Political Science: Environment and Natural

Resources
Environmental Issues in India
Air Pollution: A severe environmental problem in India, especially in cities like Delhi, Kanpur,
and Lucknow.
Causes:
Vehicle emissions.
Industrial smoke and coal-based power plants.
Burning of crop stubble.
Construction dust.
Household fuel burning.
Consequences:
Reduced visibility and smog.
Asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease.
Premature deaths.
Contribution to global warming.

Water Pollution: Major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna are heavily polluted.
Causes:
Untreated sewage dumped into rivers.
Industrial effluents containing harmful chemicals.
Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Religious practices (immersion of idols).
Consequences:
Waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery.
Harm to aquatic life.

Deforestation and Loss of Biodiversity: Forests are shrinking due to expansion of cities,
industries, and farmlands.
Causes:
Mining, dam-building, and construction of highways.
Illegal logging and shifting cultivation.
Expanding agriculture.
Consequences:
Destruction of wildlife habitats.
Soil erosion.
Disruption of rainfall patterns.
Reduced capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.

Land Degradation and Desertification: Overuse of land degrades the soil.

Causes:
Overgrazing of cattle.
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Deforestation and mining.
Consequences:
Declining soil fertility.
Desertification (e.g., in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh).
Increased poverty for farmers.
 Waste Management and Plastic Pollution: Thousands of tons of solid waste are generated
daily.
Problems:
Overflowing garbage dumps release toxic gases and leach harmful liquids.
Plastic waste clogs drains, pollutes rivers, and harms animals.

Climate Change: A harsh reality in India, with diverse impacts due to its geography and
population.
Signs in India:
Rising temperatures and heatwaves.
Irregular monsoon rains.
Floods (e.g., Kerala, Assam, Uttarakhand).
Melting of Himalayan glaciers.
Rising sea levels.

Environmental Movements in India

Environmental movements are collective efforts to protect, conserve, and improve the natural
environment. They are often people-led, non-violent, and rooted in local communities.
Chipko Movement: (1973)
Non-violent, social and ecological movement.
Led by rural villagers, particularly women, in Uttarakhand.
Aimed to protect trees and forests.
Why it mattered: Highlighted ecological importance of forests, empowered women, and
forced rethinking of forest management policies.
Impact: Sustainable forest use, increased environmental awareness, and influenced
legislation (Forest Conservation Act, 1980).
Narmada Bachao Andolan: (1985)
Protest against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River.
Focused on environmental damage and displacement of people.
Why it mattered: United diverse communities, questioned development models sacrificing
people and nature, highlighted rehabilitation importance, and pioneered legal activism.
Impact: Raised awareness, encouraged sustainable approaches, and inspired other
movements.
Silent Valley Movement: (1977)
Response to a proposed hydroelectric project threatening the Silent Valley.
Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) aroused public opinion.
Why it mattered: Showed the influence of science and public opinion and protected rare
species and biodiversity.
Impact: Cancellation of the project and creation of Silent Valley National Park (1985).

Global Environmental Issues

Global environmental issues affect the entire planet and require international cooperation.
Global Warming and Climate Change: Gradual increase in Earth's average temperature due to
greenhouse gas emissions.
Causes:
Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas).
Urbanization and waste.
 Effects:
Rising temperatures and heatwaves.
Biodiversity loss.

Ozone Layer Depletion: Thinning of the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV)
radiation.
Causes:
Release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances.
Effects:
"Ozone hole," particularly over Antarctica.
Health impacts (skin cancer, cataracts, weakened immune systems).
Environmental effects (harm to plants and marine life).
Climate effects.

Biodiversity Loss: Decline in the wide range of life on Earth.

Causes:
Deforestation.
Climate change.
Impacts:
Species extinction.
Shrinking ecosystems.
Diminished ecosystem services (soil fertility, oxygen production).
Disrupted food chains.

Environmental Degradation and Inequality

Environmental degradation worsens existing social and economic inequalities.
Social Dimensions:
Environmental problems are linked to consumption, development, and power patterns.
Wealthier populations consume more resources and generate more waste, while
marginalized groups deal with the consequences.
Disproportionate Effects on Vulnerable Groups:
Poverty increases vulnerability, and vulnerability deepens poverty.
The Poor: Often live in environmentally hazardous areas.
Women: Bear increased burdens due to their roles in collecting water, gathering firewood,
and producing food.
Tribal and Indigenous Communities: Depend directly on natural resources and face
cultural and social losses when resources are destroyed.
Examples:
Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984, India): Affected poor families living near the factory.
Hurricane Katrina (2005, USA): Disproportionately affected African American and low-
income populations in New Orleans.

Sustainable Development in India

Sustainable development balances economic, environmental, and social goals.
Emphasizes meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet
their own.
Promotes efficient use of natural resources, reduction of waste and pollution, and protection
 of ecosystems.
Encourages renewable energy sources.
Role of Governments and Policies:
Creating frameworks for environmental protection.
Regulating industries.
Promoting sustainable practices.
Investing in sustainable infrastructure.
International cooperation.

Government Initiatives and Environmental Policies

in India
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):
India's strategy for addressing climate change while pursuing economic development.
Launched in 2008.
Outlines integrated, long-term missions focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency,
sustainable habitats, water conservation, sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem, green
India, sustainable agriculture, and strategic knowledge for climate science research.
Environment Protection Act, 1986:
Gives the Central Government powers to protect and improve environmental quality.
Authorizes measures to prevent, control, and reduce pollution.
Swachh Bharat Mission:
Launched in 2014.
Aims to improve sanitation, cleanliness, and waste management.
National Green Tribunal (NGT):
Established in 2010.
Handles environmental cases efficiently.
Deals with pollution, forest conservation, and environmental clearances.
Constitutional Provisions:
Article 48A: Directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard
forests and wildlife.
Article 51A(g): Places a duty on every citizen to protect and improve the natural
environment.