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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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UNIT 1 [Environment and Media]

LESSON-1 Environment: Definition, Scope and Importance

LESSON-2 Environment Communication: Definition, Concept and Need for Public

Awareness

LESSON-3 Natural Resources: Associated Problems and Law (Forest, Water, Mineral,
Food, Energy and Land Resources)

LESSON-4 Role of Individual and Media in Conservation of Natural Resources

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UNIT 2 [Ecosystem and Media]

LESSON-1 Ecosystem: Concept, Structure and Functions

LESSON-2

LESSON-3 ha
Ecological Succession: Types and Stages

Biodiversity: Definition and Concept

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LESSON-4 Role of Multi- Media in Sensitising Masses towards Ecosystem
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UNIT 3 Environmental Disaster and Media]

LESSON-1 Environmental pollution: Definition, Causes, Effects and Control Measures of

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Air, Water, Soil, Marine, Noise, Thermal Pollution and Nuclear hazards

LESSON-2 Role of Govt. (NEMA, National Green Tribunal) and NGOs in Protecting
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Environment
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LESSON-3 Disaster Management: Concept, Need and Importance; Role of NDMA

LESSON-4 Media Intervention in Disaster Management

UNIT 4 [Environment and Human Welfare]

LESSON-1 Industrialisation, Consumerism and Development

LESSON-2 Global Warming and Climate Change: Shift to Alternate Sources of Energy

LESSON-3 Environment and Social Movements: Chipko Movement, Narmada Bachao

Andolan

LESSON-4 Media, Environment and Human Welfare

Unit 1, Lesson 1 Environment Communication

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UNIT 1 BA (JMC) 306 L: 12

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Environment and Media

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LESSON 1
Environment: Definition, Scope and Importance
LESSON 2
Environment Communication: Definition, Concept and Need for Public
Awareness

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LESSON 3
Natural Resources: Associated Problems and Law

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(Forest, Water, Mineral, Food, Energy and Land Resources)
LESSON 4
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Role of Individual and Media in Conservation of Natural Resources
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BA(JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 1

LESSON 1 Environment: Definition, Scope and Importance

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STRUCTURE

1.0 Objectives

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Environment

1.2.1 Components of Environment

1.3 Definitions

1.4 Scope

1.4.1 Research & Development (R & D) in environment

1.4.2 Industries

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1.4.3 Environmental- Management

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1.4.4 Green Advocacy
1.4.5 Green Marketing
1.4.6 Green Media
1.4.7 Environment Consultancy
1.4.8 Academics
1.4.9 NGOs
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1.4.10 Government jobs
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1.5 Importance of Environment

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1.5.1 Global v/s Local Nature of Environment

1.5.2 Individualistic Nature of Environment
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1.6 Self-Check Questions

1.7 Assignments
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1.7.1 Class Assignment

1.7.2 Home Assignment

1.8 Summing Up

1.9 Possible answers to Self-Check Questions

1.10 Terminal Question

1.11 Suggested Further Readings

1.12 Keywords

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BA(JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 1

1. Definition, Scope and Importance of Environment

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In Unit 1 of the course "Environment Communication", we shall discuss Environment in
detail. Over the four lessons of this unit we shall study definition, scope and importance of
environment. We shall also study types of natural resources and their associated problems
along with the role of an individual and media in prevention of the same.
In the present lesson we shall study definition, scope and importance of environment.

1.0 Objectives

After going through this lesson you should be able to:

  Define environment
 Describe its scope and importance in contemporary times

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1.1 Introduction

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The problems, difficulties of environment are emerging due to excessive and wasteful use
of resources by people. Environment in Indian thought is not conceived as physical lifeless
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entity. It accepts that life exists in all kinds of things. There is greater emphasis on mutual
dependence (interdependence).
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Environment is derivative from the French word Environner. Environner means to encircle
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or surround. Term environment is equivalent to nature. Physical (land, air, water, etc)
components of the planet EARTH support and affect life in the biosphere.-. All the biological
(biotic-life bearing) and (non-biological--life less) entities surrounding us are included in
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environment. This gives rise to a unique and a specific area of habitation to the organisms
is called its environment.
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The requirement of the masses can be satisfied by maintaining harmony with the given
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nature. Rituals are made to ensure that even the non-living world is treated with great care.
E.g.: - fire- messenger of god, earth-mother goddess, Sky- father.

1.2 What is environment?

Every living organism is constantly and continuously interact with its environment. The
interaction is between the physical components and different kinds of living organisms.
Broadly the environment is defined as the surroundings. These are conditions in which
an organism thrives. The environment broadly includes living and non-living components.

1.2.1 Components of Environment

Abiotic
Light, climate (humidity and temperature) atmospheric gases, water, substrata
animals, (soil, river/sea bed)

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BA(JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 1

Biotic
Living organisms including plants, microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa), and
human beings

A. Abiotic components
i. Light – Sunlight of sun is the source of energy. Sun light is one of the ingredients
of photosynthesis required for synthesizing food for themselves as well as all other
living organisms.
ii. Rainfall –All living beings are mostly comprised of water. Generally the
biochemical reaction takes place in an aqueous medium. Water helps to regulate
body temperature of living organisms.
iii. Temperature– Temperature is a crucial factor of the environment. Temperature
greatly influences survival of organisms. A particular range of temperature and
humidity can be tolerated by living organisms.
iv. Atmosphere - The composition of earth’s atmosphere is 21% oxygen, 78%

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nitrogen and 0.038% carbon dioxide. Rest are non-reactive gases (Argon, Neon etc).

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v. Substratum- Organisms are either terrestrial or aquatic. Microbes, protozoa’s,
fungi and small animals (invertebrates) etc. are also composition of the soil. Roots of
plants transport water and nutrients to all the parts of the soil. The animals living on

microbes live under the sea.

B. Biotic components
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land are termed as Terrestrial animals. Fresh water and Aquatic plants, animals and
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i. Green Plants – green coloured pigment are the food manufacturing places in the
plants. Photosynthesis is name of the process.
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Animals –a definite type of habitat supports a species and they also thrive with other
species. One species becomes consumer for another. Dead plants and animals are
disintegrated by micro-organisms and fungi. In this process nutrients are released
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which are reused for the growth of plants. Living organisms, Requirement of abiotic
and biotic components of environment is essential for survival. A balanced
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relationship between living organisms and their immediate environment is important.

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1.3 Definitions

Environment can also be stated as the sum of physical components (water, air and
land) and its inter-relationships that exist among them, also with the human beings,
other living organisms and materials.

 The complexes around an organism, consisting of several biotic and abiotic factors,
which influence, interact, demand, on or from the organism and sustains it, thru various
ways of energy transfer and movement. ”
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 CC Park-Environment refers to the sum total of entire conditions which surround human
beings at a designated point.
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 “It is in totality of all or social, biological and physical components as well as collectively that
compose the nature and manmade surrounding.”
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 It is the representative physical component of the earth where is man is important factor
influencing his environment.
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 Haeckel-1869”Ecology is the total relationship of animals to both its organic and its
inorganic environment.”
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 Clarke (1954), states that” the study of the inter-relations of plants and animals with their
environment constitutes the science of ecology.
1.4 Scope
Scope means coverage, end aimed at purpose, intention, outlook, purview and sphere of
observation. Environmental study as a subject has a expansive range or scope. It
integrates a large number of areas and aspects. They are summarized as follows:
a. The conservation and management of Natural Resources, to restrict and regulate the
exploitation of natural resources, to enhance natural resources and reduce natural
disasters.

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b. Environmental education and training.

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c. Ecology and biodiversity.
d. Protection of environment from degradation.
e. To formulate laws; for the control of pollution and maintenance of environment quality
f.
g.
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Social issues in relation to development and environment
Human population and environment, control on over-population and over-
consumption.
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Technical aspects like environmental science, environmental engineering or environmental
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management are given preference in Environmental studies.
Now days the scope of environmental education has experienced expansion. Many career
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options have emerged in the field of education: -

1.4.1 Research & Development (R & D) in environment:
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Environmental Scientists examine various environmental problems. R & D activities are

conducted in scientific way. It helps in developing cleaner, greener technologies and
promoting sustainable development. Requirement of trained manpower helps in negotiating
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profitably on environmental issues.

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1.4.2 Industries: Industries need to show compliance against a number of environmental

norms. Hence, environment experts are needed to guide the industries for adopting clean
technologies, controlling pollution, disposing the wastes, and carrying out environmental
audit.

1.4.3 Environmental- Management and Environmental-Engineering are apparent and

prominent career opportunities for environmental protection and management. The laws by
the National Green Tribunal on pollution are becoming stricter. Liquid waste or sewage from
the industries cannot be discharged into a river or the sea. Industrial setup requires
clearance from pollution control board. Green technologies will reduce pollution. These
techniques would reduce the cost of effluent treatment. The world over market for pollution
control technology or waste management is increasing. This has the latest potential in
business market. Germany and Japan have more stringent laws and more expertise in
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reducing industrial effluents. In India the Pollution Control Boards are seriously
implementing pollution control laws and insisting on up gradation of effluents to meet the
prescribed standards before they are discharged on land or into a water body. Companies
not adhering complying with the orders have been closed or ordered to shift.

1.4.4 Green Advocacy

Requirement for environmental lawyers has emerged, who should be able to fight the
cases related to water and air pollution, forest, wildlife etc.
1.4.5 Green Marketing
Since we are concerned with sustainable development, there is a pressure on
manufacturing of environment friendly products. This takes care of quality of products with
ISO 14000 certification ecomark. Environmental product analysts or auditors and managers
would be in great demand in future.
1.4.6 Green Media

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The tools and techniques of mass communication can be used to disperse environmental

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awareness. Television, radio, newspaper, magazines, hoardings, advertisements etc.
should be used for creating awareness.

1.4.7 Environment Consultancy

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Many industries and government bodies are engaging environmental consultants. NGO’s
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(Non-government organisation) etc. are logically studying and tackling environment related
issues. This helps to solve the environmental problems by coming to feasible and practical
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solution. Environment consultancies are hired by governments, industries, and NGOs for
carrying out different types of laboratory-based analyses or field-based studies, which are
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often required in environment impact assessment (EIA) and other compliance processes

1.4 8 Academics: Environmental science is taught at almost every level of education, that
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is, from school to university level. A large number of teachers or academicians are required
to fulfil this need.
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1.4.9 NGOs: These days, most of the environmental programmes are being implemented
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through NGOs, with the help of funds from national and international agencies. Green-
peace, CI, WWF, CSE, CEE, TERI, Tarun Bharat Sangh, and Vatavaran are some
examples of environmental NGOs.

1.4.10 Government jobs: A number of conventional jobs are available in government

bodies such as environmental ministry, pollution control boards, national parks, and
biosphere reserves.
• International agencies: Various international agencies such as UNEP, IUCN, TSBF, and
World Bank require qualified human resources to implement environment-related projects

1.5 Importance of Environment

Environmental study is very important. It deals with the most vital issues like safe and clean
drinking water, fresh and clean air, hygienic living conditions, healthy food and sustainable
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development. The basic point of environmental studies is that it has an integrated approach with
every individual and community. Holistic approach for the benefit and survival of mankind. The
mind-set of the people has to be changed for taking up programmes leading to sustainable
development, which facilitates us to handover a clean, healthy, aesthetically beautiful, safe and
secure environment to the present and future generations.

It guides us to know how our developmental and day-to-day activities affect environment
and how we are affected by changes in the environmental conditions.
• It guides us to create a pollution-free environment (that is, clean air, water, land, and food)
by adopting different methods of preventing and controlling pollution.

• It guides us to utilize our natural resources such as water, forest, minerals, and fossil fuels
in an efficient manner, that is, with maximum utility and minimum wastage, by adopting
conservation and recycling strategies.

• It guides common public to live an eco-friendly lifestyle by adopting the above three

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features, that is, knowing environmental implications of one’s activities, preventing and

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controlling pollution, and utilizing the resources efficiently in day-to-day activities.

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• It guides industries to operate in an eco-friendly mode by adopting clean and efficient
technologies and installing pollution control systems.
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 It guides us to solve complex global environmental problems such as climate change,
ozone-layer depletion, desertification, and energy crisis by using different
interdisciplinary tools and approaches.
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
 It guides the entire development process to become sustainable by ensuring
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equal distribution of natural resources between present and future generations, as well
as by caring for nature in every walk of life in a holistic manner.
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There are three reasons for studying the state of the environment

 The first is the need for information that clarifies modern environmental concepts: the need to
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conserve biodiversity, the need to lead more sustainable lifestyles, and the need to use resources
more equitably.
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
 Second, there is a need to change the way in which we view our own environment, using a practical
approach based on observation and self-learning.

 Third, there is need to create a concern for our environment that will trigger pro-environmental
action, including simple activities we can do in our daily life to protect it.

1.5.1 Global v/s Local Nature of Environment

Environment is one subject that is actually global as well as local in nature. Issues like
global warming, depletion of ozone layer, dwindling forests and energy resources, loss
of global biodiversity etc. which is going to affect the mankind, and for that we have to
think and plan globally.
However, there are some environmental problems which are of localized importance.
For dealing with the local environmental issues, like it could be -impact of mining or
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electricity project , safe disposal and management of solid waste, water pollution, soil
erosion, water logging and of groundwater pollution etc., we need to act fast..
In order to make people aware about those aspects of environment with which they are so
intimately associated, it is very important make every one environmentally educated.
1.5.2 Particular and specified Nature of Environment:
Knowledge of environment is very necessary since it deals with the fundamental
problems of life. Clean drinking water, hygienic living conditions, fresh air, fertile land,
healthy food and sustainable development. Since it is the necessity of the hour for the
need of perfect environment for the human race to continue on the planet earth, it is
most essential to understand the basics of environment.
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1.6 Self-Check Questions:

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1. The nature of environmental studies is not multidisciplinary. (___________)

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2. Life on the earth depends upon variety of goods and services provided by nature which
are unnatural resources. (___________)

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3. The term environment has been derived from the French word ‘Environner’ which means
to circle or surround. (__________)
4. Sustainable development is the need of the need of the hour. (__________)
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5. Air, water, land, living organisms and materials surrounding us & their interactions
together does not constitute environment. (__________)
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1.7 Assignments:
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1.7.1 Class Assignment

1. Define Environment. Explain its scope in today's time.
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1.7.2 Home Assignment:

1. Explain the importance of environment.
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1.8 Summing Up:

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This lesson has dealt with various definitions, scope and importance of environment.
Environment is not limited to issues of sanitation and health but it is now concerned with
pollution control, biodiversity conservation, waste management and conservation of natural
resources. A lot of research and development is going on in the field of environment, so that
the goal of sustainable development can be achieved.

1.9 Possible Answers to Self-Check Questions:

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. False

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1.10 Terminal Question:

1. How will you explain the multidisciplinary nature of environment?

1.11 Suggested Further Readings:

1. P. C Joshi & Namita Joshi, a Text Book of Environmental Science, A. P. H. Pub. New Delhi.
2. Erach Bharucha -Textbook of Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses- For UGC.
3. Dr. Mahanta K. Kalita-Introduction to Environmental Studies, Asian Books Private Limited. 4.
Anubha Kaushik & C P. Kaushik - Environmental Studies, New Age International.
5. Dr B. S Chauhan- Environmental Studies, Laxmi Publications.
6. www.nios.ac.in.

1.12 Keywords:
Atmosphere: The mass of air surrounding the earth. The mixture of gases -78%nitrogen,
21% oxygen and 0.03% carbon dioxide, making up the atmosphere, it is the gaseous mantle
(a loose covering) which envelops the hydrosphere and lithosphere. Environment: the
combination of all things and factors external to the individual or a population, all of the

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factors (living and non-living that actually affect in individual organism or population during

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the life cycle.
Ecology: The science of the study of the relationships between living things and their

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environment, Study of interactions of living organisms with their biotic and abiotic
environment.
Environmental studies: A systematic study of our environment as well as our role in it.
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BA(JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 2

Lesson2: Environment Communication: Definition, Concept and

Need for Public Awareness
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STRUCTURE

2.0 Objectives

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Definitions

2.3 Concept

2.4 Need for Public Awareness

2.5 Self-Check Questions

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2.6 Assignments

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2.6.1 Class Assignment

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2.6.2 Home Assignment

2.7 Summing Up
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2.8 Possible answers to Self-Check Questions
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2.9 Terminal Question

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2.10 Suggested Further Readings

2.11 Keywords
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BJ (MC) 307 Unit 1, Lesson 2

Lesson2: Environment Communication:

Definition, Concept and Need for Public Awareness
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In the last lesson we had discussed the definition, need and importance of environment in
detail. In the present lesson we shall study need for public awareness so as to reach out to
broader target groups, created by media on environmental awareness, which is the need of
the hour. This lesson shall talk about different definitions, meaning, concept and process of
development.

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2.0 Objectives
After going through this lesson, you should be able to:

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 define Environment Communication


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 explain the concept and need for Public awareness related

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2.1 Introduction T ha
Everybody should feel the responsibility to save the mother earth. Our earth is the most
valuable award of the universe. It is the responsibility of each of us to protect nature.
People are accountable for retaining the ecological balance, along with the environmental
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related issues etc. has to be highlighted.

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Today, our world is on the edge of destruction and if we do not ACT NOW, we would be
doing self-destruction or executing universal suicide. In our culture, environment has been
given a very high place. Our intellectuals have emphasized that human beings could find
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happiness only living in harmony with nature.

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2.2 Definition
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1. Environmental communication is communication about environmental affairs. This

includes all of the diverse forms of interpersonal, group, public, organizational, and
mediated communication that make up the social debate about environmental issues and
problems, and our relationship to the rest of nature.

2. Environmental communication refers to the study and practice of how individuals,

institutions, societies, and cultures craft, distribute, receive, understand, and use messages
about the environment and human interactions with the environment. This includes a wide
range of possible interactions, from interpersonal communication to virtual communities,
participatory decision making, and environmental media coverage.

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2.3 Concept

Environmental communication is also an interdisciplinary field of study that examines the role,
techniques, and influence of communication in environmental affairs. Basically, it studies the
activity and in doing so, it draws its theory and methods primarily from communication,
environmental studies, psychology, sociology, and political science. There are university
courses and programs in environmental communication, research centres dedicated to its
study, scholarly journals focused on the subject, and books on various aspects of the field.

Man possesses the capacity to change the environment more than any other organism on
this planet. He uses much more material and energy for his agriculture, industry, transport,
comfort, communication, aesthetic pleasure and even war, than anyone else on the earth.
Human wants have disturbed the delicate ecological balance. Humans have degenerated
and deteriorated the vital life supporting systems like air, water and land from entire living
world.

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Young people, the environmental leaders of new generation for environmental protection

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must build environmental democracy. It makes us aware about the environmental problems
that are approaching over our heads and equips us with knowledge to overcome these

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problems. People have fundamental role in making sustainable world. Citizens will gain
insight in tackling the environmental problems. The progress should be in tune with
sustainable development for healthy and joyful life.
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Sustainable development which is the major mantra of today cannot be achieved without
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making people in general aware about their environment and the problems which the
present society is facing because of its misuse. Education provides the people with
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adequate knowledge to fully analyse the environmental problems and take appropriate
actions. It creatively uses our talents to improve the quality of our environment. The masses
are to be educated about the facts that degradation of our environment is actually harming
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us only. At national level the supreme court has recently made at mandatory for all the
universities and colleges to teach the subjects at graduate level at international platform, it
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is be discussed throughout the world, the United Nation at large scale.

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The objective of the environmental science is to enlighten the public, particularly students,
about the protection, importance, and conservation of our environment. There is need to
restrain human activities which lead to random or unsystematic release of pollutants into
the environment. This awareness would sensitize them towards their environment. This
develops inevitable and necessary attitudes to work together and individually for better
man-nature understanding and relationship.
There is a Chinese proverb which enumerates that if one plans for one year, plant rice,
incase if one plans for 10 years, plant trees and if one plans for 100 years, educate
people. If we want to protect and manage our planet earth on sustainable basis, we have
no other option but to make all persons environmentally educated.

There are several laws enacted by the Government of India for conservation etc. But laws
cannot be implemented unless education makes society aware of the risks living in a
deteriorating environment. We often feel that managing environment is government’s
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responsibility. But if we go on threatening and decimating our environment, the government

cannot perform clean-up functions. It is the environmental protection that must become a
part of all our lives. We should act as watchdogs by informing the government reasons that
lead to degeneration and pollution of the environment.
th th
The UN conference on Human Environment held in Stockholm from 5 – 6 June 1972,
which had the distinction of the Prime Minister of India, late Indira Gandhi addressing it,
was a major breakthrough in creating awareness. From then, on, the World Environment
Day is observed every year on June 5 with a view of arousing the masses and bringing
environmental issues to the forefront of thinking and planning. The controversy over the
Silent Valley Hydel project to save tropical rain forest, the “Chipko – Movement” in
Himalaya (Almora Hills) and the ‘Appiko Movement’ (Karnataka) in India indicate people’s
awareness. Environmental awareness is important as:
1 For the successful implementation of environmental protection schemes, participation of
masses is a must as environment belongs to everyone. There is commitment to protect the

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environment at any cost.

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2. Environmental awareness is needed to change the mindset of modern society for an
earth-oriented approach. Living in a technically evolving society, our lifestyles and attitudes
have become self-oriented.
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3. It is essential to make the public environmentally aware of the serious health impacts of
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environmental pollution. It is the right of people to live in a clean and healthy environment.
4. There is an urgent need to create awareness amongst masses to follow sustainability
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principles. Then the life of human species on this earth would be secure. Future
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generations would also be safe.

5. Generate 4C’s –Curiosity, Creativity, Competence, and Compassion
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6. Awareness helps individuals and social groups to acquire sensitivity towards environment
and its allied problems. Ecological, political, economic, social, aesthetic, educational and other
related factors are used in educational programs to evaluate environmental measures.
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7. Knowledge-people acquire understanding of the complete environment and its

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associated problems. Skills help in solving environmental problems.

8. Inhabitants acquire social values, strong feelings of concern for the environment and the
motivation for actively participating in its protection and improvement.
9. Participation by the people helps to develop a sense of responsibility and urgency
regarding environmental problems to ensure appropriate action to solve those problems.
Henry D. Thoreau had rightly said what’s the use of a beautiful house if you don’t have
a decent planet to put it on? We feel that even if we begin today, the restoration is
expected in the next 40-50 years.
2.4 Need for Public Awareness

In dispersing knowledge and awareness role of media cannot be undermined. Media has a
multiplier effect. Only media with the help of appropriate medium can diffuse fundamental
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intelligence on any field into the society. The selection of technique can be localised or
customised also. It is very important for all of us to have knowledge and awareness
regarding the stage of environment around us as it becomes most important at a moment
when the world is facing several environmental problems threatening to the survival of the
most intelligent creature on the earth that is the human being itself. It has become
imperative for the nation to educate their people so that the nature of problem being faced
by them is understood and future is made secure. In this regard the use of media in creating
awareness is of great importance. Various documentaries, advertisements, feature films
and serials are produced for radio, television and other means of broadcast. Similarly
newspapers and magazines should have matter related with and environmental awareness.
Any government at its own level cannot achieve the goals of sustainable development. The
public has a mandatory participatory role in it. When the public is aware about the ecology
and environmental issues then only public participation will take place.
Same message can be spread to large number of people at one time. When the gravity or

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importance is more, naturally its repetition is required, along with target audience and the

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technique. Mass media together with traditional media creates a wonderful impact on the
concerned population.

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(a) International Efforts for Environment:-
There are several internationally known environmental thinkers - Charles Darwin, Ralph
Emerson, Henry Thoreau, John Muir, etc. Environmental issues received international
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attention about 35 years back in Stockholm Conference, held on 5th June, 1972. Since then
we celebrate World Environment Day on 5th June. At the United Nations Conference on
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Environment and Development held at Rio de Janeiro, in 1992, known popularly as Earth
Summit, and ten years later, World Summit on Sustainable Development, held at
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Johannesburg in 2002, key issues of global environmental concern were highlighted.

Attention of general public was drawn towards the deteriorating environmental conditions all
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over the world.

Award of the Nobel Peace Prize (2004) to an environmentalist (Kenyan, Wangar
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Mathaai-when we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace”), first time, came as a
landmark decision, showing increasing; towards environmental issues and recognition to
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efforts being made for environmental concern, conservation and protection.

(b) Contemporary Indian Environmentalists:-
In our country, efforts to raise environmental awareness have been initiated, and several
landmark judgments related to environment litigations have highlighted the importance of
this subject to general public. Two noted personalities, who need a mention here, are
Justice Kuldeep Singh,-Green Judge and Sh. M.C. Mehta, Green Advocate, who have
immensely contributed to the cause of environment.
In 1991, directives were issued by the Supreme Court of our country curricula should
be environment-oriented. This directive was, actually in retaliation to a Public Interest
Litigation (PIL) filed by MC. Mehta vs. Union of India (1988,). The highest court instructed to
create environmental awareness among all citizens of India. Based on the judgment,
Environmental Studies is being taught as compulsory course to all students.

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There are some environmentalists in the present time who have made a mark in our country
through environmental activism (Sh. Sunderlal Bahuguna,-‘Chipko movement’) and
(‘Tehri Bachao Andolan’, Smt. Medha Patkar) and (Ms. Arundhati Roy-‘Narmada
Bachao Andolan’), the (Magsaysay awardee Sh. Rajender Singh-water
conservationist) efforts are some such contemporary figures. Salim Ali is a renowned
ornithologist, famous for his work on Indian birds. In modern India, our late PM Mrs. Indira
Gandhi was instrumental in introducing the concept of environmental protection in the
Constitution of India as a fundamental duty while Mrs. Maneka Gandhi, Formerly
Environment Minister, has worked a lot for the cause of wildlife protection. Citizens’ report
on environment was first published by Sh. Anil Aggarwal, the founder Chairman of
Centre for Science & Environment. Even with many such key persons leading the cause
to environment, India is yet to achieve lot in this field.

International Environment related Institutions:

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 World Wildlife Fund for Nature-India (WWF-I),

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
  Center for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi.
  CPR Environmental Education Center-CPR-CEE


 Center for Environment Education- CEE

Pune
T ha
 Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and Research-BVIEER, Kalpavriksh,
 Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History-(SACOM)-Coimbatore 
___________________________________________________________________
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2.5 Self-Check Questions:

op

1. Urban environment is somewhat different from rural environment (__________)

2. Ecomark of our country is an earthen pitcher. (_____________)
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3. We celebrate World Environment Day on 5th June. (_____________)

r.

2.6 Assignments:
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2.6.1 Class Assignment:

1. Explain the need for public awareness regarding environment?
2. 6.2 Home Assignment:
1. Discuss the role of an individual and median conservation of natural resources.

2.7 Summing Up:

This lesson dealt with need for public awareness via media. Media has a multiplier effect.
Only media with the help of appropriate medium can diffuse fundamental intelligence on any
field into the society. The selection of technique can be localised or customised also. It is
very important for all of us to have knowledge and awareness regarding the stage of
environment around us as it becomes most important at a moment when the world is facing
several environmental problems threatening to the survival of the most intelligent creature on
the earth that is the human being itself.
15
BJ (MC) 307 Unit 1, Lesson 2

2.8 Possible answers to Self-check Questions:

1. True
2. True
3. True

2.9 Terminal Question:

1. Discuss the role of an individual and media in creating awareness about environment.

2.10 Suggested Further Readings:

1. P. C Joshi & Namita Joshi, a Text Book of Environmental Science, A. P. H. Pub. New Delhi.
2. Erach Bharucha -Textbook of Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses- For
University Grants Commission.
3. Dr. Mahanta K. Kalita-Introduction to Environmental Studies, Asian Books Private Limited.
4. Anubha Kaushik & C P. Kaushik - Environmental Studies, New Age International.
5. Dr B. S Chauhan- Environmental Studies, Laxmi Publications.

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6. www.nios.ac.in.

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2.11 Keywords:

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Sustainable Development: It is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs
while preserving the environment.
Chipko Movement: It was a movement that practiced the Gandhian methods of satyagraha
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and non-violent resistance, through the act of hugging trees to protect them from being
felled.
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Environmentalist: A person who is concerned with or advocates the protection of the

environment.
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Inhabitants: A person or animal that lives in or occupies a place.

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r.
D

16
BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 3

Lesson 3 Natural Resources and Associated Problems & Law

______________________________________________________________________________
STRUCTURE

3.0 Objectives
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Forest Resources
3.2.1 Uses of Forests
3.2.2 Over Exploitation of Forests (associated problems)
3.3 Water as a Natural Resource
3.3.1 Factors responsible for increasing water demand
3.3.2 various methods for conservation of water
3.3.3 National River Conservation Plan

3.4 Mineral Resources

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3.4.1 Ferrous metallic minerals

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3.4.2 Non-ferrous metallic minerals
3.4.3 Non-metallic minerals
3.4.4 Ways to reduce depletion of minerals

3.5

3.6
Food Resources
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Importance of Energy in Daily Life
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3.6.1 Energy and Economic Development
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3.6.2 Energy Conservation

3.6.3 Conservation of Energy at Various Levels
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3.6.4 Concept of Energy Efficient Buildings

3.6.5 Concept of Energy Efficient New Towns
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3.7 Land Resources

3.7.1 Pace of Soil erosion
3.7.2 Types of Soil erosion
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3.7.3 Wind erosion

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3.7.4 Land degradation

3.7.5 Measures for preventing soil erosion and land degradation

3.8 Environmental law

3.9 Self-Check Questions

3.10 Assignments
3.10.1 Class Assignment
3.10.2 Home Assignment
3.11 Summing Up
3.12 Possible answers to Self-Check Questions
3.13 Terminal Question
3.14 Suggested Further Readings
3.15 Keywords
17
BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 3

Lesson3 Natural Resources: Associated Problems & Law

_____________________________________________________________________________
In the last lesson we had discussed the need for public awareness via media regarding
increasing environmental issues faced by mankind. In the present lesson we shall study different
kinds of natural resources and various problems associated with them.

______________________________________________________________________________

3.0 Objectives

After going through this lesson you should be able to:

 Describe Natural resources


 Explain various problems associated with them

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3.1 Introduction

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We get resource from the living and/or non-living environment to meet our needs and
desires. Natural Resources are produced by earth’s natural processes. Natural Resources
T ha
are provided to us by the nature. Natural resources provide us with variety of goods and
services. Life on this planet earth depends upon these natural resources. Examples of
natural resources are water, air, soil, minerals, coal, forests, crops (plants) and wildlife
(animals) etc.
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Survival of mankind is dependent on various resources:

Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, lithosphere and Biosphere.
op

Biosphere- this is the relatively thin layer present on the earth. Biosphere supports life.-air,
water, rock, soil, and living creatures form structural and functional ecological units.
G

Some freely available resources, like solar energy, fresh air, fresh water, fertile soil, and
edible plants, are directly available for use by us and other organisms, while other
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resources, such as petroleum, ground water, iron, etc., are not directly available and they
D

are limited. These resources become useful after technological treatment.

Some resources are likely to get exhausted soon, whereas other would be lasting for a long
period of time. Depending upon the availability, Odum-1971, divided the natural resources
in two categories: -
1. Renewable Resources: -Those resources are replenished through rapid natural cycles.
Renewable Resources can be regenerated within a specific time span. Common examples
of naturally occurring resources are solar energy, biomass energy, tidal energy, hydro
power etc
2. Non-Renewable Resources: - These resources are difficult to regenerate. E.g. Fossil fuels
like coal, petroleum, minerals etc. Once we finish these reserves, they are finished forever.
These are the resources that once gone, have very less chance of recovery in nature.
We need to work on the concept of sustainable development. It is for this reason that we
must protect and conserve our precious natural resources. We should not exhaust natural
18
BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 3

resources. The intention is that we should use natural resources in such a way that our
future generations are not deprived of them.
Aims of conservation: - The conservation has following aims:
a. The conservation ensures the preservation of quality environment that considers
aesthetic, recreational as well as product needs.
b. It ensures a continuous yield of useful plants, animals and materials by establishing
a balanced cycle of harvest and renewal.
The objectives of conservation
1. To maintain the essential ecological processes and the life support systems.
2. To preserve the biological diversity.
3. To ensure that any utilization of species and ecosystem is sustainable. Sustainable
utilization means planned utilization so that a continuous yield of the useful plants animals

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and materials may be obtained.

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Major Natural Resources
1. Forest resources
2. Water resources
3. Mineral resource
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4. Food resources
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5. Energy resources
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6. Land resources.
3.2 Forest Resources
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A forest is a biotic community, predominantly of trees, shrubs and any other woody
vegetation. The green cover by the forest is most important natural resource for the support
of life on this earth.
r.

Besides supporting life, this forest resource covers the earth like a blanket. These forests
D

produce many material good. Forest resources provide essential for life through several
environmental services. The natural forest covers have declined over the years almost
everywhere. Currently maximum loss of forest cover is taking place in Brazil.
3.2.1 Uses of Forests
Forests contribute substantially to the economic development of a country. Forests
are invaluable to us. Forests are useful for industry and rural economic growth also.
Forests helps in reducing poverty, simultaneously it also conserves resources. They
are the vast natural resources that have been providing a broad range of
commodities, amenities and environmental services.

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BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 3

Economic v/s Environmental value of forests

Commercial Uses-
Many commercial goods are provided by forests. These are timber, firewood,
pulpwood, food items, gum resins, non-edible oils, rubber, fibres, lac, bamboo canes,
fodder, medicine, drugs etc.
Timber logs are used as fuel for heating and cooking. Wood is also used in building
materials -- lumber, plywood and hardwood, particle board and chipboard, wood
harvest is used in the form of pulp for paper industry. Many forest lands are used for
mining, agriculture, grazing, and recreation etc.
Ecological Uses:
Following are the ecological services provided by our forests:
1. Production of Oxygen:-The trees release oxygen as a by-product, through the
process of photosynthesis. Oxygen is termed as earth’s lungs. It is inevitable for life on

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this earth.

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2. Reducing Global Warming:-The main composition of greenhouse gas is carbon
dioxide. One of the raw materials for photosynthesis is Carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide

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is absorbed by the leaves of the forests. The problem of global warming will definitely
recede. Since the amount of main greenhouse gas would reduce in the atmosphere.
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3. Wildlife Habitat: - Many wild animals and plants reside in forests.. Home to unique
plants and animals; provide survival opportunities to various species.
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4. Hydrological Cycle: - hydrological cycle is also regulated by Forests. Watersheds

act like giant sponges. These sponges absorb rainfall. As a result flow of water slows
op

down. The runoff and gradually releasing of the water helps in recharging of springs.
The moisture in the air comes from transpiration. Transpiration helps in causing rains
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(50-80 %).
5. Conservation of soil: - the roots of the trees in the forests hold the soil particles
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tightly. This prevents soil erosion. Forests counter the speed of the wind, thereby
acting as wind-breakers.
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6. Pollution moderators:- leaves of forests absorb many toxic gases and helps in
keeping the air pure. They also absorb noise and thus help in preventing both air and
noise pollution.
7. Wood- It is used fuel wood. For About 1.5 billion people it is the primary source of
energy.
8. Raw Material- to various industries, furniture, paper, etc.
9. Nutritional Aspect- (minor forest products), fruits-jamun, mango, amla, bel etc.,
medicines, gums, essential oils-sandalwood oil (kailey), ornamental seeds-rudraksha.
3.2.2 Over Exploitation of Forests (associated problems)
Initially the forests were seen as an almost inexhaustible resource. But due to increasing
human and livestock population the forest resources of the country have been under

20
BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 3

mounting pressure. Increased urbanization, industrialization, hydropower projects and

mining have caused indiscriminate felling of trees. Logs were used for various
purposes. Wood is used in the form of timber, pulp wood, fuel wood etc. Forests ever
since have been exploited for their vast potential. Forests possess huge potential for
human use. Exploitation of forests took place to meet human demands:
As a result of exploitation, the tropical forests cover in India is now only reduced to
Coastal Western Ghats and Northeast India and is suffering degradation. Very little of
Indian forests are pristine (unspoiled). The qualities of forest must be put to use or
utilized. The prospective of forests must be taken care of by discouraging exploitation.
A World Bank study (2004) predicted surge in the economy. The possibility is that we
need to exploit the opportunities judiciously for the people of India from its forests. The
conservation activities should be in equilibrium with exploitation needs.
In India, Joint Forest Management (JFM) has come up as an innovative idea in
motivating community for participation. In this collaborated way the rural economy

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would become strong and resources of forest are also conserved.

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I. Deforestation
The total forest area is approximately 2,300 million ha by 2000 (world).

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According to the size of population we have very low per capita forest area. As per
FAO estimates, we are lagging behind the target of achieving 33% forest area.—
(National Forest Policy).
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Despite increasing awareness of importance of forest, deforestation rates continue to
increase. It is generalized that 90% of our tropical forests would be lost in coming 60
op

years..
Each day about 32,300 ha of forest disappear from the Earth and another 32,300 ha of
forest suffers degradation. During 2000—2005, the tropical deforestation rate has
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increased by 8.5% as compared to 1990’s deforestation rates. Losses of primary

forests have increased by an alarming 25%. Further, primary forests are being
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replaced by plantations with much less biodiversity.

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Major Causes of Deforestation

Deforestation adversely and directly affects and damage the environment and human
both. Tribals are the worst sufferers as they are dependent on forest and its products,
their livelihood is destroyed forever. The causes of deforestation are very complex and
diverse.
(i) Fuel requirements-requirement of fuel wood has risen owing to the pressure of
increased population. In India fuel demand rose to 300-500 million tons ( 2001 )as
compared to 65 million tons (1947).
(ii) Raw materials for industrial use- wood is required for making number of products--
boxes, furniture, railway-sleepers, plywood, match-boxes, pulp for paper industry etc.
Since these wants have put a great pressure on forests. Tea industry of Assam requires
Plywood for packing tea. J&K requires wood of Fir tree wood for packing apples.

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BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 3

(iii) Growing food needs-In developing countries deforestation is undertaken to meet

the demands of increased population. Requirement of agricultural lands and
residences are created by clearing forests.
(iv) Forest fires-These may be natural (unintentional-lightning) or manmade
(intentional), and cause huge forest loss. Fire kills vegetation of all types or injures
them severely, ground fire burn the undergrowth of the forest and some of the
underground parts of the plants. Controlled fires are also set by the forest dept in
some cases, but such fires hardly produce any harmful effect on environment.
(v) Commercial logging: - it involves cutting trees for sale-timber or pulp. It requires
heavy machinery to remove cut trees.
(vi) Agricultural technique: The agricultural or cultivable land was left, abandoned for
10-15 years as fallow land, which means a great loss as productive land is kept
useless.
(vii) Others: - poverty, population explosion, landlessness, inadequate

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knowledge, political power, etc.
II. Timber Extraction –tree felling was started for the domestic use, for the
manufacture of agricultural implements and for the developmental activities (railway

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sleeper). Wood smugglers in different parts of the country do illegal felling.
Contractors, nomads, villagers, sometimes cut down more trees than that is allowed.
T
Teak and mahogany are also decimated by loggers. During road construction etc.
trees causing barrier are removed, which also damage forests.
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The cumulative effect of these activities results in the forest degradation.

op

(III) Overgrazing-overgrazing by cattle is one of the greatest factors in the degradation of

pasture-lands. Overgrazing affects regeneration and growth of pasturelands. If grazed
more than carrying capacity, it will turn into degraded land. Cattle hooves also damage
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young regeneration, seedlings and saplings of trees and shrubs.

Milk and Agricultural Uses-villagers depend on cows, goats, buffaloes for milk.
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Bullocks are used for ploughing the field.

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Manure-animal dung is used as manure in agriculture, since it is chemical free.

Usually animals kept exclusively for this reason are allowed to graze on the pastures
during the day and they are kept in enclosures during the night.
Wool:-rear goats, sheep and yaks for their hair, which is used to make woolen
garments, blankets, carpets etc.
(IV) Mining
In mining, especially minerals are exploited. Mining operations for extracting minerals
and fossil fuel like coal etc. often involve vast forest areas. Mining from shallow area is
done by surface mining. Sub-surface mining is done for deep deposits. Mining
activities have caused stress to more than 80,000 ha of land of our country. Mining
and its associated activities displaces vegetation along with soil, rock masses. The
consequence is change in the physical features and disfiguring of the landscape in the

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BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 3

area. Mining affects the survival of native species, reduces vegetation cover, spoil soil
cover,-orchids, medicinal plants.
Indiscriminate mining of various minerals in Mussorie and Dehradun valley has caused
too much deforestation. The forest cover has reduced and increase in non-forest area
is due to mining activities. This resulted in comparatively unstable zones leading to
landslides.
Random mining in Goa has destroyed around -- 50,000 ha of forest land.
Deforestation in Jharkhand is due to Coal mining in Jharia, Raniganj and Singrauli
areas. Mining of chemicals in Western Ghats, Khirakot, Kosi valley, Almora-
magnesite, limestone, dolomite, gypsum, graphite and soap-stones have destroyed
forest. Mining of radioactive minerals in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is posing
similar threats of deforestation.
(V) Dams and development projects

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Massive destruction of forests, displacement of people, opening up inaccessible forest

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ecosystem, pollution occurs for various development projects. Hydroelectric projects,
big dams, road construction, mining etc are few examples. “Temples of modern India
“are referred to big dams, river valley projects etc. These dams have multi-purpose

ha
uses. Still dams also cause destruction of forests.
Around 1556 dams are in India. Most are in the state of Maharashtra (more then 600),
T
then in Gujarat (more then 250) and in Madhya Pradesh (130). The highest one is
Tehri dam, on river Bhagirathi in Uttarakhand. The largest in terms of capacity is
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Bhakra dam on river Satluj in Himachal Pradesh.

op

Big dams cause several ecological problems including deforestation and socio-economic
problems related to tribal or native people like- The Silent Valley hydroelectric project
(Western Ghats).. The crusade against the ecological damage and deforestation caused
G

due to Tehri dam (river Bhagirathi) highest dam in Asia was led by Sh. Sunder Lal
Bahuguna, the leader of Chipko movement. Likewise, the cause of Sardar Sarovar Dam
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(uprooted forests and tribals): related issues have been taken up by the environmental
activists Medha Patkar joined by Arundhati Roy and Baba Amte.
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Natural disasters like floods, droughts and landslides have become more common in
such areas. Forests are valuable gifts of nature in the form of biodiversity. After
destruction we are going to lose certain without being aware of species. These species
have great economic or medicinal value. These storehouses of species which have
evolved over millions of years get lost due to deforestation in a single stroke.
(VI) Shifting (Jhum) cultivation:
This is a practice adopted by tribals, perhaps the most primitive form of cultivation.
Cultivator does not use same piece of land year after year. Shifting cultivators’ clear
forests for shifting cultivation annually. The Jhum cultivators accidentally may set fire
to the adjoining forest, which may affect the vegetation and its regeneration. In India,
(North-east) and to some extent in Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura,
Orissa, Bihar and M.P.

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BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 3

(VII) Tourism
Tourism is the easiest way to earn exchange and increase employment. Tourists
belong to different category- pilgrims (religious, shrines), seasonal resorts, adventure
sports etc. Tourism activity leads to pressure on the forests because of natural scenic
beauty, calmness. Health and sanitation problems, pollution problems, mountaineers
garbage etc. at high altitude are caused by tourists. Unhygienic environment is a
matter of concern these, to popularise this aspect there is need to clear forests and
create facilities.
(VIII) Natural causes of forest and land degradation
Natural processes such as earthquakes, glaciers, mountains, streams etc. too are
creating environmental problems related to forests and land degradation. These
processes are as follows: -
Earthquakes: this activity is highly destructive. Earthquakes cause severe damage to

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land and forest in addition to human life and animals. Some important earthquakes which

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took place in the Himalayas and other parts of the country, ex: Latur earthquake, Bhuj,
Kutch earthquake in Gujrat-2001, Kashmir E-2005, Uttarkashi-(Oct-1991).

ha
Glaciers: a naturally moving body of large dimension, made up of crystalline ice
formed on the earth’s surface as a result of accumulation of snow. Glaciers are major
source of erosion in the snow bound areas.
T
Major consequences of deforestation:-
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Deforestation adversely and directly affects and damages the environment and
humans both. The adverse effects of deforestation are discussed below.
op

1. In the absence of trees, especially on slopes, the soil gets washed away with the
rain water, leading to soil erosion.
G

2. Due to the action of strong winds laden by fragmented rock dust, denuded land
mass gradually gets converted into sand deserts. The effect is more pronounced in
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rain scarce areas.

3. Forests bring rains due to high rate of transpiration and perception. In the absence
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of forests, rainfall declines considerably. Less rainfall results into the loss of fertile land
owing to less natural vegetation growth. Deforestation causes decrease in rainfall
which in turn affects the climate of a region, Hydrological cycle gets affected,
4. Deforestation is causing loss to flora and fauna as their certain species are getting
extinct from the planet earth due destruction of their natural habitat.
5. Deforestation causes loss of biodiversity along with that genetic diversity eroded,
leading to disturbances in ecological balance worldwide. Damage to the vegetation
cover, leads to problem of soil erosion, silting up of river, floods and loss of soil fertility
increase or depletion of soil nutrients, often leads to landslides.
6. Deforestation will lead to increase in CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration in
environment and also the other air pollution. This would result in global warming.
7. People are forced into a new way of life for which they are unprepared.

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BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 3

8. Deforestation in a particular forest ecosystem may affect the other ecosystems that
may be separated by great distance

3.8 Environmental law

Environmental Law is also known as environmental and natural resources law. It is a

collective term addressing the effects of human activity on the natural environment. The core
environmental law also tackles environmental pollution. Environmental law is the collection of
laws, regulations, agreements and common law that governs how humans interact with their
environment. The purpose of environmental law is to protect the environment and create rules
for how people can use natural resources. Environmental laws not only aim to protect the
environment from harm, but they also determine who can use natural resources and on what
terms. Laws may regulate pollution, the use of natural resources, forest protection, mineral
harvesting and animal and fish populations. Environmental law has been developed in reaction
to awareness and concern over issues impacting the entire world. While laws have developed
piecemeal and for a variety of reasons, some effort has gone into identifying key concepts and

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guiding principles common to environmental law as a whole.

The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted in 1986 with the objective of providing for

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the protection and improvement of the environment. It empowers the Central Government
to establish authorities [under section 3(3)] charged with the mandate of preventing
environmental pollution in all its forms and to tackle specific environmental problems that
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are peculiar to different parts of the country. The Act was last amended in 1991.
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______________________________________________________________________________
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3.9 Self-Check Questions

1. Fossil fuels are renewable sources of energy. (____________)

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2. Biological magnification is a healthy aspect of food chain. (____________)

3. Over-irrigation of the cropland increases productivity. (_____________)

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4. Biogas is produced by anaerobic degradation of biological wastes. (_____________)

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5. OPEC is Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (____________)

3.10 Assignments:
3.10.1 Class Assignment
1. How is geothermal energy different from wind energy? Explain.
3.10.2 Home Assignment
1. How does mineral extraction effect the environment?

3.11 Summing up

A resource is anything we get from the living and/or non-living environment to meet our needs
and desires. Natural Resources are produced by earth’s natural processes. ‘Life on this
25
BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 3

planet earth depends upon a variety of goods and services provided by the nature, which are
known as Natural Resources’. Thus, water, air, soil, minerals, coal, forests, crops (plants) and
wildlife (animals) are all examples of natural resources. It is very important to protect and
conserve our natural resources in a judicious manner so that we do not exhaust them. It does
not mean that we should stop using most of the natural resources. Rather, we should use the
resources in such a way that we always save enough of them for our future generations.

3.12 Possible answers to self-check questions

1. False
2. False
3. False
4. True
5. True

3.13 Terminal Question

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1. Discuss briefly the need for equitable use of natural resources for sustainable

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development.

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3.14 Suggested Further Readings
1. P. C Joshi & Namita Joshi, a Text Book of Environmental Science, A. P. H. Pub. New Delhi.
2. Erach Bharucha -Textbook of Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses-
For University Grants Commission.
T
3. Dr. Mahanta K. Kalita-Introduction to Environmental Studies, Asian Books Private Limited. 4.
Anubha Kaushik & C P. Kaushik - Environmental Studies, New Age International.
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5. Dr B. S Chauhan- Environmental Studies, Laxmi Publications.
6. www.nios.ac.in
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3.15 Keywords

Biosphere- this is the relatively thin layer on the earth in which life can exist.-air, water,
G

rock, soil, and living creatures form structural and functional ecological units.

Commercial: Involved in work that is intended for the mass market

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Aquifer: An underground layer of rock that is porous and permeable layers enough to store
D

significant quantities of water.

Arid: Dry
Carrying capacity: The maximum number of individuals (population size) that can be
supported with respect to space, food, etc., by a particular environment.
Competition: An interaction between two or more organisms if the common resource is
limited.
Conservation: it is the management of resources in such a way so that it will continue to
provide maximum benefits to humans for a long term.
Death rate: The number of individuals dying during some time period, usually a year,
divided by unit of a population. For example, the death rate in human population is the
number of deaths during a year divided by the original population of that year.

26
BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 4

Lesson 4 Role of an Individual and Media in Conservation of Natural Resources

______________________________________________________________________
STRUCTURE

4.0 Objectives

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Aims of Conservation

4.3 Self-Check Questions

4.4 Assignments

4.4.1 Class Assignment

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4.4.2 Home Assignment

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4.5 Summing Up

4.6

4.7 Terminal Question

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Possible answers to Self-Check Questions

4.8 Suggested Further Readings

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4.9 Keyword
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BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 4

4. Role of an Individual and Media in Conservation of Natural Resources

______________________________________________________________________

In the last lesson we had discussed various types of natural resources and problems
associated with them. In the present lesson we shall study role of an individual and
media in conservation of natural resources.

4.0 Objectives
After going through this lesson you should be able to:

 Explain the role of an individual and media in conservation of natural resources

 Explain the aims of conservation of various natural resources
______________________________________________________________________

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4.1 Introduction

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Conservation is a practice which embraces preservation, maintenance, sustainable
utilization, restoration and enhancement of the natural resources.
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Conservation can be defined as ‘the most efficient and most beneficial utilization of
natural resources’.
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‘The rational use of environment to provide a high quality of living for the mankind’
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The most important aspect of conservation would be the maintenance of the diversity on
the earth. The greatest fact about the conservation is that it stands for development and
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the natural resources that are available on this earth are used for the benefit of the
people who inhabit this earth. All the natural resources including soil, water, food, forest,
air and energy play an important role in the progress of the country. Their use and
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exploitation has, however, resulted in their depletion to an extent where their

D

conservation has become a must. If we want human species to prosper there is an

urgent requirement to conserve these natural resources. Conservation is used in a
broader sense of conserving the whole earth itself renewable capacity is protected.
Conservation efforts should be undertaken at all levels. It is the responsibility of every
individual to contribute towards its conservation and protection. Small droplets of water
together form a big ocean. Similarly, our individual efforts can together help in
conserving natural resources.
The entire natural resources are conserved for their biological, commercial, medicinal,
aesthetic and recreational values. The large areas under tropical forests are conserved for
their role in preserving the global biodiversity and the role they play in maintaining the

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ecological processes, the wild life resources are preserved to maintain a genetic
diversity and, also different water resources like fresh water stream.
Conservation is often thought of as a twentieth century phenomenon, something we have
only needed within the recent past. The rapid growth of industrial economy has increased
the standard of living of people. But at the same time, we are using an increasing amount of
the earth’s resources to the extent that there is now global competition for them.
Various natural resources play an essential role in the growth of a nation. Excessive use
of these resources now-a-days would result in exhaustion of these resources and many
related problems. If we want human species to continue on earth, it is desirable to
conserve these natural resources. We all share equal responsibility to keep our
environment clean and satisfy our quest for green earth, clean air and pure water.
4.2 Aims of Conservation

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The conservation ensures the preservation and the following are some suggested
guidelines:

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1. To conserve energy:-
i) Build houses with provision for ample amount of sunlight, which will not only
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provide more light to the house but also keep it warm. Close the windows in
adverse situations. If using an A.C. make room airtight. Otherwise cooling effect
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would be less, consuming more electricity.

ii) If appliances are not in use, just switch them off.. Save electricity by not wasting.
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iii) Buy the most efficient homes, lights, cars and appliances and evaluated them
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only in terms of life time cost. Use improved energy efficient products. More is
achieved with less energy.
Adopt and popularize renewable energy resources. Use solar cooker for cooking.
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In summers get cool breeze and shade by sitting under trees. Obtain as much
cooling as possible from natural resources especially from wind and trees
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iv) Drive only if necessary. Whenever possible use public transport. You can join
car-pool if you have to go to the same place every day.
v) Cook in solar cooker on sunny days. Food will be more nutritious and will cut
down on LPG expenses.
vi) Wear woolens in winters, instead of using the heat convector more often.
vii) Popularise the use of Recycled products.
viii) Use cycle or just walk down. Avoid using your car or scooter as far as possible.
ix) Cut your dependency on fossil fuel

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2. To protect water:-

 Don’t keep water running while brushing teeth shaving or washing. Install water
saving toilets that use no more than 6 litres per flush. Install water saving shower
heads and flow restrictors.

 Get all the water leaks repaired of toilets and pipes promptly, as small pin-hole
size leak wastes about 640 litres per month.

 Try to wash full load, used the load short cycle and fill the machine to the lowest
possible water level.

 Sweep walks and driveways instead of washing than, otherwise reuse the soapy
water of washings.

 Used drip irrigation system and mulch on the home garden to improve irrigation

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system efficiency and reduced evaporation.

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
 Water the plants only in the evening when evaporation losses are least. Do not
water the plants in mid-day.



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Fix a small system to collect rain water. Also collect normally wasted used water.
This can be used for watering the plants.
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 Rain water harvesting system should be installed in your house.

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 Use only optimum amount of water for various activities.

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3. To conserve the wild life and forests:-

i) Do not harm or remove anything while visiting to a national park or sanctuary.
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ii) Support efforts to bring more areas under the protected area. Restore damaged
grass land in rural and urban areas through reclamation.
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iii) Refuse to buy furs, ivory products, items made of reptile skin, tortoise shell
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jewellery and materials from endangered species.

iv) Plant and care for trees. Since trees can absorb many toxic gases-(carbon
dioxide-CO2), purify the air by releasing oxygen. Use eco-friendly products.
4. To protect soil:-

 During construction do not pull up the trees as far as possible. Plant trees on a
regular basis and take care of them. Help rehabilitate or restore the degraded
 area of forest in nearby locality.
 Grow grass in the open areas to bind the soil and prevent the soil erosion. Grow
 many varieties of plants and trees in your garden.
 Make compost from kitchen waste and use it for kitchen garden or flower pots.
Use organic green manure in the garden, which will protect the soil

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 Use sprinkling irrigation as is does not wash of the soil. Do not irrigate the plants
 using a strong flow of water, as it would wash off the soil.
 Mixed cropping should be practiced. so that some particular soil nutrients do not
 get exhausted.
 Do not over irrigate agriculture field without proper drainages to prevent water
 logging and salinization.
 Promote sustainable agriculture, avoid the use of pesticides, As far as possible
 use organic fertilizers.
 Grow local and seasonal vegetables. Reduce the use of wood and paper
products, recycle paper products, and buy recycled paper products.

5. Promote sustainable agriculture:-

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 Reduce the use of synthetic pesticides. Fertilize your crop primarily with organic

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 fertilizer.
 Practice drip irrigation for watering the crops. Consume local and seasonal

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vegetables. This saves on transport, storage, preservation etc. Control pests, by
 biological method.
 The manufacture and operation of non-polluting should be encouraged.
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1. Promote (3 R strategies). Reuse, Recycle and Reduce. The waste generated can
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be used as a raw material for some other process.

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2. Use clean and green fuel. Though expensive but it does not harm environment.
3. Do not use pesticides indiscriminately. Biological organic contributions should be
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used. Only when absolutely necessary and that too in right amounts. Use organic
manure instead of commercial inorganic fertilizer. Do not harmful chemicals of any form
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into the drain or ground water.

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4. Do not litter polythene bags. These do not degrade in the environment and choke
sewers, spoil soil quality after they mix up with soil on becoming brittle, causes death of
cows which consume these along with the garbage contained in them.
5. Use of low phosphate, phosphate-free or biodegradable products should be used.
Preferably safe materials should be used. This will reduce eutrophication of water bodies.
6. Rise in demand can be kept under control by keeping check on population growth.
7. Pollution prevention is better than pollution control should be popularized.
8. Cut down the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Use CFC free refrigerators, Use
organic and biodegradable chemicals instead of CFCs, as they destroy the ozone layer.
But we have no choice but to change. To fail to change is to deny the responsibility we
have for one another and for those who come after us. Young people who will be among
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BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 4

the leaders of the new generation of environmental protection and environmental

leaders they must build environmental democracy. An informed local community always
does a better job of environmental protection than a distant bureaucrat. It is necessary
to create environmental awareness as:
1. Everyone needs to be concerned about environment. For successful execution of
environmental protection plans participation of masses is necessary.
2. Thought process should be changed in favour of environment. Earth-Oriented
approach is better than self-oriented approach.
3. Public should be aware of the serious health issues of environmental pollution and
their right to live in a clean and healthy environment.
4. People should follow sustainability principles. This would secure the fate of present

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and future generations

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Henry D. Thoreau had rightly said “What’s the use of a beautiful

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house if you don’t have a decent planet to put it on?” Even if we begin
today, the restoration is expected in the next 40-50 years.
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4.3 Self-Check Questions:

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1. Conservation can be defined as ‘the most efficient and most beneficial utilization
of natural resources’. (___________)
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2. ‘The rational use of environment to provide a high quality of living for the mankind’
(_______________)
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3. There is a need to make the public environmentally aware of the serious health
impacts of environmental pollution and their right to live in a clean and healthy
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environment. (_________)
4. Living in a technologically developing society, our lifestyles and attitudes have
become self-oriented (__________)
5. Population growth has to be checked so that demand of materials is under control
(_______________)
4.4 Assignments:
4.4.1 Class Assignment:
1. How can we promote sustainable agriculture?
4.4.2 Home Assignment:
1. How the aim of conservation can be achieved?

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BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 4

4.5 Summing up:

Conservation is a practice which embraces preservation, maintenance, sustainable

utilization, restoration and enhancement of the natural resources. It can be defined as
‘the most efficient and most beneficial utilization of natural resources’. Conservation
efforts are at national as well as international level, the individual efforts for conservation
of natural resources can go a long way. Environment belongs to each one of us, and all
of us have a responsibility to contribute towards its conservation and protection. “Small
droplets of water together form a big ocean”. Similarly, with our small individual efforts
we can together help in conserving natural resources to a large extent.
4.6 Possible answers to self-check questions:

1.True

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2.True

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3.True
4.True

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5. True

4.7 Terminal question:

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1. Describe the role of individuals in conservation of natural resources
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4.8 Suggested Further Readings

1. P. C Joshi & Namita Joshi, a Text Book of Environmental Science, A. P. H. Pub. New
op

Delhi.
2. Erach Bharucha -Textbook of Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses-
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For University Grants Commission.

3. Dr. Mahanta K. Kalita-Introduction to Environmental Studies, Asian Books Private
Limited. 4. Anubha Kaushik & C P. Kaushik - Environmental Studies, New Age
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International.
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5. Dr B. S Chauhan- Environmental Studies, Laxmi Publications.

6. www.nios.ac.in.

4.9 Keywords:

Fertilizer: Substance that adds inorganic or organic nutrients to the soil to improve yield.

Integrated pest management: Integrated pest management (IPM) is an integrated

approach of crop management to solve ecological problems when applied in agriculture.

Groundwater: It is water located beneath the ground surface in soil pore spaces and in
the fractures of rock formations.

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BA (JMC) 306 Unit 1, Lesson 4

Sprinkling irrigation: Applying irrigation water which is distributed by pipes by pumping

and irrigate entire soil surface through spray heads

Pesticides: A substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to

cultivated plants or to animals.

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