UNIT-I

1. Environment definition: Environment is everything that is around us. It can be living

(biotic) or non-living (abiotic) things.

2. MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical and

biological sciences, (including but not limited to Ecology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Soil
Science, Geology, Atmospheric Science and Geography) to the study of the environment, and the
solution of environmental problems. Environmental science provides an integrated, quantitative,
and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems.

Related areas of study include environmental studies and environmental engineering.

Environmental studies incorporate more of the social sciences for understanding human
relationships, perceptions and policies towards the environment. Environmental engineering
focuses on design and technology for improving environmental quality.

Environmental scientists work on subjects like the understanding of earth processes, evaluating
alternative energy systems, pollution control and mitigation, natural resource management, and
the effects of global climate change. Environmental issues almost always include an interaction
of physical, chemical, and biological processes.

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3. IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

The environment studies enlighten us, about the importance of protection and conservation of
our indiscriminate release of pollution into the environment.

Environment science has become significant for the following reasons:

1. Environment Issues Being of International Importance

It has been well recognized that environment issues like global warming and ozone depletion,
acid rain, marine pollution and biodiversity are not merely national issues but are
global issues and hence must be tackled with international efforts and cooperation.

2. Problems Cropped in the Wake of Development

Development, in its wake gave birth to Urbanization, Industrial Growth, Transportation
Systems, Agriculture and Housing etc. However, it has become phased out in the developed
world. The North, to cleanse their own environment has, fact fully, managed to move ‘dirty’
factories of South. When the West developed, it did so perhaps in ignorance of the
environmental impact of its activities. Evidently such a path is neither practicable nor
desirable, even if developing world follows that.

3. Explosively Increase in Pollution

World census reflects that one in every seven persons in this planted lives in India.
Evidently with 16 per cent of the world's population and only 2.4 per cent of its land area,
there is a heavy pressure on the natural resources including land. Agricultural experts have
recognized soils health problems like deficiency of micronutrients and organic matter, soil
salinity and damage of soil structure.

4. Need for an Alternative Solution

It is essential, especially for developing countries to find alternative paths to an alternative
goal.
We need a goal as under:
(1) A goal, which ultimately is the true goal of development an environmentally sound
and sustainable development.
(2) A goal common to all citizens of our earth.
(3) A goal distant from the developing world in the manner it is from the over-consuming
wasteful societies of the “developed” world.

5. Need to Save Humanity from Extinction

It is incumbent upon us to save the humanity from extinction. Consequent to our activities
Constricting the environment and depleting the biosphere, in the name of development.

6. Need for Wise Planning of Development

Our survival and sustenance depend. Resources withdraw, processing and use of the
product have all to by synchronized with the ecological cycles in any plan of development our
actions should be planned ecologically for the sustenance of the environment and development.

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 1.7 ENERGY RESOURCES

Energy is defined by physicists as the capacity to do work. Energy is found on our planet in a
variety of forms, some of which are immediately useful to do work, while others require a
process of transformation. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed but transformed from one
form to other . Energy is closely related to force. When a force causes an object to move, energy
is being transferred from the force to kinetic energy.
Energy is present in a number of forms such as mechanical, thermal, chemical, biological energy
etc.. Energy production and utilization have become essential to carry out many activities in
modern life. Energy is one of the important requirements that a country needs for its economic
growth. At the same time, energy production has its impact on environment due to pollution and
finally affects the quality of life of people.

GROWING ENERGY NEEDS

Energy plays a key role in the process of economic growth of a nation. The industrial
development of any country is dependent on the organised development of its power resources'.

Energy is also indispensable for agriculture, transport, business and domestic requirements. In
fact, electricity has such a wide range of applications in modern economic development that its
per capita consumption is, to a great extent, an index of the material advancement of the country.

Energy is the capacity for doing useful work. It is an essential input for economic growth. This
energy is used in the form of electrical energy, thermal energy, light, mechanical energy and
chemical energy etc.

Energy is measured in joules in Si units. The annual per capita energy consumption in developed
countries ranges from 5 to 11 kW whereas in the developing countries it is between 1 to 1.5 KW
Only

Uses of Energy

1. Energy is a primary input in any industrial operation.

2. It is also a major input in sectors such as commerce, transport, tele-communications etc.

3. The wide range of services required in the household and industrial sectors.

4. Owing to the far-reaching changes in the forms of energy and their respective roles in
supporting human activities, research and training on various aspects of energy and environment
have assumed great significance.

Types of energy: There are three main types of energy;

A. Non-renewable B. Renewable C. Nuclear energy

A.Non – renewable energy resources

Fossil fuels: Fossil means the remains of an animal or a plant which have become hard and
turned into rock. All these found in earth’s crusts which have been formed in the past by the

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geological processes. Fossil fuels are solid coal (lignite), liquid (crude oil / petroleum) and gases
(natural gas ).
a) Coal : Huge quantity of plant materials buried under earths crust and altered by geological
process and converted into carbon rich fuel. It is a non – renewable source because it takes a very
long period (million of years) for its formation.
Coal is extracted by the process of mining and involves accidents due to mine collapse, ground
water pollution, accumulation of poisonous material, explosive gases etc cause diseases. CO2
pollution leads to green house effect ( global warming).

b)Crude oil: It is obtained in the form of liquid . The crude oil is heated upto 600 oC in the oil
refinery and condense the vapours of hydro – carbons. Petrol and other petroleum products are
refined fuels from crude oil.
Petroleum products are used in large quantities in the manufacture of detergents, plastics,
fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, synthetic rubber etc.. The transport sector consumes about 40% of
diesel; 25% industries and 19% household and rest 16% agriculture and other sectors. .

c)Natural Gas: Gas deposits are trapped from the sedimentary formations by means drilling holes
into the rock formations. While burning of natural gas, the emission of CO2 is less and thus re

Ecosystem definition: The term ecosystem was first proposed by

A.G.TANSLEY in 1935. He defined it as “ the system resulting from the integration of all the
living and non-living factors of environment.

Basic Structure of an Ecosystem:

Every ecosystem has a non-living (a biotic) and living (biotic) components.

Abiotic Components:
Basic inorganic compounds of an organism, habitat or an area like carbon
dioxide, water, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, etc. that are involved in the
material cycles are collectively called as abiotic component. The amount of these
inorganic substances present at any given time, in an ecosystem is called as the
standing state or standing quality of an ecosystem.

Whereas, organic components e.g., proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and

lipids that are synthesized by the biotic counterpart of an ecosystem make the
biochemical structure of the ecosystem. The physical environment, viz. climatic
and weather conditions are also included in the abiotic structure of the
ecosystem.

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Biotic Components:
From the trophic (nutritional) point of view, an ecosystem has autotrophic (self-
nourishing) and a heterotrophic (other nourishing) components:

(a) Autotrophic component (Producers):

This component is mainly constituted by the green plants, algae and all
photosynthetic organisms. Chemosynthetic bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria,
algae, grasses, mosses, shrubs, herbs and trees manufacture food from simple
inorganic substances by fixing energy and are therefore called as producers.

(b) Heterotrophic component (Consumers):

The members of this component cannot make their own food. They consume the
matter built by the producers and are therefore called as consumers. They may
be herbivores, carnivores or omnivores. Herbivores obtain their food directly from
plants therefore herbivores are known as primary consumers. Eg: deer, rabbit
and goat. Animals that feed on flesh of other animals are called carnivores.
Carnivores which feed on primary consumers (herbivores) are called secondary
consumers. Eg: snake and cat. Carnivores which feed on secondary consumers
are called tertiary consumers. Eg: lion and hawk. Omnivores eat both plants and
animals. Eg: man. Collectively we can call them as macro-consumers.

(c) Decomposers (reducers)

Heterotrophic organisms chiefly bacteria and fungi that breakdown the complex
organic compounds of dead bodies or dead organisms and release inorganic
nutrients in environment making them available again to plants. we can call them
as micro consumers. Eg: bacteria and fungi.

6. Food chains

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Food chains: Significance of food chain:
1. The studies of food chain help understand the feeding relationship and the interaction
between organisms in any ecosystem. In nature, basically two types of food chains are
recognized – grazing food chain and detritus food chain.
1. Grazing food chain:
This type of food chain starts from the living green plants goes to grazing herbivores, and on to
carnivores. Ecosystems with such type of food chain are directly dependent on an influx of solar
radiation. This type of chain thus depends on autotrophic energy capture and the movement of
this captured energy to herbivores. Most of the ecosystems in nature follow this type of food
chain. At each step only about 10% of the energy is passed up through the chain. The rest is
passed back into the atmosphere as heat through breathing and decomposition.
Eg:

2. Detritus food chain: It starts with dead organic matter which is eaten by animals which in
turn are eaten by other animals in the soil, ultimately the organic matter is decomposed.
This type of food chain goes from dead organic matter into microorganisms and then to
organisms feeding on detritus (detrivores) and their predators. Such ecosystems are thus less
dependent on direct solar energy. These depend chiefly on the influx of dead organic matter
produced in another system. Detritus eaters (or detritivores) such as insects, worms and other
small organisms feed on dead plants, waste products from animals and dead animals. Eg: earth
worms, crabs, and ants. A good example of detritus food chains is dead mangrove trees leaves.
Here a large quantity of leaf material falls in the form of litter in to the river water. This fallen
leaves are colonized by small algae which are also consumed by detrivores consisting of
molluscus, crabs. The detrivores are eaten by small carnivores fish which in turn eaten by large
carnivores fish.

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Eg:1. Dead organic matter (leaf litter) Algae Crabs Small carnivores fish Large
carnivores
fish.
Eg:2. Dead organic matter (leaf litter) Fungi Insects Birds.

7. Food webs

it is net work of food chains which become inter connected at various tropic levels so has to form a

nunber od feeding connections among the different organisms of biotic community. In the above

example al the five food chains are interlinked with each othet at different points forming a food web.

Importace of food web: food webs give greatest ability to ecosystems in a linear food chains if
one species become extinct or one species suffer then the in thesubsequent trophic level are also
effect. In a food webon the other hand there are number of options available at each trophic level
so if one speciesis affected it doesnot affect other trophic level so seriously.

8. Energy flow in an ecosystem

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Ecosystems maintain themselves by cycling energy and nutrients obtained from external sources. On
average about 10 percent of net energy production at one trophic level is passed on to the next level. The
flow of energy follows the 1st and 2nd law of thermodynamics.

1st law of thermodynamics: it states that energy can neither created nor be destroyed but it can be
transferred from one form to another. The solar energy captured by the green plants producers get
converted in to biochemical energy of plants and latter in to that of consumers.

2nd law of thermodynamics: 2nd law of thermodynamics states that there is degradation of energy from
concentrated form in to dispersed form as energy flow through food chain there occurs dissipation of
energy at every trophic level.

The loss of energy takes place through respiration running, hunting and other activities. At every level
there is about 90% of loss and the energy transformed from one trophic level to other is only about 10%.

From the energy flow diagram shown in figure two things become clear 1st thing there is one way street
along which energy moves ( unidirectional flow of energy). The energy captured by the autotrophs(plants)
does not revert back to solar input as it moves progressive through the various trophic levels it is no
longer available to the previous level. Thus due to one way flow of energy the system would collapse if
the primary source the sun cut off. Second thing there occurs a progressive decrease in energy
dissipated as heat in metabolic activities. There is a successive reduction in energy flow at successive
trophic levels thus shorter the food chain greater would be the available food energy with an increase in
the length of food chain there is a corresponding more loss of energy.

9. Ecological pyramids

Graphic representation of trophic structure and function of an ecosystem starting with producers
at the base and successive trophic levels forming apex is known as ecological pyramids.

There are 3 types of ecological pyramids as described as follows:

1.Pyramid of energy

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2.Pyramid of numbers and

3.Pyramid of biomass.

1. Pyramid of Energy

The pyramid of energy or the energy pyramid describes the overall nature of
the ecosystem. The primary producers like the autotrophs there is more
amount of energy available. The least energy is available in the tertiary
consumers. Thus, shorter food chain has more amount of energy available
even at the highest trophic level.

The pyramid of energy is always upright for all ecosystems.

At every successive trophic level there is a huge loss of energy in the
form of heat , respiration etc.. thus at each next higher level only 10%
of energy passes on. Hence there is a short decline in energy level of
each successive trophic level as we move from producers to top
carnivores, therefore the pyramid of energy is always upright.

Pyramid of Numbers

There are three of pyramid of numbers:

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 Upright pyramid of number

Partly upright pyramid of number and

 Inverted pyramid of number.

Upright Pyramid of Number :

This type of pyramid number is found in the aquatic and grassland
ecosystem, in these ecosystems there are numerous small autotrophs which
support lesser herbivores which in turn support smaller number of carnivores
and hence this pyramid is upright.

Ex: grass land ecosystem.

The producers in the grass land ecosystem are grasses which are small in size and very large in
number so the producers form a broad base. From primary consumer on wards the pyramid apex
become gradually narrower because primary consumers like rabbits, mice, grass hopper etc.. are
less in number then the grasses. The secondary consumers (carnivores) such has snakes and
lizards are lesser in number then primary consumers finally tertiary consumers like hawk or other
birds are least in number. Thus the pyramid grass land ecosystem become up right.

Eg:2 . In pond ecosystem the producers which are mainly the phytoplanktons algae, bactria etc..
are maximum in number. The primary consumers which includes small fish, rotifers, copepods
etc are lesser in number then the producers.. The secondary consumers such as small fish eating
each other , water bettles etc are less in number then the primary consumers. Tertiary consumers
bigger fish are least in number thus the pyramid of pond ecosystem becomes up right.

Partly Upright pyramid of Number: It is seen in the forest ecosystem where the number of
producers are lesser in number and support a greater number of herbivores and which in turn
support a fewer number of carnivores.

Eg:1

In a forest ecosystem mainly large size trees are producers which are less in number and hence
form a narrow base. A large number of herbivores including birds, leaf hoppers, elephants and

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several species of animals feed up on the trees and form much broader middle level. The
secondary consumers like fox, snakes , lizards etc.. are les in number then herbivores . while
tertiary consumers like lion, tiger etc.. are still smaller in number thus pyramid apex become
gradually narrow so the pyramid of forest ecosystem becomes narrow on both side broader in
the middle.

Inverted Pyramid of Number : This type of ecological pyramid is seen in parasitic

food chain where one primary producer supports numerous parasites which support more
hyperparasites.

Eg:1 . The parasitic food chain pyramids are always inverted . A single plant may give support
to the growth of many herbivores and each herbivore in turn provide nutrition to the several
parasites which in turn supports many hyper parasites thus from producers to consumers the
number of organisms gradually shows an increase making the pyramid inverted in shape.

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Pyramid of Biomass

The biomass (total dry weight) here the net organisms collected from each
feeding level and are then dried and weighed. This dry weight is the
biomass and it represents the amount of energy available in the form of
organic matter of the organisms.
There are two types of pyramid of biomass, they are:
 Upright pyramid of biomass and

 Inverted pyramid of biomass.

Upright Pyramid of Biomass

This occurs when the larger net biomass of producers support a smaller
weight of consumers.
Example: Forest ecosystem.
Forest ecosystem shows upright pyramid of biomass this is because the
producers accumulate a huge biomass while the consumers total biomass
feeding on them declines at a higher levels resulting in broad base and
narrowing top.

Eg:2 The grass land ecosystem also shows upright pyramid of biomass
because of same reason mentioned above.

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Inverted Pyramid of Biomass

This happens when the smaller weight of producers support consumers of

larger weight.

Example: Aquatic ecosystem.(pond ecosystem)

In pond ecosystem the producers (phytoplankton) are small and hence
their total biomass is much less as compare to herbivores secondary
consumers and tertiary consumers thus the pyramid takes an inverted
shape with narrow bas and broad apex.

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 Unit-II
Natural resources can be classified as renewable or non-renewable.

Renewable resources (inexhaustible resources): inexhaustible resources have the inherent

ability to reappear or replenish themselves by recycling reproduction or replacement. Eg:
sunlight, plants, water etc..

Non-Renewable resources (exhaustible resources): the non renewable resources are the earths
geologic endowments i.e, minerals, fossil fuels, and other materials which are present in fixed
amount in the environment.

Uses with forests are:

(a) Fuel Wood:

Wood is used as a source of energy for cooking purpose and for keeping warm.

(b) Timber:

Wood is used for making furniture, tool-handles, railway sleepers, matches, ploughs, bridges,
boats etc.

(c) Bamboos:

These are used for matting, flooring, baskets, ropes, rafts, cots etc.

(d) Food:

Fruits, leaves, roots and tubers of plants and meat of forest animals form the food of forest tribes.

(e) Shelter:

Mosses, ferns, insects, birds, reptiles, mammals and micro-organisms are provided shelter by
forests.

(f) Paper:

Wood and Bamboo pulp are used for manufacturing paper (Newsprint, stationery, packing paper,
sanitary paper)

(g) Rayon:

Bamboo and wood are used in the manufacture of rayon (yarns, artificial silk-fibres)

(h) Forest Products:

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Tannins, gums, drugs, spices, insecticides, waxes, honey, horns, musk, ivory, hides etc. are all
provided by the flora and fauna of forests.

The indirect benefits from forests are:

(a) Conservation of Soil:

Forests prevent soil erosion by binding the soil with the network of roots of the different plants
and reduce the velocity of wind and rain — which are the chief agents causing erosion.

(b) Soil-improvement:

The fertility of the soil increases due to the humus which is formed by the decay of forest litter.

(c) Reduction of Atmospheric Pollution:

By using up carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen during the process of photosynthesis, forests
reduce pollution and purify the environment.

(d) Control of Climate:

Transpiration of plants increases the atmospheric humidity which affects rainfall and cools the
atmosphere.

(e) Control of Water flow:

In the forests, the thick layer of humus acts like a big sponge and soaks rain water preventing
run-off, thereby preventing flash-floods. Humus prevents quick evaporation of water, thereby
ensuring a perennial supply of water to streams, springs and wells.

Over exploiting of forests: exploiting of forests has taken place to meet human
demands in the following ways:1. Deforestation due to road construction 2. About 78 percent of
forest area is under heavy grazing 3.mining activities lead to clearing of forests.

Deforestation is the permanent destruction of indigenous forests and woodlands. The term does
not include the removal of industrial forests such as plantations of gums or pines. Deforestation
has resulted in the reduction of indigenous forests to four-fifths of their pre-agricultural area.

Indigenous forests now cover 21% of the earth’s land surface. The World Resources Institute
regards deforestation as one of the world’s most pressing land-use problems. The difference
between forests and woodlands is that whereas in a forest the crowns of individual trees touch to
form a single canopy, in woodland, trees STOW far apart, so that the canopy is open.

Of great concern is the rate at which deforestation is occurring. Currently, 12 million hectares of
forests are cleared annually. Almost all of this deforestation occurs in the moist forests and open
woodlands of the tropics.

At this rate all moist tropical forest could be lost by the year 2050, except for isolated areas in -
Amazonia, the Zaire basin, as well as a few protected areas within reserves and parks. Some

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countries such as Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Costa Rica, and Sri Lanka are likely to lose all their
tropical forests by the year 2010 if no conservation steps are taken.

The destruction of forests due to unscrupulous and indiscriminate felling of trees has lead to an
overall deterioration of our environment and is posing a serious threat to the quality of “life in
future. Forest area in world has dwindled from 7,000 million hectares (year 1900) to 2S90
million hectares (year 1975). It is expected to further reduce to 2300 million hectares by year
2010 AD if the present trend of deforestation is not reversed.

Effects of Timber Extraction on forests AND ON TRIBALS

The major effects of timber extraction on forest and tribal people include :
1.Poor logging results in a degraded forest.
2.Floods may be intensified by cutting of trees or upstream watersheds.
3.Loss of biodiversity.
4.Climatic changes such as lower precipitation.
5.New logging roads permit shifting cultivators to gain access to logged areas and fell the
remaining trees.
6. It results in forest fragmentation which promotes loss of biodiversity because some
species of plants and animals require large continuous areas of similar habitat to survive.
7.TRIBALS LOOSE THEIR HOME AND ECONOMY. Forest products are financial source of
tribal’s so timbering effects financial sources of tribal’s. Exploitation of tribal people by the
contractors.
8.Soil erosion specially on slopes occurs extensively.
9.sedimentation of irrigation systems, floods may be intensified by cutting of trees on
upstream.
10. Scientific research documenting the impact of timber extraction indicate that it has
resulted in fragmentation of the remaining forest, as well as decrease in biodiversity
11. loss of non-timber products and loss of long-term forest productivity on the site affect
the subsistence economy of the forest dwellers.

Problems with dams

Some environmental problems caused by dams are as follow:

1. Displacement of tribal people.

2. loss of forests, flora and fauna

3. Siltation and sedimentation of reservoirs

4. loss of non-forest area

5.stagnation of water logging near reservoir

6.Reservoirs increase chances of earthquakes.

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7.flash floods

8.spread of vector born diseases.

water resources

USES OF WATER:
1.DOMESTIC USE: Water used in the houses for the purposes of drinking, bathing, washing
clothes, cooking, sanitary & other needs. The recommended value according to Indian
standard specification for domestic use is 135 liters/day
2.INDUSTRIAL USE: Water is required for various industries such as cement, mining,
textile, leather industries.
3.PUBLIC USE: This includes water used for public utility purpose such as watering parks,
Flushing streets, jails etc.
4. FIRE USE: Water is used in case of accidents and to prevent the fire issues.
5. IRRIGATION: To grow crops which is the main sources for food?
6. OTHER USES: Hydro electric power generation requires water.

OVER UTILIZATION OF GROUND WATER AND SURFACE WATER

Over use of groundwater has following effects.

1. Lowering of water table: Excessive use of ground water for drinking, irrigation and
domestic purposes has resulted in rapid depletion of ground water in various regions
leading to lowering of water table & drying of wells.
The reasons for shortage of water are:
a. Increase in population,
b. Increasing demand of water for various purposes.
c. Unequal distribution of fresh water.
d. Increasing pollution of water sources cause over exploitation.
2. Ground subsidence: When ground water withdrawal is greater than its recharge rate,
the sediments in the aquifer become compacted. This is called ground subsidence which
may cause damage of buildings, destroy water supply systems etc.
2. Drought. A drought is an extended period of months or years when a region notes a
deficiency in its water supply whether surface or underground water. Generally, this
occurs when a region receives consistently below average precipitation.
We can define drought in four main ways:
a) Meteorological drought: related to rainfall amounts
b) Hydrological drought: determined by water levels in reservoirs
c) Agricultural drought: related to the availability of water for crops
d) Socioeconomic Drought: related to demand and supply of economic
goods
a) Meteorological Drought: Meteorological drought is generally defined by comparing
the
rainfall in a particular place and at a particular time with the average rainfall for that
place. The definition is, therefore, specific to a particular location. Meteorological
drought leads to a depletion of soil moisture and this almost always has an impact on
crop production.

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 b) Hydrological Drought: Hydrological drought is associated with the effect of low
rainfall
on water levels in rivers, reservoirs, lakes and aquifers. Hydrological droughts usually
are
noticed some time after meteorological droughts. First precipitation decreases and,
some time after that, water levels in rivers and lakes drops.

C) Agricultural Drought: Agricultural drought mainly effects food production and farming.
Agricultural drought and precipitation shortages bring soil water deficits, reduced ground
water or reservoir levels, and so on. Deficient topsoil moisture at planting may stop
germination, leading to low plant populations.

d) Socioeconomic Drought: Socioeconomic drought occurs when the demand for an

economic good exceeds supply as a result of a weather-related shortfall in water supply.
The supply of many economic goods, such as water, forage, food grains, fish, and
hydroelectric power, depends on weather. Due to variability of climate, water supply is
sufficient in some years but not satisfactory to meet human and environmental needs in
other year

FOOD RESOURCES
Problems using fertilizers

1. Micronutrient imbalance: Chemical fertilizers used in modern agriculture contain

Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (N,P,K) which are macronutrients. Excess use of
fertilizers in fields causes micronutrient imbalance. Ex: Excessive use of fertilizers in
Punjab and Haryana caused deficiency of micronutrient Zinc thereby affecting
productivity of soil.
2. Nitrate pollution: Excess Nitrogenous fertilizers applied in fields leach deep into the soil
contaminating the groundwater. If the concentration of nitrate in drinking water exceeds
25 mg/L it leads to a fatal condition in new-born babies. This condition is termed "Blue
Baby Syndrome"
3. Eutrophication: The application of excess fertilizers in fields leads to wash off of the
nutrient loaded water into nearby lakes causing over-nourishment. This is called
"Eutrophication". Eutrophication causes the lakes to be attacked by "algal blooms". Algal
blooms use nutrients rapidly and grow fast. Their life is short, they die and pollute water
there by affecting aquatic life in the lake.

Problems in using Pesticides:

In order to improve crop yield, pesticides are used indiscriminately in agriculture. Pesticides are
of two types:

1. First generation pesticides that use Sulphur, Arsenic, Lead or Mercury to kill pests

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 2. Second generation pesticides such as Dichloro Diphenyl Trichloroethane (DDT) used to
kill pests. These pesticides are organic in nature. Although these pesticides protect our
crops from severe losses due to pests, they have several side-effects as listed below:
1. Death of non-target organisms: Several insecticides kill not only the target
species but also several beneficial not target organisms
2. Pesticide resistance: Some pests that survive the pesticide generate highly
resistant generations that are immune to all kinds of pesticides. These
pests are called "superpests"
3. Bio-magnification: Most pesticides are non-biodegradable and accumulis
ate in the food chain. This is called bio-accumulation or bio-magnification.
These pesticides in a bio-magnified form are harmful to human beings.
4. Risk of cancer: Pesticide enhances the risk of cancer in two ways (i) It acts
as a carcinogen and (ii) It indirectly suppresses the immune system.

Bio fertilizrers
A biofertilizer (also bio-fertilizer) is a substance which contains living microorganisms which,
when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant
and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host
plant

Bio fertilizers importance:

(i) They increase the yield of plants by 15-35%.
(ii) Bio-fertilizers are effective even under semi-arid conditions,
(iii) Farmers can prepare the inoculum themselves,
(iv) They improve soil texture,
(v) Bio-fertilizers do not allow pathogens to flourish,
(vi) They produce vitamins and growth promoting bio-chemical’s,
(vii) They are non-polluting.

Renewable energy: energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind
or solar power.

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.
Solar energy:

Photovoltaic cell

n-type semiconductor

P-type semiconductor

A photovoltaic cell (PV cell) is a specialized semiconductor diode that converts visible light into
direct current (DC). Some PV cells can also convert infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) radiation

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 into DC electricity. Photovoltaic cells are an integral part of solar-electric energy systems, which
are becoming increasingly important as alternative sources of utility power.

The first PV cells were made of siliconcombined, or doped, with other elements to affect the
behavior of electrons or holes (electron absences within atoms). Other materials, such as copper
indium diselenide (CIS), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and gallium arsenide (GaAs), have been
developed for use in PV cells. There are two basic types of semiconductor material, called
positive (or P type) and negative (or N type). In a PV cell, flat pieces of these materials are
placed together, and the physical boundary between them is called the P-N junction. The device
is constructed in such a way that the junction can be exposed to visible light, IR, or UV. When
such radiation strikes the P-N junction, a voltage difference is produced between the P type and
N type materials. Electrodes connected to the semiconductor layers allow current to be drawn
from the device.

Geothermal Energy

If you were to dig a big hole straight down into the Earth, you would notice the temperature
getting warmer the deeper you go. That's because the inside of the Earth is full of heat. This
heat is called geothermal energy.

How geothermal energy works works?

1. Hot water is pumped from deep underground through a well under high pressure.

2. When the water reaches the surface, the pressure is dropped, which causes the water to turn into steam.

3. The steam spins a turbine, which is connected to a generator that produces electricity.

4. The steam cools off in a cooling tower and condenses back to water.

5. The cooled water is pumped back into the Earth to begin the process again.

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Wind Energy

The wind can blow your hat off, rustle the trees, and even power your television. For
thousands of years, people have used windmills to grind grain and pump water. Today,
modern machines called wind turbines are used to make electricity. To produce a lot of
electricity, many wind turbines can be placed together on wind farms. Good sites for wind
farms are often found on windy hilltops, open plains, and shorelines.

How wind energy works?

1. As the wind blows over the blades of a wind turbine, it causes the blades to lift
and rotate.
2. The rotating blades turn a shaft that is connected to a generator.
3. The generator creates electricity as it turns

BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is defined as “the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia,
terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part;
this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.” [note: (dhanapathi) five
kingdoms are generally recognized at present 1.animals 2.plants 3.fungi 4.algae 5. Bacteria]

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Levels of biodiversity:

Genetic diversity: The variation in the amount of genetic information within and among
individuals of a population, a species, or a community. Each individual species possesses
genes which are the source of its own unique features: In human beings, for example, the
huge variety of people's faces reflects each person's genetic individuality. When the genes
within the same species show different versions due to new combinations, it is called
genetic diversity. Example all rice varieties belong to the species oryza sativa but there are
thousands of wild and cultivated varieties of rice which show variations at the genetic level
and differ in their colour , size,shape and nutrient content of the grain. This is genetic
diversity of of rice.

b)species diversity: species means a group of living organisms consisting of similar

individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. Species diversity is defined as the
number and variety of life forms (species) present in a biological community or the richness of
species in an ecosystem is called as species diversity. The number of species that live in a certain
location is called species richness. If you were to measure the species richness of a forest, you
might find 20 bird species, 50 plant species, and 10 mammal species. Species are the basic and
most important units in modern systems for classifying living organism. The number of species
on earth is very large and no one knows the exact number of species because new species are
being discovered all the time. The total number of living species in a range of 10 million to 50
million. Till now only 1.5 million living and 3,00,000 fossil species have been actually
described and given scientific names. It is quite likely that a large fraction of these species may

23
become extinct even before they are discovered and enlisted.

Ecosystem diversity: Ecosystem diversity means variation in ecosystems, such as deserts,

forests, grasslands, wetlands and oceans. Ecosystem diversity deals with the variations
in ecosystems within a geographical location. Ecological diversity is a type of biodiversity. It is
the variation in the ecosystems found in a region or the variation in ecosystems over the whole
planet. Ecological diversity includes the variation in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Ecological diversity can also take into account the variation in the complexity of a biological
community. Ecological diversity is the largest scale of biodiversity, and within each ecosystem,
there is a great deal of both species and genetic diversity. Diversity in the ecosystem is
significant to human existence for a variety of reasons. Ecosystem diversity boosts the
availability of oxygen via the process of photosynthesis. Diversity In an aquatic environment
helps in the purification of water by plant varieties for use by humans. Diversity increases plant
varieties which serves as a good source for medicines and herbs for human use. A lack of
diversity in the ecosystem produces an opposite result.

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Values of biodiversity: The value of biodiversity is classified into direct and indirect values as shown in the
below diagram.

Direct values

The direct value include food resources like grains, vegetables, fruits which are obtained from plant resources and
meat, fish, egg, milk and milk products from animal resources. These also include other values like medicine, fuel,
timber, fiber, wool, wax, resin, rubber, silk and decorative items.

The direct values are of two types (i) Consumptive use value and (ii) Productive use value.

Consumptive use value: These are the direct use values where the biodiversity products can be harvested and
consumed directly. Example: Food, fuel and drugs. These goods are consumed locally and do no figure in national
and international market.

(a) Food:

(i) Plants: The most fundamental value of biological resources particularly plants is providing food. Basically
three crops i.e. wheat, maize and rice constitute more than two third of the food requirement all over the world.

(ii) Fish: Through the development of aquaculture, techniques, fish and fish products have become the largest
source of protein in the world.

(b) Fuel: Since ages forests have provided wood which is used as a fuel. Moreover fossil fuels like coal,
petroleum, natural gas are also product of biodiversity which are directly consumed by humans.

(c) Drugs and medicines: The traditional medical practice like ayurveda utilizes plants or their extracts directly.
In allopathy, the pharmaceutical industry is much more dependent on natural products. Many drugs are
derived from plants like

(i) Quinine: The famous anti malaria drug is

obtained from cinchona tree.

(ii) Penicillin: A famous antibiotic is derived from pencillium, a fungus.

(iii) Tetracycline: It is obtained from bacterium.

(iv) Recently vinblastin and vincristine, two anti cancer drugs have been obtained from catharanthus plant
which has anti cancer alkaloids.

Productive use values: These are the direct use values where the product is commercially sold in national and
international market. Many industries are dependent upon these values. Example- Textile, leather, silk, paper and
pulp industry etc. Although there is an international ban on trade of products from endangered species like tusks of
elephants, wool from sheep, fur of many animals etc. These are traded in market and fetch a booming business.

Indirect values

25
Biodiversity provides indirect benefits to human beings which support the existence of biological life and other
benefits which are difficult to quantify. These include social and cultural values, ethical values, aesthetic values,
option values and environment service values.

Social and cultural value: Many plants and animals are considered holy and sacred in India and are worshipped like
Tulsi, peepal, cow, snake etc. In Indian society great cultural value is given to forest and as such tiger, peacock and
lotus are named as the national animal, bird and flower respectively.

Ethical: it is also sometimes known as existence value. It involves ethical issues like “all life must be preserved. It is
based on the concept of “LIVE AND LET LIVE”. If we want our human race to survive, then we must protect all
biodiversity, because biodiversity is valuable. These values are related to conservation of biodiversity where ethical
issue of ‘all life forms must be preserved’ is laid down. There is an existence value which is attached to each species
because biodiversity is valuable for the survival of human race. Moreover all species have a moral right
to exist independent of our need for them.

Aesthetic value: Biodiversity is an important quality of landscape beauty. Many species of birds, sea animals and
flowering plants are appreciated for their beauty. Natural landscapes at undisturbed places are a delight to watch
and also provide opportunities for recreational activities like bird watching, photography etc. It promotes eco-tourism
which further generates revenue by designing of zoological, botanical gardens, national parks, wild life conservation
etc.

Option values: These values include the unexplored or unknown potentials of biodiversity. There is a possibility that
we may have some potential cure for AIDS or cancer existing within the depths of marine ecosystem or a tropical
rain forest.

Environment service values: The most important benefit of biodiversity is maintenance of environment services
which includes

(i) Carbon dioxide fixation through photosynthesis.

(ii) Maintaining of essential nutrients by carbon (C), oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Sulphur (S), Phosphorus
(P) cycles.

(iii) Maintaining water cycle and recharging of ground water.

(iv) Soil formation and protection from erosion.

(v) Regulating climate by recycling moisture into the atmosphere.

(vi) Detoxification and decomposition of waste.

MAN- WILD LIFE CONFLICTS

MAN WILDLIFE CONFLICT. Introduction: Human–wildlife conflict is defined by the World Wide Fund for
Nature (WWF) as "any interaction between humans and wildlife that results in negative impacts on
human social, economic or cultural life, on the conservation of wildlife populations, or on the
environment or on wild animals and their habitat.

26
Causes of man-wildlife conflicts: i)Due to shrinking forest cover compels(forced) animals to
move outside the forest and attack the field or sometimes even humans. Human encroachment
into the forest areas raises a conflict between man and the wildlife, perhaps because it is an issue
of survival of both. ii) usually the ill weak and injured animals have a tendency to attack man.
Also, the female tigress attacks the human if she feels that her new born cubs are in danger. But
the biggest problem is that if human flesh is tasted once then the tiger does not eat any other
animal. iii) earlier forest department used to cultivate paddy, sugarcane etc… within the
sanctuaries when the favourite food of elephants i.e bamboo leaves were not available. Now
due to lack such practices the animals move out of the forest in search of food. It may be noted
that one adult elephant needs 2 quintals of green fodder and 150 kg of clean water daily and it is
not available , the animals strays out . iv) very often the villagers put electric wiring around their
ripe crop fields. The elephants get injured, suffer in pain and turn violent. v) earlier there used to
be wild life corridors through which the wild animals used to migrate seasonally in groups to

27
other areas. Due to development of human settlements in these corridors, the path of wildlife
has been disrupted and the animals attack the settlements vi) The cash compensation paid by the
government to the farmers crop is not enough. In Mysore a farmer gets a compensation of
Rs.400 per quintal of expected yield while the market price is Rs.2400 per quintal. The angry
farmer therefore gets revengeful and kills the wild life animals.

Remedial measures to curb the conflict: i. Tiger conservation project has made provisions for
making available vehicles binoculars and radio sets etc… to tactfully deal with any imminent
danger. ii. Adequate crop compensation and cattle compensation scheme must be started along
with substantial cash compensation for loss of human life. iii)cropping pattern should be
changed near the forest borders and adequate fodder, fruit and water should be made available
for the elephants within forest zone. iv) wildlife corridors should be provided for mass migration
of big animals during unfavourable periods. v) Ensuring that both humans and animals have the
space they need is possible. Protecting key areas for wildlife.

In-situ Conservation:
In-situ conservation or on site conservation means conservation of species in its natural
ecosystem or even in man-made ecosystems(artificial ecosystems)
1. National Parks:
A national park is an area which is strictly reserved for the betterment of the
wildlife and where activities like forestry, grazing on cultivation are not permitted.
In these parks, even private ownership rights are not allowed.
Their boundaries are well marked and circumscribed. They are usually small
reserves spreading in an area of 100 Sq. km. to 500 sq. km. In national parks,
the emphasis is on the preservation of a single plant or animal species.
2. Wildlife Sanctuaries:
A sanctuary is a protected area which is reserved for the conservation of only
animals and human activities like harvesting of timber, collecting minor forest
products and private ownership rights are allowed as long as they do not
interfere with well-being of animals. Boundaries of sanctuaries are not well
defined and controlled biotic interference is permitted, e.g., tourist activity.
3. Biosphere Reserves:
It is a special category of protected areas where human population also forms a
part of the system. They are large protected area of usually more than 5000
sq.km. A biosphere reserves has 3 parts- core, buffer and transition zone.

1. Core zone is the inner zone; this is undisturbed and legally protected area.
2. Buffer zone lies between the core and transition zone. Some research and
educational activities are permitted here.
3. Transition zone is the outermost part of biosphere reserves. Here cropping,
forestry, recreation, fishery and other activities are allowed.
Advantages: 1. It is best strategy for the long term protection of biodiversity. 2. It is cheaper to
protect populations in their natural habitat. 3. In-situ conservation is a cheap and convenient way

28
of conserving biological diversity. 4. In a natural system organisms not only live and multiply
but evolve as well.

Disadvantages: 1. Many protected habitats are not maintained properly and not properly
protected form environmental pollution. 2.many protected habitats are used for tourism or other
profitable activities, thus diluting the objectives of conservation of biodieversity. 3. An important
disadvantage of in-situ conservation is that it requires large areas of earth's surface

Ex-situ conservation: Ex-situ conservation means conservation of species away from their
natural habitat under human supervision. Infact , we can say that the ex-situ or off-site
conservation is conservation in captivity under human care.

Eg: Captive Breeding, Gene Banks, Seed Banks, Zoos, Aquaria, In vitro fertilization,
Cryopreservation, Tissue Culture

 Advantages: The organism is assured of food , shelter and security and hence can
have longer life span and breeding activity. 2.under human care and secure condition
the chances of survival increase. 3. Exsitu conservation also provides the possibility
of using genetic technique to improve the concerned species. 4. It can be used to protect
individual animals in a controlled environment. This means that issues such as hunting can
be monitored and managed more easily. 5. It can be used to reintroduce species that have left
an area.

Disadvantages: 1.Exsitu conservation can be adopted ony for a few selected species.
Because of limitations of space, finance and facilities in the institutions that undertake
captive breeding. 2. New life forms cannot evolve and gene-pool gets stagnant. 3.Usually
only a small number of individuals can be cared for. 4.It can be difficult and expensive to
create and sustain the right environment. 5.The animals that are habituated (used to) human
contact may be less likely to exhibit natural behaviours and may be more likely to catch a
disease from humans. 6.This type of conservation is usually less successful as many species
can't breed successfully in captivity or don't adapt to their new environment when moved to a
new location.

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30
 ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

3.1.1 AIR POLLUTION

CAUSES: » Burning of fuels like petrol , coal etc

» Exhaust gases emitted by motor vehicles
» Industries pollute air
» Thermal power plants pollute air by emitting fly Ash
» Nuclear power plants pollute by releasing radioactive rays
» Deforestation pollutes air by increasing the amount of Carbon dioxide.
» Use of chlorofluorocarbons pollute by depleting the ozone layer
Burning municipal solid waste and plastic materials in streets

AIR POLLUTION EFFECTS, PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES:

Human beings breathe 22000 times a day on the average, inhaling 16 kg of air. Atmosphere
constitutes a protective cover of gases surrounding the earth which
sustains life and saves it from unfriendly environment.
The atmosphere consists of several layers viz. Troposphere, Stratosphere; Mesosphere;
Thermosphere & Exosphere.
The lower atmosphere i.e., the troposphere contains 70% of gaseous components of major, minor
and traces. Ultra violet radiation from the sun is absorbed by ozone in the stratosphere which is
so called ozone layer located between 17 - 26 kms above sea level.

Effects of Air pollution: The effects of pollution may be direct and affect certain organisms.
The effects of pollution may posses a hazard or nuisance. Long continued pollution even affects
the evolution of a species and eliminates organisms that cannot tolerate certain pollutants and
favor others who can eat.
Air pollution causes deaths, Impair health, reduce visibility and brings vast economic losses. It
can also cause intangible losses to historic monuments such as Taj Mahal.
Finally, Air pollution can affect the environment on a global scale.

Prevention and control of Air Pollution:

 Inputs that do not contain the pollutants.
 Operating process to minimize generation of the pollutants.
 Replacing the process with one does not generate the pollutant.
 Removing the pollutants from the process.
 Substitution of raw materials.
Eg: The substitution of high sulphur coal with low sulphur coal in power plants.
Eg: Changing a fossil fuel with nuclear energy can eliminate sulphur emission.
 By involving the Process Modification:
Eg: Chemical and petroleum industries have changed by implementing
automated operations, computerized process control by reducing the
oxidation ofSO2 to SO3 by reducing excess air.

31
  By involving the control technologies: Control equipment viz., Wet Collector
(scrubber), Gravity Settling chamber; Cyclone Collectors, Dry Scrubbers, filters,
electrostatic precipitators etc. are to be used to minimize the air pollution.

WATER POLLUTION

Causes:

• 1.Industrial waste
•
• 2. Sewage and waste water: The sewage and waste water that is produced by each
household is chemically treated and released in to sea with fresh water.
•
• 3. Mining activities: Mining is the process of crushing the rock and extracting coal and
other minerals from underground.
•
• 4. Marine dumping: The garbage produce by each household in the form of paper,
aluminum, rubber, glass, plastic, food if collected and deposited into the sea in some
countries.
•
• 5. Accidental Oil leakage: Oil spill pose a huge concern as large amount of oil enters into
the sea and does not dissolve with water; there by opens problem for local marine
wildlife such as fish, birds and sea otters. For e.g.: a ship carrying large quantity of oil
may spill oil if met with an accident and can cause varying damage to species in the
ocean depending on the quantity of oil spill, size of ocean, toxicity of pollutant.
•
• 6. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides: Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used by
farmers to protect crops from insects and bacterias. They are useful for the plants growth.
However, when these chemicals are mixed up with water produce harmful for plants and
animals. Also, when it rains, the chemicals mixes up with rainwater and flow down into
rivers and canals which pose serious damages for aquatic animals

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CONTROL MEASURES OF WATER POLLUTION:
1. Drinking water should be boiled, cooled and then used.
2. Disinfection of drinking water should be done by using chemicals like bleaching powder.
3. Pesticides and insecticides should be prevented from nearby use of water lakes,ponds and
pools.
4. Drainage water should not be allowed to mix with drinking water.
5. Drainage system should be maintained properly.
6. Chlorination process is to be adopted for drinking water. For 1 litre of water 30 - 40 mg of
chlorine is to be added to get perfect disinfection. It kills bacteria, fungi, fungal spores
and other microbes also.

NOISE POLLUTION

SOURCES OF NOISE:
Noise is an unwanted sound and noise pollution occurs through different sources:
1. Vehicles produce noise that leads to noise pollution.
2. Automobile industry is another source of noise pollution.
3. Noise pollution is very common in industrial areas where machines are working for factories
making more noise.
The sources of noise are more in urban and industrial areas, than in rural areas. The sources of
noise may be stationary or mobile. The stationary sources include industries, loud speakers,

33
mining operations, use of machineries, TV, Radio and Grinders etc. The mobile sources include
Road Traffic, Highway Noise, Railway Traffic and Air Traffic.

(1) Stationary sources:

a) Industrial noise: The main categories of industrial activity that are particularly
relevant to the study of noise are the following:
Product fabrication, Product assembly, Power generation by means of
generators,Combusting process in furnaces (burning of gases)
b) Noise from construction works: Construction noise, a major source of noise
pollution
is emitted by construction equipment. The sources of noise are dozers excavators, front
end loaders, soil compactors, cranes, air compressors, concrete vibrators, Riveting steel
structure during the casting, dismantling of construction materials etc...
c) Noise from other sources: These include sources such as sirens, barking dogs,
ambulances, Police vehicles, Fire engines etc.

(2) Mobile sources:

Road traffic: Of all sources of noise pollution, road traffic is the most prevalent
and perhaps the most source of noise pollution. More people are exposed to noise
from motor vehicles and the noise depends on various factors such as Road
location, Road design, Vehicle standards, Driver behaviors, Horns, Traffic density. ,

Noise of common road vehicles

Vehicle type Noise (db)
Medium road traffic (Main roads) 70- 80
Heavy road traffic (High ways) 80- 90
Buses & Trucks upto 3.5 tons 85- 95
Trucks upto 3.5-12 tons 90-100
Motor cycles 90-105
It can be observed that motor cycles with their exposed engines and inadequate silencing
arrangements are notorious noise producers, which produce more than 30 times sound than a
small passenger car.

a) Railway traffic: Noise from railway traffic is not serious nuisance as compared to the road
traffic noise. The level of noise associated with rail traffic is related to the type of engine, the
speed of the train, track type and condition. The majority of noise emitted by trains is produced
by the engine (or) by the interaction of wheels with the tracks, horns, warning signals at
crossings etc..,

b) Air traffic: The noise of air craft is different from that of road traffic in the sense it is
intermittent. Noise is maximum during take off and landing. Noise made by jet planes is more
disturbance than that of propeller driven air craft. Supersonic air craft produce noise at high
levels due to its intensity.

EFFECTS OF NOISE:
At 120 decibels the ear registers pain but hearing damage begins about 85 decibels. Apart from
hearing loss, noise can cause lack of sleep, irritation, indigestion, ulcers, High B.P., Heart
diseases , Stress etc.,.

34
1.Annoyance (Feeling slightly angry): One of the most important effects of noise on human is
annoyance. Due to this breathing rate affects.
2.Noise- induced hearing loss: Exposure to noise for a long enough duration results in damage
to the inner ear and thus decreases one’s ability to hear. The
louder the noise the less time it takes to cause hearing loss.

3.Effects on sleep: Noise disturbs sleep. It has been found that the cases related to various
levels of noise are associated with sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbance
by
noise depends on the characteristics of the noise such as frequency,
loudness and whether the noise is continuous or intermittent.
Other effects: There are many other effects of noises such involve aggression (ready to attack).
People may turn mad and nerves may not function normally, People may be deformed in many
ways including increased stress and strain, nonfunctioning of hands, legs etc due to noise
pollution if exposed continuously.

CONTROL MEASURES:
Noise pollution could be controlled by either reducing the noise at the source or by preventing its
transmission.
The first step in the prevention of noise pollution is to control the noise at source itself.
For eg: Lubrication of machines reduces the noise produced, Tightening the loose nuts, Reducing
the vibrations produced by machines etc…
Failing to control the noise at its source, the second step is to prevent its transmission for eg:
keeping the noise machine covered in an enclosure so that the sound does not escape and reach
the receivers, construction of noise barriers on road sides, sound proof the buildings by using
heavy curtains on the windows, acoustical tiles on the ceiling and walls, by sealing the cracks in
the walls to reduce the noise coming from outside.
If the noise levels are not able to bring down to the desired levels in some cases, the only
alternative is to follow:
Avoiding horns except in emergency situations.
Sound proof or eco-generators and Turning down the volume of stereos.
Conducting the awareness programs

ROLE OF INDIVIDUALS IN PREVENTION OF POLLUTION

The role of an individual in maintaining a pollution free, pure and congenial environment and in
preserving its resources is actually the need of the hour. Individuals can, however, play an
important role in abatement of air, water, soil or noise pollution in the following simple
manners:

1) Use low-phosphate, phosphate-free or biodegradable dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent,

and shampoo.
2) Don't use water fresheners in toilets.
3) Use manure or compost instead of commercial inorganic fertilizers to fertilize gardens and
yard plant.
4) Use biological methods or integrated pest management to control garden, yard, and
household pests.
5) Don't pour pesticides, paints, solvents, oils, or other products containing harmful chemicals

35
 down drain or on the ground. Contact the authorities responsible for their disposal.
6) Recycle old motor oil and antifreeze at an auto service center that has an oil recycling
program.
7) If you get water from a private well or suspect that municipal water is contaminated, have
tested by an EPA certified laboratory for lead, nitrates, trihalomethanes, radon, volatile,
organic compounds and pesticides.
8) Run water from taps for several minutes every morning before using the water for drinking
or cooking. Save it and use it to water plants.
If you have a septic tank, monitor it yearly and have it cleaned out every three to five years
by a reputable contractor so that it won’t contribute to groundwater pollution. Do not use
septic tank cleaner, which contain toxic chemicals that can kill bacteria important to sewage
decomposition and that can contaminate groundwater if systems malfunction.
9) Support ecological land-use planning in your community.
10) Get to know your local water bodies and form watchdog groups to help monitor, protect,
and restore them.

GLOBAL WARMING
Global warming

36
Global warming

37
 Global warming

• The GreenhouseGlobal
Effect warming
• The greenhouse effect is the name scientists have
given to the Earth's ability to retain heat. In fact,
without this effect, life on Earth would not be
possible because the planet would be too cold.
When the sun's rays reach the planet,
approximately two-thirds of the thermal energy
enters Earth's atmosphere and is absorbed by the
planet's surface. The Earth then emits this thermal
energy, which is absorbed by the atmosphere. The
atmosphere radiates the heat back towards the
Earth, which absorbs the heat again. This process
keeps the planet warm and can almost be thought
of like a coat for the Earth.

38
 The Greenhouse Effect
Without greenhouse gases, the average
temperature of Earth's surface would be about −18 °C
(0 °F), rather than the present average of +15 °C
(59 °F).

In the Solar System, the atmospheres

of Venus, Mars and Titan also contain gases that
cause a greenhouse effect.

Global warming

Global warming is an increase in the

Earth's overall temperature, and
scientists attribute this increase to the
greenhouse effect.

39
 Global warming

Global warming Causes

40
 Greenhouse gases
•Water vapor: The most abundant greenhouse gas, but importantly, it acts as a
feedback to the climate. Water vapor increases as the Earth's atmosphere warms,
but so does the possibility of clouds and precipitation, making these some of the
most important feedback mechanisms to the greenhouse effect.
•Carbon dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide is released through natural
processes such as respiration and volcano eruptions and through
human activities such as deforestation, and burning fossil fuels.
 Methane. A hydrocarbon gas produced both through natural
sources and human activities, including the decomposition of wastes
in landfills, agriculture, and especially rice cultivation.
Nitrous oxide. A powerful greenhouse gas produced by soil
cultivation practices, especially the use of commercial and organic
fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid production, and biomass
burning.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). They release in to the environment
through Sprayers and Refrigerators.

• Greenhouse Global warming

• A glass building in which plants that need protection from cold weather are grown.

41
 Global warming Effects

Global warming Rise sea levels

42
 Rise in sea levels submerge Earth in water

Global warming control

7. Switch off lights when we do not require.

8. Adopt Reduce, Reuse, Recycle methods to minimize waste.
9. Use electricity efficiency lights like LED bulbs.
8. Use Cycle to minimize fossil fuel burning.

43
Global warming

Global warming

44
•

Acid Rain
Acid rain is a precipitation in which the pH is Below 5.6
Acid rain includes rain, snow and fog.
Pure rain fall has a pH of about 5.6

45
Difference between Pure rain and Acid rain

Causes of Acid rain

46
 Effects of Acid rain

Acid rain reacts with the marble (calcium carbonate) of Taj Mahal and this causing damage
to heritage structure.
CaCO3 + H2SO4 → H2O + CO2 + CaSO4

47
•

48
 Effects of Acid rain

Control

49
 Control

• CaCO3 + H2SO4 → H2O + CO2 + CaSO4

• Drawback of this method is due to Presence of Ca ions Soft
water may converts in to Hard Water

50
• Where Ozone layer is present?

51
• Ozone layer depletion

52
 Ozone layer depletion Causes
• 1.Direct emission of NOx from Supersonic transport
which fly above troposphere deplete Ozone layer.

53
 Ozone layer depletion Causes
• 2. Increased use nitrogen fertilizers.

• 3. Formation of atomic chlorine in the stratosphere

from CFCs released in the troposphere.

• 4. CFC s are used as refrigerant, aerosol, propellant

and industrial use.

• 5. Bromo- chloro-fluorocarbons that are widely used

in fire extinguishers deplete ozone layer.

54
 Effects of Ozone layer Depletion

• Premature aging (Photo aging).

55
 Ozone layer depletion control

WATER CONSERVATION

Water being one of the most precious and indispensable resources needs to be conserved. The
following strategies can be adopted for conservation of water.

1. Decreasing run-off losses: Huge water-loss occurs due to run-off on most of the soils, which
can be reduced by allowing most of the water to infiltrate into the soil.
This can be achieved by using contour cultivation, terrace framing, water spreading, chemical
treatment or improved water-storage system.
a) Contour cultivation: on small furrows and ridges across the slopes trap rainwater and
allow more time for infiltration. Terracing constructed on deep soils have large water-
storage capacity. On gentle slopes trapped run off is spread over a large area for
better infiltration
b) Conservation-bench terracing: It involves construction of a series of benches for
catching the run off water.
c) Water spreading is done by channeling or lagoon-leveling, In channeling, the water
flow is controlled by a series of diversions with vertical intervals. In lagoon leveling,
small depressions are dug in the area so that there is temporary storage water
d) Chemical wetting agents (Surfactants): These seem to increase the water intake rates
when added to normal irrigated soil.
e) Surface crop residues, tillage, mulch, animal residues etc. help in reducing run-off by
allowing more time for water to penetrate into the land.
f) Chemical conditioners like gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) when applied to sodic soils
improve soil permeability and reduce run off. Another useful conditioner is

56
 HPAN(hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile)
g) Water-storage structures like farm ponds, dug-outs etc. build by individual farmers
can be useful measures for conserving water through reduction of runoff.

2. Reducing evaporation losses: This is more relevant in humid regions. Horizontal barriers of
asphalt placed below the soil surface increase water availability and increase crop yield by 35-
40%. This is more effective on sandy soil but less effective on loamy sand soils.A co-polymer of
starch and acrylonitrile called ‘super slumper’ has been reported to absorb water up to 1400
times its weight. The chemical has been found to be useful for sandy soils.
3. Storing water in soil: Storage of water takes place in the soil root zone in humid regions when
the soil is wetted to field capacity. By leaving the soil fallow for one season water can be made
available for the crop grown in next season.
4. Reducing irrigation losses:
a) Use of lined or covered canals to reduce seepage
b) Irrigation in early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation losses
c) Sprinkling irrigation and drip irrigation to conserve water by 30-50%
d) Growing hybrid crop varieties with less water requirements and tolerance to saline
water help conserve water.
5. Reuse of water:
a) Treated wastewater can be used for ferti-irrigation
b) Using grey water from washings, bath-tubs etc. for watering gardens, washing cars
or paths help in saving fresh water.

6. Preventing wastage of water: This can be done in households, commercial buildings and
public places.
a) Closing taps when not in use
b) Repairing any leakage from pipes
c) Using small capacity flush in toilets.
7. Increasing block pricing: The consumer has to pay a proportionately higher bill with higher
use of water. This helps in economic use of water by the consumer

RAIN WATER HARVESTING

Introduction:
The term rainwater harvesting is being frequently used these days, however, the concept of water
harvesting is not new for India. Water harvesting techniques had been evolved and developed
centuries ago.
Ground water resource gets naturally recharged through percolation. But due to indiscriminate
development and rapid urbanization, exposed surface for soil has been reduced drastically with
resultant reduction in percolation of rainwater, thereby depleting ground water resource.
Rainwater harvesting is the process of augmenting the natural filtration of rainwater in to the
underground formation by some artificial methods. "Conscious collection and storage of
rainwater to cater to demands of water, for drinking, domestic purpose & irrigation is termed as
Rainwater Harvesting.

Why to harvest rain water?

 To arrest ground water decline and augment ground water table
 To beneficiate water quality in aquifers

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  To conserve surface water runoff during monsoon
 To reduce soil erosion
 To inculcate a culture of water conservation

Rainwater harvesting can be harvested from the following surfaces:

Rooftops: If buildings with impervious roofs are already in place, the catchment area is
effectively available free of charge and they provide a supply at the point of
consumption.
Paved and unpaved areas i.e., landscapes, open fields, parks, storm water drains, roads
and pavements and other open areas can be effectively used to harvest the runoff. The
main advantage in using ground as collecting surface is that water can be collected from a
larger area. This is particularly advantageous in areas of low rainfall.
Water bodies: The potential of lakes, tanks and ponds to store rainwater is immense. The
harvested rainwater can not only be used to meet water requirements of the city, it also
recharges groundwater aquifers.
Storm water drains: Most of the residential colonies have proper network of storm
water drains. If maintained neatly, these offer a simple and cost effective means for
harvesting rainwater.

Types of Harvesting System

Broadly rainwater can be harvested for two purposes
A. Roof top rain water harvesting (RTRWH)
B. Charged into the soil for withdrawal later (groundwater recharging)
A. Roof top rain water harvesting (RTRWH)

It is a system of catching rainwater where it falls. In rooftop harvesting, the roof becomes the
catchments, and the rainwater is collected from the roof of the house/building. It can either be
stored in a tank or diverted to artificial recharge system. This method is less expensive and very
effective and if implemented properly helps in augmenting the ground water level of the area.

Components of Roof top Rainwater harvesting system:

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The system mainly constitutes of following sub components:
 Catchment, Coarse mesh, Gutters, Conduits or Conveyance
 Transportation
 First flush
 Filter
 Storage
 Supply unit

The system mainly constitutes of following sub components:

 Catchment, Coarse mesh, Gutters, Conduits or Conveyance
 Transportation
 First flush
 Filter
 Storage
 Supply unit
.
1. Catchments: The catchment of a water harvesting system is the surface which
directly receives the rainfall and provides water to the system. It can be a paved area like
a terrace or courtyard of a building, or an unpaved area like a lawn or open ground. A
roof made of reinforced cement concrete (RCC), galvanized iron or corrugated sheets
can also be used for water harvesting.
2. Coarse mesh: Present at the corners of the
roof to prevent the passage of debris

3.Gutters:
Channels all around the edge of a sloping roof
to collect and transport rainwater to the storage
tank. Gutters can be semi-circular or Source: A water harvesting manual
rectangular and could be made using: for urban areas
 Locally available material such as plain galvanized iron sheet (20 to 22 gauge),
folded to required shapes.
 Semi-circular gutters of PVC material can be readily prepared by cutting those
pipes into two equal semi-circular channels.
 Bamboo or betel trunks cut vertically in half.
The size of the gutter should be according to the flow during the highest intensity rain. It
is advisable to make them 10 to 15 per cent oversize.
Gutters need to be supported so they do not sag or fall off when loaded with water. The
way in which gutters are fixed depends on the construction of the house; it is possible to
fix iron or timber brackets into the walls, but for houses having wider eaves, some
method of attachment to the rafters is necessary.
4 Conduits or Conveyance:
Conduits are pipelines or drains that carry rainwater from the catchment or rooftop area
to the harvesting system. Conduits can be of any material like polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
or galvanized iron (GI), materials that are commonly available.
.
5. First-flushing
A first flush device is a valve that ensures that runoff from the first spell of rain is

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flushed out and does not enter the system. This needs to be done since the first spell of
rain carries a relatively larger amount of pollutants from the air and catchment surface.

6. Filtration or Purification:
The filter is used to remove suspended pollutants from rainwater collected over roof. A
filter unit is a chamber filled with filtering media such as fiber, coarse sand and gravel
layers to remove debris and dirt from water before it enters the storage tank or recharges
structure. Charcoal can be added for additional filtration.
(i)Charcoal water filter: A simple charcoal filter can be made in a drum or an earthen
pot. The filter is made of gravel, sand and charcoal, all of which are easily available.

(ii) Sand filters

Sand filters have commonly available sand as filter media. Sand filters are easy and
inexpensive to construct. These filters can be employed for treatment of water to
effectively remove turbidity (suspended particles like silt and clay), colour and
microorganisms.
In a simple sand filter that can be constructed domestically, the top layer comprises
coarse sand followed by a 5-10 mm layer of gravel followed by another 5-25 cm layer of
gravel and boulders.

7. Storage or Sump: A storage provision to collect filtered water from the tank through
the filter channel for storage and collection.
There are various options available for the construction of these tanks with respect to the
shape, size and the material of construction.
Shape: Cylindrical, rectangular and square.
Material of construction: Reinforced cement concrete, (RCC), ferrocement, masonry,
plastic (polyethylene) or metal (galvanized iron) sheets are commonly used.
Position of tank: Depending on space availability these tanks could be constructed
above ground, partly underground or fully underground. Some maintenance measures
like cleaning and disinfection are required to ensure the quality of water stored in the
container.

B. Charged into the soil for withdrawal later (groundwater recharging)

Ground water aquifers can be recharged by various kinds of structures to ensure

percolation of rainwater in the ground instead of draining away from the surface.
Commonly used recharging methods are:

a) Recharging of bore wells

b) Recharging of dug wells.

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 c) Recharge pits
d) Recharge Trenches
e) Soak ways or Recharge Shafts
f) Percolation Tanks

a) Recharging of bore wells

Rainwater collected from rooftop of the building is diverted through drainpipes to

settlement or filtration tank. After settlement filtered water is diverted to bore wells to
recharge deep aquifers. Abandoned bore wells can also be used for recharge.

Optimum capacity of settlement tank/filtration tank can be designed on the basis of area
of catchments, intensity of rainfall and recharge rate as discussed in design parameters.
While recharging, entry of floating matter and silt should be restricted because it may
clog the recharge structure. "first one or two shower should be flushed out through rain
separator to avoid contamination. This is very important, and all care should be taken to
ensure that this has been done."

b) Recharge pits

Recharge pits are small pits of any shape rectangular, square or circular, contracted with
brick or stone masonry wall with weep hole at regular intervals, top of the pit can be
covered with perforated covers. Bottom of pit should be filled with filter media

The capacity of the pit can be designed on the basis of catchment area, rainfall intensity
and recharge rate of soil. Usually the dimensions of the pit may be of 1 to 2 m width and
2 to 3 m deep depending on the depth of pervious strata. These pits are suitable for
recharging of shallow aquifers, and small houses.

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c)soak away or recharge shaft

Soak away or recharge shafts are provided where upper layer of soil is alluvial or less
pervious. These are bored hole of 30 cm dia. up to 10 to 15 m deep, depending on depth
of pervious layer. Bore should be lined with slotted/perforated PVC/MS pipe to prevent
collapse of the vertical sides. At the top of soak away required size sump is constructed
to retain runoff before the filters through soak away. Sump should be filled with filter
media.

d)Recharging of dug well

Dug well can be used as recharge structure. Rainwater from the rooftop is diverted to
dug wells after passing it through filtration bed. Cleaning and desalting of dug well
should be done regularly to enhance the recharge rate. The filtration method suggested
for bore well recharging could be used

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 e) Recharge trenches

Recharge trench in provided where upper impervious layer of soil is shallow. It is a

trench excavated on the ground and refilled with porous media like pebbles, boulder or
brickbats. It is usually made for harvesting the surface runoff. Bore wells can also be
provided inside the trench as recharge shafts to enhance percolation. The length of the
trench is decided as per the amount of runoff expected. This method is suitable for small
houses, playgrounds, parks and roadside drains. The recharge trench can be of size 0.50
to1.0mwideand1.0to1.5mdeep.

f) Percolation tanks

Percolation tanks are artificially created surface water bodies, submerging a land area
with adequate permeability to facilitate sufficient percolation to recharge the ground
water. These can be built in big campuses where land is available and topography is
suitable.Surface run-off and roof top water can be diverted to this tank. Water
accumulating in the tank percolates in the solid to augment the ground water. The stored
water can be used directly for gardening and raw use. Percolation tanks should be built in
gardens, open spaces and roadside green belts of urban area.

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

Introduction:
The land area drained by a river is known as the river basin. The watershed is defined as the land
area from which water drains under gravity to a common drainage channel. Thus watershed is a
delineated area with a well defined topographic boundary and one water outlet. The watershed
can range from a few square kilometers to few thousand square kilometers in size.

63
In the watershed the hydrological conditions are such that water becomes concentrated within a
particular location like a river or a reservoir, by which the watershed is drained. The watershed
comprises complex interactions of soil, landform, vegetation, land use activities and water.
People and animals are an integral part of a watershed having mutual impacts on each other. We
may live anywhere we would be living in some watershed. A watershed affects as it is directly
involved in sustained food production, water supply for irrigation, power generation,
transportation as well as for influencing sedimentation and erosion, vegetation growth, floods
and droughts. Thus management of watersheds treating them as a basic functional unit is
extremely important and the first such Integrated Watershed Management was adopted in 1949
by the Damodar Valley Corporation.

Watershed degradation:
The watersheds are very often found to be degraded due to uncontrolled, unplanned and
unscientific land use activities. Organizing, deforestation, mining, construction activities,
industrialization, shifting cultivation, natural and artificial fires, soil erosion and ignorance of
local people have been responsible for degradation of various watersheds.

Objectives of Watershed Management:

Rational utilization of land and water sources for optimum production causing minimum damage
to the natural resources is known as watershed management.
The objectives of watershed management are as follows:
1. To rehabilitate the watershed through proper land use adopting conservation strategies for
minimizing soil erosion and moisture retention so as to ensure good productivity of the land for
the farmers.
2. To manage the watershed for beneficial developmental activities like domestic water supply,
irrigation, hydropower generation etc.
3. To minimize the risks of floods, droughts and land slides.
4. To develop rural areas in the region with clear plans for improving the economy of the
regions.

Watershed management practices:

In the fifth year plan, watershed management approach was included with a number of programs
for it and a national policy was developed. In watershed management the aspects of development
are considered with regard to availability of the resources.
The practices of conservation and development of land and water are taken up with respect to
their suitability for people’s benefit as well as sustainability.

Various measures taken up for management include the following:

1. Water harvesting: Proper storage of water is done with provision for use in dry seasons in
low rainfall areas. It also helps in moderation of floods.

2. Afforestation and agro-forestry: In watershed development, afforestation and crop

plantation play a very important role. They help to prevent soil erosion and retention of moisture.
In high rainfall areas, woody trees are grown in between crops to substantially reduce the runoff
and loss of fertile soil. In Dehradun trees like Eucalyptus, Leucaena and grasses like
chrysopogon are grown along with maize or wheat to achieve the objectives. Woody trees grown

64
successfully in such agro-forestry programs include Sheesham, Teak and Keekar which have
been used in watershed areas of river Yamuna.

3. Mechanical measures for reducing soil erosion and runoff losses: Several mechanical
measures like terracing, bunding, bench terracing, no-till farming, contour cropping, strip
cropping etc. are used to minimize runoff and soil erosion particularly on the slopes of
watersheds. Bunding has proved to be a very useful method in reducing runoff, peak discharge
and soil loss in Dehradun andSiwaliks

4. Scientific mining and quarrying: Due to improper mining, the hills lose stability and get
disturbed resulting in landslides, rapid erosion etc. Contour trenching a tan interval of one meter
on overburdened dump, planting some soil binding plants land draining of water courses in the
mined area are recommended for minimizing the destructive effects of mining in watershed
areas.

5. Public participation: People’s involvement including the farmers and tribals is the key to the
success of any watershed management program, particularly the soil and water conservation.
People’s cooperation as well as participation has to be ensured for the same.

THE ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT (EPA)

An Act to provide for the protection and improvement of environment and for matters connected
there with:
whereas the decisions were taken at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment
held at Stockholm in June, 1972, in which India participated, to take appropriate steps for the
protection and improvement of human environment
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 not only has important constitutionals implications but
also an international background.
This Act may be called the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It extends to the whole of India.

Powers and Functions of the Boards

(i) co-ordination of actions by the State Governments, officers and other authorities--
(a) under this Act, or the rules made there under, or
(b) under any other law for the time being in force which is relatable to the objects of this
Act;
(ii) planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and
abatement of environmental pollution;
(iii) laying down standards for the quality of environment in its various aspects;
(iv) laying down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various
sources whatsoever:
Provided that different standards for emission or discharge may be laid down under this clause
from different sources having regard to the quality or composition of the emission or discharge
of environmental pollutants from such sources;
(v) restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries,
operations or processes shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain

65
 safeguards;
(vi) laying down procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause
environmental pollution and remedial measures for such accidents;
(vii) laying down procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances;
(viii) examination of such manufacturing processes, materials and substances as are likely to
cause environmental pollution;
(ix) carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to problems of
environmental pollution;
(x) inspection of any premises, plant, equipment, machinery, manufacturing or other processes,
materials or substances and giving, by order, of such directions to such authorities, officers
or persons as it may consider necessary to take steps for the prevention, control and
abatement of environmental pollution;
(xi) establishment or recognition of environmental laboratories and institutes to carry out the
functions entrusted to such environmental laboratories and institutes under this Act;
(xii) collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental
pollution;
(xiii) preparation of manuals, codes or guides relating to the prevention, control and abatement
of environmental pollution;
(xiv) such other matters as the Central Government deems necessary or expedient for the
purpose of securing the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.
Appointment of officers and their Powers and Functions
Without prejudice to the provisions , the Central Government may appoint officers with such
designation as it thinks fit for the purposes of this Act and may entrust to them such of the
powers and functions under this Act as it may deem fit.

Power to give directions

Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law but subject to the provisions of this Act, the
Central Government may, in the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions under
this Act, issue directions in writing to any person, officer or any authority and such person,
officer or authority shall be bound to comply with such directions. 3
Explanation--For the avoidance of doubts, it is hereby declared that the power to issue directions
under this section includes the power to direct--
(a) the closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process; or
(b) stoppage or regulation of the supply of electricity or water or any other service.
RULES TO REGULATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules in respect of
all or any of the matters referred
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may
provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:--
(a) the standards of quality of air, water or soil for various areas and purposes;
(b) the maximum allowable limits of concentration of various environmental pollutants
(including noise) for different areas;
(c) the procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances;
(d) the prohibition and restrictions on the handling of hazardous substances in different
areas;
(e) the prohibition and restriction on the location of industries and the carrying on
process and operations in different areas;

66
 (f) the procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause
environmental pollution and for providing for remedial measures for such accidents.

Prevention, Control and Abatement of Environmental Pollution

Persons carrying on industry operation, etc., not to allow emission or discharge of environmental
pollutants in excess of the standards
Persons handling hazardous substances to comply with procedural safeguards
Furnishing of information to authorities and agencies in certain cases.
Environmental Laboratories
(1) The Central Government15 may, by notification in the Official Gazette,--
(a) establish one or more environmental laboratories;
(b) recognize one or more laboratories or institutes as environmental laboratories to carry
out the functions entrusted to an environmental laboratory under this Act.
(2) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules specifying--
(a) the functions of the environmental laboratory;
(b) the procedure for the submission to the said laboratory of samples of air, water, soil
or other substance for analysis or tests, the form of the laboratory report thereon
and the fees payable for such report;
(c) such other matters as may be necessary or expedient to enable that laboratory to
carry out its functions.

Penalty for Contravention of the Provisions of the Act and the Rules, orders and directions

(1) Whoever fails to comply with or contravenes any of the provisions of this Act, or the rules
made or orders or directions issued there under, shall, in respect of each such failure or
contravention, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years with
fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both, and in case the failure or contravention
continues, with additional fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for every day during
which such failure or contravention continues after the conviction for the first such failure or
contravention.

(2) If the failure or contravention continues beyond a period of one year after the date of
conviction, the offender shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
seven years.

Concept of sustainable development:

What is sustainable development

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

67
In 2015, the United Nations set a number of ambitious goals to be achieved in the next 15 years
to make our world a better place for everyone: end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure
prosperity for all.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals, a collection of 17 global goals set by the UN’s member
countries, are a roadmap on how to transform our planet where everyone can live in peace,
prosperity, and dignity.

The greatest threats to the sustainable development on earth are: population growth and
urbanisation, energy use and global warming, excessive waste generation and the subsequent
pollution of soil, air, and water, transportation in cities, and limited supply of resources.

Environmental ethics: Environmental ethics is a branch of ethics that studies the relation
of human beings and the environment and how ethics play a role in this. Environmental
ethics believe that humans are a part of society as well as other living creatures, which
includes plants and animals. These items are a very important part of the world and are
considered to be a functional part of human life. Thus, it is essential that every human
being respect and honor this and use morals and ethics when dealing with these creatures.

There are many ethical decisions that human beings make with respect to the environment. For
example:

 Should humans continue to clear cut forests for the sake of human consumption?
 Why should humans continue to propagate its species, and life itself?
 Should humans continue to make gasoline-powered vehicles?

What environmental obligations do humans need to keep for future generations?

68
Is it right for humans to knowingly cause the extinction of a species for the convenience of
humanity?

How should humans best use and conserve the space environment to secure and expand life?

What role can Planetary Boundaries play in reshaping the human-earth relationship?

The end

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