greenhouse gases (GHGs) is however, not only due to the
burning of fossil fuels, it is also a part of nature's normal processes. GHGs allow
sunlight to pass through the troposphere (lower atmosphere) which heats the
Earth's surface. As the heat rises from the surface into the troposphere, some is
reflected back to the surface by the molecules of GHGs hence warming the air. This
natural trapping of heat or the greenhouse effect has made the Earth habitable,
without it, Earth would have been a cold, lifeless planet. This effect helps to
maintain the mean temperature at 15°C, while in the absence of the greenhouse
effect, the mean temperature would have been around -18°C Thus, greenhouse
effect is a blessing and not a curse, however, this inference stands true only as
long as the GHGs are present in the atmosphere at an optimal level.
• Their levels in the atmosphere are determined by a balance between 'sources'
(processes which release these gases) and 'sinks' (processes, such as
photosynthesis, which absorb or remove the gases). However, increase in human
activities tends to disrupt this optimal balance. Such disruptions may occur due to
the introduction of new or additional sources of natural GHGs, man-made GHGs,
such as CFCs and their substitutes, or because of interference with natural sinks
(such as by deforestation).

• The enhanced levels of GHG accumulation in the atmosphere resulting from this
disruption are causing a continuous increase in the temperature of Earth, referred
as global warming which in turn leads to climate change.

• Over the last century, the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased
by 25%, the level of nitrous oxide by 19% and the level of methane by 100%. These
3 major global warming gases are released into the atmosphere by burning of fossil
fuels, industrialization, mining, deforestation, exhaust from increasing automobiles
and other anthropogenic activities.
Fig. The flow of energy from the sun to the earth
• Effects of global warming:
• Sea level →glacial melting & thermal expansion of ocean raise the sea level
• Agriculture and forestry → Climatic pattern shifts, rainfall is reduced, soils are
dried, result in drought, less crop production
• Water resources → Rainfall pattern change, Drought & Floods will become
common, Rise in temperature will increases water demand
• Terrestrial ecosystems → Animals & plants will have problems in adapting. They
will be in Risk of extinction.
• Human health → As earth become warmer, floods & droughts become frequent.
This increase waterborne diseases, infectious diseases caused by mosquitoes, etc.,

• Environmental Effects:
• Weather Extremes
• Rise in sea level
• Decrease in Agricultural production
• Storms
• Adverse effects on human health
• Loss of biodiversity and destruction of ecosystems.
• Preventive Measures of Global Warming:
• Reducing CO2 emission by reducing use of fossil fuels
• Utilizing renewable resources like wind, solar, hydro power etc.
• Reducing deforestation, Planting more trees
• Adopt sustainable agriculture
• Use natural gas instead of coal
• Stabilize population growth
• Remove CO2 by photosynthetic algae.

• Principle of Green Chemistry:

Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that
reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances.
Green chemistry applies across the life cycle of a chemical product,
including its design, manufacture, use, and ultimate disposal. Green
chemistry is also known as sustainable chemistry.
• Kyoto Protocol:
• 1997, Kyoto, Japan, developed countries agreed to specific targets for
cutting their emissions of greenhouse gases.
• Industrialized countries committed to an overall reduction of emissions
of greenhouse gases to 5.2% below levels for the period 2008 – 2012.
• Objective is the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the
atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic
interference with the climate system.
• International body:
• The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988 established by
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP).
Acid Rain:
• Robert Angus Smith defined acid rain as ‘a condition in which natural
precipitation becomes acidic after reacting chemically with pollutants in the
air’.
• Major cause of acid rain include burning of fuels and use of nuclear
weapons which cause emission of a large amount of Sulphur dioxide SO2
and nitrogen dioxide NO2.
• Sulphur dioxide in turn produces sulphuric acid (H2SO4) as follows:
2SO2 + O2  2SO3
SO3 + H2O  H2SO4
• Similarly the oxides of nitrogen reacts in air to produce nitric acid (HNO3)
2NO + O2  2NO2
4NO2 + 2H2O + O2  4HNO3
• Both these sulphuric and nitric acids are very strong and when present in
the atmosphere, dissolved in water droplets to fall on earth as acid rain.
• In addition, some natural sources of acid formation are volcanic eruptions,
forest fires etc., which contribute to the acidity in rain water.

Increased acidity in
water bodies and soil
is becoming a problem
all over the world,
particularly in
North Eastern America,
North Western Europe,
and India.
• Adverse effects of Acid rain:
• Dissolves and washes away nutrients in the soil.
• Dissolves naturally occurring toxic substances and pollutes water.
• Destroys our aquatic ecosystems by making water acidic and this affects plant
and animal life.
• It affects wildlife, species and the entire ecosystem.
• Acid deposition damages buildings, automobiles, and other structures made
of stone and metal and causes extensive damage and ruins historic buildings.
• Adversely affects human life by creating health issues.

• Control Measures:
• By Clean combustion technologies
• Using pollution control equipments
• Replacement of coal by natural gas
• Liming of lakes and soils
• Coal with lower sulphur content can be used
• Emission of SO2 & NO2 from industries can be reduced.
• Discuss: Acid Rains in Stockholm
Acid Rain Problems around the World

• Case Study: Destruction of Valuable Heritage due to Acid Rains : Taj Mahal
(Refer Page No.280 Textbook of Environmental Studies 2e by
Deeksha Dave, S.S.Katewa, Cengage Learning Publication)
Depletion of Ozone Layer
• Ozone (O3) - Triatomic form of oxygen.
• Found largely in the stratosphere that extends from about 6 km at the
poles to 17 km at the equator.
• Ground level ozone is harmful to the human respiratory system and acts
an as eye irritant.
• However, ozone is used commercially to kill microorganisms during water-
purification process and as a bleaching agent.
• If present in the stratosphere, ozone acts as a protective layer shielding
the earth from harmful UV radiation, whereas in the troposphere, ozone
acts as a harmful pollutant and is the major component of photochemical
smog.
• A trace of this gas in the troposphere can damage human lungs and
tissues, and also harm plants.
• Ozone is also a greenhouse gas and contributes to the greenhouse effect.
• Causes and Mechanism of Depletion of Ozone Layer:
• Main cause of ozone depletion was found to be the widespread use of
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). They are used as coolants in the compressors of
refrigerators and air conditioners. They are also used to clean electronic circuit
boards used in computers, phones, etc., and in the manufacture of foams for
mattresses and cushions, disposable Styrofoam cups, packaging material, cold
storage, etc.
• CFCs are powerful ozone destroyers. They rise slowly from the Earth's surface into
the stratosphere. Here, under the influence of high-energy ultraviolet (UV)
radiation, they break down and release chlorine atoms, which speed up the
breakdown of an ozone molecule (O3) into an oxygen molecule (O2) and oxygen
atom (O). One CFC molecule can break down 1,00,000 ozone molecules through
catalytic chain reactions.
• CFCs do not destroy the ozone layer directly but they act as carriers for the
chlorine to the upper atmosphere.
• Bromines released from halogens (used in fire extinguishers) are the most
important chemicals associated with ozone layer depletion.
• Methyl bromide used during packaging of fruits to prevent bacterial action flows
out into the atmosphere as soon as the packing is opened. This cause heavy
damage to ozone.
Fig. Mechanism of Ozone Layer Depletion
Fig. Depletion of Ozone Layer
• Environmental effects of Ozone layer depletion:
• Effect on human beings  Marked rise in cause of skin cancer, damage
immune system, eye ailment such as cataract
• Effect on terrestrial plants  Restricted growth, increasing germination
time, crop damage, decreases yield
• Effect on materials  Shorter life of paints and plastics
• Destruction of aquatic life
• Climate change.
• Ozone Hole: Thinning of ozone layer or reduction in concentration of ozone .
• The hole is roughly the size of United States and has increased in size every
year since discovery.
• Control Measures:
• Replacing CFCs by less damaging materials
• Use of methyl bromide – crop fumigant should be controlled
• Manufacturing & using of ozone depleting chemicals should be stopped.
• Montreal Protocol:
• The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an
international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the
production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for
ozone depletion.
• International Ozone Day – September 16 by UNEP
Nuclear Accidents and Holocaust:
• The release of large amount of nuclear energy and radioactive products into the
atmosphere produces nuclear accidents.
• Nuclear energy was researched by man as an alternate source of energy
compared to fossil fuels. Although this did happen along with the benefits came
its downfall. In the short history of nuclear energy there has been a number of
accidents that have surpassed any natural calamity.
• A single nuclear accident causes loss of life, long term illness and destruction of
property on a large scale.
• Types of Nuclear Accidents:
Nuclear test
Nuclear power plant accidents
Improper disposal of radioactive wastes
Accident during transport of materials
Core melt down
• Effects of nuclear accident:
• Direct contact leads to radioactive sickness which may lead to death.
• Cancer is major problem in affected areas and this effect may stay longer.
• Air and water will be contaminated due to radioactive steam and
groundwater mixing with radioactive substances.
• Land degradation.
• It affects eye sight.
• The ecological system gets disturbed.
• Birds and animals have affect on their reproductive systems.
• Genetic disorder and deformity in newly born.
Fig. Effects of Nuclear Hazards
• Nuclear holocaust in Japan:
• In 1945 two nuclear atom bombs were dropped on Hiroshima (Little Boy)
& Nagasaki (Fat Man) cities in Japan during World War II.
• This explosion emitted neutrons, gamma radiations, strontium (Sr*90)
• This Sr90 has the property of replacing calcium in the bones & so many
people were affected by bone deformities.
• Nearly 1,00,000 people were killed,
• Effects of nuclear holocaust:
• Nuclear winter [Black soot formed will absorb all UV-radiations & prevent
UV radiation to reach the earth]
• This result in cooling effect & water evaporation will also reduce. This
process opposite to global warming is called nuclear winter.
• Note: Six countries – US, China, Soviet Union, Britain, France and India
have tested nuclear weapons.
• Few examples for this dreadful disaster:
• Bhopal gas tragedy (1984),
• Three Mile Island (American reactor failure 1979),
• The Mount Pinatubo Volcano (1991),
• Chernobyl (1986) etc.,
• Control Measures:
• Suitable precautions to avoid accidents
• Constant monitoring of the radiation level
• Checks and control measures done by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
• Case Studies: Bhopal gas tragedy
Chernobyl nuclear disaster
Wasteland Reclamation:
• Wastelands: Large stretches of land around villages, towns, metro cities,
and many patches of forests, which are unsuitable for plant growth or
agricultural productivity.
• It also includes degraded forests, overgrazed pastures, eroded valleys,
water logged marshy lands, barren land, etc.
• Wastelands are basically unproductive, ecologically unstable, badly
eroded, and degraded lands.
• Wasteland contributes about 20.17% of the total geographical area of
India.
• Wasteland Reclamation: Utilizing wasteland for agricultural purposes.
• Types of waste land:
1. Uncultivable waste land: Barren land, rocky areas, lands on steep
slopes, hilly slopes, sandy deserts, snow-covered lands etc.,
2. Cultivable waste land: degraded forest lands, gullied lands, Marshy
lands, saline land etc.
• Causes for waste land formation:
• Soil Erosion, Deforestation, Water logging, Salinity.
• Excessive use of pesticides.
• Developmental activities, [Construction of dams, power projects causes
water logging].
• Over-exploitation of natural resources.
• Sewage and industrial wastes.
• Mining destroy forests & cultivable land.
• Growing demands for fuel, fodder, wood and food causes degradation
and loss of soil productivity.
• Objectives of waste land reclamation:
• To improve the physical structure and quality of the soil
• To prevent soil erosion
• To avoid over – exploitation of natural resources
• To conserve the biological resources
• To improve the availability of good quality of water
• To supply fuel, fodder, timber for local use
• To provide source of income to the rural poor
• Methods of waste land reclamation:
• Drainage, Leaching
• Irrigation practices
• Green manures and bio fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers
• Application of Gypsum
• Afforestation programmes (social forestry, farm forestry)
Consumerism and Waste Products
• Consumerism: Consumption of resources by the people.
• Early human societies used to consume much less resources. But the
consumerism has increased to a very large extent. Consumerism is related
to both population size and increase in demands due to change in lifestyle.
• Two types of conditions of population and consumerism exists.

1. People over – population: When there are more people than available
food, water and other resources in an area – causes degradation of
limited resources – poverty and under nourishments. Low Developed
Countries (LDC) are more prone to these conditions. There is less per
capita consumption although the overall consumption is high.
2. Consumption over– population: These conditions occur in More
Developed Countries (MDC). Population size is smaller but the resource
consumption is high due to luxurious lifestyle (i.e.) per capita
consumption is high. More consumption of resources lead to high waste
generation –greater is the degradation of the environment.
• Objectives of Consumerism:
• Improves rights and power of the buyers
• Making the manufacturer liable
• Reuse and recycle the product
• Reclaiming useful parts
• Reusable packing materials
• Health and happiness.

• Important information to be known by the buyers:

• About the ingredients,
• Manufacturing date, Expiry date, etc.
• Sources of Wastes: Glass, papers, garbage’s, food waste, automobile
waste, dead animals etc.

• Sources of E – Wastes: Computers, printers, mobile phones, Photocopy

machines, calculators etc.

• Effects of wastes:
• Dangerous to human life
• Degrade soil
• Non biodegradable plastics release toxic gases.
• Cadmium in chips, Cathode ray tube, PVC causes cancer and other
respiratory problems.
• Overall environmental impact = no. of people x per capita use of resources x
waste generated per unit of resources.

Parameter MDC LDC

Number of people Low High

Per capita
consumption of High Low
resources

Waste generated High Low

• Over all environmental impact of these two types of consumerism may be

same or even greater in case of MDC.
Environmental Legislation
• Law provides a framework of regulating the use of environment. Such a
framework is crucial for environmental management in a number of ways
and helps in regulation of resource use, protection of environment and
biodiversity, and formulation of stable, unambiguous undertakings and
agreements.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:
• Objectives:
• To protect & improvement of the environment
• To prevent hazards to all living creatures & property
• To maintain peaceful relationship between humans & their environment
• Important Features of the Act:
• Empowers safeguard measures to Prevent accidents which cause pollution.
• Gives remedial measures if accident occurs.
• The Govt. has authority to close or prohibit or regulate any industry & its
operation.
• One who violates the act will be punishable with fine up to one lakh
• If the violation continues, an additional fine of Rs. 5000/- per day is imposed
• The act empowers the officers of Central Government to inspect the site / plant /
machinery for preventing pollution.
• Collects samples of air, water, soil or other material from any factory / its
premises for testing.
The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 :
Deals with problems related to air pollution, quality of air etc.
• Objectives act:
• To prevent, control & abatement of air pollution To maintain the quality of air
• Important features:
• The Central Board settle disputes between state boards, provide technical
assistance & guidance to State board.
• The State Board verify the emissions of air pollutants from industrial /
automobile units
• The State Board Collect information about air pollution
• SB examine the standards of manufacturing process & control equipment
• SB can advise State Government to declare the heavily polluted areas &
advice to avoid burning of waste products.
• Operation of industrial unit is prohibited in a heavily polluted areas
• Violation of law is punishable with imprisonment & Fine
Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1974:
• This act provides for maintaining & restoring the source of water.
• Provides for preventing & controlling water pollution.
• Objectives:
• To protect water from all kinds of pollution
• To preserve the quality of water
• Establishment of Central & State Boards for preventing water
pollution
• Restrain any person for discharging sewage/effluent into any water
body
• Any contravention of the standards leads to prison for 3 to 6 months
• Requires permission to set up an industry which discharges effluent.
• Important feature: In M.C.Mehta vs. Union of India case, honorable
Supreme Court of India directed that ‘no permission to establish a
new factory should be granted unless it maintains a proper effluent
treatment plant’.
• State Pollution Control Board:
• Take step to establish any industry, disposal system,
extension/addition in industry, discharge of effluent into river
• Use any new / altered outlet for discharge of sewage
• Begin to make any new discharge of sewage.
• Punishment:
• Stoppage of supply of electricity, water / any other services.
• Imprisonment for 1½ years to 6 years & Rs. 5000/- fine.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:

• Aimed to protect & preserve wildlife.

• Wildlife refers to all animals & plants. It is declining due to human actions
for wildlife’s skins, furs, feathers, ivory etc.

• Objectives:
• To maintain ecological process & life supporting system.
• To preserve biodiversity.
• To ensure a continuous existence of species.
• Important Features:
• Covers the right & non-rights of forest dwellers.
• Provides restricted grazing in sanctuaries & prohibits in national parks.
• Prohibits the collection of non- timber from forest.
• Defines wild life related terminology.
• Provide appointments of advisory Board, wildlife warden, their powers &
duties etc.
• Prohibition of hunting of endangered species.
• List of endangered species is provided.
• Provides grants for setting up of national parks, wild life sanctuaries etc.
• The Act imposes ban on trade & commence of scheduled animals.
• Provides legal proves to officers to punish the offenders.
• Provide Captive breeding programme for endangered species.
The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980:
• Deals with conservation of forest and includes reserve forest,
protected forest and any forestland irrespective of ownership.

• Objectives:
• To protect & conserve the forest
• To ensure judicious use of forest products
• Important Features:
• Forests are not diverted without the prior permission of the Central
Government.
• Land registered for forest may not be used for non-forest purposes.
• Any illegal activity in a forest area can be stopped immediately.
• Clearance of forest land for re-afforestation is forbidden
• One who violates the forest law is punishable.
• Provision for conservation of all types of forests.
• Advisory committee appointed for funding conservation.
• Illegal non-forest activity within a forest area can be immediately stopped
under this act.
Non forest activity - clearing land for cash-crop agriculture, mining etc.
However construction in forest for wild life or forest management is
exempted from non forestry activity.
Issues involved in the Enforcement of Environmental Legislation:
• After UN Conference on Human Environment in Stockholm on 5th June
1972, (June 5 World Environment Day) India took substantive legislative
steps for protection and conservation of environment and natural
resources. However, there are a number of problems and issues involved in
the enforcement of environmental legislation as follows:
• Exponentially growing population
• Illiteracy
• Ignorance
• Insufficiency of laws
• Economic reasons
• Religious customs.
(Refer Page No.295 Textbook of Environmental Studies 2e by Deeksha Dave,
S.S.Katewa, Cengage Learning Publication)
Public Awareness:
• Our environment is presently degrading due to many activities like
pollution, deforestation, overgrazing, rapid industrialization and
urbanization.
• Objectives of public awareness:
• Create awareness among people of rural and city about
ecological imbalances, local environment, technological
development and various development plants.
• To organize meetings, group discussion on development,
tree plantation programmes, exhibitions.
• To learn to live simple and eco-friendlily manner.
• Methods to create environmental awareness:
• In schools and colleges
• Through mass – media
• Cinema
• Newspapers
• Audio - Visual media
• Voluntary organizations
• Traditional techniques
• Arranging competitions
• Leaders appeal
• Non – government organizations.
THANK YOU