PROJECT ON A STUDY ON ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND HUMAN POPULATION

SUBMITTED BY SHWETA SUNIL KEREKAR Seat no. 4328

T.Y.BMS (Semester-V) *2012-2013*

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF PROF. VANDANA MATHUR

SUBMITTED TO UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI

NIRMALA MEMORIAL FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF COMMERCE AND SCIENCE 90 FEET ROAD, ASHA NAGAR, THAKUR COMPLEX, KANDIVALI (E), MUMBAI-400 101.

DECLARATION

Miss. SHWETA SUNIL KEREKAR of T.Y.BMS. (Bachelor

Degree of Management Studies Semester V) hereby declare that I have completed the project on A STUDY & ON

ENVIRONMENTAL

DEGRADATION

HUMAN

POPULATION in the academic year 2012-2013. The information submitted is true and original to best of my knowledge.

________________ Date of Submission.

________________ Signature of Student, (SHWETA KEREKAR)

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project titled as A STUDY ON ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION & HUMAN

POPULATION has been completed by Miss. SHWETA SUNIL KEREKAR of T.Y.BMS. (Semester-V) examination in academic year 2012-2013. The information submitted is true and original to the best of knowledge.

______________ (Dr. T. P. Madhu Nair) Principal

______________ (Prof. Poonam Kakkad) Course Coordinator

________________ (Prof.Vandana Mathur)

________________

External Examiner

Project Guide

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to extend my gratitude to Prof. Vandana Mathur for providing guidance and support during the course of project. She has been a great help through the making of the project. I would like to thank the University Of Mumbai for giving me the opportunity to work on such a relevant topic. I would also like to thank the college faculty and the librarian and the Principal Dr. T.P.Madhu Nair for their help and other who are indirectly responsible for the completion of this project. In addition I would like to take this opportunity to thank our BMS Coordinator Prof.Poonam Kakkad for being there always to guide me and for extending her full support.
DateMumbai _______________ Signature of Student (Shweta Kerekar)

PREFACE
In this project I have studied environmental degradation is a situation in which a part of the natural environment is damaged. Environmental degradation is the imbalance between population and resources. It is a controversial issue of the last and new centuries. Because of the human activities increased with the developing technology since the last century, human effects on the environment have increased & it leads to various environmental issues. The World Health Organization believes that almost one third of global disease can be directly related to environmental risk factors. The government has now realized the need concern regarding environmental issues, and started incorporating environment into policies dealing with various sectors. Governments, International organizations and communities must work together at all levels to lessen the risks associated with environmental degradation and its contributing factors, such as climate change, and ensure that vulnerable people are prepared to survive and adapt. At the same time, companies, organizations and individuals must also ensure that their work is environmentally friendly and sustainable. Western nations are the largest consumers of goods and services in the world and they are also the largest contributors of environmental degradation. Developed countries are also in the best position to minimize the causes of environmental deterioration. My study is based on only secondary data which has been collected from various books, websites &magazines. My inference is based on the data that I have obtained.

INDEX
Sr. No.
1. OBJECTIVES 2. 3. CONCEPT & DEFINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION CAUSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION EFFECTS OF GROWTH OF HUMAN POPULATION ON THE ENVIRONMENT EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION ON HUMAN HEALTH CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES KYOTO PROTOCOL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS MEASURES TAKEN TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION MEASURES TAKEN BY COMPANIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT EFFECTS OF POLLUTION ON TAJ MAHAL POLLUTION IN GANGA RIVER CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY 2-3 4-6

CONTENT

Pg. No.
1

4. 5.

7-10 11-15

6.

16-19

7. 8. 9. 10.

20-27 28-32 33-42 43-55

11.

56-59

12. 13. 14. 15.

60-61 62-65 66 67

OBJECTIVES
To study on concept of Environmental degradation.

To study the types of Environmental Degradation.

To study the causes of Environmental Degradation.

To study the effects of Environmental Degradation.

To come to a meaningful conclusion.

CHAPTER: 1
CONCEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Environmental degradation is the worsening of the environment through

collapse of resources, such as air, water, soil that leads to damage of ecosystems and the disappearance of wildlife. When innate habitats are destroyed and natural resources are at a low level, the environment is considered to be degraded. This is a situation in which a part of the natural environment is damaged. It can be used to refer to a loss of biodiversity and a loss of natural resources in an area. Environmental degradation is not a new thing, it has been happening all over the world for centuries. The problem is that it is now occurring at a much faster rate, therefore not leaving enough time for the environment to recover and regenerate. The greater demands placed on the environment by an ever increasing human population is putting a great strain and drain on the earths limited natural resources. Environmental degradation is a serious threat to the lives of people, animals and plants, making it imperative that we stop further degradation from occurring.

 Environmental degradation describes the erosion of the natural environment through the depletion of resources, the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of plant and animal species. It is caused by direct or indirect human activity, and has increased significantly since the Industrial Revolution. The United Nations has listed environmental degradation in its top ten lists of high level threats faced by the planet to date. Western nations are the largest consumers of goods and services in the world and they are also the largest contributors of environmental degradation. Developed countries are also in the best position to minimise the causes of environmental deterioration and set examples for developing nations to emulate. By acknowledging the causes and effects of environmental degradation, humankind can make a real effort to reducing this serious environmental problem.

DEFINITION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Environmental degradation is the worsening of the environment through collapse of resources, such as air, water, soil that leads to damage of ecosystems and the disappearance of wildlife. When innate habitats are destroyed and natural resources are at a low level, the environment is considered to be degraded. Environmental degradation is the deterioration in environmental quality from ambient concentration of pollutants and other activities and processes such as improper land use and natural disaster. Erosion of the quality of natural environment caused, directly or indirectly, by human activities.

CHAPTER: 2
CAUSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
1) High quantity of Exhaust gases: The biggest reason by far for all kinds of environmental degradation is the exorbitant amount of gases, harmful to the environment, which is released by the various industries. Prime amongst these gases are C02, S02 and NH3. Of course there are many more, and these are the main culprits for ozone holes and global warming.
2) Deforestation:

Close second comes the deforestation all over the world, to harness forest resources, to clear land, for wood and for various other reasons. Deforestation causes major problems for one simple reason; it decreases the number of trees, which clean the environment, provide oxygen and also affect rain patterns. This is the major reason why there are calls for tree plantation; it is to make up for this loss. 3) High number of industries such as mining: Mining creates a lot of pollution, mainly because it releases particulate matter, which qualifies as Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM); the particulate matter which can enter our lungs and can harm the entire respiratory system. This form causes the most direct harm to humans, also particulate matter can come from indoor pollution, as can be seen in cooking on traditional choolahs and cottage industries like banglemaking.
4) Chemical effluents:

Effluents are another by-product of industries which poses threat to the environment, leather and tanning industries, petroleum industries and chemical manufacturing industries create major waste products which are released directly into nearby streams without treatment, creating river pollution and causing harm to aquatic life.

5) Transport:

As the spending power of the population increases and as cars become available more, the number of vehicles on the road increases. The amount has grown exponentially in countries like India, Brazil and China and this is a point form of pollution which directly affects humans. Smog is a nuisance that is created because of vehicular pollution, and HydroCarbons released from engines are the cause of creation of lower level ozone that is harmful to humans.
6) Unprecedented Construction:

Urban Heat Island is a direct cause of the unprecedented construction activities that are being carried out right now, and urban heat island causes trapping of pollutants. Urban Heat island is an effect caused due to trapping of solar radiation by concrete and cement which are materials which trap heat extremely well. Construction causes removal of vegetative cover which usually allows for better exchange of heat. This heat island effect causes constricted circulation of air, which traps pollutants released in urban areas and does not allow for mixing of the air, thus decreasing the air quality.
7) Secondary Pollutants:

Secondary pollutants are ones that are not directly emitted; however they get created when primary pollutants react amongst themselves. Major amongst them is the creation of ozone from reaction between non-burnt Hydrocarbons and Nitrous Oxides. There are various other secondary pollutants and the reaction between these pollutants cause reactions that lead to formation of ozone holes. Stratospheric clouds are the main reaction sites for such pollutants.
8)

Ruinous agricultural policies: Overloading the land with fertilizers, overgrazing and shifting agriculture are ruinous agricultural policies that degrade land, creating soil erosion that leads to silting in major rivers and reservoirs. Soil degradation is a continuous cycle and it ultimately leads to desertification and degradation of land quality by allowing the direct action of eroding agents on cultivable land.

9) The Population Explosion:

The increasing population creates a load that the entire environment has to support, not only in terms of food and lodging, but also in terms of the amount of waste that it generates and the ability of the environment to sustain this growth. All major activities are carried out to support this growing population, and whilst this is unavoidable, what is required is the proper planning that should come with this explosion.
10) Unplanned Land-use policies:

Land models are available these days which help in proper planning and use of land resources. However, failure to use these models and land management policies can lead to land pollution and degradation of the worst kind. Extraction from mines renders them unusable for habitation and if rehabilitation work is not carried out, the piece of land is sure to lose all its value and become unusable. Land classification is one of the major activities that help in proper land use, and it should be followed with utmost care. 11) Poverty:

Poverty is said to both causes and effect of environmental degradation. The circular link between poverty and environmental is an extremely complex phenomenon. Inequality may foster un-sustainability because the poor, who rely on natural resources more than the rich, deplete natural resources faster as they have no real prospects of gaining access to other types of resource. 12) Urbanization :

During the past two decades of 1971-91, Indias urban population has doubled from 109 million to 218 million and is estimated to reach 300 million by 2000 AD.

CHAPTER: 3
TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
1) Deforestation: Deforestation is the excessive cutting down of trees and clearing of forests for different purposes. It is the destruction of forests. These directly and indirectly affect us. Thus, deforestation is a serious type of environmental degradation. There are many root causes of contemporary deforestation, including corruption of government institutes, the inequitable distribution of wealth and power, population growth and overpopulation, and urbanization. Globalization is often viewed as another root causes of deforestation, though there are cases in which impact of globalization have promoted localizes forest recovery. 2) Desertification: Desertification is the degradation of land in arid and dry subhumid areas due to various factors including climate variations and human activities. Desertification results chiefly from man-made activities: it is principally caused by overgrazing, over drafting of groundwater & diversion of water from rivers for human consumption and industrial use, all of these processes are fundamentally driven by overpopulation. A major impact of Desertification is reduced biodiversity and diminished productive capacity. 3) Soil erosion: Soil erosion can be defined as the destruction of the top layer of the soil as a result of natural or human activities. Soil erosion refers to the carrying away of soil. Soil erosion is also serious type of environmental degradation. It affects crop production, pollutes water resources and causes many other direct and indirect problems to human beings.

4) Landslides: The downward slide of land on hilly slopes is called landslide. Our country is mountainous. Excluding the Terai region, the entire country has hills and mountains spread all around. Many a time, due to various reasons the land on hilly slopes gets destroyed. Landslide often occurs naturally. However, as a result of various human activities, the occurrence of landslide in our country has increased. No single monsoon season goes without news of some major or minor landslide occurring. The Krishna Vhir, between Katmandu and Narayanghat has become notorious landslides troubling travelers throughout the year. Landslides also harmfully affect human beings and their possessions. 5) Floods: The overflow of water from rivers and streams into nearby lands is called a flood. Flood is a serious type of environmental degradation in our country. Environmental problem is directly related to surface water. As result of the excess amounts, sometimes flowing water breaks its embankment and overflows into nearby lands as flood. A large numbers of rivers flowing directly from the Himalayas. Every year, during the monsoons, many of these rivers flood nearby land causing great destruction to human beings and property. 6) Emission: When human or natural forces release chemicals or other substances into the environment, the process is known as emission. Emission often causes pollution. It caused when chemicals are released into the air. Many natural processes cause emission. When a volcano erupts, it lets out acid, ash, and many toxic gases. When fires break out in forest. They release smoke, soot, carcinogenic hydrocarbons, dioxins and carbon dioxide.

7) Pollution: Pollution can be defined as an undesirable change in our air, water and land resources, which directly or indirectly cause harm to us. Its impact is seen on almost all component of the environment including air, land and water. Pollution may be in the form of addition of undesirable chemicals e.g.; death of all fishes in the rivers.

Types of Pollution:

Air Pollution

Air pollution is defined as any contamination of the atmosphere that disturbs the natural composition and chemistry of the air. This can be in the form of particulate matter such as dust or excessive gases like carbon dioxide or other vapors that cannot be effectively removed through natural cycles, such as thecarbon cycle or the nitrogen cycle.Depending on the concentration of air pollutants, several effects can be noticed. Smog increases, higher rain acidity, crop depletion from inadequate oxygen, and higher rates of asthma. Many scientists believe that global warming is also related to increased air pollution.

 Water Pollution

Water pollution involves any contaminated water, whether from chemical, particulate, or bacterial matter that degrades the water's quality and purity. Water pollution can occur in oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground reservoirs, and as different water sources flow together the pollution can spread.The effects of water pollution include decreasing the quantity of drinkable water available, lowering water supplies for crop irrigation, and impacting fish and wildlife populations that require water of certain purity for survival. Soil Pollution

Soil, or land pollution, is contamination of the soil that prevents natural growth and balance in the land whether it is used for cultivation, habitation, or a wildlife preserve. Some soil pollution, such as the creation of landfills, is deliberate, while much more is accidental and can have widespread effects. Soil contamination can lead to poor growth and reduced crop yields, loss of wildlife habitat, water and visual pollution, soil erosion, and desertification.

CHAPTER: 4
EFFECTS OF GROWTH OF HUMAN POPULATION ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The rapid population growth and economic development in country are degrading the environment through the uncontrolled growth of urbanization and industrialization, expansion and intensification of agriculture, and the destruction of natural habitats. One of the major causes of environmental degradation in India could be attributed to rapid growth of population, which is adversely affecting the natural resources and environment. The growing population and the environmental deterioration face the challenge of sustained development without environmental damage. The three fundamental demographic factors of births, deaths and migration produce changes in population size; composition, distribution and these changes raise a number of important questions of cause and effect. Population Reference Bureau estimated the 6.14 billion world's population in mid 2001. Contribution of India alone to this population was estimated to be 1033 millions. It is estimated that the countrys population will increase to 1.26 billion by the year 2016. The projected population indicates that India will be a first most populous country in the world and China will be second in 2050. The increase of population has been tending towards alarming situation. India is having 18 percent of the world's population on 2.4 percent of its land area has great deal of pressure on its all natural resources. Water shortages, soil exhaustion, deforestation, air and water pollution

afflicts many areas. If the world population continues to multiply, the impact on environment could be devastating. As the 21st century begins, growing number of people and rising levels of consumption per capita are depleting natural resources and degrading the environment. The poverty-environmental damage nexus in India. The pressures on the environment intensify every day as the population grows. The rapid increase of human numbers combines with desperate poverty and rising levels of consumption are depleting natural resources on which the livelihood of present and future generations depends. Poverty is amongst the consequences of population growth and its life style play major role in depleting the environment either its fuel demands for cooking or for earning livelihood for their survival. Though the relationship is complex, population size and growth tend to expand and accelerate these human impacts on the environment. The number of population rise will increase to such an extent in future that it will cause overall scarcity for resources. Decades of economic expansion and population growth have degraded its land, air and water. With growing population, requirement for space, shelter, and commodities have exerted Enormous pressure on the environment. Clearing land for cultivation to grow more food: Forests and natural grasslands have been converted to farmlands. Wetlands have been drained and arid lands have been irrigated. These changes have been made to grow more food and more raw materials. But in doing so, the natural resources have been depleted and the landscapes have undergone drastic changes. For example, forests have been cleaned over large for cultivation of agriculture crops. Many mangrove forests known to reduce erosion and stabilize shorelines have been cleared use for growing food crops to meet the needs of the growing population. Need for human settlements: Apart from excessive land use changes for growing food, large population means greater requirement for shelter. To make houses for so many, stones and other building materials have to be quarried more rocks have to be blown off and more water to be used. Need for transport: Elaborate network of transport is required to fulfill the growing need of teeming millions. Various modes of transports have been developed which consume growing quantities of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and petroleum, polluting the atmosphere.

 Need for various commodities: Articles of everyday use such as plastic vessels, mugs, buckets etc., agricultural implements, machinery, chemicals, cosmetics etc are manufactured in factories. The raw materials and fossil fuels and water needed to run industries for manufacturing these products lead to their depletion. Rapid industrialization has also led to pollution from dumping of industrial effluents into rivers and other water bodies. Rapid industrialization has caused much damage to the environment. Mining activities have depleted stock of mineral resources particularly fossil fuels. Present day industrial civilization is becoming a burden on nature and it is time for us to learn to live in harmony with nature. Slum development: Over populated areas result in congested roads and slum formation which lack basic amenities like drinking water, drainage, waste disposal, lack of hygienic conditions and filthy environment create potential conditions for public health problems including spread of epidemic diseases. Discharge of untreated effluents and throwing of waste into water bodies have polluted most of the lakes and rivers. Pollution resulting from overpopulation: Holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and other are suffering from pollution due to discharge of effluents from industries, human settlements, bathing, washing of clothes and throwing of garbage into the river.

INDUSTRIALIZATION
To meet the growing requirement of the increasing human population large scale manufacture of essential goods is necessary. Small factories to big industries have come up for mass production of goods. Industrialization is important for the development of a country.

EFFECTS OF INDUSTRIALIZATION Natural resources used as raw materials by industry are depleting rapidly. Industries generate lot of toxic gases, and liquid effluents leading to environmental degradation.

 Industries generate large amount of waste, which pile up in the environment. Disposal of waste not only needs land but also pollutes the environment and poses hazards to human health. Industries use up a lot of fossil fuels as source of energy. Accelerated consumption of fossils fuels is depleting their stock as they are limited And non-renewable. But burning of fossil fuels releases CO2 in the atmosphere leading to global warming.

MODERNIZED AGRICULTURE
Increase in food production to achieve self sufficiency is an important objective. Intensive agriculture unfortunately, may lead to serious damage to environment some of these are listed below: Forests have been cleared transformed into farmlands for growing food crops. Excessive irrigation and poor drainage causes water logging and kill plants. Pollution by agrochemicals. Increased use of synthetic fertilizers causes to serious environmental problems. For example, Use of pesticides not only kills pests that destroy crop but may also kill many non pest organisms which may include even useful species of insects such as pollinators, birds and helpers in dispersal of plant seeds. Pesticides tend to accumulate and their concentration increases through the food chain and reach toxic levels in eggs, milk and other food items. Agro- industrial wastes are generated. E.g. crop residues such as paddy, jawar gram straws, cotton straws, sugarcane trash, and coconut shells etc. pile up causing environmental degradation. High yielding varieties (HYV) of food crops replaced various traditional crop varieties. Traditional agriculture was based on multi cropping system, i.e. growing of food crops, fodder and firewood crops together. This practice had been replaced by monoculture i.e growing of only one kind of crop (such as wheat etc) in a

field of specific set of nutrients making soil unfit for growing other crops but is being considered again.

URBANIZATION
Urban life is city life. More and more people are moving to cities from villages in search of jobs. The rural-urban migration is also partly due to population growth and poverty in the villages. Urbanization means permanent settlement of people in cities and this has resulted in degradation of the environment in various ways. Industrialization opened up many new jobs. Industries attracted rural youth to cities and their migration become easier with the improvement in communication and transport facilities. Growth of cities leads to increasing demand of environmental resources leading to following changes: Cultivated land was lost forever for building houses, industries, roads and other facilities. A water supply system had to be developed to provide water for drinking and other domestic uses. Growing urban population created increasing demand for potable water. As a result, availability of water becomes more and more scarce. Industries, that were set up to provide the necessary goods for urban folk, generated industrial waste, leading to the pollution of the environment. In cities, black smoke emitted from industries, buses, truck etc. cause air pollution. Large amount of garbage is generated and not disposed properly. As a result garbage remains scattered and unattended. Domestic and industrial effluents are drained into rivers and lakes. High noise levels are a common feature of urban environment. An incessant influx of people into cities and shortage of housing result in development of slums and squatter areas. Inadequate facilities and lack of basic amenities in slums leads to unhygienic condition and social distortion and crime.

CHAPTER: 5
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION ON HUMAN HEALTH

The problems resulting from environmental change and its degradation, pose new challenges for traditional public health science. It is an accepted fact that, environmental degradation is contributing to human health threats worldwide. In the poorest regions of the world an estimated one in five children will not live to see their fifth birthday, primarily because of environment-related diseases. This tragedy translates into more than 11 million childhood deaths a year worldwide, mostly due to malaria, acute respiratory infections or diarrhea, all illnesses that are largely preventable. Environmental degradation is an important factor contributing to the burden of disease. 19%25% of the burden of disease in developing world is linked to environmental factors. The annual cost of damage to health and quality of life due to environmental degradation; is estimated to be 1.8%3.4% of gross domestic product in some countries. 43% of the childrens (0-14 years) mortality is attributable to poor environmental conditions. Thus, environmental degradation exerts significant pressure on human health. Exposure to air, water and soil pollution, to chemicals in the

environment, or to noise, can cause cancer, respiratory, cardiovascular and communicable diseases, as well as poisoning and neuron-psychiatric disorders. Air pollution, in fact, is one obvious environmental health threat in many countries, contributing to a number of illnesses, such as asthma and in some cases leading to premature death. Of particular concern is the fact that children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults, Concerns about the impact of air pollution on health and the economy have resulted in measures to mitigate emissions of the most harmful pollutants, such as particle pollution (acids, organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles) and ozone, which affects the respiratory system. Fossil fuels give us more than just climate change. Burning fossil fuels contributes to other air pollution problems like acid rain and smog that also damage forests, lakes and agricultural crops. The biggest impact from these pollutants, however, may be on human health. Emissions from burning energy include tiny particles that we breathe deep into our lungs. Once there, these pollutants cause respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, and cardiac problems. If these particles carry toxics like benzene, furans or dioxins, they can eventually cause cancer. Water is another key environmental health issue unsafe drinking water and untreated waste water kill thousands of people a year, most of them children. Other health issues associated with emerging environmental hazards, such as chemical products, will also need to be addressed. Chemical products are used in virtually every man-made product and play an important role in the everyday life of people around the world. However, harmful exposure to chemical products can lead to health problems such as skin diseases, chronic bronchitis, nervous system dysfunctions and cancers as well as damaging the environment. Deforestation, agricultural uses of land, climate change caused by increased carbon dioxide emissions, and pollution have lead to create

unsafe and unhygienic conditions that increase disease spread. Deforestation forces changes in watershed and local climate. Environmental degradation has shown an increasing relationship with the rise and spread of human diseases. The World Health Organization believes that almost one third of global disease can be directly related to environmental risk factors. Antibodies and immune systems have developed in part as a result of environmental change. In fact, environmental change plays a large role in the emergence of infectious disease. In particular, as the human population continues to grow, the population density increases; this leads to an abundance of parasites and infection-forming conditions. Extreme temperatures, climaterelated disturbances, and air and water pollution have a direct influence on the spread of infection and disease. Environmental exposures to chemicals and toxins are a major contributor to disease. Environmental degradation exaggerates the imbalance between population and resources, and worsens the severity of poverty. In other words, interaction between poverty, population growth and environmental degradation impede sustainable economic development and worsen population health. It is important for health scientists to anticipate the potential consequence of environmental change and act accordingly. It is irony that, serious environmental problem are often unknown or unrecognized. For example, at the time of first major international conference on environment in Stockholm (1972) global warming, acid rain and tropical deforestation were not recognized as major potential problems and no work for prevention of environmental degradation carried out early. Many of the environmental conditions that impact health are avoidable. Therefore, prevention of health problems through environmental management, rather than simply treating diseases and ailments after they have occurred, is the salient message of environment and health section of various UN charter and various NGOs. These messages offer governments, development agencies, policy-making groups, private businesses, communities and individuals worldwide strategies to slow or even halt further environmental deterioration, averting significant ecological disruption and its possible accompanying economic impacts. Improvements must be made in environmental protection. Education is a key process in bettering the conditions. Monitoring of climatic changes

help to anticipate outbreaks, as well as changing habits, such as drainage of swamps, screening of houses, and improvements in sanitation and nutrition. Improvement of air quality, water supplies and sanitation, education of the medical community and general public, support of vaccination research, and coordinated restrictions of the use of antibiotics and pesticides would lead to mitigate the problems. Focused investments in education, healthy work conditions, environmental sanitation, and a safe water supply are extremely effective in improving health and well being, as well as in increasing productivity and economic growth. Strengthening dialogue between the environment and health sectors at national and local levels required to enhance the quality of health system.

Future challenges
Severe water scarcity Water supply and basic sanitary measures in some countries Devastating impacts of disasters Air and water pollution and toxic chemical hazards Need for environmental health norms, standards and guidelines.

Emerging priorities: climate change, marine pollution. Need for institutional and legislative framework for environmental services and protection. Protecting environment without harming economic growth.

CHAPTER: 6
CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming is one of the major issues that we are being faced with today. The term signifies an increase in the atmospheric temperature near the earth's surface, which is caused due to various reasons. Scientists are of the opinion that a rise in the carbon dioxide levels will further aggravate the situation. The greenhouse effect causes the earth's heat to be trapped in the atmosphere, which results in the increase in temperatures. Global warming has thus caused a change in the climate of the earth, causing temperatures to rise. This, in turn, has an effect on various species dependent on the basic laws of nature. A change in the same makes survival a difficult issue. A warmer earth also causes changes in the rainfall patterns and thus affects humans, plants and animals as well.

OZONE DEPLETION

The ozone envelope around the Earth is depleting in volume consistently since 1980s. This is largely due to the effect of halocarbon refrigerants (such as CFC, halons, freons, etc.). Halocarbons (being lighter than other gases in the atmosphere) rise much higher in the atmosphere. They then photo dissociate to give atomic halogens. These atoms catalyze the destruction of the ozone gas. Depletion of the ozone can practically threaten human life, and life of other animals as well. The ozone layer protects us from UV rays of the sun; without the ozone layer, everyone would be susceptible to a number of skin diseases, including skin cancer.

POLLUTION

Pollution is something that we face on an everyday basis. It is probably a problem that we may have become immune to, given our fast-paced lives and

the fact that it is being treated as a hackneyed issue, where a lot is spoken about but nothing concrete is ever done. Air pollution occurs with the addition of harmful chemicals into the earth's atmosphere. The main pollutants of air are carbon monoxide, CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons), nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. Water pollution is caused when wastes are released into the water and contaminates it. Soil pollution takes place when the soil is contaminated due to various industrial activities. Noise pollution occurs when the noise levels crosses the normal decibel level. This can have a harmful effect on one's hearing and lead to more severe aftereffects, both physical and psychological (fatigue, irritation, stress, etc.).

ACID RAIN

Gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide can react with water to produce corresponding acids. When this happens in the atmosphere, we get rain that is of acidic (or low) pH. The gases mentioned above are released into the atmosphere by certain natural processes like lightning, volcanoes, etc. However, the amount of these gases released due to factories, vehicles and different industries surpasses that produced naturally. It goes beyond a level that can be tolerated by nature. Acid rains cause stone, rocks, steel, metal to erode and paint to peel off. This means monuments, statues, bridges, buildings, all are at a risk.

Going at the current rate, there may come a time when children won't be able to play in the rain because it scars their skin!

URBAN RUN-OFF

Urban run-off refers to the rainwater running off land and into water bodies. This is a natural process. However, with ever-increasing urbanization, this process affects water bodies adversely, because the run-off now carries all sorts of compounds, chemicals and particulate matter. In the presence of trees and sufficient vegetation, only about 10% of the total amount of rain runs off into water bodies. However, this amount has been increased almost 5 times! Urban run-off causes deposition of oil, gasoline, garbage, heavy metals (nickel, copper, lead, zinc etc.), fertilizers and pesticides (from gardens and lawns), synthetic organic compounds, etc.; all of which ultimately enters the food chain and causes number of health complications. Urban run-off also partially contributes to eutrophication.

WATER CRISIS

When the amount of water present in a region is unable to meet the demand of all life present in that region, the situation is called a water crisis. Scarcity of usable water is the main reason for water crisis. This scarcity has arisen due to a number of things, including wastage of water, deforestation, urbanization, etc.

Water-borne diseases are the leading cause for deaths worldwide. More than 9million people all over the world do not have access to potable water. Sudan and Venezuela top the list of regions with the most number of people facing a water crisis. Water is life. No water, no life.

MARIN POLLUTION & ACCIDIFICATION

Marine pollution is a more of a consequence than an issue in itself; the different contributing factors being inefficient and / or inadequate wastewater treatment, urban run-off, eutrophication, etc. Apart from this, solid materials, especially plastic, create a huge nuisance. Marine acidification, on the other hand, refers to the effect of anthropogenic carbon dioxide on the pH of the oceans. The last thing we want is for the oceans to be polluted. Ponds, lakes, wells, rivers, can still be controlled; however oceans, once irreversibly polluted, will spell doom for all life on Earth.

NUCLEAR PROBLEM

Nuclear energy is generated from the splitting of uranium atoms. This energy is used to create steam, which in turn is used to produce electricity. While there are definite advantages of generating nuclear power, what stands equally true is the fact that the process of producing the same harms the environment in many ways. The process of converting uranium into usable energy produces

radioactive waste (2000 metric tons of radioactive waste is generated in a year in the USA alone) which is extremely harmful for human, animal and plant health at many levels. Along with that, the storage of nuclear power at a plant, as well as the fact that most other equipment in the plant will also convert into radioactive material over time and remain radioactive for several years is a major threat. While decaying, radioactive material releases certain particles which leads to damaging effects on health, like cancer. Along with these health concerns, production of nuclear energy also leads to several other harmful effects like emission of carbon dioxide (during mining, transport, waste management and other processes of producing nuclear energy), usage of excessive water and water discharge. This will, in turn, affect the environment at many levels.

LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity refers to the combination of a diverse range of species on earth. The varied plants, animals and microorganisms, the different ecosystems (coral reefs, deserts, rain forests, etc.) all have a unique role to play in the cycle of earth. These diverse species lead to the boost of varied ecosystems, which thus enables them to prevent, as well as recover from several disasters. However, due to varied human activities like deforestation, and hunting, the natural habitats as well as the survival of several species are being threatened. Several plant and animal species are on the verge of extinction, while others have already become extinct. The extinction of animals and plants can lead to varied effects, some of which are - increase in sea levels (leading to floods), droughts, wildfires, forest destruction and more.

ENERGY CRISIS

The impact of energy on human life is probably only second to agriculture and forestry. That having been said, the negative impact that energy, as a source, has on the environment is quite far-reaching. Energy of any kind, may it be thermal, hydro, nuclear or electric has led to several environmental concerns. Where earlier the concerns were restricted to the local arena, the issues have now become global. Energy and the activities related to energy production lead to hazards of some form or the other. Extraction of raw material for production (emission of carbon dioxide), transportation, and the conversion to usable forms of resources have a harmful effect. Along with that, it has also led to concerns like acid rain, the greenhouse effect as well as global warming.

IMPROPER WASTE MANAGEMENT

Wastes can be of several kinds (industrial, nuclear, chemical, domestic), and each can lead to environmental degradation. From excessive plastic used at home to the radioactive waste produced by nuclear plants, the impact can be disastrous. Not only are these wastes harmful on their own, but the techniques (or the lack) of waste management and disposal adds to this problem manifold. Emissions from industries as well as toxic by-products like mercury, crude oil, plastic and lead are not properly disposed off. They are dumped into the oceans and soil, thus leading to disastrous impacts on all life forms.

Of these, oil spills have become another major concern. These wastes lead to the destruction of natural habitats of both plants and animals and other species as well, in both land and water. They therefore make the environment toxic. Along with increasing the risk of extinction of several species, it also leads to other health concerns such as the development of fatal diseases like cancer and lead poisoning. These are some of the current environmental issues we are facing today. With an effort from each individual, we can only hope to save our planet from being destroyed.

CONSERVATION

Due to the anthropogenic effect of almost all our actions, conservation is conspicuously absent. This in turn is pushing more and more species of animals, birds, plants etc. into the 'endangered' section, soon going on to be extinct. One aspect of species extinction that remains at times neglected is the creation of invasive species. Without its predator, a prey may increase in number to such an extent that it throws off the balance of nature and disrupts the normal ecology of the niche it exists in. Both the scenarios are not something that can be positively dealt with.

CHAPTER: 7
KYOTO PROTOCOL

The Kyoto Protocol is a plan created by the United Nations for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that tries to reduce the effects of climate change, such as global warming. The plan says that countries that adopt. The Kyoto Protocol has tried to reduce how much carbon dioxide (and other "greenhouse gases" that pollute the atmosphere) they release into the air. The provisions of the Kyoto Protocol are legally binding on the ratifying nations, and stronger than those of the UNFCCC. Countries that ratify the Kyoto Protocol agree to reduce emissions of six greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, HFCs and PFCs. The countries are allowed to use emissions trading to meet their obligations if they maintain or increase their greenhouse gas emissions. Emission trading allow nations that can easily meet their targets to sell credits to those that cannot. The secretariat of the UNFCCC has been engaged for some years in seeking a new emissions reduction regime to renew or replace the Kyoto Protocol from 2013. The 2007 Bali Action Plan established a basis for negotiation in which all countries, including the US, would participate.

History and Origin of the Kyoto Protocol

The roots of the Kyoto Protocol can be traced back to 1979, when the first World Climate Conference was held. The purpose of this Conference was to address the issue of human impact on climate change. The subsequent result of the World Climate Conference was a commitment to more study and the development of an ultimate plan to address the issue. The next step was the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international treaty adopted in 1992. The UNFCCC was established after 10 years of discussion and research on the topic of climate change. Under the terms set out by the UNFCCC, participating nations agreed to gather and share information about greenhouse gas emissions. Participating nations were also supposed to reduce their emissions by 2000, while at the same time participating in a global action plan to prevent greenhouse gas emissions from rising. Even though the agreement was not legally binding, a lot of nations regarded it as a necessary step, and thus made a commitment to take action. By 1995, concerns had arisen that the plan was not working; the result was a conference to discuss the matter, held in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997. The result of this conference was the Kyoto Protocol, which amended the UNFCCC with legally binding pledges to reduce emissions of various greenhouse gases. According to the terms of the agreement that is the Kyoto Protocol, participating nations had to reduce their emissions between 2008 and 2012 through a variety of means. The Kyoto Protocol encourages green development and emissions trading, allowing nations which meet their quotas to sell credits to nations who are encountering difficulties. Even though most nations agree that climate change is a serious issue which needs attention, not everyone is willing to take part in the Kyoto Protocol, most notably the United States of America. Opponents of the Kyoto Protocol take issue with certain terms in the agreement, arguing that it restricts economic development and that it may be too strict. In stark contrast, supporters of the Kyoto Protocol believe that the issue of global warming is so important that any measures, no matter how strict, will be worth it in the long run.

The five principal concepts of the Kyoto Protocol

Commitments for the Annex I Parties. The main feature of the Protocol lies in establishing commitments for the reduction of greenhouse gases that are legally binding for Annex I Parties. The Annex I Parties took on legally binding commitments based on the Berlin Mandate, which was a part of UNFCCC negotiations leading up to the Protocol. Implementation. In order to meet the objectives of the Protocol, Annex I Parties are required to prepare policies and measures for the reduction of greenhouse gases in their respective countries. In addition, they are required to increase the absorption of these gases and utilize all mechanisms available, such as joint implementation, the clean development mechanism and emissions trading, in order to be rewarded with credits that would allow more greenhouse gas emissions at home. Minimizing Impacts on Developing Countries by establishing an adaptation fund for climate change. Accounting, Reporting and Review in order to ensure the integrity of the Protocol. Compliance. Establishing a Compliance Committee to enforce compliance with the commitments under the Protocol.

How Does the Kyoto Protocol Work?

The world is divided into two categories: Annex I Countries (Developed Countries) Annex II Countries (Developing Countries). The U.S., EU countries, Japan, etc., are Annex I. China, India and others are Annex II. Each Annex I country is assigned a target emissions reduction relative to its 1990 GHG emissions. The country must meet this target for the period between 2008 and 2012. This will be a calculated average over a five-year period. Annex II countries have no emissions reduction targets but are encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly technologies to reduce GHG emissions. Annex I countries can meet the target in one of three ways: actual emissions reduction from sources within its borders The purchase of emission reduction credits on financial exchanges from other signatory countries.

 Participation in Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects that generate emission reduction credits in Annex II countries. Note that the credits must be Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) approved by the CDM Executive Board. Enforcement/PenaltyFailure to meet the targets will result in having to submit 1.3 emission allowances in the next emission period for every ton of GHG emissions exceeding the capin other words, a 30% penalty on excess emissions. Most signatories that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol have established Designated National Authorities to develop adopt and enforce the Kyoto process, including the CDMs.

CHAPTER: 8
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

In the Constitution of India it is clearly stated that it is the duty of the state to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. It imposes a duty on every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. Reference to the environment has also been made in the Directive Principles of State Policy as well as the Fundamental Rights. The Department of Environment was established in India in 1980 to ensure a healthy environment for the country. This later became the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 1985. The constitutional provisions are backed by a number of laws acts, rules, and notifications. The EPA (Environment Protection Act), 1986 came into force soon after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and is considered an umbrella legislation as it fills many gaps in the existing laws. Thereafter a large number of laws came into existence as the problems began arising, for example, Handling and Management of Hazardous Waste Rules in 1989. In 1980, the Department of Environment was established in India. Later on it became the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 1985. EPA, 1986 came into force soon after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

` OBJECTIVE Objective is, to provide the protection and improvement of environment. In EPA, article 48A, specify that the State shall protect and improve the environment. Also, to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. According to sec 51(A) every citizen shall protect the environment. EPA is applicable to whole India, including J&K. POWERS PROVIDED BY THE ACT TO CENTRAL GOVERMENT To make rules to regulate environmental pollution; To notify standards and maximum limits of pollutants of air, water, and soil for various areas and purposes; Prohibition and restriction on the handling of hazardous substances, and location of industries .

Under Sec (3): may constitute authority or authorities for the purpose of exercising of performing such of the powers and functions Under Sec (4): may appoint a person for inspection Under Sec (5): may issue directions in writing to any officers or any authority to comply Under Sec (6): it empowers the government to make rules to achieve the object of the Act. Under Sec (7): persons carrying on industry, operation etc. not to allow emission or discharge of environmental pollutants in excess of the standards Under Sec (8): persons handling hazardous substances must comply with procedural safeguards. PENALITY

Whoever Person found to be the cause of pollution, may be liable for punishment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or both (Sec 15, 16, 17). If not comply fine of Rs. 5000 per day extra, still if not comply for more than one year, then imprisonment may extend up to 7 years. Section 17 specifies that Head of the department/ incharge of small unit may be liable for punishment if the owner /occupier produce enough evidence of innocence. The state government have power to close or cancel or deny the authorization to run the factory/institution/hospital whichever is causing pollution.

 ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS GENERAL 1986 - The Environment (Protection) Act authorizes the central government to protect and improve environmental quality, control and reduce pollution from all sources, and prohibit or restrict the setting and /or operation of any industrial facility on environmental grounds. 1986 - The Environment (Protection) Rules lay down procedures for setting standards of emission or discharge of environmental pollutants. 1989 - The objective of Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules is to control the generation, collection, treatment, import, storage, and handling of hazardous waste. 1989 - The Manufacture, Storage, and Import of Hazardous Rules define the terms used in this context, and sets up an authority to inspect, once a year, the industrial activity connected with hazardous chemicals and isolated storage facilities. 1989 - The Manufacture, Use, Import, Export, and Storage of hazardous Micro-organisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells Rules were introduced with a view to protect the environment, nature, and health, in connection with the application of gene technology and microorganisms. 1991 - The Public Liability Insurance Act and Rules and Amendment, 1992 was drawn up to provide for public liability insurance for the purpose of providing immediate relief to the persons affected by accident while handling any hazardous substance. 1995 - The National Environmental Tribunal Act has been created to award compensation for damages to persons, property, and the environment arising from any activity involving hazardous substances. 1997 - The National Environment Appellate Authority Act has been created to hear appeals with respect to restrictions of areas in which classes of industries etc. are carried out or prescribed subject to certain safeguards under the EPA.

1998 - The Biomedical waste (Management and Handling) Rules is a legal binding on the health care institutions to streamline the process of proper handling of hospital waste such as segregation, disposal, collection, and treatment. 1999 - The Environment (Sitting for Industrial Projects) Rules, 1999 lay down detailed provisions relating to areas to be avoided for sitting of industries, precautionary measures to be taken for site selecting as also the aspects of environmental protection which should have been incorporated during the implementation of the industrial development projects. 2000 - The Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000 apply to every municipal authority responsible for the collection, segregation, storage, transportation, processing, and disposal of municipal solid wastes. 2000 - The Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules have been laid down for the regulation of production and consumption of ozone depleting substances. 2001 - The Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001 rules shall apply to every manufacturer, importer, re-conditioner, assembler, dealer, auctioneer, consumer, and bulk consumer involved in the manufacture, processing, sale, purchase, and use of batteries or components so as to regulate and ensure the environmentally safe disposal of used batteries. 2002 - The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) (Amendment) Rules lay down such terms and conditions as are necessary to reduce noise pollution, permit use of loud speakers or public address systems during night hours (between 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight) on or during any cultural or religious festive occasion 2002 - The Biological Diversity Act is an act to provide for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources and knowledge associated with it.

 Forest and wildlife

1927 - The Indian Forest Act and Amendment, 1984, is one of the many surviving colonial statutes. It was enacted to consolidate the law related to forest, the transit of forest produce, and the duty leviable on timber and other forest produce. 1972 - The Wildlife Protection Act, Rules 1973 and Amendment 1991 provides for the protection of birds and animals and for all matters that are connected to it whether it be their habitat or the waterhole or the forests that sustain them. 1980 - The Forest (Conservation) Act and Rules, 1981, provides for the protection of and the conservation of the forests. Water

1882 - The Easement Act allows private rights to use a resource that is, groundwater, by viewing it as an attachment to the land. It also states that all surface water belongs to the state and is a state property. 1897 - The Indian Fisheries Act establishes two sets of penal offences whereby the government can sue any person who uses dynamite or other

explosive substance in any way (whether coastal or inland) with intent to catch or destroy any fish or poisonous fish in order to kill. 1956 - The River Boards Act enables the states to enroll the central government in setting up an Advisory River Board to resolve issues in interstate cooperation. 1970 - The Merchant Shipping Act aims to deal with waste arising from ships along the coastal areas within a specified radius. 1974 - The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act establishes an institutional structure for preventing and abating water pollution. It establishes standards for water quality and effluent. Polluting industries must seek permission to discharge waste into effluent bodies. The CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) was constituted under this act. 1977 - The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act provides for the levy and collection of cess or fees on water consuming industries and local authorities. 1978 - The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Rules contains the standard definitions and indicate the kind of and location of meters that every consumer of water is required to affix. 1991 - The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification puts regulations on various activities, including construction, are regulated. It gives some protection to the backwaters and estuaries. Air

1948 The Factories Act and Amendment in 1987 was the first to express concern for the working environment of the workers. The amendment of 1987 has sharpened its environmental focus and expanded its application to hazardous processes.

1981 - The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act provides for the control and abatement of air pollution. It entrusts the power of enforcing this act to the CPCB . 1982 - The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules defines the procedures of the meetings of the Boards and the powers entrusted to them. 1982 - The Atomic Energy Act deals with the radioactive waste. 1987 - The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act empowers the central and state pollution control boards to meet with grave emergencies of air pollution. 1988 - The Motor Vehicles Act states that all hazardous waste is to be properly packaged, labelled, and transported.

Features of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

As compared to all other previous laws on environment protection, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is a more effective and bold measure to fight the problem of pollution. The genesis of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, thus, is in Article 48A (Directive Principles of State Policy) and Article 51A (g) (Fundamental Duties) of the Indian Constitution. Soon after the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held at Stockholm in 1972, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 came on the statute book. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act came in 1981 and finally came the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has 26 Sections and it has been divided into four chapters relating to Preliminary, General Powers of the Central Government, Prevention, Control, and Abatement of Environmental Pollution, Miscellaneous. The Act consists of and deals with more stringent penal provisions. The

minimum penalty for contravention or violation of any provision of the law is an imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or fine up to one lakh rupees, or both. The Act also provides for the further penalty if the failure or contravention continues after the date of conviction. It is Rs. 5000/- per day. If the failure of contravention continues beyond the period of one year, then the offender is punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years. The Act empowers the Central Government to take all appropriate measures to prevent and control pollution and to establish effective machinery for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and protecting controlling and abating environmental pollution. The Central Government or any other person duly authorised is empowered to collect the samples of air, water, soil or other substances as evidence of the offences under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Act prescribes a special procedure for handling hazardous substances and the concerned person has to handle the hazardous substances according to the procedure of the Act. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has relaxed the rule of Locus Standi and because of such relaxation even a common citizen can approach the Court provided he has given a notice of sixty days of the alleged offence and his intention to make a complaint to the Central Government or any other competent authority. In the commission of the offence under this Act by Government Department, the Act holds the Head of the Department as guilty of the offence unless the head of the Department proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence. This Act also empowers and authorises the Central Government to issue directions for the operation or process, prohibition, closure, or regulation of any industry. The Central Government is also authorised to stop, regulate the supply of electricity or water or any other service directly without obtaining the order of the Court in this regard.

 The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 grants immunity to the officers of the Government for any act done under the provisions of this Act or under the powers vested in them or functions assigned to them under this Act. The Central Government is also empowered to enter and inspect any place through any person or through any agency authorised by Central Government. The Act debars the Civil Courts from having any jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of an action, direction, order issued by Central Government or other statutory authority under this Act. Under the Act, there will be supremacy of provision. In other words, the provisions of this Act and the rules or orders made under this Act shall have effect and supremacy over anything inconsistent contained in any enactment other than this Act.

CHAPTER: 9
MEASURES TAKEN TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Solid Waste Disposal

The disposal of solid waste is a problem. This problem continues to grow with the growth of population and development of industries. Disposal of waste in open pits has become routine in majority of places.

Semisolid or solid matters that are created by human or animal activities, and which are disposed because they are hazardous or useless are known as solid waste. Most of the solid wastes, like paper, plastic containers, bottles, cans, and even used cars and electronic goods are not biodegradable, which means they do not get broken down through inorganic or organic processes. Thus, when they accumulate they pose a health threat to people, plus, decaying wastes also attract household pests and result in urban areas becoming unhealthy, dirty, and unsightly places to reside in. Moreover, it also causes damage to terrestrial organisms, while also reducing the uses of the land for other, more useful purposes.

 Classification of Solid waste Garbage: decomposable wastes from food Rubbish: non-decomposable wastes, either combustible (such as paper, wood, and cloth) or noncombustible (such as metal, glass, and ceramics) Ashes: residues of the combustion of solid fuels Large wastes: demolition and construction debris and trees Dead animals Sewage-treatment solids: material retained on sewage-treatment screens, settled solids, and biomass sludge Industrial wastes: such materials as chemicals, paints, and sand Mining wastes: slag heaps and coal refuse piles Agricultural wastes: farm animal manure and crop residues.

Disposal Methods Disposal of solid wastes on land is by far the most common method in most of the countries and probably accounts for more than 90 percent of the worlds municipal refuse. Incineration accounts for most of the remainder, whereas composting of solid wastes accounts for only an insignificant amount. Selecting a disposal method depends almost entirely on costs, which in turn are likely to reflect local circumstances.

Sanitary landfill is the cheapest satisfactory means of disposal, but only if suitable land is within economic range of the source of the wastes;

typically, collection and transportation account for 75 percent of the total cost of solid waste management. In a modern landfill, refuse is spread in thin layers, each of which is compacted by a bulldozer before the next is spread. When about 3 m (about 10 ft) of refuse has been laid down, it is covered by a thin layer of clean earth, which also is compacted. Pollution of surface and groundwater is minimized by lining and contouring the fill, compacting and planting the cover, selecting proper soil, diverting upland drainage, and placing wastes in sites not subject to flooding or high groundwater levels. Gases are generated in landfills through anaerobic decomposition of organic solid waste. If a significant amount of methane is present, it may be explosive; proper venting eliminates this problem. Methods to Reduce Waste As the World economy grows so does its production of wastes. As regulation of international trade in waste has been tightened, and public opinion has become increasingly environmentally conscious, industrialized countries have had to develop means to deal with the waste they produce. Traditional waste management strategies include reusing materials, recovering materials through recycling, incineration and landfills. In recent years recycling has become the preferred choice of waste disposal for many industries. On the commercial level, government regulation usually works to the advantage of big firms and to the disadvantage of small ones. Due to a shortage of research on its possible economic and environmental spillovers, the practice of reusing materials remains as yet a gray area. Each method of waste disposal has its drawbacks. 1) Resource Recovery Numerous thermal processes, now in various stages of development, recover energy in one form or another from solid waste. These systems fall into two groups:combustion processes and pyrolysis processes. A number of companies burn in-plant wastes in conventional incinerators to produce steam. A few municipalities produce steam in incinerators in

which the walls of the combustion chamber are lined with boiler tubes; the water circulated through the tubes absorbs heat generated in the combustion chamber and produces steam. Pyrolysis, also called destructive distillation, is the process of chemically decomposing solid wastes by heat in an oxygen-reduced atmosphere. This results in a gas stream containing primarily hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and various other gases and inert ash, depending on the organic characteristics of the material being pyrolyzed 2) Recycling The practice of recycling solid waste is an ancient one. Metal implements were melted down and recast in prehistoric times. Today, recyclable materials are recovered from municipal refuse by a number of methods, including shredding, magnetic separation of metals, air classification that separates light and heavy fractions, screening, and washing. Another method of recovery is the wet pulping process: Incoming refuse is mixed with water and ground into a slurry in the wet pulper, which resembles a large kitchen disposal unit. Large pieces of metal and other non-pulpable materials are pulled out by a magnetic device before the slurry from the pulper is loaded into a centrifuge called a liquid cyclone. Here the heavier non-combustibles, such as glass, metals, and ceramics, are separated out and sent on to a glass- and metal-recovery system; other, lighter materials go to a paper-fiber-recovery system. The final residue is either incinerated or is used as landfill. Increasingly, municipalities and private refuse-collection organizations are requiring those who generate solid waste to keep bottles, cans, newspapers, cardboard, and other recyclable items separate from other waste. Special trucks pick up this waste and cart it to transfer stations or directly to recycling facilities, thus lessening the load at incinerators and landfills. Open dumping and burning of domestic and industrial waste is a common phenomenon in many developing countries. This often takes place at waste disposal sites and can be the result of spontaneous combustion or deliberate attempts to reduce waste volume. As well as, the health hazards posed by the vermin and un-supervised scavenging, the open burning of waste leads to toxic releases to both ground water and air. These contribute to lasting damage to the

environment and have serious implications for the health of local people and livestock There is a strong movement in many countries to reduce the volume of wastes to be dumped. The increase of composting sites is an indication that organic fraction of garbage can is converted into a useful and commercial product with a higher value. For inert materials, technologies are needed to use wastes as raw materials to produce new products. Development of new materials from recycled materials will also encourage sorting of solid wastes. Zero Waste movement also targets industries and waste exchange. 40 % of land filled wastes in most of the countries come from building materials and this suggests that such wastes can be avoided by developing long-lasting materials and dwellings to reduce wastes from need to rebuild. Other alternatives and efforts are: Onsite treatment and utilization will reduce need for transport. Waste minimization is a socially desirable goal. Subsidy on products generated from recycled materials will encourage socio-economic changes. Centres with technologies that use collected waste materials are needed. Wastes that have severe risks and excessive problems in disposal should be identified and those which cannot be neutralized may need to be restricted at the point of creation or entry. A database on wastes that are available will provide information to possible users of wastes.

 Plastic wastes
Plastic wastes Reduce, Reuse and Recycle of plastics are essential to make environment greener and safer:

We find considerable growth in use of plastic everywhere due to various beneficial properties of plastics, such as: Extreme versatility and ability to be tailored to meet very specific technical needs. Lighter weight than competing materials, reducing fuel consumption during transportation. Extreme durability. Resistance to chemicals, water and impact. Better safety and hygiene properties for food packaging. Excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties. Relatively inexpensive to produce. However, plastics waste creates lot of nuisances and degrade environment in a big way. Pollution problems of plastics Industrial practices in plastic manufacture can lead to polluting effluents and the use of toxic intermediates, the exposure to which can be hazardous. Better industrial practices have led to minimizing exposure of plant workers to harmful fumes. There is growing concern about the excess use of plastics, particularly in packaging. This has been done, in part, to avoid the theft of

small objects. The use of plastics can be reduced through a better choice of container sizes and through the distribution of liquid products in more concentrated form. A concern is the proper disposal of waste plastics. Litter results from careless disposal, and decomposition rates in landfills can be extremely long. Consumers should be persuaded or required to divert these for recycling or other environmentally acceptable procedures. Marine pollution arising from disposal of plastics from ships or flow from storm sewers must be avoided. Recycling of plastics is desirable because it avoids their accumulation in landfills. While plastics constitute only about 8 percent by weight or 20 percent by volume of municipal solid waste, their low density and slowness to decompose makes them a visible pollutant of public concern. It is evident that the success of recycling is limited by the development of successful strategies for collection and separation. Recycling of scrap plastics by manufacturers has been highly successful and has proven economical, but recovering discarded plastics from consumers is more difficult. Factors affecting recycling of plastics Recycling and re-utilization of waste plastics have several advantages. Recycling and re-utilization of waste plastics lead to a reduction of the use of virgin materials and of the use of energy, thus also a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Economically, in some cases, plastics recycling may be profitable. However, a number of factors can complicate the practice of plastics recycling, such as the collection of the plastics waste, separation of different types of plastics, cleaning of the waste and possible pollution of the plastics. A further complicating factor is the low-value nature of most of the products that can be manufactured from recycled plastics. Reusing plastic is preferable to recycling as it uses less energy and fewer resources. Advantages of reuse and recycle of plastics It has been observed, to reduce bad effects of waste plastics, it is better to recycle and re-utilize waste plastics in environment-friendly manners. As per statistics, about 80% of post-consumer plastic waste is sent to landfill, 8% is incinerated and only 7% is recycled. In addition to reducing the

amount of plastics waste requiring disposal, recycling and reuse of plastic can have several other advantages, such as: Conservation of non-renewable fossil fuels Plastic production uses 8% of the worlds oil production, 4% as feedstock and 4% during manufacture. Reduced consumption of energy. Reduced amounts of solid waste going to landfill. Reduced emissions of carbon-dioxide (CO2), nitrogen-oxides (NOx) and sulphur-dioxide (SO2). Plastic bags and their nuisances Plastic bags are popular with consumers and retailers as they are a functional, lightweight, strong, cheap, and hygienic way to transport food and other products. Most of these go to landfill and garbage heaps after they are used, and some are recycled. Once littered, plastic bags can find their way on to our streets, parks and into our waterways. Although plastic bags make up only a small percentage of all litter, the impact of these bags is nevertheless significant. Plastic bags create visual pollution problems and can have harmful effects on aquatic and terrestrial animals. Plastic bags are particularly noticeable components of the litter stream due to their size and can take a long time to fully break down. Many carrier bags end up as unsightly litter in trees, streets, parks and gardens which, besides being ugly, can kill birds, small mammals and other creatures. Bags that make it to the ocean may be eaten by sea turtles and marine mammals, who mistake them for jellyfish, with disastrous consequences. In developed countries billion bags are thrown away every year, most of which are used only once before disposal. The biggest problem with plastic bags is that they do not readily break down in the environment. It has been found that, the average plastic carrier bag is used for five minutes, but takes 500 years to decompose. Plastic bags are made from ethylene, a gas that is produced as a byproduct of oil, gas and coal production. Ethylene is made into polymers (chains of ethylene molecules) called polyethylene. This substance, also known as polyethylene or polythene, is made into pellets which are used by plastic manufacturers to produce a range of items, including plastic bags.

Plastics can be broadly split into two groups, those that consist of long strands (thermo softening) and those that also contain short crosslinks (thermosetting). Thermo softening plastic will deform when heated and can be remolded into new shapes. Thermosetting plastics are much stronger, but once they have been formed into a shape, they will hold that shape indefinitely, and if heated they will merely burn. Recycle and reuse of plastic bags can mitigate environmental problems. Issues relating to plastics There are about 50 different groups of plastics, with hundreds of different varieties. All types of plastic are recyclable. To make sorting and thus recycling easier, the American Society of Plastics Industry developed a standard marking code to help consumers identify and sort the main types of plastic. Before recycling, plastics are sorted according to their resin identification code. The type of plastics (as per the resin identification code) and their most common uses are given below: 1. Plastic process scrap recycling - Currently most plastic recycling bin of the developed countries are of process scrap from industry, i.e. polymers left over from the production of plastics. This is relatively simple and economical to recycle, as there is a regular and reliable source and the material is relatively uncontaminated. This is usually described as reprocessing rather than recycling. 2. Post-use plastic recycling Post-use plastic can be described as plastic material arising from products that have undergone a first full service life prior to being recovered. Households are the biggest source of plastic waste, but recycling household plastics presents a number of challenges. One of these relates to collection. 3. Mechanical recycling - Mechanical recycling of plastics refers to processes which involve the melting, shredding or granulation of waste plastics. Plastics must be sorted prior to mechanical recycling. Mostly, sorting is done manually. Recently, technology is being introduced to sort plastics automatically, using various techniques such as X-ray fluorescence, infrared and near infrared spectroscopy, electrostatics and

flotation. Following sorting, the plastic is either melted down directly and molded into a new shape, or melted down after being shredded into flakes and than processed into granules called re-granulate. 4. Chemical or feedstock recycles Feedstock recycling describes a range of plastic recovery techniques to make plastics, which break down polymers into their constituent monomers, which in turn can be used again in refineries, or petrochemical and chemical production. A range of feedstock recycling technologies is currently being explored. These include: Pyrolysis, Hydrogenation, Gasification Thermal cracking. Feedstock recycling has a greater flexibility over composition and is more tolerant to impurities than mechanical recycling, although it is capital intensive and requires very large quantities of used plastic for reprocessing to be economically viable. Strategies for reduction of Environmental Impact of Plastics Reduce the use - Source reduction Retailers and consumers can select products that use little or no packaging. Select packaging materials that are recycled into new packaging such as glass and paper. If people refuse plastic as a packaging material, the industry will decrease production for that purpose, and the associated problems such as energy use, pollution, and adverse health effects will diminish. Reuse containers - Since refillable plastic containers can be reused for many times, container reuse can lead to a substantial reduction in the demand for disposable plastic and reduced use of materials and energy, with the consequent reduced environmental impacts. Container designers will take into account the fate of the container beyond the point of sale and consider the service the container provides. Require producers to take back resins Get plastic manufacturers directly involved with plastic disposal and closing the material loop, which can stimulate them to consider the products life cycle from

cradle to grave. Make reprocessing easier by limiting the number of container types and shapes, using only one type of resin in each container, making collapsible containers, eliminating pigments, using water-dispersible adhesives for labels, and phasing out associated metals such as aluminum seals. Container and resin makers can help develop the reprocessing infrastructure by taking back plastic from consumers. Legislatively require recycled content Requiring that all containers be composed of a percentage of post-consumer material reduces the amount of virgin material consumed. Standardize labelling and inform the public Standardized labels for recycled, recyclable, and made of plastic type X must be developed for easy identification. Lots of innovations in recycling of waste plastics have been introduced in many countries. We have to see, we should not pollute environment while going for recycling and use of recycled products.

Prevention and Control of Industrial Pollution

The aim of the prevention and control of industrial pollution is to substantially cut the discharge. The primary approaches include implementation of total discharge quantity control program, application of life-cycle control and recycle economy, readjusting the industrial structure and layout, improvement of environment management within the enterprise, popularization of advanced technology, elimination of the outmoded technique and closing the enterprises with heavy pollution. It should be continued to control over pollution especially, the fugitive emission of air pollutants. Enterprises will be encouraged to apply the notion of recycle economy into the different links of their production. Recycle economy should be developed gradually in major industries and 1-2 ecological industrial parks will be built. ISO14000 environment management system and cleaner production will be promoted among industries to apply life-cycle control and source reduction to cut the pollutant discharge. On the basis of improved technology and sound management, the township enterprises shall proceed with restructuring in terms of industrial structure and product portfolio as well as pollution control. Environmental Impact Assessment for relocation of polluting industries in the urban area will be high-lighted to prevent the shift of the pollution toward the suburban area. By 2008, about 200 enterprises will be moved out of the south-eastern suburbs and the Fourth Ring Road. In principle, the polluting enterprises in the south-eastern suburbs will be closed down or moved out to have the lands along the Fourth Ring Road be converted to commercial or residential area instead of the industrial purpose. Control on the dust pollution in metallurgical and cement production will be tightened with special focus on the fugitive discharge. By the end of 2002, the Capital Steel & Iron Corporation will cut its steel production by 2 million tons; and further reduction shall be realized with the heavily polluting processes eliminated and the product portfolio optimized to reduce pollution. The small and medium-sized building material production enterprises in the far rural areas like Fangshan County, will be readjusted gradually and closed down instead of high and new technology processes. By 2005, all vertical kilns will be stopped and bring the cement production scale under strict control.

Management of Noise, Electro-Magnetic Radiation and Radioactivity

Urban and community planning shall be rationally refined. Control over the noise caused by transportation, construction and social activity will be tightened. The motorway planning will give full consideration of traffic noise, at the proper sections, noise-deafening wall, noise-deafening structure and lownoise road surface will be adopted. Moreover, the large lorries that enter the city during night will be under strict control in the driving routes and speed. No blow from any kind of automobiles will be permitted within the Forth Ring Road and no whistle from the train will be allowed in the sensitive area of the city. Residents along certain sections of the railway shall be resettled as necessary, noise insulation wall shall be built along the railway and the urban rails. Noise problem around the Capital Airport will be resolved as planned, and special emphasis shall be laid on the harassment to the residents living at vicinity of the airport expansion site. Management over the report and registration of existing electric-magnetic radiation and radioactive sources and radioactive waste shall be strengthened, and the approval of new project shall be tightened. A management center for radioactive environment will be established. Storehouse for radioactive waste and the monitoring network and management system for radioactive environment will be set up.

CHAPTER: 10
MEASURES TAKEN BY COMPANIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

GREEN DOT WASTE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA The 'Green Dot', a waste management system, was developed to reduce packaging waste as well as to increase recycling/reuse rates in India. The case discusses the Green Dot system, giving details about the waste collection, sorting and disposal mechanisms, the charges that companies had to pay to become a part of the system, etc. It then gives an account of the initial obstacles faced by the system and the measures taken to surmount them. It also compares the Green Dot system with the system followed in the UK. Aim Understand some of the environmental and social pressures that companies have to deal with today Discuss the ways in which companies can minimize the quantity of waste that they generate, and what governments can do to encourage this Understand the waste management system adopted in India Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the system Appreciate the advantages of competition and the effects of monopolization

 Success The Green Dot is a Success the Packaging Ordinance and the implementation of the Green Dot system produced many tangible results. Both the producers as well as ordinary citizens responded favourably to the law. Between1991 and 2000, there was a marked reduction in the quantity of packaging waste generated in India.There has been a 14% decrease in the volume Consumer packaging between 1991 and 2000, Criticisms Despite the high recycling rates, the Green Dot system was also criticized on several grounds and from several quarters. In the initial years, as it had limited capacity to recycle plastics, the DS Dot system exporting a significant share of the packaging waste that it collected to countries like China, Pakistan, and Indonesia, and officially list edit as recycled. Green peace's Andreas Bernstorff, who went to these countries to check what happened to the waste, found that the waste was either incinerated or dumped in landfills, sometimes illegally, in the recipient countries.

Nokias e-waste management initiative. The rising stacks of e-waste are the concern of almost all the nations nowadays. It is the biggest issue on the agenda of every environmentalist. The quantity of e-waste is increasing rapidly and estimates have been made that almost 75 percent of obsolete and unused electronic devices are in storage because there is no proper way to get rid of the old and discard material. Discussed below are the e-waste management strategies initiated by manufactures to tackle the problem of e-waste. Dell rolls out e-waste recycling for small businesses Dell is starting up a new service that will recycle old and unused electronics for small businesses. The program used to wash all the data from the hard drives will cost $25 each of up to 10 pieces of hardware. Companies will also be able to resell their old valuable equipments to Dell. This service is in practice since last September and company's effort to save environment are being appreciated all over the world. Dell has been registered as one of the nation's 'responsible recyclers' by the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. This is because they do not transfer their

electronic trash to the developing countries for hazardous dismantling rather they recycle it. Making green revolution as its theme and priority, Dell has also started making more energy efficient computers and is planning to plant trees to make up for the carbon emission done by its computers. Nokia launches e-waste management initiative In an effort to promote recycling of e-waste, Nokia India has initiated an operation where customers can drop their old mobile sets in the company's stores and win gifts or get concession on purchase of new handsets. This service started from Delhi where various recycling bins were set up across Nokia Care Centers. Customers can drop their used mobile handsets as well as other accessories like charger, battery, headphones, etc., in these bins. This whole operation was dubbed as 'Take Back' campaign. Company will also plant a tree for every handset dropped into the recycle bin. The company is planning to make an impact on the society by making its business go green. This practice started by Nokia, will serve as awareness campaign for other companies too and can prove a great help in reducing e-waste. Toshiba steps up e-waste recycling to include copiers Toshiba is extending its recycling program to include copiers, imagining consumables and toner cartridges, etc. The company witnessed hike of 410% for electronic wastes recycled in 2010 when compared to 2009. The company has named this new campaign as 'Zero Waste to Landfill' recycling program. Aim is to provide an easy and efficient service to the businesses to recycle e-wastes. Since 2008, Toshiba works in collaboration with Close the Loop, the company which creates various recycled products like park benches, fences and garden boxes, etc., from recycled plastic. Jidaw Systems Limited Electronic Waste Policy Jidaw Systems Limited is a company that basically deals in training, consulting and web content provision. Company totally discards the use of heavy electronics and generates very less electronic waste. The company has laid a few e-waste policy objectives and strategies. It

includes minimum generation of e-waste and pollution control, dumping of e-waste with no harmful impact on the environment, maintenance of computers/hardware to increase their life, dejecting obsolete computers importation and disposing of electronic waste into Nigeria, encouraging use of recycled products, promoting e-waste recycling and imbibing it completely. Coca-Cola to Spend $3 million for green ppgrades The world around is going green and in this green race big companies are working hard to leave a positive impact on their customers and the society. Recently Coca-Cola announced $3 million to achieve green upgrades to its headquarters located in Atlanta. The main aim of this green program is to reduce energy consumption in the building by 23% and water consumption by 15%. In this regard, energy efficient lights and air-conditioning equipments are being installed and provisions are being made to harvest rain water. Investment cost will be recovered quickly because company will save $1 million annually by implementing this project. The project is expected to be complete in next one and half year and once operational it will be able to reduce carbon emission by 10,000 metric tons annually.

CHAPTER: 11
EFFECTS OF POLLUTION ON TAJ MAHAL

It was built 350 years ago by the Mogul emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal was built of marble, jade, turquoise, lapis lazuli and other precious stones. But its shimmering white walls have begun to fade owing to the effect of pollution from vehicles, factories and workshops in the nearby city of Agra. Pollution has begun to mar the walls of this monument. Despite serious efforts by the Indian government to curb air pollution around the seventeenth century monument, its shimmering white marble is turning yellow. Airborne particles began settling down on the Taj Mahals shimmering white marble, imparting it a yellowish tinge. In the past the authorities have established an air pollution monitoring centre in Agra. They found that while air pollutants like nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide were within tolerable limits, the suspended particulate matter reached very high levels except in rainy weather. Corrosive acid rain is also believed to be behind the discoloration of the Taj Mahals marble. The Yamuna River flowing by the monument is heavily polluted with sewage and industrial wastes and sometimes emits a foul smell which further pollutes the air.

 Measures to save Taj

The effects of the pollution have led to repeated attempts to use a clay pack treatment to maintain the shimmering, pristine appearance of the marble. The report added that measures such as a natural gas pipeline laid to supply clean fuel to industries in Agra, street-widening projects, the construction of a bypass, the replacement of diesel-run rickshaws by cleaner vehicles, heavy investment in a refinery to reduce emissions and an improved power supply that has meant less reliance on dirty diesel generators have had a positive impact, but could only mitigate the threat. Now Tulsi will help Taj Majal to retain its pristine allure. Forest department has come up with a quick- fix project -- plant a Tulsi drive in Agra. The officers claim has full backing from ancient texts which hold Tulsi to be the panacea for all problems from cosmic to cosmetic. The department is all set to launch the Tulsi plantation drive from January 2009. The public-private joint venture is expected to provide an eco- protection cover to sensitive Taj trapezium zone surrounding the 17th century monument. Tulsi (Occinum sanctum) chosen for its anti- pollutant anti- oxidation and airpurifying properties making it an ideal ornamental shrub in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal.

CHAPTER: 12
POLLUTION IN GANGA RIVER

The Ganga is the largest river in India with an extraordinary religious importance for Hindus. Along its banks are some of the world's oldest inhabited places like Varanasi and Patna. It provides water to about 40% of India's population in 11 states. In modern times, it is known for being much polluted. An estimated 2.9 billion litres or more of human sewage is discharged into the Ganges daily (200 million litres daily in the city Varanasi alone, although the existing treatment plants have capacity to treat only 1.1 billion litres per day, leaving a huge deficit.

Causes
Human waste The Ganges river basin is one of the most fertile and densely populated regions in the world and covers an area of 1,080,000 km2 (400,000 square miles). The river flows through 29 cities with population over 100,001; 23 cities with population between 50,000 and 100,000, and about 48 towns. A large proportion of the waste in the Ganges is from this population through domestic usage like bathing, laundry and public defecation.

Industrial waste Countless tanneries, chemical plants, textile mills, distilleries, slaughterhouses, and hospitals contribute to the pollution of the Ganges by dumping untreated waste into it. Industrial effluents are about 12% of the total volume of effluent reaching the Ganges. Although a relatively low proportion, they are a cause for major concern because they are often toxic and non-biodegradable. Religious events During festival seasons, over 70 million people bathe in the Ganges over a few weeks to cleanse themselves from their sins. Some materials like food, waste or leaves are left in the Ganges for ritualistic reasons. A Hindu belief is that dropping the ashes of cremated bodies at the Manikarnika Ghat (at Varanasi) in the Ganges would give Moksha (liberation) to the jiva (soul). Dams Built in 1854 during the British colonization of India, the Haridwar dam has led to decay of the Ganges by greatly diminishing the flow of the river. The Farakka Barrage was built originally to divert fresh water into the Bhagirathi River but has since caused an increase of salinity in the Ganges, having a damaging effect on the ground water and soil along the river. The barrage has caused major tension between Bangladesh and India. The government of India has planned about 300 dams on the Ganges and its tributaries in the near future despite a government-commissioned green panel report that has recommended scrapping 34 of the dams citing environmental concerns. Impact Marine life The results of mercury analysis in various specimens collected along the basin indicated that some fish muscles tended to accumulate high levels of mercury. Of it, approximately 5084% was organic mercury. A strong positive correlation between mercury levels in muscle with food habit and fish length was found. The Ganges River dolphin is one of few species of fresh water dolphins in the world. Listed as an endangered species, their population is believed to be less than 2000. Hydroelectric and irrigation dams along the

Ganges that prevents the dolphins from travelling up and down river are the main reason for their reducing population. Wildlife Some of the dams being constructed along the Ganges basin will submerge substantial areas of nearby forest. For example, the Kotli-Bhel dam at Devprayag will submerge 1200 hectares of forest, wiping out the river otters and 'mahaseer' (a kind of fish) that are found here. Wildlife biologists in India have been warning that the wild animals will find it difficult to cope with the changed situation. Human beings An analysis of the Ganges water in 2006 showed significant associations between water-borne/enteric disease occurrence and the use of the river for bathing, laundry, washing, eating, cleaning utensils, and brushing teeth. Exposure factors such as washing clothes, bathing and lack of sewerage, toilets at residence, children defecating outdoors, poor sanitation, low income and low education levels also showed significant associations with enteric disease outcome. Water in the Ganges has been correlated to contracting dysentery, cholera, hepatitis, as well as severe diarrhea which continue to be one of the leading causes of death of children in India. Cleaning efforts Ganga action plan The Ganga Action Plan or GAP was a program launched by Rajiv Gandhi in April 1986 in order to reduce the pollution load on the river. But the efforts to decrease the pollution level in the river became more after spending 901.71 Crore (190 million USD adjusting to inflation). Therefore, this plan was withdrawn on 31 March 2000. The steering Committee of the National River Conservation Authority reviewed the progress of the GAP and necessary correction on the basis of lessons learned and experiences gained from the GAP phase; 2 schemes have been completed under this plan. A million litres of sewage is targeted to be intercepted, diverted and treated. Phase-II of the program was approved in stages from 1993 onwards, and included the following tributaries of the Ganges: Yamuna, Gomti, Damodar and Mahananda. As of 2011, it is currently under implementation.

National River Ganga Basin Authority (NRGBA)

Main article: National Ganga River Basin Authority NRGBA was established by the Central Government of India, on 20 February 2009 under Section 3(3) of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. It also declared Ganges as the "National River" of India. The chair includes the Prime Minister of India and Chief Ministers of states through which the Ganges flows.

Supreme Court of India The Supreme Court has been working on the closure and relocation of many of the industrial plants along the Ganges and in 2010 the government declared the stretch of river between Gaumukh and Uttarkashi an eco-sensitive zone.

CONCLUSION
The degradation of natural resources is due to various human and economic development activities. The impact of environmental degradation can be devastating on the social, economic, and environmental systems of a country or region as well as the global ecosystem. Now people are also conscious about environmental degradation and are ready against it. It is important to develop a climate change adaptation strategy for the country, particularly to mitigate impact of extreme climatic events such as droughts, floods, cyclones. Focused investments in education, healthy work conditions, environmental sanitation, and a safe water supply are extremely effective in improving health and well being, as well as in increasing productivity and economic growth. The government has now realized the need concern regarding environmental issues, and started incorporating environment into policies dealing with various sectors. Governments, International organizations and communities must work together at all levels to lessen the risks associated with environmental degradation and its contributing factors, such as climate change, and ensure that vulnerable people are prepared to survive and adapt. At the same time, companies, organizations and individuals must also ensure that their work is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

WEBSITES:
saferenvironment.wordpress.com/.../effects-of-environmental degradation

www.odihpn.org/.../environmental-degradation

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_India

www.globalgiving.org/GreenEducation

www.springer.com/environment/environmental+management

BOOKS:
Environmental Degradation (Robert Powell Sangster) Environmental Planning and Decision Making. (Ortolano, Leonard.)