1.

Sustainable Development

Definition: Sustainable development is a holistic approach to growth and progress that aims
to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs. It integrates economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental
protection, recognizing that these elements are interconnected and essential for long-term
viability.

Key Principles:

1. Intergenerational Equity: This principle emphasizes fairness across generations.

Resources should be used wisely so that future generations have access to the same
opportunities and resources as the current generation.
2. Integration: Sustainable development requires the integration of economic, social,
and environmental policies. This means that decision-making should consider the
impacts on all three areas, rather than addressing them in isolation.
3. Participation: Engaging various stakeholders, including communities, businesses,
and governments, is crucial. Participatory approaches ensure that diverse perspectives
are considered and promote more equitable outcomes.
4. Precautionary Approach: When there is uncertainty about environmental harm, it is
prudent to err on the side of caution to prevent irreversible damage.

Dimensions of Sustainable Development:

1. Economic Sustainability:
o Focuses on creating economic systems that provide jobs and wealth while
ensuring that resources are used efficiently.
o Encourages innovation and the use of sustainable practices in industries, such
as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technologies.
2. Social Sustainability:
o Aims for social equity, cohesion, and improved quality of life.
o Involves ensuring access to education, healthcare, and social services, and
addressing issues like poverty and inequality.
3. Environmental Sustainability:
o Prioritizes the protection of ecosystems and natural resources.
o Encourages practices like conservation, sustainable resource management, and
reducing carbon footprints to combat climate change.

Global Goals: The United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
in 2015, a set of 17 goals aimed at addressing global challenges. These goals cover areas such
as poverty, inequality, climate action, and sustainable cities. The SDGs serve as a universal
call to action to end poverty and protect the planet while ensuring prosperity for all.

Challenges:

 Resource Depletion: Unsustainable practices lead to the over-exploitation of natural

resources.
 Climate Change: Global warming poses a significant threat to ecosystems,
economies, and societies.
  Social Inequality: Disparities in wealth and access to resources can hinder
sustainable development efforts.
 Political Will: Achieving sustainable development requires strong leadership and
collaboration across different sectors and levels of governance.

Strategies for Implementation:

1. Policy Development: Governments should create policies that promote sustainable

practices, including regulations and incentives for businesses.
2. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about sustainability can empower
individuals and communities to make informed choices.
3. Innovative Technologies: Investing in research and development of green
technologies can drive sustainable economic growth.
4. Community Engagement: Encouraging local participation in sustainability
initiatives helps to ensure that solutions are context-specific and culturally
appropriate.
5. Partnerships: Collaborations among governments, businesses, non-profits, and
communities are essential to leverage resources and expertise.

2. Structure of an Ecosystem

The structure of an ecosystem can be broken down into several key components, which are
organized into different levels of organization. Here’s an overview:

1. Biotic Components

These are the living elements of an ecosystem, which include:

 Producers (Autotrophs): Organisms that produce their own food through

photosynthesis (e.g., plants, algae) or chemosynthesis (e.g., certain bacteria).
 Consumers (Heterotrophs): Organisms that rely on other living organisms for food.
They can be further classified into:
o Primary Consumers: Herbivores that eat producers (e.g., rabbits, deer).
o Secondary Consumers: Carnivores that eat primary consumers (e.g., snakes,
small mammals).
o Tertiary Consumers: Carnivores that eat secondary consumers (e.g., hawks,
wolves).
o Omnivores: Organisms that eat both plants and animals (e.g., humans, bears).
 Decomposers (Detritivores): Organisms that break down dead organic matter,
returning nutrients to the soil (e.g., fungi, bacteria, earthworms).

2. Abiotic Components

These are the non-living elements that affect the ecosystem, including:

 Climate: Temperature, precipitation, humidity, and seasonal variations.

 Soil: Composition, texture, pH, and nutrient availability.
 Water: Availability, quality, and flow patterns (in aquatic ecosystems).
 Sunlight: Energy source for photosynthesis and affects plant growth.
 Topography: Physical features of the landscape, including elevation and terrain.
3. Trophic Levels

These levels describe the flow of energy through an ecosystem:

 First Trophic Level: Producers (plants and phytoplankton).

 Second Trophic Level: Primary consumers (herbivores).
 Third Trophic Level: Secondary consumers (carnivores).
 Fourth Trophic Level: Tertiary consumers (top predators).

4. Food Webs and Food Chains

 Food Chain: A linear sequence showing how energy and nutrients flow from one
organism to another.
 Food Web: A complex network of interconnected food chains, illustrating the
multiple feeding relationships within an ecosystem.

5. Niche

 Refers to the role or function of an organism within its ecosystem, including its
habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms.

6. Habitat

 The specific environment where an organism lives, encompassing both biotic and
abiotic factors.

7. Biodiversity

 The variety of life in an ecosystem, including species diversity (the number of

different species), genetic diversity (the variety of genes within species), and
ecosystem diversity (the variety of ecosystems).

8. Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling

 Energy Flow: The transfer of energy from one trophic level to the next, typically
illustrated by the 10% rule (only about 10% of energy is passed on to the next level).
 Nutrient Cycling: The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back
into the production of living matter, involving processes like decomposition,
mineralization, and assimilation.

3. Various Types of Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or products into the
environment, causing adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Here are the various
types of environmental pollution:

1. Air Pollution
  Sources: Emissions from vehicles, industrial discharges, burning of fossil fuels, and
household products.
 Pollutants: Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter,
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ozone.
 Effects: Respiratory diseases, heart problems, acid rain, and climate change.

2. Water Pollution

 Sources: Industrial waste, agricultural runoff (pesticides and fertilizers), sewage

discharge, and plastic waste.
 Pollutants: Heavy metals, pathogens, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), and
microplastics.
 Effects: Harm to aquatic life, contamination of drinking water, and disruption of
ecosystems.

3. Soil Pollution

 Sources: Pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals from industrial activities, waste

disposal, and oil spills.
 Pollutants: Chemicals, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), and organic
compounds.
 Effects: Decreased soil fertility, harm to plants and animals, and potential human
health risks through the food chain.

4. Noise Pollution

 Sources: Transportation (traffic, airplanes), industrial activities, construction, and

urbanization.
 Pollutants: Excessive noise levels.
 Effects: Hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, and negative impacts on wildlife
behavior.

5. Light Pollution

 Sources: Excessive artificial light from streetlights, commercial buildings, and

vehicles.
 Pollutants: Artificial light that disrupts natural darkness.
 Effects: Disruption of ecosystems, negative impacts on nocturnal wildlife, and human
sleep patterns.

6. Plastic Pollution

 Sources: Improper disposal of plastic waste, single-use plastics, and microplastics

from products.
 Pollutants: Plastic materials, including bags, bottles, and microbeads.
 Effects: Harm to marine and terrestrial animals, entanglement, ingestion, and
ecosystem disruption.

7. Thermal Pollution
  Sources: Industrial processes, power plants, and deforestation.
 Pollutants: Increased water temperatures.
 Effects: Decreased oxygen levels in water, harmful algal blooms, and disruption of
aquatic ecosystems.

8. Radioactive Pollution

 Sources: Nuclear power plants, medical waste, and mining of radioactive materials.
 Pollutants: Radioactive isotopes.
 Effects: Health risks including cancer, genetic mutations, and environmental
degradation.

9. Chemical Pollution

 Sources: Industrial processes, agricultural chemicals, and waste disposal.

 Pollutants: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, and toxic chemicals.
 Effects: Bioaccumulation in food chains, adverse health effects, and ecosystem
disruption.

Solid Waste Management

Definition: Solid waste management (SWM) refers to the collection, transportation,

processing, recycling, and disposal of solid waste materials. This includes household waste,
commercial waste, industrial waste, and construction debris.

4. Components of Solid Waste Management

1. Waste Generation: The first step involves the creation of waste, influenced by
consumption patterns and urban development.
2. Waste Collection: Systems for collecting waste from households, businesses, and
public spaces. This can include curbside pickup, drop-off centers, and community
recycling programs.
3. Transportation: The movement of waste from collection points to processing or
disposal facilities. Efficient transport systems are crucial to minimize costs and
environmental impact.
4. Waste Processing: This can involve:
o Recycling: Converting waste materials into new products to reduce resource
consumption.
o Composting: Biological decomposition of organic waste into nutrient-rich
soil.
o Incineration: Burning waste to reduce volume and generate energy, though
this must be managed to minimize air pollution.
5. Disposal: The final step involves safely disposing of waste that cannot be reused or
recycled, typically in landfills or through controlled incineration.

Importance of Solid Waste Management in Urban Planning

1. Public Health:
 o Proper waste management reduces the risk of disease and environmental
hazards. Accumulation of waste can attract pests and create breeding grounds
for diseases, impacting community health.
2. Environmental Protection:
o Effective SWM minimizes pollution (air, water, and soil) and protects natural
resources. It helps in managing hazardous materials and reducing greenhouse
gas emissions from decomposing waste.
3. Resource Conservation:
o Recycling and composting help conserve natural resources by reducing the
need for raw materials. This supports sustainable urban development by
promoting circular economy principles.
4. Aesthetic Appeal:
o Clean cities are more attractive to residents and tourists. Proper SWM
enhances the visual landscape of urban areas and contributes to a higher
quality of life.
5. Economic Efficiency:
o Efficient waste management systems can reduce costs associated with waste
disposal and increase the economic viability of recycling and composting
initiatives. Proper planning can also create jobs in waste collection, recycling,
and resource recovery.
6. Community Engagement:
o SWM can promote community involvement and awareness about
sustainability. Educational programs can empower residents to participate in
recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
7. Compliance with Regulations:
o Urban planners must consider local, national, and international regulations
concerning waste management. Adhering to these laws helps avoid legal
repercussions and ensures community safety.
8. Urban Resilience:
o Effective waste management contributes to the resilience of urban areas,
allowing them to better respond to environmental challenges, such as natural
disasters and climate change impacts.
9. Integrated Urban Planning:
o Incorporating solid waste management into urban planning promotes holistic
approaches that consider land use, transportation, and waste systems, leading
to more sustainable urban environments.

5. Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, encompassing the diversity of
species, genetic variations within species, and the ecosystems in which these species exist. It
includes:

1. Species Diversity: The number of different species within a given area, which can be
measured in terms of richness (the number of species) and evenness (the relative
abundance of each species).
2. Genetic Diversity: The variety of genes within a species, which contributes to the
adaptability and resilience of populations to environmental changes.
3. Ecosystem Diversity: The variety of ecosystems in a particular region, including
different habitats, communities, and ecological processes.
Importance of Biodiversity for Ecosystems

1. Ecosystem Stability:
o Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, enabling ecosystems to recover
from disturbances (e.g., natural disasters, human activities). A diverse set of
species can better withstand environmental changes and stressors.
2. Productivity:
o Diverse ecosystems are often more productive. Different species can utilize
resources in various ways, leading to more efficient energy flow and nutrient
cycling. For example, mixed plant communities can capture sunlight more
effectively than monocultures.
3. Nutrient Cycling:
o Biodiversity contributes to the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems. Different
species play roles in processes such as decomposition, nitrogen fixation, and
pollination, ensuring that essential nutrients are recycled and available for use
by other organisms.
4. Habitat Provision:
o Diverse ecosystems provide habitats for a wide range of species, supporting a
variety of life forms. This interconnectedness helps maintain ecological
balance and fosters species interactions.
5. Pest and Disease Regulation:
o Biodiversity can help regulate pest populations and diseases. A diverse array
of predators and competitors can naturally keep harmful species in check,
reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
6. Cultural and Recreational Value:
o Biodiversity enhances cultural identity and provides recreational opportunities.
Natural areas rich in biodiversity offer spaces for activities such as hiking,
bird-watching, and ecotourism, contributing to human well-being and
economies.
7. Economic Benefits:
o Many industries rely on biodiversity, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries,
and pharmaceuticals. Genetic diversity within crops and livestock can lead to
more resilient food systems.
8. Climate Regulation:
o Ecosystems with high biodiversity can sequester carbon, helping mitigate
climate change. Forests, wetlands, and grasslands act as carbon sinks, and
their preservation is vital for climate regulation.
9. Scientific and Medicinal Research:

Biodiversity is a source of new discoveries in medicine and biotechnology. Many

pharmaceutical compounds are derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms,
and the potential for future discoveries depends on preserving diverse species.

6. Ecosystem Resilience

Ecosystem resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to absorb disturbances and still
maintain its basic structure, processes, and functionality. It encompasses the capacity to
withstand shocks (such as natural disasters or human-induced changes), recover from
disturbances, and adapt to changing conditions over time.
Key Characteristics of Ecosystem Resilience

1. Resistance:
o This is the ability of an ecosystem to remain unchanged when subjected to
disturbances. A resilient ecosystem can resist damage and maintain its
function even under stress.
2. Recovery:
o After a disturbance, resilience is reflected in the ecosystem's ability to recover
and return to its original state or adapt to a new equilibrium. Recovery can
involve the re-establishment of species, functions, and interactions that were
disrupted.
3. Adaptive Capacity:
o Resilient ecosystems have the ability to adapt to changing environmental
conditions (e.g., climate change, invasive species). This adaptability often
involves shifts in species composition or ecological functions.

Factors Influencing Ecosystem Resilience

1. Biodiversity:
o Higher biodiversity often enhances resilience. Diverse species can provide
redundancy in ecosystem functions, meaning if one species is lost, others can
fulfill similar roles.
2. Complexity and Connectivity:
o Ecosystems with complex food webs and strong interconnections between
species tend to be more resilient. These connections can help distribute stress
across the ecosystem.
3. Habitat Diversity:
o A variety of habitats within an ecosystem can enhance resilience by providing
multiple niches and resources for different species, allowing for greater
adaptability.
4. Soil Health:
o Healthy soils contribute to ecosystem resilience by supporting plant growth,
maintaining water quality, and facilitating nutrient cycling.
5. Historical Context:
o An ecosystem's history of disturbances and recovery can shape its current
resilience. Systems that have experienced and adapted to previous
disturbances may be better equipped to handle future changes.

Importance of Ecosystem Resilience

1. Sustaining Ecosystem Services:

o Resilient ecosystems continue to provide essential services such as clean air
and water, pollination, and climate regulation, even in the face of disturbances.
2. Biodiversity Conservation:
o Maintaining resilience supports the conservation of species and habitats,
fostering biodiversity and ecosystem health.
3. Human Well-being:
o Ecosystem resilience is critical for human communities that rely on natural
resources for livelihoods, recreation, and cultural values. Resilient ecosystems
 can help buffer communities against climate change and environmental
shocks.
4. Climate Change Adaptation:
o As climate change continues to pose challenges, resilient ecosystems can
adapt and mitigate its impacts, protecting both natural and human systems.

DISASTERS

A disaster is an unexpected accident or natural disaster that can inflict significant damage and
maybe death. A disaster is defined as a disruption on a massive scale, either natural or man-
made, occurring in short or long periods. Disasters can lead to human, material, economic or
environmental hardships, which can be beyond the bearable capacity of the affected society.

Natural disaster

A natural disaster is described as a major event caused by Earth’s natural processes that result
in significant environmental harm and loss of life. The term natural has consequently been
disputed because the events simply are not hazards or disasters without human involvement.
Different types of natural disasters can be:

 Tsunamis
 Earthquakes
 Avalanches
 Volcanoes
 Landslides
 Floods
 Droughts
 Forest fires
 Man-made disasters

Manmade Disasters

Human-induced disasters are very dangerous catastrophes caused by humans. They are caused
by human activity. The following are the examples: Chemical spills, hazardous material spills,
explosives, chemical or biological attacks, nuclear blasts, rail accidents, airline crashes, or
groundwater poisoning are all instances of man-made disasters.

OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

The ozone layer is mainly found in the lower portion of the earth’s atmosphere. It has the
potential to absorb around 97-99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations coming from the sun
that can damage life on earth. If the ozone layer was absent, millions of people would develop
skin diseases and may have weakened immune systems. Ozone layer depletion is the thinning
of the ozone layer present in the upper atmosphere. This happens when the chlorine and
bromine atoms in the atmosphere come in contact with ozone and destroy the ozone molecules.
One chlorine can destroy 100,000 molecules of ozone. It is destroyed more quickly than it is
created.
Some compounds release chlorine and bromine on exposure to high ultraviolet light, which
then contributes to ozone layer depletion. Such compounds are known as Ozone Depleting
Substances (ODS). The ozone-depleting substances that contain chlorine include
chlorofluorocarbon, carbon tetrachloride, hydro chlorofluorocarbons, and methyl chloroform.
Whereas, the ozone-depleting substances that contain bromine are halons, methyl bromide, and
hydro bromofluorocarbons. Chlorofluorocarbons are the most abundant ozone-depleting
substance. It is only when the chlorine atom reacts with some other molecule, it does not react
with ozone. Montreal Protocol was proposed in 1987 to stop the use, production and import of
ozone-depleting substances and minimise their concentration in the atmosphere to protect the
ozone layer of the earth.

Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion

Ozone layer depletion is a major concern and is associated with a number of factors. The main
causes responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer are listed below:

Chlorofluorocarbons

Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the main cause of ozone layer depletion. These are released
by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-conditioners, etc.

The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down by ultraviolet

radiations and release chlorine atoms. These atoms react with ozone and destroy it.

Unregulated Rocket Launches

Researchers say that the unregulated launching of rockets results in much more depletion of
the ozone layer than the CFCs do. If not controlled, this might result in a huge loss of the ozone
layer by the year 2050.

Nitrogenous Compounds

The nitrogenous compounds such as NO2, NO, N2O are highly responsible for the depletion
of the ozone layer.

Natural Causes

The ozone layer has been found to be depleted by certain natural processes such as Sun-spots
and stratospheric winds. But it does not cause more than 1-2% of the ozone layer depletion.
The volcanic eruptions are also responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer.

POLLUTION

Pollution is defined as introducing harmful substances (solid, liquid, or gas) or any form of
energy (light, heat, sound, or radioactivity) into the environment. The harmful elements that
damage air, water, and land quality and cause pollution are called pollutants.

The three major types of environmental pollution are air, water, and soil. Besides
these three main types, there are noise, light, thermal, and radioactive pollutions.
1. Air Pollution

The air in our atmosphere has a roughly stable chemical composition consisting of nitrogen,
oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and trace amounts of other gases. Any change in the air
composition due to the addition of unwanted gases such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide,
and nitrogen oxides, chemicals, particulate matter, and biological molecules is called air
pollution.

Sources/Causes
Air pollution can happen from both human-made (anthropogenic) and natural sources.
Some of the significant sources of air pollution are given below:

 Burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas

 Exhaust from automobiles and industries
 Indiscriminate cutting of trees (deforestation)
 Wildfires resulting from burning stubble and farm residues
 Release of methane from microbial decay
 Excessive discharge of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide
 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released from aerosols sprays, refrigerants, and air
conditioners
 Release volcanic ash and gases
Effects
 Respiratory disorders in humans such as asthma, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and
other lung problems
 Formation of smog that reduces visibility
 Formation of acid rain
 Depletion of the ozone layer
 Global warming
 Hazards to wildlife
Prevention
 Planting of trees (afforestation) purifies the air
 Use of renewable energy such as sunlight and wind energy and reducing dependence
on non-renewable sources such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas
 Increasing efficiency in energy usage
  Use of eco-friendly vehicles
 Cleaning of industry emissions before their release into the atmosphere
 Reducing dependence on vehicles

2. Water Pollution
Water pollution occurs when toxic pollutants and particulate matter are introduced into water
bodies such as oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds, and aquifers, making them impure and toxic.
These contaminants are primarily generated by human activities and sometimes by natural
disasters. Among all other types of pollution, water pollution is found to have the maximum
adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Sources/Causes
Industrial and domestic sewage discharge
Oil spills and natural gas leakage into water bodies from underground sites called petroleum
seeps
Social practices such as washing, bathing, and littering in water bodies and religious practices
Acid rain
Agricultural runoff containing pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, slurry, debris, and manures
Mining and drilling sometimes make underground water contaminated
Floods and storm carrying dust and debris to the water bodies

Effects
Algal bloom (eutrophication) caused due to an increase in nutrients of the water bodies
Reducing dissolved oxygen in the water bodies thus disrupting aquatic life
Disturbing the pH and salinity of the water bodies leading to loss of aquatic life
Increasing the risk of water-borne diseases such as hepatitis, cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid in
humans
Increasing the level of toxins and pollutants at each successive level of the food
chain (biomagnification)

Prevention
Proper disposing of domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastes before releasing them into
water bodies
Using sewage treatment methods such as precipitation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and
coagulation
Reducing reusing, and recycling of water
Using plants such as water hyacinth that absorbs heavy metals in areas contaminated with
radioactive pollutants

Soil Pollution

Sometimes called land pollution, it refers to the degradation of land quality due to
unwanted chemicals and other factors in the soil. Such chemicals change the soil’s
chemical and biological properties, thus affecting plant growth. Green plants, being
the primary producer, absorb those pollutants, which are then passed through the
food chain, affecting the whole ecosystem.
Soil pollution can seep into groundwater or run off to the nearest streams and
lakes, creating a vicious pollution cycle.

Sources/Causes
 Intensive farming leading to the overuse of agrochemicals such as pesticides,
fertilizers, herbicides, slurry, debris, and manures
 Improper disposal of wastes from paper mills, sugar factories, petroleum, and
chemical industries
 Dust particles such as silica dust
 Urban wastes consisting of garbage and rubbish materials, dried sludge, and
sewage from households and commercial bodies
 Accidental oil spills from oil refineries
 Radioactive pollutants such as radium, thorium, and uranium from power plants
 Acid rain, increasing the acidity of the soil
 Deforestation that increases soil erosion causing low soil fertility
Effects
 Loss of soil fertility making it unfit for agriculture
 Adverse effect on the growth of flora and fauna in the soil
 Groundwater pollution
  Increasing the salinity of the soil, making it unfit for agriculture
 Causing respiratory problems, neuromuscular blockage, and various forms of
cancer, especially lung cancer
 Causing nausea, headache, eye irritation, skin rash, and depression

Prevention

 Use of organic matures instead of artificial fertilizers in agriculture

 Planting of trees (Afforestation)
 Treating solid wastes such as garbage, domestic refuse, and industrial materials
before dumping them in landfills
 Recovering and recycling of materials such as plastics, cloth, and glass before
dumping

Noise Pollution

It refers to the excessive amount of sound in the surroundings disrupting the

natural balance. The acceptable amount of sound is about 60 to 65 decibels, which
is the same as our everyday conversation.

Sound levels above 85 decibels are harmful depending on the duration of exposure.
Noise above 140 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. Also, the duration of
exposure to the sound is found to have negative health impacts.

Sources/Causes
 Noise from heavy machines in factories, mills, and industries
 Traffic noise from vehicles (trains and buses) and airplanes
 Construction noises from boring and drilling machines
 Noise from firecrackers and loudspeakers in social events
 Household noises from television, mixer grinders, and music systems

Effects
 Loss of hearing and behavioral disorders
 Loss of focus on work leading to low work output
 Stress and Hypertension (high blood pressure)
 Lack of sleep and fatigue
 Difficulty in speech and impairment
 Hearing disorders like tinnitus
 Songbirds, such as robins, fail to communicate and find food
 Disrupting sonar, used by marine animals to communicate and locate food

Prevention

 Honking in public places like hospitals, academic institutions such as schools and
colleges should be banned
 Installing adequate soundproof systems in commercial buildings and hospitals
 Afforestation as trees can absorb sound
 Restricting the use of firecrackers during festivities and doing open public rallies