UNIT 4 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES,

MANAGEMENT AND LEGISLATIONS

Structure
4.0 Objectives
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Environmental issues
4.3 Sustainable development
4.4 Resettlement and rehabilitation
4.5 Environmental Ethics
4.6 Disaster management
4.7 Environmental Legislation
4.8 Population Growth
4.9 Environment and Human Health
4.10 Questions for Review

4.0 0BJECTIVES
After reading this Unit you will be able to:

• Get knowledge about environmental issues

• understand the concept of Sustainable development,

4.1 INTRODUCTION
In order to live comfortably, conservation of resources or adequate use of resources is highly required as
we know that all the environmental issues arise due to the human activities to fulfill their need or greed.
This is the high time to adopt sustainable development as our environment and the resources are
depleting at faster rate.

4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

4.2.1 Climate change:
Climate is average state of everyday’s weather conditions of an area over long periods of time. It is
measured by sorting the pattern of changes in temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind,
precipitation and other meteorological factors of the particular area. When these weather conditions
changes for few decades or for millions of years resulting in new climate pattern is known as climate
change. The climate system consists of five components, the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere,
biosphere and lithosphere, which receives about all of its energy from the Sun. Various Anthropogenic
activities affects the climatic conditions which results in change of Earth’s Climate.

4.2.2 Global Warming:

When the energy comes from the sun, earth receives the short wavelength solar radiation, some part of it
absorbed and remaining reflects back in the form of large Wavelength solar radiation. Some atmospheric
gases known as Greenhouse Gases trapped the long wave radiation and re-radiated as heat, back to the
earth resulting in warming of Earth. This effect of Earth’s warming is known as Greenhouse Effect. The
most abundant greenhouse gases in earth’s atmosphere are:

Natural Greenhouse Gases

1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
2. Water Vapor (H2O)

A. Anthropogenic Emissions Greenhouse Gases

1. Methane (CH4)
2. Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
3. Tropospheric Ozone (O3)
4. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

The excessive increase in the amount of greenhouse gases over a long time period led to the huge rise in the
temperature of Earth’s climate, known as Global Warming.

Human activities are changing the natural greenhouse of earth. Over the last century the concentration of
atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) has increased by the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil as coal or oil
burning process combines carbon with oxygen in the air to make CO 2. The clearing of land for agriculture,
industry, and other human activities has also increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.

Effects of Global warming:

1. Melting of Glaciers
2. Climate Change
3. Drought
4. Increase in Hurricanes Frequency
5. Rise in Sea levels
6. Decrease in Coral reefs
7. Loss of Agriculture
8. Heat waves
9. Frequent Wildfires
10. Severe Precipitation
11. Changes in food chains
12. Animal Extinction
13. Worsening of Air quality
14. Increase in severe diseases
15. Decreased population

4.2.3 Acid Rain:

Rain or any form of precipitation having pH less than 5.6 is known as Acid rain. The acidity of acid rain is
because of three substances CO2, NOx, and SO2 found in the troposphere which are emitted from the
combustion of Coal in power plants and gasoline in vehicles.

Atmospheric reaction of Acid rain:

Most of the acidity of rain is accounted by Sulphuric acid (H 2SO4).

SO2 (g) + O2 (g) → SO3 (g)

SO3 (g) + H2O → H2SO4

H2SO4 → HSO4- + H+

HSO4- → SO42- + H+

About one fourth of the acidity of rain is accounted by Nitric acid (HNO 3)

CO2 + H2O → H2CO3

H2CO3 → H+ + HCO3-

NO (g) + ½ O2 (g) → NO2 (g)

N2 (g) + O2 (g) → 2NO (g)

3NO2 (g) + H2O → 2HNO3 (aq.) + NO (g)

Effects of Acid Rain:

 Acidification of many lakes, streams or ponds.

 Degradation of many soil minerals produces metal ions which are washed away in runoff causing
several effects-
 a. Al3+ increases in water supply
b. Deficiency of Ca2+ results in the killing of trees and damaging of crops.
 Damages the buildings and monuments made up of marble and limestone.
 Serious threat to human health.

4.2.4 Ozone Layer Depletion:

In the stratosphere of earth’s atmosphere there is a ozone layer which protects us from the harmful ultraviolet
radiations coming from the Sun. In last few decades, the ozone layer is continuously getting thinner because of
depletion, when it becomes extremely thin over a particular area, it is known as Ozone hole. Ozone hole was firstly
discovered in 1985 over Antarctica.
Some Compounds which are responsible for the depletion of ozone are known as ozone depleting substances like
Chlorofluorocarbons, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, Methyl chloroform, Carbon tetrachloride and halon.
Ozone layer depletion results in increase in amount of UV radiations reaching to the earth’s Surface which causes
cataract and skin Cancer in human beings, damaged to developmental stages of aquatic fauna, decrease in
reproductive capacity of organisms, inhibition of photosynthesis, mutation etc.

4.3 INTRODUCTION
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
In 1987, the United Nations Word Commission on Environment and Development released the report “our Common
future” commonly known as Brundtland report. The concept of sustainable development is derived from this report
only. The Development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs is known as Sustainable development. For environmental management public
awareness plays important role, individuals who do not have proper knowledge of environment causes the extreme
damage to environment for fulfilling their basic needs like-

1. Cutting of trees - for timber and fuel wood

2. Clearing land – for agriculture
3. Throwing waste in water bottles
4. Using unscientific agricultural practices
5. Unplanned industrial processes
6. Overgrazing

The two key concepts of sustainable development are-

a. The concept of need, in particular the essential needs of world’s poor to which overriding priority should be
given.
b. The idea of limitations, imposed by state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to
meet the present and future needs.

4.4 INTRODUCTION
RESETTLEMENT AND REHABILITATION
Natural and human made both disasters force people to move out of their land. Thus Strategies for rehabilitation of
these displaced people by preventive action are in the first place. For example, construction of earthquake proof
houses, arrangement timely evacuation by collecting advance information about cyclones, build appropriate bunds in
flood prone areas, maintain bridges that take regular up and down passing of trains/ road transport vehicles on them
in order to avoid likely disasters.

Secondly, advance preparation on the part of administration and local communities are made to face the
consequences of sudden calamities. For both these remedial steps, the primary necessity is that of building awareness
among the people in general and among administrative personnel in particular.

The scope for advance planning in the cases of natural and human made calamities is however quite limited and in
comparison we can certainly plan better in the cases of development projects which are planned in advance.

4.5 INTRODUCTION
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
It is a branch of philosophy which deals with the ethical relationship between environment and human beings.
According to environmental ethics humans and other living creatures are a part of a society, so it is necessary to
every human being to respect and honor them and use morality when dealing with these creatures. Some common
issues and their solutions regarding environmental ethics are-

1. Disparity in resource utilization patterns – Educated urban individuals consumes much larger quantity of
resources and energy than the traditional rural individuals. The urban rural and other communities should share
resources equally for sustainable development.

2. Impact of industrialization – It is everyone’s responsibility to make up for the losses caused by

industrialization.

3. Equity - Disparity in Northern and Southern Countries – The North nations are richer and more developed
and uses more amounts of resources in comparison to south nations.

4. Equity – Disparity among genders – although our society is male dominated but most of the environmental
movements are headed by women.

Consumerism and Waste products:

Consumerism is constant purchasing of new goods, without their true need, durability, product origin, or the
environmental consequences of their manufacture and disposal. Consumerism interferes with the sustainable use of
resources like in developed countries landfills are being filled with cheap discarded products that fail to work within
short time and cannot be repaired.

Check Your Progress-1

1. Write a note on Acid rain, Global Warming and Climate Change

2. What are the reasons behind depletion of Ozone layer in the atmosphere? Explain its effects.

3. Describe environmental ethics.

4.6 INTRODUCTION
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
The Indian subcontinent is very vulnerable to droughts, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, avalanches and
forest fires. Among the 36 states and Union territories in the country, 22 are prone to disasters.

Among all the disasters that occur in the country, floods are the most frequently occurring natural disasters, due to
the irregularities of the Indian monsoon. Approximately 40 million hectares of land in the country has been identified
as being prone to floods. Major floods are mainly caused in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin which carries 60
percent of the total river flow of our country.

India has a long coastline of 5700 kms, which is exposed to tropical cyclones arising in the Bay of Bengal and the
Arabian Sea. The Indian Ocean is one of the six major cyclone prone regions of the world. In India, cyclones occur
usually between April and May and also between October and December.

Earthquakes are considered to be one of the most destructive natural hazards. About 50 to 60 percent of India is
vulnerable to seismic activity of varying intensities. Most of the vulnerable areas are located in the Himalayan and
sub- Himalayan regions.

Till very recently the approach towards dealing with natural disasters has been post disaster management involving
problems such as evacuation, warnings, communications, search and rescue, fire-fighting, medical and psychiatric
assistance, provision of relief, shelter, etc.

Natural occurrences such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, etc. will always occur. They are a part of the environment
that we live in. However destruction from natural hazards can be minimized by the presence of a well functioning
warning system combined with preparedness on part of the community that will be affected.
Disaster management is a multidisciplinary area in which a wide range of issues that range from forecasting,
warning, evacuation, search and rescue, relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation are included. It is also multi-
sectoral as it involves administrators, scientists, planners, volunteers and communities. These roles and activities
span the pre-disaster, during disaster and post disaster plans.

The early warning systems for a range of natural hazards are available at present however they are not
enough to ensure communities are safe from disasters. This is where disaster mitigation can play an important role.

Mitigation means lessening the negative impact of the natural hazards. It is defined as sustained action taken to
reduce long term vulnerability of human life and property to natural hazards.

The main elements of a mitigation strategy are as follows:

a) Risk assessment and Vulnerability analysis

b) Applied research and technology transfer
c) Public awareness and training
d) Institutional mechanisms
e) Incentives and resources for mitigation
f) Land use planning and regulations
g) Hazard resistant design and construction
h) Structural and constructional reinforcement of existing buildings

4.6.1 Floods and mitigation measures

Floods can be caused by natural, ecological or anthropogenic factors either individually or as a combined result.
Anthropogenic activities such as deforestation and shifting cultivation can also contribute to floods. The
mitigation measures for floods include both structural and non-structural measures.

The Structural measures include:

a) Reservoirs
b) Prevention of over-bank spilling
c) Improvement of flow conditions

The non-structural measures include:

1) Flood plain managements

2) Maintaining wetlands
3) Flood forecasting and warning services

4.6.2 Earthquakes and mitigation measures

Earthquakes occur due to sudden movements of earth’s crust. The earth crust has several tectonic plates of solid
rock which slowly moves along with their boundaries. Some time due to friction fracture formation take place
along the boundaries or fault line within the plate.

Mitigation measures:

1) Ensure the incorporation of earthquake-resistant design features for the construction of new structures.
2) Facilitate selective strengthening and seismic retrofitting of existing priority and lifeline structures in
earthquake-prone areas.
3) Improve the compliance regime through appropriate regulation and enforcement.
4) Improve the awareness and preparedness of all stakeholders.
5) Introduce appropriate capacity development interventions for effective earthquake management (including
education training, R&D, and documentation).
6) Strengthen the emergency response capability in earthquake-prone areas.
4.6.3 Cyclones and mitigation measures

Tropical cyclones are the worst natural hazards in the tropics. They are large revolving vortices in the
atmosphere extending horizontally from 150 to1000 km and vertically from the surface to 12 to 14 km. These
are intense low- pressure areas. Strong winds spiraling anti clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere blow around
the cyclone center at the lower level.

They generally move 300 to 5000 km per day over the ocean. While moving over the ocean they pick up energy
from the warm water of the ocean and some of them grow into a devastating intensity. One of the requirements
for formation of tropical cyclones is that the sea surface temperature (SST) should be above 26°C.

On an average about 5 to 6 tropical cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea every year out of
which 2 to 3 may be severe. More cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal than in the Arabian Sea.

The main dangers from cyclones are very strong winds, torrential rains and high storm tides. Most of the
causalities are caused by coastal inundation by storm tides. This is often followed by heavy rainfall and floods.
Storm surges cause the greatest destruction.

Mitigation measures:

a) Installation of early warning systems

b) Developing communication infrastructure
c) Developing shelter belts
d) Developing community cyclone shelters
e) Construction of permanent houses
f) Training and education
g) Land use control and settlement planning

Effects of Cyclones:

i. Tropical cyclones cause heavy rainfall and landslides.

ii. ii. They cause a lot of harm to towns and villages, causing severe
iii. Damage to kuccha houses.
iv. Coastal businesses like shipyards and oil wells are destroyed.
v. They harm the ecosystem of the surrounding region.
vi. Civic facilities are disturbed.
vii. Agricultural land is severely affected, especially in terms of water supply and soil erosion.
viii. It causes harm to human, plant and animal life.
ix. Communication systems are badly affected due to cyclones.

4.6.4 Landslides and mitigation measures

Landslides occur as a result of changes on a slope, sudden or gradual, either in its composition, structure,
hydrology or vegetation. The changes can be due to geology, climate, weathering, land-use and earthquakes.

Landslides are recurring phenomena in the Himalayan region. In the recent years however intensive construction
activity and the destabilizing forces of nature have aggravated the problem.

Landslide causes:

1) Geological: It can be due to presence of weak or sensitive materials, sheared, jointed, or fissured
materials, contrast in permeability and/or stiffness of materials etc..
2) Morphological causes: It can be due to Tectonic or volcanic uplift, Fluvial, wave, or glacial erosion of
slope toe or lateral margins, Vegetation removal (by fire, drought) etc.
3) Human causes: It is mainly due to Mining, Deforestation, Irrigation, Drawdown (of reservoirs) etc

Mitigation measures:

1) Preventing the exposure of population and facilities to landslides.

 2) Developmental programs that involve modification of the topography, exploitation of natural resources and
change in the balance load on the ground should not be permitted in the landslide prone region.
3) Some critical measures that could be undertaken to prevent further landslides are drainage measures,
erosion control measures such a bamboo check dams, terracing, jute and coir netting.
4) Rock fall control measures such as grass plantation, vegetated dry masonry wall, retaining wall and most
importantly preventing deforestation and improving afforestation.

4.7 INTRODUCTION
ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATIONS

4.7.1 ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT (1986)

The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in the year 1986. It was enacted with the main objective to provide
the protection and improvement of environment and for matters connected therewith. The Act is one of the most
comprehensive legislations with pretext to protection and improvement of environment.

The Constitution of India also provides for the protection of the environment. Article 48A of the Constitution
specifies that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and
wildlife of the country. Article 51 A further provides that every citizen shall protect the environment.

Objectives:

The main objective of the Act was to provide the protection and improvement of environment and for matters
connected therewith. Other objectives of implementation of the EPA are:

 To implement the decisions made at the UN Conference on Human Environment held at Stockholm in June,
1972.
 To enact a general law on the areas of environmental protection which were left uncovered by existing
laws? The existing laws were more specific in nature and concentrated on a more specific type of pollution
and specific categories of hazardous substances rather than on general problems that chiefly caused major
environmental hazards.
 To co-ordinate activities of the various regulatory agencies under the existing laws
 To provide for the creation of an authority or authorities for environmental protection
 To provide a deterrent punishment to those who endanger human environment, safety and health.

Definitions

Section 2 of The EPA deals with definitions. Some important definitions provided in the Section are:

Section 2 (a) “Environment” includes water, air, and land and the interrelationship that exists among and between
water, air and land and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism and property. This definition is
not exhaustive but an inclusive one.

Section 2 (b) “Environmental Pollutant” means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in such concentration
as may be, or tend to be injurious to environment.

Section 2 (c) “Environmental Pollution” means the presence in the environment of any environmental pollutant6 .
This implies the imbalance in environment. The materials or substances when after mixing in air, water or land alters
their properties in such manner, that the very use of all or any of the air water and land by man and any other living
organism becomes lethal and dangerous for health.

Section 2 (e) “Hazardous Substance” means any substance or preparation which, by reasons of its chemical or
physico-chemical properties or handling, is liable to cause harm to human beings, other living creatures, plants,
micro-organism, property or environment.
Powers of Central Government to take measures to Protect and Improve Environment

According to the provisions of the Act, the Central Government shall have the power to take all such measures as it
deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and
preventing controlling and abating environmental pollution. Such measures may include measures with respect to all
or any of the following matters, namely: a) co-ordination of actions by the State Governments, officers and other
authorities-

(a) Under this Act, or the rules made there under,

(b) Under any other law for the time being in force which is relatable to the objects of this Act;

1. planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of
environmental pollution;
2. laying down standards for the quality of environment in its various aspects;
3. 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;
4. 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 safeguards;
5. laying down procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental
pollution and remedial measures for such accidents;
6. laying down procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances;
7. examination of such manufacturing processes, materials and substances as are likely to cause environmental
pollution;
8. carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to problems of environmental pollution;
9. 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;
10. establishment or recognition of environmental laboratories and institutes to carry out the functions entrusted
to such environmental laboratories and institutes under this Act;
11. collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution;
12. preparation of manuals, codes or guides relating to the prevention, control and abatement of environmental
pollution;
13. 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.

4.7.2 AIR (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1981

Objectives:
1. Prevention, control and abatement of air pollution
2.Maintaining the quality of air
3. Establishing boards for prevention and control of air pollution

Important features:
1. Central board may lay down standards for quality of air
2. Central board coordinates and settles disputes between state boards in addition to providing technical assistance
and guidance to state boards
3. State boards may lay down standards for emissions of air pollutants from industrial units, automobiles or other
sources
4. State boards should collect and disseminate information related to air pollution and function as inspectorates of
airpollution
5. State boards should examine manufacturing process and pollution control equipment to verify if they meet
standardsprescribed.
6. State board can advise the state government to declare heavily polluted areas as pollution control areas and
 advise avoidance of burning waste products that can increase air pollution.
7. The directions of central board are mandatory on state boards.
8. Operation of Industrial unit is prohibited in heavily polluted areas without the consent of the central board.
9. Violation of this law is punishable with imprisonment a term which may extend to three months or fine upto Rs.
10,000 or both.

4.7.3 WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1974

Objectives:

1. to provide for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution and the
2. maintenance or restoration of the wholesomeness of water for the establishment,
3. Establishment of Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution,

Functions of Central Board:

1. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the main function of the Central Board shall be to promote cleanliness of
streams and wells in different areas of the States.
2. In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing function, the Central Board may perform all
or any of the following functions, namely:

a) Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the prevention and control of water pollution
b) Co-ordinate the activities of the State Boards and resolve disputes among them
c) Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigations and research
relating to problems of water pollution and prevention, control or abatement of water pollution
d) Plan and organize the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes for the prevention, control or
abatement of water pollution on such terms and conditions as the Central Board may specify
e) Organize through mass media a comprehensive programme regarding the prevention and control of water
pollution (perform such of the functions of any State Board as may be specified in an order made under sub
section(2) of Section 18)
f) Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to water pollution and the measures devised for
its effective prevention and control and prepare manuals, codes or guides relating to treatment and disposal of
sewage and trade effluents and disseminate information connected therewith.
g) Lay down, modify or annul, in consultation with the State Government concerned, the standards for a stream or
well(Provided that different standards may be laid down for the same stream or well or for different streams or wells,
having regard to the quality of water flow characteristics of the stream or well and the nature of the use of the water
in such stream or well or streams or wells)
h) Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of water
pollution
i) Perform such other functions as may be prescribed

3. The Board may establish or recognise a laboratory or laboratories to enable the Board to perform its functions
under this section efficiently, including the analysis of samples of water from any stream or well or of samples of
any sewage or trade effluents.

Functions of the State Boards:

1. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the functions of a State Board shall be:
a) To plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention, control or abatement of pollution of streams and wells in
the State and to secure the execution there of
b) To advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention, control or abatement of water pollution
c) To collect and disseminate information relating to water pollution and the prevention, control or abatement thereof
d) To encourage, conduct and participate in investigations and research relating to problems of water pollution and
prevention, control or abatement of water pollution
e) To collaborate with the Central Board in organizing the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in
programmes relating to prevention, control or abatement of water pollution and to organize mass education
programmes relating thereto
f) To inspect sewage or trade effluents, works and plants for the treatment of sewage and trade effluents and to
review plans, specifications or other data relating to plants set up for the treatment of water, works for the
purification thereof and the system for the disposal of sewage or trade effluents or in connection with the grant of
any consent as required by this Act
g) To lay down, modify or annul effluent standards for the sewage and trade effluents and for the quality of receiving
waters (not being water in an inter-State stream) resulting from the discharge of effluents and to classify waters of
the State
h) To evolve economical and reliable methods of treatment of sewage and trade effluents, having regard to the
peculiar conditions of soils, climate and water resources of different regions and more especially the prevailing flow
characteristics of water in streams and wells which render it impossible to attain even the minimum degree of
dilution
i) To evolve methods of utilization of sewage and suitable trade effluents in agriculture) To evolve efficient methods
of disposal of sewage and trade effluents on land, as are necessary on account of the predominant conditions of scant
stream flows that do not provide for major part of the year the minimum degree of dilution
j) To lay down standards of treatment of sewage and trade effluents to be discharged into any particular stream
taking into account the minimum fair weather dilution available in that stream and the tolerance limits of pollution
permissible in the water of the stream, after the discharge of such effluents
k) To make, vary or revoke any order
i) for the prevention, control or abatement of discharges of waste into streams or wells
ii) requiring any person concerned to construct new systems for the disposal of sewage and trade effluents
or to modify, alter or extend any such remedial measures as are necessary to prevent, control or abate water
pollution
l) To lay down effluent standards to be complied with by persons while causing discharge of sewage or sullage or
both and to lay down, modify or annul effluent standards for the sewage and trade effluents
m) To advise the State Government with respect to the location of any industry the carrying on of which is likely to
pollute a stream or well
n) To perform such other functions as may be prescribed or as may, from time to time, be entrusted to it by the
Central Board or the State Government.

2) The Board may establish or recognize a laboratory or laboratories to enable the Board to perform its functions
under this section efficiently, including the analysis of samples of water from any stream or well or of samples of
any sewage or trade effluents.

4.7.4 WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT (1972)

Objective:
1. The sections in this schedule give absolute protection to certain species and these cannot be infringed on any
account.
2. By this act government provide security to animals that are not in danger of becoming extinct.
3. This act also delineates animals that can be hunted like ducks and deer’s. For this purpose the hunter has to apply
for a license to the District Forest Officer who will allow a hunter to shoot during a specific season and restricted
area. Any infringement can lead to cancellation of the hunting license.
4. It also concerns cultivation and plant life and gives teeth to setting up more protected animal parks.

4.7.5 FOREST CONSERVATION ACT, 1980

Forest Conservation Act launched 1980, which was amended in 1988. The Indian Forest Act of 1927consolidated all
the previous laws regarding forests that were passed before the 1920s. The act gave the government and Forest
Department the power to create Reserved Forest, and the right to use of resources by local people was controlled. It
gives priority to maintaining environmental stability and ecological balance. It expressly states that the network of
Protected Areas should be strengthened and extended.

Objectives:

1. Forest dwellers must have access to subsidized sources of fuel, fodder, building material etc so that they
do not cut trees.
2. Modify working plans into environmentally sound action plans based on scientific research.

 Protection of standing Forests.

 Creation of new stock
 Building up of information base.

Penalties:
For offences in reserved forested: no person is allowed to make clearings or set fire to reserved forest. Cattle are not
permitted to trespass into the reserved forest. Felling, collecting of timber, bark or leaves, quarrying, or collecting
any forest product is punishable with imprisonment for a term of six months, or which may extend to Rs.500 or both.
Penalties for offences in protected forests: a person who commits any of the following offences like felling trees,
stripping the bark or leaves of trees, setting fire to such forests, kindling a fire without taking precaution to prevent
its spreading, dragging timber, or permitting cattle to damage any tree, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a
term which may extend to six months or with a fine which may exceed to Rs. 500, or both.

4.8 INTRODUCTION
POPULATION GROWTH
Population explosion refers to the rapid and dramatic rise in world population that has occurred over the last few
hundred years. Between 1959 and 2000, the world’s population increased from 2.5 billion to 6.1 billion people.
According to United Nations projections, the world population will be between 7.9 billion and 10.9 billion by 2050.

4.8.1 Causes of Rapid Population Growth:

The success in reducing death rates was attributable to several factors:
(1) increases in food production and distribution,

(2) Improvement in public health (water and sanitation), and

(3) Medical technology (vaccines and antibiotics), along with gains in education and standards of living within many
developing nations.

4.8.2 Environmental Effects of Overpopulation

The relationship between overpopulation and environmental impacts are often interrelated and complex. Below are
some of the key sustainability challenges associated with overpopulation. For the sake of simplicity they are listed
separately, but understand the connections between them are complicated, which makes them more challenging to
manage.

1) Farming impacts

As the global population increases, more food is needed. Such measures may be met through more intensive farming,
or through deforestation to create new farm lands, which in turn can have negative outcomes. Agriculture is
responsible for about 80 percent of deforestation, worldwide.

2) Deforestation

Human population increase is related to all of these deforestation pressures. More people mean we need more food,
more residential and industrial area, and more firewood.

3) Eutrophication

Agricultural runoff is one of the main causes of eutrophication, the presence of excessive nutrients (nitrogen &
phosphorus) in bodies of water, causes the dense growth of plant life that consumes oxygen, resulting in the death of
aquatic animals. Other major sources of eutrophication are industry and sewage disposal--both related to population
growth. Although it is a natural and slow process but due to use of pesticides and fertilizers to increase the yield lead
to eutrophication fastly.

4) Loss of Fresh Water

While there is plenty of water on the planet, it is very much a scarce resource. Only 2.5 percent of water resources
are fresh water, and just a small fraction of that is available as unpolluted drinking water. One of the byproducts of
population growth has been stress on freshwater supplies. "Water stressed" is defined as a case of demand exceeding
the supply of suitable water available.

5) Global Warming

Human population growth and climate change have grown hand in hand as the use of fossil fuels has exploded to
support industrialized societies. "More people means more demand for oil, gas, coal and other fuels mined or drilled
from below the Earth’s surface that, when burned, spew enough carbon dioxide (CO 2) into the atmosphere to trap
warm air inside like a greenhouse," notes Scientific American. Most fossil fuel consumption comes from developed
countries. It is a sobering thought that most developing nations aspire to similar industrial economies as they
experience economic growth, which further escalates CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

Deforestation is another important component of greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, forests store more than twice
the amount of carbon dioxide than is found in the atmosphere. As forests are cleared and burned, that CO 2 is released
into the atmosphere, accounting for an estimated 25 percent of total greenhouse gas production.

4.8.3 Population Control

Family planning is the planning of married couples to decide and plan the number and the time of having children by
using birth control methods and other techniques to implement such plans. According to WHO, family planning is a
way of thinking and living that is adopted voluntarily, upon the basis of knowledge, attitude and responsible
decisions.

In India, the family planning association was formed in 1949 and family planning programme was launched in 1952.
In 1977, the family planning department was renamed to Family Welfare Programme (FWP).

4.8.4 Importance of Family Planning in India

 Improvement of family’s economic condition

 Health and nutrition of the mother and child
 Importance of spacing births, atleast 2 years apart from one another.

NATIONAL FAMILY WELFARE PROGRAMME

India launched the National Family Welfare Programme in 1951 with the objective of "reducing the birth rate to the
extent necessary to stabilize the population at a level consistent with the requirement of the National economy.
The Family Welfare Programme in India is recognized as a priority area, and is being implemented as a 100%
centrally sponsored programme.

To impart new dynamism to the Family Welfare Programme, several new initiatives were introduced and ongoing
schemes were revamped in the Eighth Plan (1992-97). Realizing that Government efforts alone in propagating and
motivating the people for adaptation of small family norm would not be sufficient, greater stress has been laid on the
involvement of NGOs to supplement and complement the Government efforts.
Reduction in the population growth rate has been recognized as one of the priority objectives during the Ninth &
Tenth Plan period. The strategies are:
i) To assess the needs for reproductive and child health at PHC level and undertake area specific micro
planning.
ii) To provide need-based, demand-driven, high quality, integrated reproductive and child health care reducing
the infant and maternal morbidity and mortality resulting in a reduction in the desired level of fertility.

4.9 INTRODUCTION
ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN HEALTH
A clean environment is essential for human health and well-being. However, the interactions between the
environment and human health are highly complex and difficult to assess. This makes the use of the
precautionary principle particularly useful. Many factors influence the health of a population, including diet,
sanitation, socio-economic status, literacy, and lifestyle. These factors have changed significantly during the
economic transitions that have shaped present society
1) Unsafe water - poor sanitation and hygiene kill an estimated 1.7 million people annually, particularly as a
result of diarrhoeal disease
2) Malaria - kills over 1.2 million people annually, mostly African children under the age of five. Poorly
designed irrigation and water systems, inadequate housing, poor waste disposal and water storage,
deforestation and loss of biodiversity, all may be contributing factors to the most common vector-borne
diseases including malaria, dengue and leishmaniasis.
3) Indoor smoke - from solid fuels kills an estimated 1.6 million people annually due to respiratory diseases.
4) Urban air pollution - generated by vehicles, industries and energy production kills approximately 800 000
people annually.
5) Road traffic injuries - are responsible for 1.2 million deaths annually; low- and middle-income countries
bear 90% of the death and injury toll. Degradation of the built urban and rural environment, particularly for
pedestrians and cyclists, has been cited as a key risk factor.
6) Lead exposure - kills more than 230 000 people per year and causes cognitive effects in one third of all
children globally; more than 97% of those affected live in the developing world.
7) Climate change - impacts including more extreme weather events, changed patterns of disease and effects
on agricultural production are estimated to cause over 150 000 deaths annually.
8) Unintentional poisonings - kill 355 000 people globally each year. In developing countries, where two-
thirds of these deaths occur, such poisonings are associated strongly with excessive exposure to, and
inappropriate use of, toxic chemicals and pesticides present in occupational and/or domestic environments.

4.9.1 Human Rights

Human rights are the rights that a human being must enjoy on this Earth. There are several environmental
issues which are closely linked to human rights.
a) Equity: It means that there should be a minimum level of environmental quality. Everyone should
have equal access to resources and opportunities, all individual should ensure to judicious use of
resources keeping in view the future requirements.
b) Nurition, Health and Human rights: Nutrition defines of health of all people. It affects not only
growth and physical development of a child but also his social development. Proper nutrition and
health are fundamental human rights.
c) Intellectual property rights & community biodiversity registers: it a tool employed by certain
communities which helps to –
Establish and inventory of local products and their use
Allow monitoring of crop diversity
Safeguard indigenous knowledge of local crops & livestock resources
Maintain a balance between development and conservation

4.9.2 Value Education

Despite a worldwide rise in awareness about environment then also we are facing continued degradation of
our environment. It shows that knowledge of environmental problems does not necessarily lead to action to
dissolve them. The values of environment cannot be taught to individuals rather should be inculcate in their
nature and behavior so that they appreciate the nature, use resources judiciously and develop a harmonious
relationship with environment.

Environmental values:
Value based education has a significant role in providing direction to the young generation to inculcate a
positive attitude in them and aware them about right and wrong activities. It is important to
 Develop respect for and appreciation of all forms of nature
 Understand the relationship between habitat and human
 Appreciate the beauty provide by nature
 Develop a respect for all living creatures
Environmental values are integral part of human nature that brings about sensitivity for preserving nature. It
aware us about the need to take action for its conservation instead of degradation.

4.9.3 HIV/AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by
the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes with your
body's ability to fight the organisms that cause disease.

HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can also be spread by contact with infected blood or from
mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding. Without medication, it may take years
before HIV weakens your immune system to the point that you have AIDS.

There's no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are medications that can dramatically slow the progression of the
disease. These drugs have reduced AIDS deaths in many developed nations.

Progression to AIDS

When AIDS occurs, your immune system has been severely damaged. You'll be more likely to develop
opportunistic infections or opportunistic cancers — diseases that wouldn't usually trouble a person with a
healthy immune system.

The signs and symptoms of some of these infections may include:

  Soaking night sweats
 Recurring fever
 Chronic diarrhea
 Persistent white spots or unusual lesions on your tongue or in your mouth
 Persistent, unexplained fatigue
 Weight loss
 Skin rashes or bumps

HIV become AIDS

HIV destroys CD4 T cells — white blood cells that play a large role in helping your body fight disease. The fewer
CD4 T cells you have, the weaker your immune system becomes.

You can have an HIV infection for years before it turns into AIDS. AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 T cell count
falls below 200 or you have an AIDS-defining complication.

HIV transmission

To become infected with HIV, infected blood, semen or vaginal secretions must enter your body. This can happen in
several ways:

 By having sex. You may become infected if you have vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner
whose blood, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body. The virus can enter your body through mouth sores
or small tears that sometimes develop in the rectum or vagina during sexual activity.
 From blood transfusions. In some cases, the virus may be transmitted through blood transfusions.
American hospitals and blood banks now screen the blood supply for HIV antibodies, so this risk is very small.
 By sharing needles. Sharing contaminated intravenous drug paraphernalia (needles and syringes) puts you
at high risk of HIV and other infectious diseases, such as hepatitis.
 During pregnancy or delivery or through breast-feeding. Infected mothers can pass the virus on to their
babies. HIV-positive mothers who get treatment for the infection during pregnancy can significantly lower the
risk to their babies.

HIV doesn't transmits

You can't become infected with HIV through ordinary contact. That means you can't catch HIV or AIDS by hugging,
kissing, dancing or shaking hands with someone who has the infection. HIV isn't spread through the air, water or
insect bites.

4.1
0 QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW
INTRODUCTION

Q.1 Discuss the reasons of high population growth in India

Q.2 Explain sustainable development

Q.3 Define disaster .

Q.4 What functions are performed by Central and state boards for conservation?

Q.5 Describe Earthquake mitigation measures.

Q.6 What are environmental values? Why they are important in present scenario?

Q.7 Write a note on family planning, HIV and human rights.

Q.8 Describe the objectives of EPA and Water (Prevention & control of pollution) Act

Q.9 What is consumerism? What are the ill effects of consumerism on environment?

Q.10 What are the consequences of overpopulation on environment and human health?