ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE

A Project Report Submitted in Partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the award of degree of
Bachelor of Technology
in
COMPUTER SCIENCE

SUBMITTED TO

SOPHITORIUM ENGINEERING COLLEGE,

BIJUPATTNAIK UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

BY

Mr. Pratik Kumar Pradhan

Regd. No.-2201332027

Under the supervision of

Er. Ashutosh hazari

SOPHITORIUM ENGINEERING COLLEGE

BHUBANESWAR
ODISHA
 Sophitorium Engineering College, Bhubaneswar

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Project entitled " ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE " by Mr. Pratik Kumar
Pradhan bearing Regd. No.:- 2201332027, submitted to the Sophitorium Engineering College

under “BIJUPATTNAIK UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY”, Rourkela, ODISHA for the

award of Bachelor of Technology in Computet Science , is a record of bonafide research work
carried out by him under my supervision. I believe that this project fulfills part of the requirements
for the award of degree of Bachelor of Technology and it gives awareness among all engineering
students towards the benefits of society.

Signature of Signature of Signature of

Guide External HOD
 Education is a process of development which includes the three
major activities, teaching, training and instruction. Teaching is
social as well as a professional activity. It is science as well as
art. Modern education is not in a sphere but it has a long and
large area of study. Now a days most part of the world population
is facing different problems related with the nature and they are
P studying the solutions to save the nature and global problems,
but on the second hand we even today do not try to understand our

R local problems related to the nature. So for the awareness of the

problems of nature and pollution the higher education

E
commission has suggested to
add the Environmental Science in the course of different levels.
Environmental Science is also well known as Environmental

F Studies in the Indian Colleges and Universities. Before that it

was the part of the science but now a days it is a very common

A
subject and higher education commission has suggested including
it as a general paper in all the courses.

C
Awareness in the field of environmental sciences is becoming
a global talk. People worldwide are realizing its importance as they
are able to smell a Polluted tomorrow. Careful handling of todays’
E environment would only serve as a legacy for tomorrows’
generation. Hence, we need to be judicious in exploiting our
resources optimally. To ensure a sustainable development we need
to know something about how our environment works. Environment
can be defined as the set of conditions that surround an organism or
the complex of socio cultural condition that affect an individual.
Environmental Science is the systematic, scientific study of the
environment in combination with living organisms.
 INTRODUCTION
The science of Environment studies is a multi-disciplinary science because it
comprises various branches of studies like chemistry, physics, medical science,
life science, agriculture, public health, sanitary engineering etc. It is the
science of physical phenomena inthe environment. It studies of the sources,
reactions, transport, effect and fate of physical a biological species in the air,
water and soil and the effect of from human activity upon these.
Environment Explained
Literary environment means the surrounding external conditions influencing
development or growth of people, animal or plants; living or working conditions etc.
This involves three questions:
1. What is Surrounded
The answer to this question is living objects in general and man in particular.
2. By what Surrounded
The physical attributes are the answer to this question, which become
environment. In fact, the concern of all education is the environment of man.
However, man cannot exist or be understood in isolation from the other forms of life
and from plant life. Hence, environment refers to the sum total of condition, which
surrounds point in space and time. The scope of the term Environment has been
changing and widening by the passage of time. In the primitive age, the environment
consisted of only physical aspects of the planted earth' land, air and water as
biological communities. As the time passed on man extended his environment through
his social, economic and political functions.
3. Where Surrounded
The answer to this question. It is in nature that physical component of the plant
earth, viz land, air, water etc., support and affect life in the biosphere. According to a
Goudie
environment is the representative of physical components of the earth where in man is an
important factor affecting the environment.
 (i) Definitions of Environment : Some important definitions of environment
are as under:
1. Boring: ‘A person’s environment consists of the sum total of the
stimulation which he receives from his conception until his death.’
It can be concluded from the above definition that Environment
comprises various types of forces such as physical, intellectual,
economic, political, cultural, social, moral and emotional.
Environment is the sum total of all the external forces, influences
and conditions, which affect the life, nature, behaviour and the
growth, development and maturation of living organisms.
2. Douglas and Holland: ‘The term environment is used to describe, in
the aggregate, all the external forces, influences and conditions, which
affect the life, nature, behaviour and the growth, development and
maturity of living organisms.’
(ii) Scope of Environment: The environment consists of four segments as
under:
1. Atmosphere: The atmosphere implies the protective blanket of
gases,surrounding the earth:
(a) It sustains life on the earth.
(b) It saves it from the hostile environment of outer space.
(c) It absorbs most of the cosmic rays from outer space and a major portion
of the electromagnetic radiation from the sun.
(d) It transmits only here ultraviolet, visible, near infrared radiation (300
to 2500 nm) and radio waves. (0.14 to 40 m) while filtering out
tissue-damaging ultra-violate waves below about 300 nm.
The atmosphere is composed of nitrogen and oxygen. Besides, argon, carbon
dioxide, and trace gases.
2. Hydrosphere: The Hydrosphere comprises all types of water resources
oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams, reserviour, polar icecaps,
glaciers, and ground water.
(i) Nature 97% of the earth’s water supply is in the oceans,
(ii) About 2% of the water resources is locked in the polar icecaps and
glaciers.
(iii) Only about 1% is available as fresh surface water-rivers, lakes streams,
and ground water fit to be used for human consumption and other uses.
3. Lithosphere: Lithosphere is the outer mantle of the solid earth. It consists of minerals
occurring in the earth’s crusts and the soil e.g. minerals, organic matter, air and
water.
4. Biosphere: Biosphere indicates the realm of living organisms and their
interactions with environment, viz atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.
Element of Environment
Environment is constituted by the interacting systems of physical, biological
and cultural elements inter-related in various ways, individually as well as
collectively. These elements may be explained as under:
(1) Physical elements
Physical elements are as space, landforms, water bodies, climate soils, rocks and
minerals. They determine the variable character of the human habitat, its opportunities
as well as limitations.
(2) Biological elements
Biological elements such as plants, animals, microorganisms and men
constitute the biosphere.
(3) Cultural elements
Cultural elements such as economic, social and political elements are
essentially man- made features, which make cultural milieu.

ENVIRONMENT STUDIES: IMPORTANCE

Importance of Environment Studies: The environment studies enlighten us,
about the importance of protection and conservation of our indiscriminate release
of pollution into theenvironment.
At present a great number of environment issues, have grown in size and
complexity day by day, threatening the survival of mankind on earth. We study
about these issues besides and effective suggestions in the Environment Studies.
Environment studies have become significant for the following reasons:
1. Environment Issues Being of International Importance
It has been well recognised that environment issues like global warming and
ozone depletion, acid rain, marine pollution and biodiversity are not merely
national issues but are global issues and hence must be tackled with
international efforts and cooperation.
2. Problems Cropped in The Wake of Development
Development, in its wake gave birth to Urbanization, Industrial Growth,
Transportation Systems, Agriculture and Housing etc. However, it has become
phased out in the developed world. The North, to cleanse their own environment
has, fact fully, managed to move ‘dirty’ factories of South. When the West
developed, it did so perhaps in ignorance of the environmental impact of its
activities. Evidently such a path is neither practicable nor desirable, even if
developing world follows that.
3. Explosively Increase in Pollution
World census reflects that one in every seven persons in this planted lives in
India. Evidently with 16 per cent of the world's population and only 2.4 per cent
of its land area, there is a heavy pressure on the natural resources including land.
Agricultural experts have recognized soils health problems like deficiency of
micronutrients and organic matter, soil salinity and damage of soil structure.
4. Need for An Alternative Solution
It is essential, specially for developing countries to find alternative paths to an
alternativegoal. We need a goal as under:
(1) A goal, which ultimately is the true goal of development an
environmentally soundand sustainable development.
(2) A goal common to all citizens of our earth.
(3) A goal distant from the developing world in the manner it is from the over-
consuming wasteful societies of the “developed” world.
5. Need To Save Humanity From Extinction
It is incumbent upon us to save the humanity from exinction. Consequent to our
activities constricting the environment and depleting the biosphere, in the name of
development.
6. Need For Wise Planning of Development
Our survival and sustenance depend. Resources withdraw, processing and use of
the product have all to by synchronised with the ecological cycles in any plan of
development our actions should be planned ecologically for the sustenance of the
environment and development.
7. Misra’s Report
Misra (1991) recognized four basic principles of ecology, as under:
(i) Holism
(ii) Ecosystem
(iii) Succession
(iv) Conversation.
Holism has been considered as the real base of ecology. In hierarchical levels
at whichinteracting units of ecology are discussed, are as under:
Individual<population<community<ecosystem<biome<biosphere.
Misra (1991) has recognised four basic requirements of environmental
management as under:
(i) Impact of human activities on the environment,
(ii) Value system,
(iii) Plan and design for sustainable development,
(iv) Environment education.
Keeping in view the of goal of planning for environmentally sustainable
development India contributed to the United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development (UNCED), also referred to as “Earth Summit” held at Rio de
Janciro, the Capital of Brazil, 3rd-14th June, 1992.

NEED FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS

It is essential to make the public aware of the formidable consequences of the
Environmental Degradation, if not retorted and reformative measures undertaken,
would
result in the extinction of life. We are facing various environmental challenges. It
is essential to get the country acquainted with these challenges so that their acts
may be eco-friendly. Some of these challenges are as under:
1. Growing Population
A population of over thousands of millions is growing at 2.11 per cent every
year. Over 17 million people are added each year. It puts considerable pressure on
its natural resources and reduces the gains of development. Hence, the greatest
challenge before us is to limit the population growth. Although population control
does automatically lead to development, yet the development leads to a decrease
in population growth rates. For this development of thewomen is essential.
2. Poverty
India has often been described a rich land with poor people. The poverty and
environmental degradation have a nexus between them. The vast majority of our
people are directly dependent on the nature resources of the country for their
basic needs of food, fuel shelter and fodder. About 40% of our people are still
below the poverty line. Environment degradation has adversely affected the poor
who depend upon the resources of their immediate surroundings. Thus, the
challenge of poverty and the challenge environment degradation are two facets
of the same challenge. The population growth is essentially a function of poverty.
Because, to the very poor, every child is an earner and helper and global concerns
have little relevance for him.
3. Agricultural Growth
The people must be acquainted with the methods to sustain and increase
agricultural growth with damaging the environment. High yielding varities have
caused soil salinity and damage to physical structure of soil.
4. Need to Ground water
It is essential of rationalizing the use of groundwater. Factors like community
wastes, industrial effluents and chemical fertilizers and pesticides have polluted our
surface water and affected quality of the groundwater. It is essential to restore the
water quality of our rivers and other water bodies as lakes is an important challenge.
It so finding our suitable strategies for consecration of water, provision of safe
drinking water and keeping water bodies clean which are difficult challenges is
essential.
5. Development And Forests
Forests serve catchments for the rivers. With increasing demand of water, plan to harness the
mighty river through large irrigation projects were made. Certainly, these would submerge forests;
displace local people, damage flora and fauna. As such, the damson the river Narmada, Bhagirathi and
elsewhere have become areas of political and scientificdebate.
Forests in India have been shrinking for several centuries owing to pressures of agriculture and
other uses. Vast areas that were once green, stand today as wastelands. These areas are to be
brought back under vegetative cover. The tribal communities inhabiting forests respects the trees and
birds and animal that gives them sustenance. We must recognise
the role of these people in restoring and conserving forests. The modern
knowledge and skills of the forest deptt. should be integrated with the traditional
knowledge and experience of the local communities. The strategies for the joint
management of forests should be evolved in a well planned way.
6. Degradation of Land
At present out of the total 329 mha of land, only 266 mha possess any potential
for production. Of this, 143 mha is agricultural land nearly and 85 suffers from
varying degrees of soil degradation. Of the remaining 123 mha, 40 are completely
unproductive. The remaining 83 mha is classified as forest land, of which over
half is denuded to various degrees. Nearly 406 million head of livestock have to
be supported on 13 mha, or less than 4 per cent of the land classified as pasture land,
most of which is overgrazed. Thus, our of 226 mha, about
175 mha or 66 per cent is degraded to varying degrees. Water and wind erosion
causes further degradation of almost 150 mha This degradation is to be avoided.
7. Reorientation of Institutions
The people should be roused to orient institutions, attitudes and
infrastructures, to suitconditions and needs today. The change has to be brought in
keeping in view India’s traditions for resources use managements and education
etc. Change should be brought in education, in attitudes, in administrative
procedures and in institutions. Because it affects way people view technology
resources and development.
8. Reduction of Genetic Diversity
Proper measures to conserve genetic diversity need to be taken. At present most
wild genetic stocks have been disappearing from nature. Wilding including the Asiatic
Lion are facing problem of loss of genetic diversity. The protected areas network like
sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves are isolating populations. So, they are
decreasing changes of one group breeding with another. Remedial steps are to be
taken to check decreasing genetic diversity.
9. Evil Consequences of Urbanisation
Nearly 27 per cent Indians live in urban areas. Urbanisation and
industrialisation has given birth to a great number of environmental problem
that need urgent attention. Over 30 percent of urban Indians live in slums. Out of
India’s 3,245 towns and cities, only 21 have partial or full sewerage and
treatment facilities. Hence, coping with rapid urbanization isa major challenge.
10. Air and water Population
Majority of our industrial plants are using outdated and population
technologies and makeshift facilities devoid of any provision of treating their
wastes. A great number of cities and industrial areas that have been identified as
the worst in terms of air and water pollution. Acts are enforced in the country,
but their implement is not so easy. The reason is their implementation needs
great resources, technical expertise, political and social will. Again the people are
to be made aware of these rules. Their support is indispensable to implement
these rules.
VARIOUS TYPES OF ENVIRONMENT
According to Kurt Lewin, environment is of three types which influence the
personality of an individual as under:
(a) Physical Environment,
(b) Social and Cultural Environment, and
(c) Psychological Environment.
These may be explained as
under:
1. Physical Environment
Physical environment, refers to geographical climate and weather or physical
conditions wherein and individual lives. The human races are greatly influenced
by the climate. Some examples are as under:
(a) In the cold countries i.e. European countries the people are of white colour.
Likewise, in Asian and African countries, that is, in hot countries people are
of dark complexion.
(b) The physique of an individual depends on climate conditions as the
individual triesto adjust in his physical environment.
(d) The human working efficiency also depends on the climatic conditions.
2. Social Environment
Social Environment includes an individual’s social, economic and political
condition wherein he lives. The moral, cultural and emotional forces influence
the life and nature of individual behaviour. Society may be classified into two
categories as under:
(i) An open society is very conductive for the individual developement.
(ii) A closed society is not very conductive for the developenment.

3. Psychological Environment
Although physical and social environment are common to the individual in a
specific situation. Yet every individual has his own psychological environment, in
which he lives. Kurt Lewin has used the term ‘life space’ for explaining
psychological environment. The Psychological environment enables us to understand
the personality of an individual. Both- the person and his goal form psychological
environment.
If a person is unable to overcome the barriers, he can either get frustrated or
completed to change his goal for a new psychological environment. But adopting
this mechanism, the individual is helped in his adjustment to the environment.

STRUCTURE OF ENVIRONMENT
Environment is both physical and biological. It includes both living and non-living components.

(i) Physical Environment

 (i) Solid,
(ii) Liquid
(iii) Gas.
These represent the following spheres:
(i) The lithosphere (solid earth)
(ii) The hydrosphere (water component) and
(iii) The atmosphere
As such, the three basic of physical environment may be termed as under:
(i) Lithospheric Environment
(ii) Hydrospheric Environment
(iii) Atmospheric Environment
The scientists have classified them into smaller units based on different spatial
scales,
e.g.
(i) Mountain Environment
(ii) Glacier Environment
(iii) Plateau Environment
(iv) Coastal Environment

(ii) Biological Environment

The biological of the environment consists of:
(i) Plants (flora)
(ii) Animals (fauna).
Thus, the biotic environment further be divided into floral environment and
faunal environment. All the organisms work to form their social groups and
organizations at several levels. Thus, the social environment is formed. In this
social environment the organisms work to derive matter from the physical
environment for their sustenance and development. This process gives birth to
economic environment. Man claims to be most skilled and civilized of all the
organisms. This is the reason why his social organisation is most systematic. The
three aspects of man, e.g. physical, social and economic, function in the biotic
environment as under:
(i) The Physical Man
The ‘Physical Man’ is one of the organisms populations or biological
community. He is in need of basic elements of the physical environment like
habitat (space), air, water and food. Besides, like other biological populations, he
releases wastes into the ecosystem.
(ii) The Social Man
The ‘Social Man’ performs the following functions:
(a) Establishing social institutions,
(b) Forming social organisations,
 (c) Formulating laws, principles and policies,
(d) Taking steps to safeguard his existence, interest and social welfare.

(iii) The Economic Man

The economic man derives and utilises resources from the physical and biotic
environment with his skills and technologies. The economic function makes the man
an environment/ geomorphic process as he transports matter and energy from one
component of the ecosystem to the other. There may be any following two
situations:
(a) His exploitative functions may be in harmony with the natural
environment. Such, functions do not necessarily involve change in the
working of the ecosystem.
(b) These functions may exceed the critical limit. Consequently, the equilibrium
of the environment/ecosystem is disturbed and a great number of
environment and ecological problems crop up. These are determental to man
him besides to whole population of human species in a given ecosystem.
CASE STUDIES ON ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY
PART I
ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE SOCIETY
We all know that disasters strike on vulnerable societies. It can be manmade or natural.
Various natural hazards such as earthquakes, flood, droughts, fires etc. are part of the natural
cycles on earth. However when such hazards happen to a certain section of our society
which is susceptible to such hazards, it can have major consequences on the individuals,
families and society on a whole. Hence the impacts of disasters whether natural or man-
made have both environmental and human dimensions. Hence human intervention in the
form of deforestation, agricultural processes, forest management practices etc. can at times
have a negative impact on the society in the form of storm, floods, landslides, silting, ground
water contamination etc.
We all know that one needs to have an harmony between Environment and society for a
healthy life and growthof civilization. Our natural resources need to be protected and
nurtured so as to create a balance between one and all Disasters are some form of calamity
which may strikethe human race at any time and leave a lasting impact. They can be Natural
or Man-made. Hence an earthquake is simply an event in nature and not a disaster unless it
causes injury or destroys property or thousands are killed due to it.

From the above, it is clear that Disasters can be defined as an occurrence which can be
natural or man-made causing severe damage, injury or loss of life or property and causing
disruption in the society and affecting thenatural environment adversely.

In lieu of the above, due to disasters striking very often, Disaster management has become
the in-thing now in the present day scenario, since calamities whether it is landslide, floods,
tsunami, earthquake etc. keep on striking one after another. Hence a need has been felt for an
effective organization, direction and use of various means to counter the disaster effectively
and these frequent disasters calls for an effective disaster management strategy . Hence the
role of disaster managers has become very pertinent because any miscalculation at their end
can play havoc with the lives of the unprepared disaster victims and in turn have a negative
effect on the environment on a whole.

We would be covering few of the important Natural and Manmade disasters in the
history of human kindthrough various case studies.

CASE STUDY I
Bhopal Gas Tragedy , Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
3rd December , 1984 – This tragedy is known as the worst man made tragedy in the
history of mankind which had an adverse effect on the environment in the long run. This
tragedy happened in the factory of Union Carbide of India Ltd. (UCIL), a subsidiary of the
multinational company Union Carbide Corporation (USA) due to the leakage of Methyl
Isocyanate gas.
 During a chilly windy December night when the city of Bhopal was almost asleep, the
tragedy struck at around mid-night. In the factory the workers of night shift around 11.30
am realized that something was wrong in the factory since their eyes were itching badly.
The Methyl Isocynate tank was under heavy pressure to release the gas since the same was
not designed to withstand the increased pressure. This finally forced the emergency venting
of pressure from the MIC holding tank and releasing large volume of toxic gases in the
atmosphere.
Impact of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy

Since this gas had high density, the gas clouds formed stayed close to the ground and this caused coughing,
vomiting and severe eye irritation and a feeling of suffocation. Thousands of people died immediately form
the effects of the gas and many died in panic. There were mass cremations and funerals in the following
days. It is estimated unofficially that around 20,000 died due to effect of this and an another 1,00,000 to
2,00,000 people were estimated to have permanent injuries. The leaves of the trees of the nearby areas
turned yellow and withered away.
 Even today the after effects of the tragedy loom large over Bhopal.

Hence what do we learn from this tragedy or what are the lessons we have learnt?

Lessons learnt from Bhopal Gas Tragedy

 One lesson which we as human civilization has learnt is that ‘Prevention is always better
than cure’. This tragedy was something which could have been averted had there been
adequate precautionary measures in place. This tragedy was more about negligence and
ignoring safety measures by reducing cost to the company. Hence there was infact no
backup plan which could have averted this tragedy. If the precautionary measures would
have been in place, thousands of lives could have been saved.
 This disaster served as an eye opener to the bureaucrats and politicians across India. The
Department of Environment (DoE) was converted to a full fledged Ministry of
Environment and Forests (MoEF) in the year 1985 and this is a primary Central
Government agency for co-ordinators, planning and promoting the environmental
programmes across India.
 The Company’s profits seemed more important than investing on the safety measures, it is
also surprising to note as to how permission was granted to having such a hazardous plant
in the Bhopal city. Hence dear learners, red tapism needs to end if one needs to create a
society which is sustainablefor future generations.
 A study conducted by Greenpeace (greenpeace.org) revealed that various residual
environmental aspects still lingers on in Bhopal even after so many years of the tragedy.
The contamination of underground water, soil and effects on human body pose serious
threats to the future generations. Hence dear learners, this disaster is one of its kinds in the
history of mankind which has left a lasting impact on the environment and society and its
after effects are still visible on the coming generations aswell.
 Now let us study another interesting case study showing the unsustainable strategy used
for establishment ofindustry at the cost of Environment and society.
 CASE STUDY 2
COCA COLA FACTORY AT PLACHIMADA
 The Coca Cola factory at Plachimada is a classic example of industrial development at the
cost of harming theenvironment by unsustainable means of extraction of natural resources
 This factory was established in the year 1999 and its operations started in Kerala on 8 th
October, 1999 when the company officially applied to Perumatty Grama Panchayat for
permission to setup a bottling unit in Plachimada and thus successfully acquired 40 acres
of Marshy lands area which is legally not permitted for industrial purposes under the
Kerala Land Utilization Act, 1967. The company utilized large amounts of ground water of
the said area. The soft drinks like Coca cola, Miranda, Seven-up, Sprite, Fanta and Kinley
soda wereproduced at this plant. The coming up of this plant provided various employment
opportunities to the locals of the area The wastewater from the plant after treatment was
used for recharging the ground water reservoir and the sludge from the factory was sold to
the nearby farmers as fertilizer.
 However the reality was different from what was said by the management. There was no
Environmental Impact Assessment by the Government or the Factory management before
its establishment. As the production began, a series of environmental issues came up like
water scarcity, contamination of soil, health hazards etc.There was also no real mechanism
to estimate the actual volume of the water extracted by the Company.

Hence what was the impact of the Coca-cola plant at Plachimada, the impact was
multi-fold and is asfollows.
Impact of the Coca-cola Plant at Plachimada

 There was a scarcity of drinking water in the area and major sources of drinking water
dried up in theregion. The groundwater quality analysis exposed high levels of hardness,
salinity, alkalinity and presence of various unwanted chemical components etc which
was not suitable for drinking.
 The solid waste or sludge which was distributed as fertilizer contained high levels of heavy
metals. Hence the once fertile land had become a graveyard of industrial waste and thus
got polluted in the duecourse of time.
 The polluted water and soil resulted in serious health problems amongst the residents of
plachimada. The health hazards were like cough, burning eyes, pain in abdomen, low
birth weight etc.
 Due to reduction in agriculture, there was a steep fall in the employment opportunities in
the region andpeople started leaving the area in search of work and better opportunities.

Lessons learnt from the Plachimada Case

 A proper Environmental Impact Assessment needs to be carried out whenever any such
company isestablished in any area.
 The solid waste needs to be disposed off in a sustainable manner so as to not to harm the
environment.
 Over exploitation of resources needs to be avoided and this can only be done by
effective monitoringmechanisms in place by the Government machinery.
 Thus the Plachimada case study has shown the need for suitable sustainable strategies so
as to makefuture projects environment friendly, economically feasible and socially viable
in the interest of future generations.
 CASE STUDY
ENDOSULFAN TRAGEDY
 Endolsulfan is a man-made insecticide used to control a number of insects in the agricultural
fields.
 The Plantation Corporation of Kerala (PCK) a Public Sector Undertaking under the State
Government owned some cashew plantations in Kasargod District, Kerala. As per media
reports, Endosulfan was aerially sprayed in these plantations for 24 years (1976 to 2000)
around three times a year These uninterrupted spraying of thepesticide has had a disastrous
impact on the health and environment of the local people residing in the areas surrounding
these plantations. Various villages nearby also had been severely affected since this
spraying resulted in chronic health complications. By 1990s various health disorders were
reported from the residents ofthis area.
Impact of the Endosulfan tragedy
 The impact of this tragedy was multifold and is considered to be one of the worst pesticide
tragedies of theworld.
 In the early 1979, it was reported that stunted growth and deformed limbs were noticed
amongst theinfants born in this area.
 By 1990s, serious health disorders were noticed amongst residents of the nearby areas
especially children who had congenital anomalies, mental retardation, physical
deformities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy,etc. Even today people are dying from the after-
effects of this pesticide.
Lessons learnt from the Endosulfan tragedy
 This tragedy received wide media coverage and was banned in Kerala in 2001 after a
report by the National Institute of Occupational Health which showed the debilitating
effects of this pesticide.
 Since this tragedy got wide media coverage, people have become more conscious about
usage of pesticides and the concept of organic farming and kitchen/terrace garden is
gaining popularity in andaround Kerala.
 This pesticide is presently banned in many countries across the world, however in India,
this pesticide is only banned in Kerala and Karnataka. After this tragedy, awareness levels
amongst the residents of Kerala about the benefits of organic farming have increased.
People have started cultivating vegetables and fruits in the space available in their houses
for consuming pesticide free foods.
 Thus these are some of the debilitating effects of pesticide in our daily food and how the
same is detrimentaltowards our overall wellbeing.
CASE STUDY 4
 THE TSUNAMI ON 26TH DEC, 2004
 Dear learners let us now try to understand what a tsunami means and what is the impact
of tsunamis on the environment and society? The word ‘tsunami’ is derived from the
Japanese words tsu means ‘harbor’
 and nami means ‘wave’ or ‘series of waves’ in the ocean which can be hundreds of miles
long and can rise upto 34 ft. These are like walls of water which can travel at a massive
speed and cause lots of destruction especially along the coastal lands. Hence it is very
important for you to know at this juncture that one of the most common causes of
tsunamis are underwater earthquakes
 On December 26, 2004 at 7.58 am due to a fault rupture which was initiated at the west
coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia gave trigger to a devastating tsunami in the Indian
ocean. Apart from Sumatra, Indonesia, the earthquake affected the northern Indian Ocean
in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Bangladesh.
 In India, there was extensive devastations of the environment and society of the
populated Andaman-Nicobar Islands and the coastal States of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu and Kerala along the mainland coastline of India. The earthquake which generated
the tsunami in the Indian ocean was 9.0 on the Ritcher scale which is one of the largest
recorded earthquake in the human history.
Impact of the earthquake and tsunami
 Due to impact of the massive earthquake generated tsunami, as per media reports, there
was serious damage across the coastlines of around 10 countries and killing more than
1,50,000 people.
 In India, the earthquake was largely felt around the northern Indian ocean in India. In Port
Blair, many roads were cracked and buildings damaged within the Indian Air Force base
while in the coastal townsand ports within Tamil Nadu, a few buildings developed cracks.
The tremors of this underwater earthquake were also felt in Bangkok, Thailand while in
Malaysia, several high-rise buildings
trembled and the residents were evacuated. In Bangladesh the tremors were felt in the city of
Dhaka as well as across the entire country. Sand deposits as a result of tsunami have damaged
various standing crops and affected the soil fertility
 Sea water intrusion was less in areas which was covered with thick vegetation when
compared to thosewith bare lands
Lessons learnt from this disaster
 Few of the lessons which we can learn from the above disaster is as follows.

1. The buildings, houses which need to be built in future need to be earthquake resistant so as
to have theability to withstand a earthquake.
2. A proper disaster management system needs to be in place so as to reduce the causalities
involved insuch a large scale disaster.
3. A proper rehabilitation strategy is required for reducing the aftereffects of the disaster.
4. Thus dear learners through the above case study you must have understood that a proper
disaster management mechanism and rehabilitation strategy needs to be in place to reduce
the impact of such naturaldisasters.
 CASE STUDY 5
THE UTTARAKHAND LANDSLIDE, JUNE 2013
We all have heard about Landslides but have you ever wondered why and how they happen?
Hence what do you mean by the term landslide? It is basically a rapid downslope movement of
soil or rock dueto gravitational pull. Landslides cause great distress as they damage property,
crops and also endanger life.
On June 15th, 2013 the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi had predicted that the
State would receive ‘rather heavy rainfall. On June 15 th and June 16th, 2013 the IMD had
warned the State of Uttarakhand of ‘extremely heavy rainfall. The IMD’s Dehradun centre then
issued a news to the State Government saying that five places in the State i.e. Joshimath,
Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri would receive ‘rather heavy’ to ‘extremely
heavy’ rainfall in the next 72 hours. However as per media reports, no concrete precautionary
steps were taken to avert this tragedy.
There was a cloudburst around the Uttarakhand region which resulted in devastating floods
and massive landslides on 16th June, 2013 As per media reports, the Chorabari Lake
exploded when clouds burst over it and this led to severe landslides in the region and causing
extensive damage in the region.
Impact of the Uttarakhand landslide
1. The landslide caused a great loss to human life and property in the area. Several houses,
shops, hotels around the Kedarnath township were destroyed resulting in severe damages
to all. The famous Kedarnath temple however was not damaged but its base was covered
with water, muds and bouldersfrom the landslide.
2. The roads connecting the hills were severely damaged affecting the rescue operations in the
area.
3. Various tourists were caught unaware and thousands were stranded without food, water and
shelter.
4. Thousands of human lives was lost and their bodies washed away in this natural fury.
5. According to Wikipedia, it is estimated that around 608 villages covering a population of
7,00,000 in 23Districts were affected by the flood and landslide.
6. Hence the lessons which we have learnt from the disaster are as given below.

Lessons Learnt from This Disaster

1. Excessive mining on the riverbanks and indiscriminate construction of Hydropower
projects gave way tothis disaster. We all know that dams are quite essential for meeting the
energy requirements of the society, however this should not be done at the cost of our
natural resources. Hence a proper need assessment needs to be done before initiating new
Projects in such eco-sensitive areas.
2. Further exploitation of natural resources of Uttarakhand like water, forests and
minerals to develop infrastructure, without assessing the vulnerability of natural
resources led to this disaster.
3. The thriving real estate business on the hills led to increased mining in the hills. The
State machinery needs to take concrete steps to preserve the natural cover and needs to
be more cautious while granting sanctions and permissions to build hotels and other
structures.
4. A proper disaster management system needs to be in place for providing timely
assistance and forbuilding awareness in such eco-friendly areas.
5. A timely rehabilitation mechanism needs to be in place when such disasters strike.
Hence the main lesson which one can learn from this disaster is that this is a man-made
disaster due to exploitation of natural resources which in the long run has a debilitating effect
on the environment. A properand effective operational ‘Disaster Management System’ can go
a long way in saving hundreds of life and property when such a disaster strikes.
After going through the above mentioned case studies you must have got an idea about the
types of naturaldisasters we have and how they impact our natural environment in various
forms.
Let us now study about one more form of natural disaster - the earthquake which causes
rampant destructionto the human life and property

CASE STUDY 6
THE BHUJ EARTHQUAKE, 2001
The earthquakes are one of the most dangerous and destructive forms of natural hazards.
They mostly strike suddenly and without any warning. They can reduce a tower or a huge
building into rubbles in just a matter ofseconds and thus cause serious harm and destruction
to human life and property
So how are earthquakes caused? They are mainly caused by the movement of massive land
areas called tectonic plates on the earth’s crust. When the tectonic plates move, there is an
abrupt movement which causesearthquake
On 26th January, 2001, when the whole Country was busy celebrating the Republic day,
children in schools were busy in participating in the Republic Day celebrations, the earth
shook suddenly sending shock waves across Gujarat, India. An earthquake of the magnitude
of 7.7 on the Ritcher scale had rocked Gujarat at 08.46am for two minutes, the epi-centre of
which was found in Bhuj, Gujarat The tremors were felt across Gujarat and in the northern
States of India.
Impact of the Earthquake
According to media reports, the death toll in the Kutch region was around 12,000 out of
which Bhuj which was just 20 kms away from the epicenter was completely devastated.
Extensive damage was also done to Bhachauand Anjar and as per reports it is estimated that
most of the homes, schools, hospitals, tourist attractions etc. ofBhuj were widely damaged in
the earthquake.
In Ahmedabad which is also called as the Commercial capital of Gujarat many
multi-storeyed building collapsed and several hundred people were trapped and
killed under the debris.
The Gujarat earthquake caused intense shaking which was felt by a majority of people of
India. The intense shaking brought about changes in the water and land surface. In some
places water emerged giving hope to people to solve their drinking water woes of people of
Gujarat. However laboratory tests revealed high chlorine and salt content in the water
making it impossible to be used for drinking.
Hence, what are the lessons learnt from the disaster?
Lessons Learnt from the Disaster
A comprehensive Gujarat Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Policy was drafted
to repair, building, strengthening houses and public buildings. The policy also included
 revival of economy, health support and reconstruction of the community and social
infrastructure.

 After the earthquake, relief and aid was obtained from lots of foreign countries but
however it was surprising to find that the relief materials of foreign countries like
tents, apples etc. were being sold on the streets of Ahmedabad therein. Hence the
State Government machinery needs to ensure that relief reaches actually reaches
the target group for which it was meant for.
 There was an acute shortage of Removers to pull out those trapped from the
debris, hence if a comprehensive action plan would have been in place, many
more lives could have been saved.
 Though there was a survey of the houses which were damaged by categorizing them,
not much relief was provided for the houses which had not collapsed but only
damaged in the earthquake. Hence there seemed to be a general apathy as far as the
State machinery was concerned and the ruling Governments whether Central or
State need to play a more pro-active role as far providing relief and rehabilitation is
CONCLUSION
Thus conclusively we can assumingly say that the environmental effects vary from disaster
to disaster and have a long lasting impact on the society. However the effects vary like for
example earthquakes affect the soil, buildings, crops etc. wherein the land value increases
for buildings which were not affected by the earthquake.Similarly in areas where there are
active volcanoes, the land value goes down automatically. Disasters whether natural or
man-made disrupt our environment, society and economy and it takes a while to rebuild
the same to its original shape. This period though generally short lived has a long lasting
impact on the environment and society.