The word environment is derived from the French word ‘environner’ which

means to ‘encircle or surround’. Thus our environment can be defined as

“the Social, Cultural and Physical conditions that surround, affect and
influence the survival, growth and development of people, animals and
plants”. It includes all factors (living and nonliving) that affect an individual
organism or population at any point in the life cycle; set of circumstances
surrounding a particular occurrence and all the things that surrounds us.

SEGMENTS OF ENVIRONMENT
Environment consists of four segments.
1. Atmosphere - Blanket of gases surrounding the earth.
2. Hydrosphere - Various water bodies present on the earth.
3. Lithosphere - Contains various types of soils and rocks on the earth.
4. Biosphere - Composed of all living organisms and their interactions with
the environment.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES:

 The Environment studies is a multi-disciplinary science because it
comprises various branches of studies like chemistry, physics, medical
science, life science, agriculture, public health, sanitary engineering etc.
 It is the science of physical phenomena in the environment.
 It studies about the sources, reactions, transport, effect and fate of
physical and biological species in the air, water, soil and the effect of
from human activity upon these.
 As the environment is complex and actually made up of many different
environments like natural, constructed and cultural environments,
environmental studies is inter disciplinary in nature including the study
of biology, geology, politics, policy studies, law, religion engineering,
chemistry and economics to understand the humanity’s effects on the
natural world.
 This subject educates the students to appreciate the complexity of
environmental issues and citizens and experts in many fields.
  By studying environmental science, students may develop a breadth of
the interdisciplinary and methodological knowledge in the
environmental fields that enables them to facilitate the definition and
solution of environmental problems.

SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Environmental studies as a subject has a wide scope. It includes a large
number of areas and aspects, which may be summarized as follows: Natural
resources - their conservation and management
 Ecology and Biodiversity
 Environmental pollution and control
 Human population and environment
 Social issues in relation to development and environment

These are the basic aspects of environmental studies which have a direct
relevance to every section of society. Several career options have emerged in
that are broadly categorized as:
(i) Research and development in environment: Skilled environmental
scientists have an important role to play in examining various environmental
problems in a scientific manner and carry out R&D activities for developing
cleaner technologies and promoting sustainable development.
(ii) Green advocacy: With increasing emphasis on implementing various
Acts and Laws related to environment, need for environmental lawyers has
emerged, who should be able to plead the cases related to water, air, forest,
wildlife, pollution and control etc.
(iii) Green marketing: While ensuring the quality of products with ISO
mark, now there is an increasing emphasis on marketing goods that are
environment friendly. Such products have ecomark or ISO 14000
certification. Environmental auditors and environmental managers would be
in great demand in the coming years.
(iv) Green media: Environmental awareness can be spread amongst masses
through mass media like television, radio, newspaper, magazine, hoardings,
advertisements etc., for which environmentally educated persons are
required.
(v) Environmental consultancy: Many non-government organizations,
industries and government bodies are engaging environmental consultants for
systematically studying and tackling environment related problems.

IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

The importance of environmental studies is that, the current trend of
environmental degradation can be reversed if people of educated
communities are organized, empowered and experts are involved in
sustainable development.
Environmental factors greatly influence every organism and their activities.
 At present a great number of environmental issues, have grown in size and
complexity day by day, threatening the survival of mankind on earth. These
issues are studied besides giving effective suggestions in the environment
studies.
The environment studies enlighten us, about the importance of protection
and conservation of our natural resources, indiscriminate release of pollution
into the environment etc.

Environment studies have become significant for the following reasons:

1.Environment Issues being of International Importance: It has been well
recognized that environment issues like global warming, ozone depletion,
acid rain, marine pollution and loss of biodiversity are not merely national
issues but are global issues and hence must be tackled with international
efforts and cooperation.
2. Problems Cropped in The Wake of Development: Development, in its
wake gave birth to Urbanization, Industrial Growth, Transportation Systems,
Agriculture and Housing etc. However, it has become phased out in the
developed world. The North, to cleanse their own environment has, fact fully,
managed to move ‘dirty’ factories to South. When the West developed, it did
so perhaps in ignorance of the environmental impact of its activities.
Evidently such a path is neither practicable nor desirable, even if developing
world follows that.
3. Explosively Increase in Pollution: World census reflects that one in every
seven persons in this plant lives in India. Evidently with 16 per cent of the
world's population and only 2.4 per cent of its land area, there is a heavy
pressure on the natural resources including land. Agricultural experts have
recognized soils health problems like deficiency of micronutrients and
organic matter, soil salinity and damage of soil structure.
4. Need for An Alternative Solution: It is essential, specially for developing
countries to find alternative paths to an alternative goal. We need a goal as
under:
(1) A goal, which ultimately is the true goal of development an
environmentally sound and sustainable development.
(2) A goal common to all citizens of our earth.
(3) A goal distant from the developing world in the manner it is from the
overconsuming wasteful societies of the “developed” world.
5. Need To Save Humanity From Extinction: It is incumbent upon us to
save the humanity from extinction. Consequences to our activities cause
destructing the environment and depleting the biosphere, in the name of
development.
6. Need For Wise Planning of Development: Our survival and sustenance
depend. Resources withdraw, processing and use of the product have all to be
synchronized with the ecological cycles in any plan of development. Our
actions should be planned ecologically for the sustenance of the environment
and development.

NEED FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS

1. Growing Population: A population of over thousands of millions is
growing at 2.11 per cent every year. Over 17 million people are added each
year. It puts considerable pressure on its natural resources and reduces the
gains of development. Hence, the greatest challenge before us is to limit the
population growth. Although population control does automatically lead to
development, yet the development leads to a decrease in population growth
rates.
2. Poverty: India has often been described a rich land with poor people. The
poverty and environmental degradation are mixed with one another. The vast
majority of our people are directly dependent on the nature resources of the
country for their basic needs of food, fuel shelter and fodder. About 40% of
our people are still below the poverty line.
3. Environment degradation has adversely affected the poor who depend
upon the resources of their immediate surroundings. Thus, the challenge of
poverty and the challenge of environment degradation are two facets of the
same challenge.
4. Agricultural Growth: The people must be made familiar with the methods
to sustain and increase agricultural growth without damaging the
environment. High yielding varieties have caused soil salinity and damage to
physical structure of soil.
5. Need to Increase Ground water: It is essential of rationalizing the use of
groundwater. Factors like community wastes, industrial effluents, chemical
fertilizers and pesticides have polluted our surface water and affected quality
of the groundwater. It is essential to restore the water quality of our rivers and
other water bodies. Suitable strategies for conservation of water, provision of
safe drinking water and keeping water bodies clean should be developed.
6. Development and Forests: Forests serve catchments for the rivers. With
increasing demand of water, plan to harness the mighty river through large
irrigation projects were made. Certainly, these would submerge forests;
displace local people, damage flora and fauna. As such, the dams on the river
Narmada, Bhagirathi and elsewhere have become areas of political and
scientific debate. Forests in India have been shrinking for several centuries
owing to pressures of agriculture and other uses. Vast areas that were once
green, stand today as waste lands. These areas are to be brought back under
vegetative cover. The tribal communities inhabiting forests, respects the
trees, birds and animals give them sustenance. We must recognize the role of
these people in restoring and conserving forests. The modern knowledge and
skills of the forest department should be integrated with the traditional
knowledge and experience of the local communities. The strategies for the
joint management of forests should be evolved in a well planned way.

7. Degradation of Land: At present out of the total 329 mha of land, only
266 mha possess any potential for production. Of this, 143 mha is agricultural
land nearly and 85 suffers from varying degrees of soil degradation. Of the
remaining 123 mha, 40 are completely unproductive. The remaining 83 mha
is classified as forest land, of which over half is denuded to various degrees.
Nearly 406 million head of livestock have to be supported on 13 mha, or less
than 4 per cent of the land classified as pasture land, most of which is
overgrazed. Thus, out of 226 mha, about 175 mha or 66 per cent is degraded
to varying degrees. Water and wind erosion causes further degradation of
almost 150 mha This degradation is to be avoided.
8. Evil Consequences of Urbanization: Nearly 27% of Indians live in urban
areas. Urbanization and industrialization has given birth to a great number of
environmental problems. Over 30 percent of urban Indians live in slums. Out
of India’s 3,245 towns and cities, only 21 have partial or full sewerage and
treatment facilities. Hence, coping with rapid urbanization is a major
challenge.
9. Air and water Pollution: Majority of our industrial plants are using
outdated and pollution causing technologies and makeshift facilities devoid
of any provision of treating their wastes. A great number of cities and
industrial areas have been identified as the worst in terms of air and water
pollution. Acts are enforced in the country, but their implement is not so
easy. The reason is their implementation needs great resources, technical
expertise, political and social will. Again the people are to be made aware of
these rules. Their support is indispensable to implement these rules.

INSTITUTIONS IN ENVIRONMENT Managing natural resources require

efficient institutions at all levels i.e. local, national, regional and global.
Among the large number of institutions that deal with environmental
protection and conservation, a few well-known organization include
government organizations like the BSI and ZSI, and NGOs like the BNHS,
WWF-1, etc. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai
World Wide fund for nature- India (WWF-1), New Delhi Centre or science
and environment (CSE), New Delhi C.P.R Environmental Education
Centre, Madras Centre for Environment Education (CEE) Bharati
Vidyapeeth University, Institute of Environment Education & Research,
Pune The Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)
Wild life Institute of India (WII), Dehradhun Zoological survey of India
(ZSI) The madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) Botanical Survey of
India (BSI)

NATURAL RESOURCES
INTRODUCTION:
Natural resources can be defined as ‘variety of goods and services provided
by nature which are necessary for our day-to-day lives’. Eg: Plants, animals
and microbes (living or biotic part), Air, water, soil, minerals, climate and
solar energy (non- living or abiotic part). They are essential for the
fulfillment of physiological, social, economical and cultural needs at the
individual and community levels.

TYPES OF NATURAL RESOURCES:

They are of two types of resources namely Renewable and Non-
Renewable Resources.
1. Renewable resources: The resources that can be replenished through rapid
natural cycles are known as renewable resource. These resources are able to
increase their abundance through reproduction and utilization of simple
substances. Ex: Plants, (crops and forests) and animals. Some examples of
renewable resources though they do not have life cycle but can be recycled.
Ex: Wood and wood-products, pulp products, natural rubber, fibers (e.g.
Cotton, jute, animal wool, silk and synthetic fibers) and leather. In addition
to these resources, water and soil are also classified as renewable resources.
Solar energy although having a finite life, as a special case, is considered as a
renewable resource in as much as solar stocks is inexhaustible on the human
scale.
2. Non renewable resources: The resources that cannot be replenished
through natural processes are known as non-renewable resources. These are
available in limited amounts, which cannot be increased. These resources
include fossil fuels (petrol, coal etc.), metals (iron, copper, gold, silver, lead,
zinc etc.), minerals and salts (carbonates, phosphates, nitrates etc.).Once a
non-renewable resource is consumed, it is gone forever.

Non-renewable resources can further be divided into two categories, viz.

A) Recyclable and B) Non-recyclable
A) Recyclable: These are non-renewable resources, which can be collected
after they are used and can be recycled. These are mainly the non-energy
mineral resources, which occur in the earth’s crust (Ex: Ores of aluminum,
copper, mercury etc.) and deposits of fertilizer nutrients (e.g. Phosphate sock
and potassium and minerals used in their natural state (asbestos, clay, mica
etc.) B) Non-recyclable: These are non-renewable resources, which cannot
be recycled in any way. Ex: Fossil fuels and uranium, which provide 90 per
cent of our energy requirements

NATURAL RESOURCES AND ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS: The main

problem associated with natural resources is unequal consumption. A major
part of natural resources are consumed in the ‘developed’ world. The
‘developing nations’ also over use many resources because of their greater
human population. However, the consumption of resources per capita (per
individual) of the developed countries is up to 50 times greater than in most
developing countries. Advanced countries produce over 75% of global
industrial waste and greenhouse gases. Energy from fossil fuels consumed in
relatively much greater quantities in developed countries. Their per capita
consumption of food too is much greater as well as their waste.
FOREST RESOURCES: A forest can be defined as a biotic community
predominant of trees, shrubs or any other woody vegetation usually in a
closed canopy. It is derived from latin word ‘foris’ means ‘outside’. India’s
Forest Cover is 6,76,000 sq.km (20.55% of geographic area). Scientists
estimate that India should ideally have 33% of its land under forests. Today
we only have about 12% thus we need not only to protect our existing forests
but also to increase our forest cover.

FUNCTIONS OF FOREST:
1. It performs very important function both to human and to nature.
2. They are habitats to millions of plants, animals and wild life.
3. They recycle rain water.
4. They remove pollutant from air.
5. They control water quality.
6. They moderate temperature and weather.
7. They influence soil condition and prevent soil erosion.

USES OF FOREST:
1. Commercial uses and 2. Ecological uses

1. Commercial uses:
i. Wood – used as a fuel
ii. Supply wood for various industries – Raw materials as pulp, paper,
furniture timber etc.
iii. Minor forest products – gum, dyes, resins
iv. Many plants – Medicines
v. Supply variety of animal products – honey. Ivory, horns etc.
vi. Many forest lands are used for - Mining, grazing, for dams and recreation.

2. Ecological uses:
Forest provides number of environmental services.
i. Production of oxygen: Photosynthesis produces large amount of oxygen
which is essential for life.
ii. Reducing global warming: Carbon dioxide is one of the main green
house gas. It is absorbed by plants for photosynthesis. Therefore the problem
of global warming caused by CO2 is reduced.
iii. Soil conservation: Roots of trees bind the soil tightly and prevent soil
erosion. They also act as wind breaks.
iv. Regulation of hydrological cycle: Watershed in forest act like giant
sponges and slowly release the water for recharge of spring.

v. Pollution moderators: Forest can absorb many toxic gases and noises and
help in preventing air and noise pollution.

vi. Wild life habitat: Forest is the home of millions of wild animals and
plants.

REASON FOR DEFICIENCY OF FOREST: In India the minimum area

of forest required to maintain good ecological balance is about 33% of total
area. But at present it is only about 12%. So over exploitation of forest
material occurs.

OVER EXPLOITATION OF FOREST: Due to over population, there is

an increased demand for medicine, shelter, wood and fuel. Hence exploitation
of forest materials is going on increasing.

Cause of over exploitation:

1. Increasing agricultural production.
2. Increasing agricultural activities.
3. Increase in demand of wood resources.

DEFORESTATION: It is process of removal of forest resources due to

natural or manmade activities (i.e.) destruction of forests.
Causes of deforestation:
1. Developmental projects: Developmental projects causes deforestation
through two ways. Through submergence of forest area.

1. Destruction of forest area. Ex: big dams, hydro electric projects, road
construction etc.
2. Mining operations: It reduces forest areas. Ex: Mica, coal, Manganese and
lime stone.
3. Raw materials for industries: Wood is an important raw material for
various purposes. Ex: Making boxes, furniture and paper etc.
4. Fuel requirement: Wood is the important fuel for rural and tribal
population.
5. Shifting cultivation: Replacement of natural forest ecosystem for mono
specific tree plantation. Ex: Teak
6. Forest fires: Forest fire destructs thousands of acres of forest.
7. Over grazing: Over grazing by cattle reduces the cultivation of land.

Consequences of deforestation (or) impacts of deforestation:

1. Economic loss
2. Loss of biodiversity
3. Destructs the habitats of various species
4. Reduction in stream flow
5. Increases the rate of global warming
6. Disruption of weather patterns and global climate
7. Degradation of soil and acceleration of the rate of soil erosion.
8. Induces and accelerates mass movement / land slides.
9. Increases flood frequency, magnitude / severity.
10.Breaks the water cycle 11.Breaks the nutrient cycle

PREVENTIVE MEASURES (OR) AVOID OF DEFORESTATION

(OR) METHODS OF CONSERVATION OF FORESTS
1. New plants of more or less of the same variety should be planted to replace
the trees cut down for timber
2. Use of wood for fuel should be discouraged.
3. Forest pests can be controlled by spraying pesticides by using aero planes
4. Forest fire must be controlled by modern techniques.
5. Over grazing by cattle must be controlled.
6. Steps should be taken by the government to discourage the migration of
people into the islands from mainland.
7. Education and awareness programmes must be conducted.
8. Strict implementation of law of Forest conservation Act.

Deforestation in the Himalayan region, involves clearing of natural forests

and plantation of monoculture like Eucalyptus. Nutrient in the soil is poor;
therefore soil losing their fertility, hence, Himalayan area facing the serious
problem of desertification.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES IN FORESTS

TIMBER EXTRACTION
Wood used for engineering purposes like building houses, making furniture is
called timber. The products derived from timber have been important to
many civilizations, and thus it has acquired value within these civilizations.
Timber extraction results in deforestation and in the fragmentation of the last
remaining forests. It harms valuable species of trees, birds and wild animals.
In spite of this, it is sometimes necessary to extract timber, so as to meet the
needs of a developing country. During the extraction of timber, cutting,
felling and handling should be done selectively, carefully and in a planned
manner, in order to save the remaining forests and biodiversity.

Effects of Timber Extraction The major effects of timber extraction on

forest and tribal people include:
1. Poor logging results in a degraded forest.
2. Floods may be intensified by cutting of trees or upstream watersheds.
3. Loss of biodiversity.
4. Climatic changes such as less rains.
5. New logging roads permit shifting cultivators to gain access to logged
areas and cut the remaining trees.
6. It results in forest fragmentation which promotes loss of biodiversity
because some species of plants and animals require large continuous areas of
similar habitat to survive.
7. Exploitation of tribal people by the contractors.
8. Soil erosion especially on slopes occurs extensively.
9. Sedimentation of irrigation systems, floods may be intensified by cutting
of trees on upstream.

Case Study-
Chipko Movement The world famous Chipko Movement, pioneered by
Dasohli Gram Swarajya Mandal in Gopeshwar brought about a general
awareness about conservation of forests.
The first Chipko Movement dates back to 1731, when a village woman
named Amrita Bai led the Bishnoi women against the Maharajas men to
prevent them from cutting trees. In this attempt to save the trees, she
sacrificed her life along with the lives of her husband, three daughters and
363 people. The movement was given this name because the village women
embraced or hugged the trees to stop them from being cut. In 1972, in Uttar
Pradesh, the Chipko Movement was led by Bachnoi Devi of Advani who
protected the hill forests from the contractors axe men.

DAMS
Today there are more than 45,000 large dams around the world, which play
an important role in communities and economies that harness these water
resources for their economic development. Current estimates suggest some
30-40% of irrigated land worldwide relies on dams. Hydropower, another
important the use of stored water, currently supplies 19% of the world’s total
electric power supply and is used in over 150 countries. The world’s two
most populous countries – China and India –have built around 57% of the
world’s large dams.
Dams problems
Dams are the massive artificial structures built across the rivers to store water
for much beneficial purpose. Dams are considered a “Temples of modern
India”. Dams destruct vast area of forest area. India has more than 1600 large
dams.

Effects of dams on forest:

1. Thousands of hectares of forest will be cleared.
2. Killing of wild animals and destruction of aquatic life.
3. Spreading of water borne diseases.
4. Water logging increases the salinity of the soil. Ex: Narmadha Sagar
project it has submerged 3.5 lakhs hectares of forest.

Effects of dam on tribal people

1. Construction of big dams lead to the displacement of tribal people.
2. Displacement and cultural change affects the tribal people both mentally
and physically.
3. They do not accommodate the modern food habits and life style.
4. Tribal people are ill treated by the modern society.
5. Many of the displaced people were not recognised and resettled or
compensated.
6. Body condition of tribal people will not suit with new areas and hence
they will be affected by many diseases.

Case study- Sardar Sarovar Project:

The World Bank’s withdrawal from the Sardar Sarovar Project in India
in 1993 was a result of the demands of local people threatened with the loss
of their livelihoods and homes in the submergence area. This dam in
Gujarat on the Narmada has displaced thousands of tribal folk, whose
lives and livelihoods were linked to the river, the forests and their agricultural
lands. While they and the fishermen at the estuary, have lost their homeland,
rich farmers downstream will get water for agriculture. The question is why
should the local tribals be made homeless, displaced and relocated to benefit
other people? Why should the less fortunate be made to bear the costs of
development for better off farmers? It is a question of social and economic
equity as well as the enormous environmental losses, including loss of the
biological diversity of the inundated forests in the Narmada valley.

MINING :
The process of extracting mineral resources and fossil fuels like coal from the
earth is called as mining.
Types of mining :
1. Surface mining: Mining of minerals from shallow deposits
2. Underground mining: Mining of minerals from deep deposits Steps
involved in mining
1. Exploration
2. Development
3. Exploitation
4. Ore processing
5. Extraction and purification of minerals The extent of damage by
underground mining is more than that of surface mining, which needs
enormous amount of land area for its operation and management.

Effects of mining:
1. Pollute soil, water and air.
2. Destruction of natural habitat.
3. Continuous removal of minerals leads to the formation of trench where
water is logged which contaminates the ground water.
4. Vibrations cause earth quakes.
5. Produces noise pollution
6. Reduces shape and size of the forest.
7. Increased risk of landslides.
8. Spoils the aesthetic beauty.

WATER RESOURCES Water is an important resource. An important use

of water in our country is for irrigation. Besides, water is also required in
large amounts for industrial and domestic consumption.

USES :
 Is essential for all forms of life.
 Many uses of water include agricultural, industrial, household,
recreational and environmental activities. For all of these human uses,
require fresh water.
 No plant or animal species can survive without water.
 If water in our body drops by 1% we feel thirst, if it drops by 10% we
face death.

Distribution of Water Resorces

UNDERGROUND WATER Aquifer: Layers of highly permeable rock that

can store water is called an aquifer. Layer of sand and gravels are good
aquifers. Clay and crystalline rocks are not good aquifers.

Effects of over utilization of water :-

1. Decrease of ground water:
i. Increased usage decreases the ground water.
ii. Insufficient rain fall
iii. Building construction activities sealing the permeability of the soil.

2. Ground subsidence: If ground water withdrawal is greater than it’s

recharge rate, then the sediments in the aquifers get compacted. As a result
shrinkage of land surface takes place.
Problems:
a. Structural damages to the buildings
b. Fracture in pipes.
c. Reversing the flow of canals.

3. Lowering of water table:

Over utilization of ground water in arid and semi arid regions for agriculture
disturbs the state of equilibrium of the hydrological cycle.
Problem:
a. Lowering of water table
b. Decrease the number of aquifers
c. Change the speed and direction of water.

4. Intrusion of salt water: In coastal area over exploitation of ground water

leads to the intrusion of salt water from sea. Therefore that water cannot be
used for drinking and agriculture.

5. Over utilization of water causes earth quakes, landslides and famines.

6. Drying up of wells: Due to over utilization, ground water level decreases
much faster than can be regenerated. It leads to drying up of dug well and
bore wells.
7. Pollution of water: Near the agricultural land ground water decreases
therefore water containing nitrogen enters into the ground and pollute the
ground water.
 Problem: Water which contains excess nitrate content is not suitable for
drinking.

REASONS FOR DECLINE OF GROUND WATER

Population continues to rise at an unprecedented and unsustainable rate;
many more areas are expected to experience this imbalance in the near future.

1. Population explosion: World population is > 6 billion and will continue to

increase significantly during the next few decades - Enormous demands on
the world’s limited freshwater supply. The total annual freshwater
withdrawals today are estimated at 3800 cubic kilometers, twice as much as
just 50 years ago (World Commission on Dams, 2000).

2. Overutilization of Surface and Groundwater:

Occurs at various levels. Use of more water than really needed by human
beings. Many agriculturists use more water than necessary to grow crops.
Industries in order to maximize short-term economic gains, does not bother
its liquid waste and releases it into streams, rivers and the sea.
3. Deforestation: Once hill slopes are removed of forest cover, the rainwater
rushes down the rivers and is lost. Forest cover permits water to be held in
the area permitting it to seep into the ground. This charges the underground
stores of water in natural aquifers. This can be used in drought years if the
stores have been filled during a good monsoon. This soil and water
management and afforestation are long-term measures that reduce the impact
of droughts. The destruction of forests influences the regulation of natural
water cycle. The removal of dense and uniform cover over the hilly zones
leads to occurrence of floods in drainage basins. Nations situated in tropical
climates including India experience disastrous floods caused by the
indiscriminate deforestation of the slopes above the valleys. 4. Hydropower
generation: Large amount of water is used for generating power which
otherwise used for human needs.
5. Dams - for Agriculture and Power Generation

6. Rain fall: The erratic and inadequate rainfall results in reduction in storage
in subsurface reservoirs. The building construction activities are sealing the
permeable zone, reducing the area for percolation of rainwater into
subsurface and increase in surface runoff.

7. India’s increasing demand for water for intensive irrigated

agriculture, for generating electricity, and for consumption in urban and
industrial centers, has been met by creating large dams. Dams support 30 to
40% of this area.

FLOOD It is an over flow of water. It happens when the magnitude of flow

of water exceeds the carrying capacity of the channel within its bank.

CAUSES OF FLOOD:
1. Heavy rainfall, melting of snow and sudden release of water from dams.
(Flash floods)
2. Reduction in the carrying capacity of the channel.
3. Deforestation, mining and over grazing increase the runoff from rains and
the level of flood raises.

EFFECT OF FLOOD:
1. Water spreads in the surrounding area and submerges them.
2. Cultivated land gets affected.
3. Extinction of civilization.

FLOOD MANAGEMENT:
1. Floods can be controlled by dams. 2. Channel management control flood.
3. Flood hazards reduced by forecasting or flood warning. 4. Flood may also
be reduced by reduction of run off by increasing infiltration through
appropriate afforestation in the catchment area.
DROUGHT:
Drought is nothing but scarcity of water, which occurs due to
1. Inadequate rain fall
2. Late arrival of rain fall
3. Excessive withdrawal of ground water.
Lack of water for the needs of agriculture, livestock, industry or human
population may be termed as a drought. Drought causes serious damages to
plants, animals and human life.

CAUSES OF DROUGHT:
1. When annual rain fall is below normal and less than evaporation, drought
is created.
2. High population.
3. Intensive cropping pattern Ex: Maharashtra - There has been no recovery
from drought for the last 30 years due to over exploitation of water by
sugarcane crop.

EFFECTS OF DROUGHT:
1. Drought causes hunger, malnutrition and scarcity of drinking water an also
changes the quality of water.
2. Drought causes widespread crop failure leading to acute shortage of food
and adversely affects human and live stock population.
3. Worst situation of drought causes desertification.
4. Raw materials of agro based industries are critically affected during
drought time, hence industrial and commercial growth decreases.
5. Drought increases the degradation of natural resources.
6. Drought causes large migration of people and urbanization.

DROUGHT MANAGEMENT
1. Indigenous knowledge is essential.
2. Rain water harvesting system.
3. Construction of reservoirs to improve ground water level.
4. Modern irrigation technology (drip irrigation) very useful to conserve
water.
5. Afforestration activities also improve the potential of water in the drought
area.
6. Crop mixing and dry forming are the suitable methods which minimize the
risk of crop failures in dry area.

DAMS:
Dams made significant contributions to human development and the benefits
derived from them have been considerable. Large dams are designed to
control floods and to help the drought prone areas, with supply of water. But
large dams have proved to Environmental Science 21 AITT & H&S cause
severe environmental damage. Hence an attempt has been made to construct
small dams. Multiple small dams have less impact on the environment.

Benefits: Dams ensure a year round supply of water for domestic use and
provide extra water for agriculture, industries and hydropower generation.

Problems: They alter river flows, change nature’s flood control mechanisms
such as wetlands and flood plains, and destroy the lives of local people and
the habitats of wild plant and animal species, particularly is the case with
mega dams. Some of the problems are mentioned below.

Dam construction and submersion leads to significant loss of farmland and

forest and land submergence Siltation of reservoirs, water logging and
salination in surrounding lands reduces agricultural productivity Serious
impacts on ecosystems - significant and irreversible loss of species and
ecosystems, deforestation and loss of biodiversity, affects aquaculture Socio
economic problems for example, displacement, rehabilitation and
resettlement of tribal people.
Fragmentation and physical transformation of rivers.
  Displacement of people - People living in the catchment area, lose
property and livelihood Impacts on lives, livelihoods, cultures and
spiritual existence of indigenous and tribal people Dislodging animal
populations.
 Disruption of fish movement and navigational activities.
 Emission of green house gases due to rotting of vegetation.
 Natural disasters – reservoirs induced seismicity, flash floods etc and
biological.
 hazards due to large - scale impounding of water – increase exposure
to vectorbrone diseases, such as malaria, schistosomiasis, filariasis.

SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMent.

 Building several small reservoirs instead of few mega projects
Developing small catchment dams and protecting wetlands.
 Soil management, micro-catchment development and afforestation
permits recharging of underground aquifer, thus reducing the need for
large dams.
 Treating and recycling municipal waste water for agricultural use.
 Preventing leakages form dams and canals and loss in municipal pipes.
Effective rainwater harvesting in urban environments.
 Water conservation measures in agriculture, such as using drip
irrigation, control of growing water intensive cash crops ; control of
water logging.
 Pricing water at its real value makes people use it more responsibility
and efficiently and reduces wastage.
 In deforested areas where land has been degraded, appropriate soil
management practices, making bunds along the hill-slopes and making
nalla plugs can help retain moisture and make it possible to revegetate
degraded areas.
 Use waste water for activities that does not need fresh water –
Recycling.
 Adopt mini water harvesting models for domestic usage.
  Protect existing tanks.
 Develop systematic water management and adopt strict water auditing.
 “Save water Campaigns” for public awareness on water scarcity.
Through rainwater harvesting, community based participatory
initiatives and holistic watershed management.
 Responsible water usage can only be achieved by empowering local
communities and creating local accountability.
 The government should develop policies that protect water resources,
promote sustainable watershed management and invest in technologies
that will increase efficiency in irrigation, industrial usage and improve
water harvesting techniques.

WATER CONFLICTS
1. Conflict through use: Unequal distribution of water led to interstate and
international disputes.
National conflicts:
a. Sharing of cauvery water between Karnataka and TamilNadu.
b. Sharing of Krishna water between Karnataka and Andrapradesh
c. Siruvani – TamilNadu and Kerala.

International conflicts: Indus – India and Pakistan & Colorado river –

Mexico and USA.

MINERAL RESOURCES: Naturally occurring inorganic crystalline solids

with uniform chemical composition are called as minerals.

USES AND EXPLOITATION OF MINERALS:

1. Development of industrial plants and machinery. - Fe, Al & Cu.
2. Construction work – Fe, Al &Ni.
3. Generation of energy - coal, lignite, uranium.
4. Designing defense equipments like weapons and ornaments.
5. Agricultural purposes – fertilizers and fungicides – Zn & Mn
6. Jewellery –Au, Ag & Pt.
7. Making alloys for various purposes.
8. Communication purposes – telephone, wires, cables and electronic devices
9. Medicinal purposes, particularly in ayurvedic system

ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY MINING ACTIVITIES

1. Devegetation:
Topsoil and vegetation get removed.
Deforestation leads to several ecological losses.
Land scape gets badly affected.

2. Ground water contamination:

Mining pollutes ground water; sulphur is converted into sulphuric acid which
enters into the soil.

3. Surface water pollution: Radioactive wastes and other acidic impurities

affect the surface water, which kills many aquatic animals.
4. Air pollution: Smelting and roasting are done to purify the metal which
emits air pollutants and damage the nearby vegetation. It causes many health
problems.
5. Subsidence of land: Mainly underground mining results in cracks in
houses, tilting of buildings and bending of rail tracks.

EFFECTS OF OVER EXPLOITATION OF MINERALS:

1. Rapid depletion of mineral deposits.
2. Wastage
3. Environmental pollution
4. Needs heavy energy requirements.

MANAGEMENT OF MINERAL RESOURCES

1. The efficient use and protection of mineral resources.
2. Modernization of mining industries
3. Search for new deposit
4. Reuse and recycling of the metals.
5. Environmental impacts can be minimized by adopting eco friendly mining
technology.

CASE STUDIES-MINING AND QUARRYING IN UDAIPUR 200 open

cast mining and quarrying in Udaipur. But 100 mines are illegal. 150 tons of
explosives are used per month. It pollutes air, soil and water. It affects
irrigation and wild life.

FOOD RESOURCES:
Food is an essential requirement for survival of life. Main components are
carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins.

TYPES OF FOOD SUPPLY

1. Crop plants: Grains mostly constitute about 76% of the world’s food. Ex:
Rice, Wheat and Maize.
2. Range lands: Produces 17% of world’s food from trees and grazing
animals. Ex: Fruits, milk and meat.
3. Ocean: Fisheries – 7% of world’s food.

WORLD FOOD PROBLEM:

1. In the earth’s surface, 79% is water out of total area. 21% land (forest,
desert, mountain and barren land). Less % cultivated land, at the same time
population explosion is high therefore world food problem arises.
2. Environmental degradation like soil erosion, water logging, water
pollution, salinity affects agricultural land.
3. Urbanization affects agricultural land. Hence production of rice, wheat,
corn and other vegetable is difficult.

TYPES OF NUTRITION
1. Nutritious nutrition:
To maintain good health and disease resistance, we need large amount of
carbohydrate, proteins, fats and smaller amount of micronutrients such as
vitamins and minerals such as Fe, Ca and iodine. Food and agricultural
organization (FAO) of United Nations estimated that on an average, the
minimum calorie intake on a global state is 2500 calories/day.

2. Under nutrition:
People who cannot buy enough food to meet their basic energy needs suffer
from under nutrition. They receive less than 90% of this minimum dietary
calorie. Effect of under nutrition: Suffer from mental retardation and
infectious diseases.

3. Mal nutrition: Besides minimum calorie intake we also need proteins,

minerals, vitamins, iron and iodine. Deficiency leads to malnutrition resulting
in several diseases.

OVER GRAZING: It is a process of eating the forest vegetation without giving a

chance to regenerate.

EFFECTS OF OVER GRAZING:

1. Land degradation: Over grazing removing the cover of vegetation, Exposed
soil gets compacted, Soil moisture reduces.
2. Desertification: Over grazing leads to poor, dry and compacted soil. Land
cannot be used for further cultivation.
3. Soil erosion: When the grasses are removed the soil becomes loose and gets
eroded by the action of wind and rain fall.
4. Loss of useful species: Over grazing affects the plant population and their
regenerating capacity. Over grazing replace the plant of high nutritive value with
plant of low nutritive value.

AGRICULTURE: Agriculture is an art, science and industry of managing the

growth of plants animals for human use. It includes cultivation of the soil, growing
and harvesting crops, breeding and raising livestock, dairying and forestry.
 TYPES OF AGRICULTURE
1. Traditional agriculture: Traditional agriculture Small plot, simple tools,
surface water, organic fertilizer and a mixture of crops constitute traditional
agriculture. They produce enough food to feed their family and to sell it for their
income.

2. Modern (or) industrialised agriculture:

2. Modern agriculture Hybrid seeds of single crop variety, high tech equipments,
lot of fertilisers, pesticides and water to produce large amount of single crops.

EFFECTS OF MODERN AGRICULTURE:

1. Problems in using fertilizers Environmental Science 27 AITT & H&S.

a. Excess of fertilizers causes micronutrient imbalance. (e.g) Punjab and Haryana
deficiency of nutrient zinc in the soil affect the productivity of the soil.
b. Blue baby syndrome (nitrate pollution): Nitrate present in the fertilizer causes
blue baby syndrome, when the amount exceeds the limit leads to death.
c. Eutrophication: Nitrogen and phosphorus in the crop fields washed out by runoff
water in the water bodies, which increases the nourishment of the lakes called
eutrophication. Hence algal species increases rapidly. Life time of the species is
less and they decompose easily and pollute the water which affects the aquatic life.

2. Problems in using pesticides

1. Death of non target organism.
2. Producing new pest – super pest
3. Bio magnification – Most of the pesticides are non bio degradable, keep on
concentrating in the food chain and it is harmful to human beings.

4. Risk of cancer:
a. It directly acts as carcinogen.
b. It indirectly supports immune system.

3. Water logging: Land where water stand for most of the year.
Causes of water logging:
1. Excessive water supply.
2. Heavy rain
3. Poor drainage Remedy: 1. Preventing excessive irrigation 2. Subsurface
drainage technology 3. Bio drainage like trees like Eucalyptus

CASE STUDY- PESTICIDES IN INDIA:

In Delhi the accumulation of pesticide in the body of mother causes premature
delivery and low birth weight infant. Environmental Science 28 AITT & H&S
Pesticides in Pepsi and Coca Cola India has reported that Pepsi and coca cola
companies are selling soft drinks with pesticide content 30-40 times higher than
EU limits. This damages the nervous system,.

ENERGY RESOURCES
ENERGY DISTRIBUTION IN THE WORLD:
Developed countries like USA and Canada constitute only 5% of the world’s
population but consume 25% of the world’s available energy.
Energy consumed by a person in a developed country for a single day is equal to
energy consumed by a single person in a poor country for one year.
Developed country GNP increases and energy consumption increases.
In the poor country GNP and energy consumption are less.

TYPES OF ENERGY RESOURCES:

1. Renewable energy resource (or) Non conventional energy resources
2. Non renewable energy resources (or) Conventional energy resources

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES:

Energy which can be regenerated.
Merits of renewable energy resources:
1. Unlimited supply.
2. Provides energy security.
3. Fits into sustainable development concept.
4. Reliable and the devices are modular in size.
5. Decentralized energy production.
Types of renewable energy resources:
1. Solar energy: Nuclear fusion reaction of sun produces enormous amount of
energy. Several techniques are available for collecting, storing and using solar
energy.
a. Solar cell (or) Photovoltaic cell (or) PV cell: Solar cell consists of p- type
semi conductor (Si doped with B) and n-type semi conductor (Si doped with P).
P-type forms top layer and n-type forms bottom layer.
Solar rays fall on the top layer, the electrons from valence band promoted to the
conduction band which crosses the p-n junction into n-type semi Environmental
Science 29 AITT & H&S conductor.
Potential difference between the two layers is created which causes flow of
electrons.
Uses: It is used in calculators, electronic watches, street light, water pumps etc.

b. Solar battery: Large number of solar cells connected in series is called solar
battery. It is used in remote areas where continuous power supply is a problem.

c. Solar water heater: It consists of insulated box painted with black paint with
glass lid. Inside the box black painted copper coil is present. Cold water is allowed
to flow, it is heated up and flows out into a storage tank from which water is
supplied through pipes.

2. Wind energy: Moving air is called wind. The energy recovered from the force
of the wind is called wind energy It’s speed is high.
a. Wind mills: When a blowing wind strikes the blade of the wind mill, it rotates
continuously. And rotational motion of the blade drives number of machines like
water pump, flour mills and electric generators.
b. Wind farms: When a large number of mills are installed and joined together in
a definite pattern – it forms wind farm. It produces large amount of electricity.
Condition: Minimum speed for wind generator is 15 Km/hr.

Advantages:
1. It does not cause air pollution
2. Very cheap Environmental Science 30 AITT & H&S
 3. Ocean energy: Tidal energy (or) Tidal power: Ocean tides are due to
gravitational force of sun and moon which produce enormous amount of energy.
High tides – rise of water in the ocean. Low tides – fall of water in the ocean. Tidal
energy can be used by constructing a tidal barrage. During high tides sea water
enters into the reservoirs and rotates the turbine, produce electricity. During low
tides water from reservoir enters into the sea rotate the turbine produce electricity.
Ocean thermal energy: Temperature difference between surface water and deeper
level water in ocean generates electricity. The energy available due to the
difference in temperature of water is called ocean thermal energy.
Condition: Temperature difference should be 200C.
Process: Ammonia is converted into vapours on the surface of warm water, it
increases the vapour pressure which rotate the turbine and generates electricity.
Deeper level cold water is pumped to cool and condense the vapour in to liquid.

3. Geo thermal energy: Temperature of the earth increases at a of 20 –750C

per/km when we move down the earth. The energy utilised from the high
temperature present inside the earth is called geothermal energy. Natural geysers:
Hot water or steam comes out of the ground through cracks naturally is called
natural geysers. Artificial geysers: Artificially a drill hole up to the hot region and
by sending a pipe into it. The hot water or steam is used to rotate the turbine and
generate electricity.

4. Bio mass energy: Bio mass: Organic matter produced by plants or animals used
as source of energy Bio gas: Mixture of methane, carbondioxide and hydrogen
sulphide. Methane is the major constituent. It is obtained by anerobic fermentation
of animal dung (or) plant wastes in the presence of water.

Bio fuels: Fuels obtained by the fermentation of biomass.

Ex: Ethanol, methanol Ethanol: Produced from sugar cane. Calorific value is less.
Methanol: Obtained from ethanol Calorific value too less.
Gasohol: Mixture of ethanol and gasoline India trial is going on to use gasohol in
cars and buses.
Hydrogen fuel: Hydrogen produced by pyrolysis, photolysis and electrolysis of
water. It has high calorific value. Non polluting one because the combustion
product is water.
Disadvantages: 1. Hydrogen is highly inflammable and explosive.
2. Safe handling is required.
3. Difficult to store and transport.

NON RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES: Energy which cannot be

regenerated is called as non-renewable.
1. Coal: It is a solid fossil fuel.
Disadvantages: 1. When coal is burnt large amount of CO2 is released which
causes global warming. 2. S, N produces toxic gases during burning.
2. Petroleum: Crude oil is a liquid consists of more than hundreds of
hydrocarbons and small amount of impurities. The petroleum can be refined by
fractional distillation. In the world level 25% of oil reserves are in Saudi Arabia.
At present rate of usage, the world crude oil reserves are expected to get exhausted
in just 40 years. Environmental Science 32 AITT & H&S

3. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG): Petroleum gases obtained during FD and

cracking can be easily converted into liquid under high pressure as LPG. It is
colorless and odorless gas, but during cylindering mercaptans are added to detect
leakage.

4. Natural gas: These are found above oil in oil wells. It is a mixture of methane
and other hydrocarbons. Calorific value is high. There are two types. Dry gas and
wet gas.

5. Nuclear energy: Dr.H.Bhabha is a father of nuclear power development in

India. 10 nuclear reactors are present in India. It produces 2% of India’s electricity.
Nuclear energy can be produced by two types of reactions.

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Nuclear fission; It is a nuclear change in

which heavier nucleus split into lighter nuclei on bombardment of fast moving
neutrons. Large amount of energy is released through chain reaction. Ex: Uranium
with fast moving neutron gives barium and krypton in addition to three neutrons; in
the second stage it gives nine neutrons and so on. This process of propagation of
the reaction by multiplication is called chain reaction.

Nuclear fission: It is a nuclear change in which lighter nucleus is combined

together at extremely high temperature (1 billion 0C) to form heavier nucleus and a
large amount of energy is released. Ex: Isotopes of hydrogen combine to form
helium molecule.

CASE STUDY Wind energy in India: India generating 1200 MW electricity using
the wind energy. Largest wind farm situated near Kanyakumari in Tamilnadu. It
produces 380 MW electricity.

Hydrogen fuel car: General motor company of china discovered a experimental

car ( fuel H2) can produce no emission only water droplets and vapors come out of
the exhaust pi.