 INTRODUCTION:

The word “ENVIRONMENT” means “surrounding”. We are an

integral part of the surrounding; using and influencing it all the time.
For our benefit and in our interest it is important that we recognize
and respect the limits set by environment for its use. For more
reasons than one, most often, these limits are exceeded; resulting in
the degradation of the environment .we ought to remember that such
a situation if outstretched can challenge our very existence in the
environment. We have to be careful, because the environment does
not have an infinite capacity to recycle itself.

 DEFINITION:
The environment is defined in several ways.
• Environment is our surrounding.
• Environment is the totality of all externalities that affect human
life.
• Environment is the sum total of external conditions within which
an object, organism or community exists.

 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

A term encompassing environmental planning, protection,

monitoring, assessment, research, education, conservation and
sustainable use of resources, is now accepted as a major guiding
factor for national development in India. From the early seventies,
India has played a significant role at international forums in
delineating and articulating the relevance of environmental concerns
in the context of economic development. There has been, over the last
decade, a progressive strengthening of official involvement in
environmental management in India, with increased scientific,
technical, administrative and legislative backup at the Central and
State levels.
With the realization that poverty and the state of underdevelopment
led to many of the environmental problems that confronted the
nation, came the understanding that it was more rapid development
which was the best approach. This development has to benefit
people. by providing for their basic human needs and rising
aspirations...

However, another class of environmental problems has arisen as

unintended side-effects of the very attempts at development. These
had to do with the mismanagement of natural resources, large-scale
deforestation, the unplanned discharge of residues and wastes, the
handling of toxic chemicals, indiscriminate construction and
expansion of settlement activities, etc.

 ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY :

'India is fortunate in the richness of its natural resources..... The

abundance and diversity of its living resources. Adequately
managed, these and other resources can meet high levels of material
needs, now and for all times to come. The degree to which a nation
can prosper depends on its productivity, which is the efficiency with
which it is able to utilize the resources of the environment to satisfy
human needs and expectations. If the gains in productivity are to be
sustained, resources must also continue to be available over time.
This requires that, while providing for current needs, the resources
base be managed so as to enable sustainable development'.

With the realization that poverty and the state of underdevelopment

led to many of the environmental problems that confronted the
nation, came the understanding that it was more rapid development
which was the best approach. This development has to benefit
people. by providing for their basic human needs and rising
aspirations...

However, another class of environmental problems has arisen as

unintended side-effects of the very attempts at development. These
had to do with the mismanagement of natural resources, large-scale
deforestation, the unplanned discharge of residues and wastes, the
handling of toxic chemicals, indiscriminate construction and
expansion of settlement activities, etc.

 Environmental Planning:

Environmental considerations in the planning process and in the

implementation of national development strategies must be based on
an understanding of the following issues and responsibilities:

 The environment with its component of living and non-living

resources represents the most fundamental building blocks for
national development and social well being.
 The environment today is under severe threat from the
pressure generated by growth of human and animal
populations, poverty and the misuse/ unplanned use of natural
resources.
 Stabilization of human and livestock population is as crucial for
environmental management as it is for achieving other plan
objectives.
 While many of the country's environmental ills could be
corrected by rapid economic growth with social justice, utmost
care must be exercised to ensure that development activities
which bring about such changes are designed so as not to lead
to adverse environmental effects. The nation's planning for
economic growth and social well-being in each sector must
always take note of the need to protect environmental
resources, and where possible, must work to secure
improvement in environmental quality.
 Therefore, the primary responsibility for environmental
protection must rest with each sectoral authority. Development
agency which would have to develop formal mechanisms to
take account of environmental concerns in policies, plans,
programmes, projects and legislations that come under their
purview.
  Environmental considerations should form an important
element in the criteria for setting developmental targets and
assessing plan performance in all sectors. Environmental
management must be integral to all development activities.
 The Department of Environment at the Centre, and its
counterparts at the State level would essentially serve as
catalysts to promote environmentally sound national
development, through provision of management information,
technical expertise, monitoring, research and administrative
support and, wherever possible, limited financial assistance.
 The prime responsibility with regard to the environment would
rest with the various implementing authorities for development
programmes and with the community. For this, environmental
education and awareness building is crucial.
 Environmental planning/protection/improvement requires a
coordinated, highly decentralized approach involving the
cooperation and active participation of every segment of
society, and most importantly of the political leadership.

 Basic Policies Relating to Aspects of Implementation:

The experience with environmental management so far emphasizes

two facts. First, that environmental issues and problems arise in
virtually every sector c the economy, and at every level of society.
Second, the sustainable solutions for problems that manifest those
selves in one sector may not apply in other sectors Environmental
issues have no administrative, socio cultural or political boundaries.
Therefore, the initiative; for tackling environmental issues must
emerge from official as well as non-official agencies and individuals
operating at different levels. Success in achieving environmentally
sound development will depend greatly or the extent of co-operation
that can be achieved between Governments. Its subsidiary agencies,
voluntary groups, financial institutions, corporate groups in the
public and private sectors, educational and research bodies,
professional societies, religious and cultural institutions, etc.
 Environmental authorities such as the Department of Environment
will deal with those subject areas for which they have been assigned
direct managerial responsibility, e.g., pollution monitoring and
control, environmental research and development, etc. The direct
goals relating to the subject of environment as a whole would be:

 Institutionalizing the process of integrating environmental

management and development.
 Inducing organizations at the Central, State and local levels to
incorporate environmental safeguards in their plans and
programmes.
 Securing greater public participation in environmental
 Establishing a strong S&T base for environmental research and
development, demonstration and extension activities.
 Strengthening mechanisms for ensuring corrective action with
regard to environmental degradation that has already taken
place.

 Pollution Monitoring and Control:

Environmental pollution is a serious and growing hazard in India. Its

impact on human health and well being is both direct, (e.g.,
inhalation of polluted air and intake of contaminated water), or
indirect, by its impact on the health of environmental resources (loss
of soil fertility, corrosion of structures, death of aquatic life, etc.).
Waterborne pollution, from both community and industrial sources,
is probably the most important health hazard in India. A large part of
the population has to depend upon untreated or inadequately treated
water supplies. In the sector of industrial pollution, while the
medium and large industries can be induced to enforce pollution
control, the problem becomes almost intractable for the vast numbers
of small industries that have proliferated unplanned in many parts of
the country. Pollution in the costal zone, resulting in the destruction
of valuable living natural and marine resources, and spoiling of
tourist attractions like beaches is now attracting growing attention.
The availability of modern, well equipped laboratories is essential for
executing pollution monitoring and control programmes that include
regulatory functions. These will be developed both at the Central and
State levels.

A special programme is to be initiated for Control of Hazardous

Substances (chemical and microbial) used in the country or imported
for various purposes (i.e., for agriculture, industry, etc.). The
objective is to bring out comprehensive legislation on hazardous
materials. It is proposed to create a suitable structure to work out
management plans for regulating the safe disposal of these materials
to minimize adverse environmental consequences. This will also
involve the development of codes for handling, packaging, shipping
and disposal of toxic materials and creating awareness on these
issues.

A major programme on Prevention of Pollution of Ganga would be

undertaken as an S&T mission in the Seventh Plan. A central Ganga
Authority has been set up under the Chairmanship of the Prime
Minister. Data regarding trends in environmental quality would
emerge from the monitoring of selected indicators such as extent of
forest cover, extent of wasteland, rate of desertification, rate of
change in population of endangered species, number of
municipalities adequately treating effluents, pesticide residues in
water bodies, incidence of acid rain, destruction of fertile land
through urbanization, etc.

 Natural Living Resources Conservation:

There has been lack of adequate inputs of S&T in the natural living
resources conservation programmes. This weakness will now be
sought to be rectified through reorientation and strengthening of the
work of the Botanical and Zoological Surveys of India (BSI, ZSI), and
through the Man and Biosphere Research Programme, with
particular emphasis on ecosystems approach. Traditionally, BSI and
ZSI have been concerned with higher forms of life. Lower plants and
animals, including micro-organisms (bacteria and fungi), though
very important in ecosystem considerations, have not received due
attention. In the Seventh Plan, work would be initiated in these gap
areas. Apart from taxonomic investigations and publication of Flora
and Fauna of India, BSI and ZSI will take up joint programmes for
Survey of Living Resources and Ecological Mapping in collaboration
with NRSA and related agencies. Intensive studies will be
undertaken for ecosystem analysis of Conservation Areas like Tiger
Reserves, Biosphere Reserves, National Parks and selected
sanctuaries, for their actual biological content which needs to be
conserved.

 Eco-development:

Most of the programmes for environmental management deal with

pre-planning for eliminating or at least minimizing environmental
degradation. One of the major objectives of the Eco-development
practical field schemes such as land reclamation, afforestation,
cleaning of water bodies, etc.

To accelerate the process of repairing the damage already done and

to illustrate successful tools, techniques and methodologies for
environmental protection and field action, programmes would be
taken up in some selected areas as demonstration projects, namely:

 Mined Area Reclamation;

 Demonstration projects incorporating such aspects as creation
of green belts and grazing lands, cleaning of water bodies and
treatment of water, recycling of wastes especially human waste
for biogas generation and optimal traffic and land use
planning, etc.
 Rehabilitating Fragile Eco-systems; Watershed Management
projects would also be taken up, especially in the Himalayas, to
demonstrate the feasibility of technology and management
packages for rehabilitation of degraded and fragile watersheds,
etc.
For restoration of degraded eco-systems and greening of barren
parts, massive public participation, and particularly the mobilization
of students, volunteers, ex-servicemen and such others would be
required. It is proposed to integrate the efforts in these projects with
other on-going projects of similar nature such as social and farm
forestry, rural road construction, integrated rural development, etc.

Specific multidisciplinary and multi-institutional projects will be

carried out on:

 Technology and management systems for combating floristic.

 Rural fuel use and their impact on health.
 Biological monitoring of heavy metals.
 Effects of air pollutants on plants.
 Tissue culture and seed biology as a conservation strategy.
 Biotechnology for waste management.
 Coastal area pollution.
 Development of low-cost instrumentation for environmental
quality monitoring.
 Ethno biology.

 Technology and management systems for combating floristic.

 Rural fuel use and their impact on health.
 Biological monitoring of heavy metals.
 Effects of air pollutants on plants.
 Tissue culture and seed biology as a conservation strategy.
 Biotechnology for waste management.
 Coastal area pollution.
 Development of low-cost instrumentation for environmental
quality monitoring.
 Ethno biology.

 Environmental Education, Training and Awareness:

Or creating and intensifying environmental awareness at all levels of

Indian society, both formal and non-formal educational channels will
have to be utilized. The basic thrust of the programme would
encompass the following objectives:

 Incorporation of environmental themes in educational curricula

and teaching aids/materials in the formal environmental
education sector.
 Encouraging non-governmental organizations, mass media and
concerned organizations to promote non-formal education.
 Providing aid to professional societies and institutions for
environmental education activities.
 Developing the National Museum of Natural History and
establishing Regional (Satellite) Museums.
 Feasibility studies for establishing a National Institute for
Environmental Management.
 Promoting the setting up of Interpretive Centers in national
parks, botanical gardens, zoos and biosphere reserves.
 Promoting manpower development and generating literature
and audio-visual material for environmental education.
 Establishing Centers of Excellence in Environmental Education
and Research.

 Environmental Information:

For environmental management, the availability of accurate and

relevant environmental information is a crucial pre-requisite. Modern
data storage and retrieval systems form important components of a
scientifically managed environmental data base.

A major programme for publication of environmental status reports,

research and policy papers and journals/newsletters for widespread
dissemination is envisaged.

 Environmental Policy and Law:

Environment related legislation enacted in the past in India is in need

of systematic review and updating/amending. It is therefore
proposed to establish a mechanism for continuous review of national
environmental legislation and support the study of India's role in
international environmental conventions.

Preliminary work has been completed for the preparation of a

National Conservation Strategy; this would be finalized after
consultation with concerned Central and State authorities, public and
private sector corporate groups, non-governmental organizations,
academic and research bodies, etc.

 Financial Outlays:

The proposed outlays are given in Annexure.

Anticipated Expenditure for the Sixth Five Year Plan and Outlay
for the
Seventh Five Year Plan for the Sector of Environment and Ecology.
(Rs. crores)

Sixth Five seventh Five Year Plan

Year Plan 1985-90 outlay
SECTOR 1980-85 Total Centre State UTs
Anticipated
expenditure
1 2 3 4 5 6
Environment and 40.05 427.91 350.00* 75.71 2.20
Ecology/Prevention and
Control of Air and Water
Pollution and Ganga
Action Plan.

 Trends in population growth and environmental degradation:

The issues of population, environment and development should be

treated not as separate sets of issues, but as three interactive factors.
Considerable debate has taken place in recent years on the complex
issue of the environmental implications of population change. The
rapid population growth, which affects patterns of production and
consumption, is a principal source of pressure on the environment
especially in a developing country like India. The environment has to
sustain not only the basic human needs for survival, but also the
conversion of raw materials into products and services

India is the second largest populous country of the world, with its
current population figures standing at 954 million (Bulatao, 1992-93).
Of this, 276 million people reside in urban areas implying
urbanization level of 28.9%. The urbanization levels of the country
have been increasing consistently since 1971. Almost 20 % of the
country's population lived in the urban areas in 1971, while in 1991
the figure had risen to approximately 26%. Most of this urban
population is concentrated in the Class I cities (cities with a
population of 100,000 and above). According to the 1991 census,
Class I cities contained 140 million people and accounted for 65
percent of the total urban population.

A more disaggregated level of analysis can be done using the million

plus cities (cities with a population of 1 million and above), called
metropolitan cities. The number of such cities increased from 12 in
1981 to 23 in 1991. The total population in these metros accounts for
nearly one-third of total urban population. Over 50% of the
population of these metros lives in the five giant conglomerates-
Mumbai (12.57 million), Calcutta (10.92 million), Delhi (8.38 million),
Chennai (5.36 million) and Bangalore (4.09 million) (TEDDY
1996/97). The 23 million plus cities have been marked in a map (1.1)
of India, showing state boundaries. This has been attached in the
report so as to give a clear understanding to a reader unfamiliar with
the terrain of the country.

 CONCLUSION:

There has been an increasing awareness in recent years that

protection of the environment is necessary for sustaining the
economic and social progress of a country. This awareness was
reflected at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, where
more than a hundred heads of government adopted a global action
plan called Agenda 21 aimed at integrating environmental
imperatives with developmental aspirations and reiterated through
the U.N. General Assembly Special Session on Environment held in
June 1997. It is now accepted that, in terms of natural resources, a
country's demand for its sustenance should not exceed its carrying
capacity. Over the last few decades, India has evolved legislations,
policies and programmes for environmental protection and
conservation of natural resources. The Indian Government's policy
has been expressed in the form of statements on forestry, on the
abatement of pollution, the national conservation strategy and the
policy statement on environment and development.

Protecting the Environment

Sound environmental management is critical to sustainable

development, and as a consequence, to poverty reduction. Growth
will be short-lived if it does not conserve the natural environment
and its resources. Although much of the past damage has been
caused by powerful vested interests, the pressures of poverty and
population can compound the problem through deforestation,
overgrazing, and over fishing. The rural poor are often forced to live
on fragile lands and near-fragile waters that require sensitive
resource management in the face of increasing degradation. The
urban poor are exposed to diseases and illnesses resulting from
overcrowding, inadequate basic services, and polluted living
conditions. To address poverty, it is important to empower the poor
and to give them a stake in managing the environment and natural
resources.