Unit 1

Environment and Natural Resources

Definition:

Environmental studies is a multidisciplinary applied science

that studies every aspect of human interaction with the
environment by connecting the principles of physical sciences,
statistics, commerce/economics, humanities and social sciences
so as to sustain the human civilisation on earth’s finite
resources.

Multidisciplinary approach:

To study the natural environment, built environment and the

relationship between them and that of man, we need to apply the
principles of ecology, environmental science as well as other
associated subjects such as

Anthropology
Policy
Politics
Geography
Law
Ethics
Economics
Urban planning
Pollution
Natural resource management etc
Scope
The cities and towns we live in now were once upon a time a
natural landscape such as forest, river, lake, mountain, desert,
etc
Despite changing these natural elements to suit our lifestyle,
progress and living, we are still dependent on them for our
food and fuel.
Example:
We still need rivers for fish, water, hydroelectricity etc
We still grow trees and plants in a controlled environment in
the name of agriculture/horticulture for food and fodder
We still take refuge in forests for wood
What we understand is disregard for the very natural system
we live in, we still need them for our sustenance and
sustainability as a species.
We still need the plants and trees to be in abundance for the
natural balance (oxygen, rains, water, etc)

However, our industrial development and intensive agriculture

to provide goods and the increasing consumer oriented
society prove to be counter productive by exploiting large
amounts of natural resources such as water, minerals,
petroleum products, wood etc.

This is leading to exhaustion of non - renewable resources.

 What is to be noted here is that along with non renewable
resources we must also pay attention to the renewable
resources. For, although they might posses the ability to
replenish themselves, they might just not do so in time.

Two scenarios might arise :

The resources aren’t regenerating fast enough
The usage exceeds the rate of renewability/replenishment.

Example:

The removal of timber and firewood from a forest is faster

than the regrowth and regeneration of trees, it cannot
replenish the supply.

And loss of forest cover not only depletes the forest of its
resources, such as timber and other non-wood products, but
affect our water resources because an intact natural forest
acts like a sponge which holds water and releases it slowly.

Deforestation leads to floods in the monsoon and dry rivers

once the rains are over.

Importance
Environmental studies are important because they allow us to
understand and protect our planet.
 Environmental studies provide us with the knowledge and
skills to identify, assess, and solve environmental challenges.

By learning about our environment, we can protect and

restore ecosystems, develop sustainable practices, protect
biodiversity, and reduce waste and pollution.

Furthermore, understanding the environment can help us

make informed decisions about how to use natural resources
and develop better policies related to energy, food
production, and climate change.

Environmental studies are also important for inspiring people

to take action and create a more sustainable world.

Why we should conserve environment?

Conserving the environment is essential to ensure our

planet's future.

Not only does it protect our environment, but it also helps us

to sustain resources that are essential for us and future
generations.
 By conserving our environment, we can reduce the amount of
waste, pollution and emissions that are generated, which can
help prevent climate change, preserve natural resources,
reduce the risk of species extinction, and improve air and
water quality.

Additionally, conserving our environment can help to create

more efficient energy sources and create new jobs in the
green energy sector.

In short, conserving the environment is essential for our

planet's future, and for the health and wellbeing of all living
beings.

Its is now established that we live in a world created by nature

Despite the numerous advancements the human race has
made, natural resources still play a major role in Our lives.
It is essential that we acknowledge that we cannot afford to
misuse, waste or pollute the available natural resources.
We constantly contribute towards wastage and pollution
with/without our knowledge.

Example:

Colossal amounts of food is wasted on multiple occasions.

What one must realise is a monetory value cannot be attached
to food and the question is not about the money that is
wasted in the form of food.
 Foods come from natural resource and we, as a species
coexisting in nature, cannot afford to waste a natural
resource, for tjere might come a time when it will not be
available anymore.
Manufacturing processes release significant amount of
wastes and thus pollute the air And water.
Air pollution leads to respiratory disorders and water
pollution leads to gastrointestinal disorders.

So what is the question that

each one of us must ask
ourselves?
1. Am I using the resource unsustainably?
2. In what ways can I reduce, reuse and recycle?
3. Is there an unequal distribution of this resource so that I am
the more fortunate one to have access to this and than the
unfortunate ones who don't?

Productive value of nature

Every invention and discovery that we technology conquer
everyday, only makes us more aware of our innumerable,
diverse complex chemicals and resources that the nature has
to offer.

We have become increasingly aware of medicinal significance

of extracts obtained from the flora and fauna abundantly
present around us.
 Numerous plants, insects have gained importance for their
medicinal and industrial use, and they’ve proved to be vital for
the future development of man.

However due to our negligence and disregard towards the

species and its conservation, their numbers have begun to
dwindle alarmingly, to the extent that they’ve almost become
extinct.

Thus, it has become necessary o conserve the natural habitat

of these species to prevent them from becoming extinct.

As responsible individuals of the society, we must readily

inform of the concerned authorities if any of the wild species
are killed, poached, sold or exploited in any manner.

Protection of all living species has become an urgent necessity

for the future of humankind.

Aesthetic/Recreational value of nature:

The undeniable beauty of nature has never ceased to amaze
or entice Humankind.
Wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks are created as a
means to conserve the nature, and appease to one’s senses.
These Parks and sanctuaries not only hold recreational value
but also provide an incredible learning experience.
 Nature has always inspired various philosophies, visual arts
and writings.
With the fast paced concrete world that we are thrust into
through urban life, many people have now begun to
appreciate nature.
Individuals have begun to seek refuge in nature for the peace
and tranquility it offers.
For this reason, various sanctuaries, recreational parks and
gardens are being constructed in office and residential places
to help prospering in overall mental health.
Young children are to be taken to zoos, aquariums, gardens
etc so as to instil in them the value to acknowledge and
appreciate everything that the nature has to offer.

Need for Public awareness

It has now become evident the significance of nature and our
environment.
It’s an undeniable fact that enough damage has already been
caused in ignorance.
The environment is already been damaged and degraded
enough to start showing signs such as climate change,
unwarranted spread of diseases, biomagnification, etc.
Hence, it’s imperative that we become self aware and spread
the need to conserve and save the environment.

How?
Environmental conservation is an important issue for us all. We
can help preserve our planet for future generations by taking
steps to reduce our own environmental footprint. Simple actions
such as recycling, reducing plastic use, and conserving water
can go a long way in helping to protect our environment. We can
also spread awareness by encouraging others to do the same
and by supporting organizations that are dedicated to
preserving the environment. Together, we can make a difference
and ensure that our planet remains a beautiful and healthy place
to live.

Bombay Natural History Society

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is a non-

governmental organisation dedicated to creating awareness
about India’s rich biodiversity and working towards its
conservation.
Established in 1883, BNHS has been working for over a
century to protect India’s wildlife.
They undertake research, education and conservation
activities.
They also have a network of members, students and
volunteers who contribute to their efforts.
BNHS also works with government and non-governmental
organisations to promote sustainable development and
conservation of India’s natural resources.
The mission of the BNHS is to promote the study,
conservation, and documentation of India’s wildlife and
biodiversity, and to create awareness about the importance
of its conservation through scientific research, education and
public engagement.
It has conducted pioneering research on the ecology of the
Indian subcontinent, conducted surveys of various habitats,
supported conservation initiatives, and worked towards
 creating ecosystems that are beneficial to both humans and
wildlife.
It is also actively involved in public outreach, education and
awareness activities.
The BNHS publishes a popular magazine called Hornbill and
also an internationally well-known Journal on Natural History.
Its other publications include the
Salim Ali Handbook on birds,
JC Daniel’s book of Indian Reptiles,
SH Prater’s book of Indian Mammals and
PV Bole’s book of Indian Trees.

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF - I), New Delhi

The WWF-I was initiated in 1969 in Mumbai after which the

headquarters were shifted to Delhi with several branch
offices all over India.
The early years focused attention on wildlife education and
awareness.
It runs several programs including the Nature Clubs of In-dia
program for school children and works as a think tank and
lobby force for environment and development issues.

Center for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi:

Activities of this Center include organising campaigns,

holding workshops and conferences, and producing
environment related publications.
It published a major document on the ‘State of India’s
Environment’, the first of its kind to be produced as a Citizen’s
Report on the Environment.
 The CSE also publishes a popular magazine, ‘Down to Earth’,
which is a Science and Environment fortnightly.
It is involved in the publication of material in the form of
books, posters, video films and also conducts workshops and
seminars on biodiversity related issues.

CPR Environmental Education Centre, Madras:

The CPR EEC was set up in 1988.

It conducts a variety of programs to spread environmental
awareness and creates an interest in conservation among
the general public.
It focussed attention on NGOs, teachers, women, youth and
children to generally promote con- servation of nature and
natural resources.
Its programs include components on wildlife and biodiversity
issues. CPR EEC also produces a large number of
publications.

Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad:

The Centre for Environment Edu- cation, Ahmedabad was

initiated in 1989.
It has a wide range of programs on the environment and
produces a variety of educational material.
CEE’s Training in Environment Education {TEE} program has
trained many environment educa- tors.

Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and

Research (BVIEER), Pune:
 This is part of the Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University.
The Institute has a PhD, a Masters and Bachelors program in
Environmental Sciences.
It also offers an innovative Diploma in Environment
Education for inservice teachers.
It implements a large outreach programme that has covered
over 135 schools in which it trains teachers and conducts
fortnightly Environment Education Programs.
Biodiversity Conservation is a major focus of its research
initiatives.
It develops low cost Interpretation Centres for Natural and
Architectural sites that are highly locale specific as well as a
large amount of innovative environment educational material
for a variety of target groups.
Its unique feature is that it conducts environment education
from primary school level to the postgraduate level.
The BVIEER has produced several EE aids.
It has developed a teacher’s handbook linked to school
curriculum, a textbook for UGC for its undergraduate course
on environment.
Its Director has developed a CD ROM on India’s biodiversity
published by Mapin Publishers, Ahmedabad.

Uttarkhand Seva Nidhi (UKSN), Almora:

The Organisation is a Nodal Agency which supports NGOs in

need of funds for their environment related activities.
Its major program is organising and training school teachers
to use its locale specific Environment Education Workbook
Program.
 The main targets are linked with sustainable resource use at
the village level through training school children.
Its environment edu- cation program covers about 500
schools.

Kalpavriksh, Pune:

This NGO, initially Delhi based, is now working from Pune and
is active in several other parts of India.
Kalpavriksh works on a variety of fronts:
education and awareness;
investigation and research;
direct action and lobbying; and
litigation with regard to environment and development
issues.
Its activities include
talks and audio-visuals in schools and colleges,
nature walks and outstation camps,
organising student participation in ongoing campaigns
including street demonstrations,
pushing for consumer awareness regarding organic food,
press statements, handling green alerts, and meetings
with the city’s administrators.
It is involved with the preparation of site-specific,
environmental manuals for schoolteachers.
Kalpavriksh was responsible for developing India’s National
Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in 2003.

Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON),

Coimbatore:
 This institution was Dr. Salim Ali’s dream that became a
reality only after his demise.
He wished to support a group of committed conservation
scientists on a permanent basis.
Initially conceived as being a wing of the Bombay Natural
History Society (BNHS) it later evolved as an independent
organisation based at Coimbatore in 1990.
It has instituted a variety of field programs that have added to
the country’s information on our threatened biodiversity.

Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun:

This Institution was established in 1982, as a major training

establishment for Forest Officials and Research in Wildlife
Management.
Its most significant publication has been ‘Planning A Wildlife
Protected Area Network for India’ (Rodgers and Panwar,
1988).
The organisation has over the years added an enormous
amount of information on India’s biological wealth. It has
trained a large number of Forest Depart- ment Officials and
Staff as Wildlife Managers.
Its M.Sc. Program has trained excellent wildlife scientists. It
also has an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) cell.
It trains personnel in ecodevelopment, wildlife biology,
habitat management and Nature interpretation.

Botanical Survey of India (BSI):

The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) was established in 1890 at

the Royal Botanic Gardens, Calcutta.
 However it closed down for several years after 1939 and was
reopened in 1954.
In 1952 plans were made to reorganise the BSI and formulate
its objectives.
By 1955 the BSI had its headquarters in Calcutta with Circle
Offices at Coimbatore, Shillong, Pune and Dehra Dun.
Between 1962 and 1979, offices were established in Allahbad,
Jodhpur, Port Blair, Itanagar and Gangtok.
The BSI currently has nine regional centres.
It carries out surveys of plant resources in different regions.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI):

The ZSI was established in 1916.

Its mandate was to do a systematic survey of fauna in India.
It has over the years collected ‘type specimens’ on the bases
of which our animal life has been studied over the years.
Its origins were collections based at the Indian Museum at
Calcutta, which was established in 1875.
Older collections of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, which were
made between 1814 and 1875, as well as those of the Indian
Museum made between 1875 and 1916 were then transferred
to the ZSI.
Today it has over a million specimens!
This makes it one of the largest collections in Asia.
It has done an enormous amount of work on taxonomy and
ecology.
It currently operates from 16 regional centers.
Natural resources Integrated
resource management.
The National Natural Resources Management System
(NNRMS) is an innovative framework designed to help
manage, protect, and sustain the country's natural
resources.

It provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to

natural resource management, allowing for the integrated
management of land, water, biodiversity, and coastal and
marine resources.

NNRMS promotes the sustainable use of natural resources

and the equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use,
while preserving their essential ecological functions and
processes.

It seeks to ensure that the natural environment is managed in

a way that meets current and future human needs and
contributes to the health and well-being of individuals,
communities, and nations.

It is an integrated natural resource management system of

India which aggregates the data about natural resources
from the remote sensing satellites and other conventional
techniques.
 One of the important elements of this management system is
the National Resource Information Systems which acts as
feeder information system to the larger information system
of the Government, which includes socioeconomic
information and models.

NNRMS activities are co-ordinated at the National level by

the Planning Committee of NNRMS (PC-NNRMS) which
frames guidelines for implementation of the systems and
oversees the progress of remote sensing applications for
natural resources management in the country.

NNRMS carries out the following tasks:

Mapping of forests and grasslands.

Monitoring of forest encroachment and shifting cultivation
Forest fire surveillance.
Mapping and monitoring of biosphere reserves.
Ecosystem management related studies for environmentally
fragile/sensitive regions like the Himalayas, Western Ghats
etc.
Development of Environment/Forest Resources Information
System (ERIS/FRIS).
Establishment of State Forest Data Management Centres
(S17DMCs), with linkages to National System.
Resources assessment of fuel wood.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) involving land,
water and air pollution
 Environmental hazard related studies (landslide, volcano,
earthquake).
Mapping/monitoring of Coastal Regulation Zone/coastal
areas, etc.

Indian renewable energy programme

India has an ambitious renewable energy program in place,
with a goal of achieving 175 gigawatts of renewable energy
capacity by 2022.
This includes 100 GW of solar energy, 60 GW of wind energy,
10 GW of biomass energy and 5 GW of small hydro energy.
To achieve this target, the government has implemented
various policies and incentives such as Renewable Purchase
Obligations, Renewable Energy Certificates, and Tax
Exemptions.
Additionally, the government has also provided financial
assistance to states and local bodies to setup and maintain
renewable energy infrastructure.
India is making great strides in the renewable energy sector,
and is well on its way to becoming a global leader in
renewable energy.

Initiatives Taken

1. PLI Scheme: The Production Linked Incentive Scheme

(PLI) scheme is an excellent initiative of the Government of India
with respect to enhancing the manufacturing sector. 

The scheme proposes a financial incentive to boost

domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in
 the electronics value chain including electronic
components and semiconductor packaging.

2. Pradhan Mantri- Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan

Mahabhiyan

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan

Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) is an ambitious scheme launched
by the Government of India to help farmers increase their
income by using solar energy.
The scheme will provide financial assistance to farmers for
setting up of solar pumps and water harvesting systems, as
well as for grid-connected solar power projects.
PM-KUSUM will help farmers to reduce their dependence on
diesel and electric pumps and become energy independent.
It will also help in creating green jobs, by providing
employment opportunities for rural youth.
Furthermore, the project will help in reducing the stress on
the grid by providing decentralized renewable energy.

Role of information technology in the

environment
Information technology (IT) can play a critical role in
protecting and preserving the environment.
It can help us to monitor and measure the impacts of human
activities on the environment, so that we can take steps to
reduce those impacts.
It can also help us to develop new strategies for dealing with
climate change, providing clean and renewable energy
 sources, reducing waste, and conserving resources.
IT can also be used to develop innovative products and
services that are more efficient and use fewer resources.
Finally, IT can also help us to increase public awareness of
environmental issues, and to engage people in sustainable
solutions.
The important roles of information technology in environment are as
follows:

1. Remote Sensing:

Remote sensing technique through satellite can be used to

assess ongoing changes in the environment and to predict
natural calamities like droughts, floods and volcanic eruptions
etc. The technique is of great use in exploring the possible
availability of crude oils, mineral deposits and location of
geothermal power sources.

2. Database

Database is the collection of inter-related data on various

subjects.
It is usually in computerized form and can be retrieved
whenever required.
There are several Distribution Information Centres (DICs) in
our country that are linked with each other and with the
central information network having access to international
database. 

The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India

has taken up the task of compiling a database on issues like
wildlife, forest cover, wastelands etc. 
3. Environmental Information System (ENVIS):
 ENVIS established in 1982 aims on providing environmental
information to decision makers, policy planners, engineers
and scientists all over the country.
ENVIS centres work for generating a network of database in
areas like pollution control, clean technologies, biodiversity,
renewable energy, wildlife, environmental management and
remote sensing.

Objectives of ENVIS:

a. To build up a repository and dissemination centre in

Environmental Science and Engineering. 

b. To gear up modern technologies of acquiring, processing,

storage, retrieval and dissemination of information of
environmental nature. 

c. To promote research, development and innovation in

environmental information technology. 

d. To provide national environmental information service

relevant to meet the future needs.

4. National Management Information System (NMIS):

NMIS of the Department of Science and Technology has

compiled a database on Research and Development projects
along with information about research scientists and personnel
involved.

5. Geographical Information System (GIS):

 GIS has proved to be a very effective tool in environmental
management.
GIS is a technique of superimposing various thematic maps
using digital data on a large number of inter-related or inter-
dependent aspects.
Different thematic maps containing digital information on a
number of aspects like water resources, forest land, soil
type, crop land, industrial growth, human settlement etc. are
superimposed in a layered form in computer using soft-
wares. 

Applications of GIS: 

GIS is very useful for future land use planning and for
interpretating polluted zones and degraded lands. 

a. GIS also provides information of atmospheric phenomenon

like approach of monsoon, ozone layer depletion, smog and
inversion phenomenon etc. 

b. Planning for locating suitable areas for industrial growth is

now being done using GIS by preparing Zoning Atlas. 

c. GIS and remote sensing play a key role in resource mapping,

environmental conservation and environmental impact
assessment.