SOCIAL ISSUES AND ENVIRONMENT Chapter - 6 SOCIAL ISSUES AND ENVIRONMENT  2009 Jupiterimages Corporation

Sustainable Development The term sustainable development refers to the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.

Measures for Sustainable Development Effective planning for population control Reducing per capita demand of natural resources Using efficient technological devices Following the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycling) approach Promoting environmental awareness through education Effective planning for regeneration of natural resources

Urban Problems Related to Energy The energy requirement in urban areas is many times greater than that in rural areas because of the following reasons: Activities that require large amounts of energy (industries, institutions, transportation, etc.) are concentrated in urban areas. Urban people have a higher standard of living compared to rural people and hence demand more energy for comfortable living.

Water Conservation Water Conservation in Irrigation Water Conservation in Homes

Rainwater Harvesting Objectives Rainwater harvesting is a technique of water conservation in which the recharge of ground water is increased through capturing and storing rainwater. Objectives To fulfil the demand of water in domestic, industrial, and agricultural sectors To raise the water table by recharging ground water To minimize ground water pollution To reduce soil erosion, flooding, and run off To reduce incidence of floods

Some Traditional Water Harvesting Techniques Kunds of Rajasthan Tanks in Gujarat Temple Ponds Talabs Wadis

Watershed Management Objectives Proper utilization of land and water resources for optimum production without damaging the natural resources is known as watershed management. Objectives To minimize soil erosion and maintain moisture retention to ensure good productivity To facilitate water conservation for domestic water supply, irrigation, hydropower generation, etc. To minimize the risk of floods, droughts, and landslides. To utilize the natural resources in sustainable agricultural practices with a view to improve rural economy of the region and socio-economic conditions of rural people

Benefits of Watershed Management Ensure ecological balance Stabilize income even under unfavourable weather conditions Minimize the risks of drought, landslides, and floods and help to reduce soil erosion and sediment production. Enable proper utilization of marginal or waste lands through alternate land use systems Maximize productivity per unit area, per unit time, and per unit of water Rehabilitate the watershed through proper land use adopting conservation strategies Manage the watershed for beneficial developmental activities such as domestic water supply, irrigation, hydropower generation, etc. Develop rural areas in the region with clear plans for improving the economy of the region

Resettlement and Rehabilitation Reasons for Displacement of Human Habitation Natural hazards – Earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, floods, drought, volcanic eruptions, and epidemic diseases Anthropogenic factors – Developmental activities such as construction of dams, roads, tunnels, etc., which increase the risks of calamities such as floods and landslides. Other factors include accumulation of wastes and environmental pollution

Problems Faced by Displaced People The compensation for the lost land is often not paid or the payment is delayed. Basic infrastructure and amenities are not provided in the new area. Very often, temporary camps become permanent settlements. Ethnic and caste differences make it difficult for the refugees to live peacefully with the communities already living in the area.

Environmental Ethics Creating a moral sense of environmental conservation in each person is called environmental ethics.

Environmental Equity and Priority Principle The Contrasting Views Utilitarian justification (also known as individualistic ethics) Ecological justification (also known as moral justification) Environmental Equity and Priority Principle Always respect nature except in cases where strong human rights are at stake

Wasteland Reclamation Utilizing wastelands for agricultural purposes is known as wasteland reclamation. Types of Wasteland Culturable Wasteland Non-culturable Wasteland

Strategies for Wasteland Reclamation Social forestry and farm forestry approaches should be adopted. Quickly harvestable, more-wood-producing tree species should be planted . Tree crops may be mixed with leguminous plants which can also improve soil fertility. Application of biofertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers should be preferred. The wasteland development programme should be given a high priority for repair and restoration of both ecological and natural resource base of the country. Public awareness, which can play an important role in sustainable ecological development of wastelands, should be created.