CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Overview

In this chapter an attempt has been made to explain the statement of the
problem, review of literature, objectives of the study, methodology and the plan of the
study.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Non-Governmental Organizations have played a significant role in social

welfare and development. One cannot imagine a society without voluntary action. A
society without voluntary action is rather farce. The contribution of the non-governmental
organizations in the field of welfare of the children, women, distressed and helpless is of
noteworthy. The aged, widows, orphans, runaways, etc., have been helped by these non-
governmental organizations. In the field of education, co-operation, labour etc.,
tremendous work has been done by the non-governmental organizations.

Voluntary social action has been advocated by our great leaders. Mahatma
Gandhi, for instance, had vehemently supported collective social action in preference to
the role of the State. Vinobha Bhave and Jaya Prakash Narayan had also endorsed these
views. There has been a long history of community action and self-help in India. The
values of compassion, concerns for collective good and selfless action will be in evident
in future as well.1

Non Governmental Organizations contributed a lot in the various fields of

social welfare and development. Voluntary action itself is a spontaneous one. Voluntary
action that has begun with charity work like relief, social service, etc. has now become an
instrument for promotion of programmes and services coming under the broader field of
social development. Voluntary social work, being social in nature and based on
community needs in operation, is concerned with social services, social welfare and
social development leading to human resource development.

The fields of social welfare and development in which the non-

governmental organizations have contributed their services include health and medical
services, leprosy control and rehabilitation, drug addiction, population and family
welfare, education, adult education, pre-school education, housing, recreation, social
welfare, disaster relief, welfare and development of children, welfare of the scheduled
castes and scheduled tribes, adoption, social defence, consumer protection, rural
development and agriculture extension, environment, legal aid and training. It is not
possible in this limited space to describe the contribution of the various voluntary
organizations in the fields mentioned above.2 The contribution of non-governmental
organizations in various fields is tremendous. Based on the achievement of the non-
governmental organizations we can come to the conclusion that ―one cannot imagine a
society without voluntary action‖.

The environmental movements organized by the Environmental Non

Governmental Organizations in India have generally focused their attention on
particular environmental issue. There are large numbers of environmental issues which

1 S.L. Dube: “Social and Cultural Factors in Development” in Yogesh Atal and Rolpha, Paris
(eds), Asian Rethinking On Development, New Delhi, Abinav Publications, 1976, pp. 2-5.
2 Chowdhary, D. Paul, Voluntary Efforts in Social Welfare and Development, Siddhartha
Publishers, New Delhi, 1990, pp. 206-207.
can be taken care of by the Environmental Non Governmental Organizations. A case
study on the awareness and participation of Environmental Non Governmental
Organizations may help to assess the role that could be played by the Environmental
Non Governmental Organizations in the preservation of environment. A critical study on
Environmental Non Governmental Organizations could bring to light their involvement
in the preservation of environment and bring out certain suggestions to improve the
working of Environmental Non Government Organizations engaged in the preservation
of environment. Therefore, the researcher thought it proper to take up a research study
on Environmental Non Governmental Organizations.

1.3. Review of Literature

Review of literature is a significant part of any research. A familiarity with

available literature in the area of research is required for making new grounds and the
proper designing of the study. Review of related studies further avoids duplication of the
work that has already been done in that area. It also helps the investigator to study the
various aspects of the concept in its multi-dimensional perspective. Some of the
literatures reviewed by the researcher are provided in the following pages:

Peter Hay sets out to introduce the many strands of thought within the
western environment movement. What inspires sympathy for green ‗imperatives‘? How
has an emerging set of ecological values interacted with more established systems of
thought and values in philosophy, religion, science, economics and politics? What is the
significance of such concepts as 'nature', 'wilderness', 'place', 'authenticity', 'sustainability'
and 'democracy', among many others, in a rapidly evolving world? These are just a few of
the many questions explored in this book - a text unique in its cross-disciplinary sweep. It
provides a comprehensive overview of the development of environmental thinking,
charting the rise and fall of ideas through the turbulent intellectual times between 1970
and the late 1990s. This will be an indispensable companion for anyone wanting to
understand the changing trajectory of this most dynamic and important of contemporary
activist and discursive movements. And with its broad-ranging coverage, it is likely to
become a core textbook on all environment-related courses.1

Prabhat Patnaik‘s book is an extremely well-structured and engaging book

for the students and teachers of environmental science, physical science and biology. It
maintains the right balance between covering the core theoretical and conceptual issues
associated with the subject. The publication presents a comprehensive introductory
treatment, ideally edited and structured in an informal yet substantive style provides an
in-depth introduction to the concepts of environmental science. The focus is on clarity,
accessibility, and the needs of the students and teachers.2

Avinash Chiranjeev and Anil K. Jamwal, are of the view that many of the
major cities of the world are beset by environmental problems, not the least of which is
deterioration air quality. Exposure to air pollution is now an almost incapable part of
urban life throughout the world. The available information shows that the air quality
guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) are regularly being exceeded in
many cities--in some cases, to a great extent. Given the rate at which these cities are
growing and the general absence of pollution control measures in many of them air
pollution will probably worsen, and the quality of life of many urban residents will
continue to deteriorate. Although some progress has been made in controlling air
pollution in many industrialized countries over the last two decades, air quality,
particularly in the larger cities of the developing countries is worsening. The WHO
Commission on Health and Environment, which recently concluded its work, identified
urban air pollution as a major environmental health problem deserving high priority for
action. To assess the problems of urban air pollution in the world's largest cities, WHO
and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) initiated a detailed study of air

1 Peter Hay, A Companion To Environmental Thought, New Delhi, Rawat, 2009,

2 Prabhat Patnaik, A Textbook of Environmental Science, New Delhi, Wisdom Press, 2011.
quality in 20 "megacities". The study was carried out within the framework of the
WHO/UNEP urban air quality monitoring and assessment programme known as
GEMS/Air, which is a component of the global environment monitoring system. For the
purposes of this study, megacities were defined as urban agglomerations with current or
projected populations of 10 million or more by the year 2020. This book contains details
of air pollution controlled measures besides mitigating the effects of acid rain, ozone
depletion and sea level rise. This will be of immense help to all those contemplating to
acquire expert knowledge of these subjects.3

The book written by D.N. Saksena and D.M. Gaidhane is concerned with
the study of air, land, water and energy system in relation to the life. The framework of
the book is based upon the UGC syllabi. The Book is primarily designed to meet the
requirement of both undergraduates and postgraduates courses in Indian Universities.
Presently, the Environmental Biology has become an important component of the syllabi
of several disciplines including Science, Social Sciences, Commerce, Management and
Engineering etc. As such, the book will be useful to the students and teachers of all these
disciplines. It would also cater to the needs of students undertaking competitive
examinations. The authors have tried to present a simple, comprehensible, illustrated and
authentic account of the environment, aquatic ecology, wildlife conservation and natural
resources and their conservation. Thus, this book covers all aspects of Environmental
Biology. The Book would prove friendly to all students and teachers of the
Environmental Biology. Beside, eighteen chapters dealing with of general aspects of
Environmental Biology, this book contains some specific chapters on modern branches
including those on Urbanization, Biodiversity, Environmental Biotechnology, Bio-piracy
and Eco-terrorism that make this book special than others. With these general and
specific portions, this book is bound to fulfill the hopes of every student and teacher of

3 Avinash Chiranjeev And Anil K. Jamwal, Air Pollution, Acid Rain, Ozone Depletion And Sea
Level Rise, Delhi, Jnanada Prakashan Publication, 2010.
the Environmental Biology. Text is presented in simple and lucid language, and tables
and figures are given at appropriate places for better understanding.4

B.C. Bhattacharyya and Rintu Banerjee, in their book discuss the

development, use, and regulation of biological systems for the remediation of
contaminated environments and the conception of environment-friendly processes. The
book begins with the definitions of relevant terms and a discussion on the different types
of pollution and wastes. It provides an exhaustive coverage of the treatment of liquid and
solid wastes, the economic and social aspects of waste treatment, and analytical methods
for environmental monitoring. The text concludes with case studies on the design and
economic evaluation of an integrated biogas plant for a dairy farm and design analysis of
a community biogas plant design.5

Lallan Singh‘s edited book has developed its scope and subject matter
along with the fundamental concept and approaches through the application of scientific
analytical tools and quantitative techniques in a very precise manner. The book will be
useful to the students and research scholars working in environmental studies, urban and
regional planning and other relevant disciplines.6

Gunjan Malhotra‘s book is a compilation of selected papers presented in

the conference held by the International Society of Ecological Economics, (ISEE) held
during 15-18 December 2006 in New Delhi, India. This volume, consisting of 25 articles,
attempts to explain the interrelationship between economic growth (of both developed
and the developing countries) and the environmental quality. All these articles highlight
the environmental destructions of unplanned growth. The environmental policy makers

4 Saksena, D.N., and Gaidhane, D.M: Environmental Biology, Studium Press, India, 2010.
5 Bhattacharyya, B.C., and Rintu Banerjee, Environmental Biotechnology, Oxford University
Press, Oxford, 2007.
6 Lallan Singh (Ed.), Environmental Geography, New Delhi, A.P.H. Publication, 2010.
thus must be aware of the relationship between economic and environmental issues in
order to offer policy initiatives that can increase efficiency and improve equality. 7

V. Subramanian‘s book is associated with many types of natural hazards

such as floods, drought, earthquakes, land slides and cyclones; with the exception of
frequent volcanic activities, practically all other forms of natural disasters have been
visiting this region with regular frequency. It is hence but natural to focus attention on
these aspects by researchers in these countries to problems being faced by the densely
populated communities. This book brings into focus several case studies by experienced
workers representing academic institutions, governmental and non-governmental
agencies and active group of researchers. Special attention has also been given to
understand the arsenic problem being faced by nearly 100 million people in the Bengal
delta region with respect to transport processes from source to sink and controlling
factors in its pathways through the vast alluvial basins.8

The book written by S.N. Prasad, is about the various environmental

problems and hazards that our planet faces today and possible solutions that could be
evolved and taken up to solve them, if not to remove them completely, at least to lessen
their deleterious impact upon humankind. A wealth of individual experience and specific
solutions are available, and these have been explained and discussed at length. The need
for stringent overall environmental and economic action to ensure that polluters are not
only prevented form further polluting the environment but also made to pay for the
damage they have caused is stressed. The major improvements in costs and effectiveness
of techniques which lower levels of pollution and waste from industrial process are taken
up in detail. An understanding of these processes is most important for both corporate

7 Gunjan Malhotra, Environmental Growth: A Global Perspective, New Delhi,

Macmillan Publishers, 2008
8 Subramanian, V., Environmental Hazards In South Asia, New Delhi, Capital
Publishing Company, India, 2002.
strategy and public policy formation. Trends in the development and adoption of
environmental technology are vividly brought out in this book.9

P.S. Aaradhana, in her book states that man's desire for ultimate joy and
comfort has led him to exploit nature's free goods to the extent of reducing its natural
capacity for self stabilisation. As a consequence of this outright disregard of the impact
of these activities on the environment, numerous environmental problems have arisen.
Man's capability to transform his environment can bring the benefits of economic
development and an opportunity to enhance the quality of life. But this same power,
incorrectly applied, can also cause incalculable harm to the natural environment and
consequently to human life. Environmental management must regulate the demands and
activities of man in such a way that the ability of the environment to sustain future
development remains unimpaired. Efficient environmental management is a pre-requisite
for sustained economic development.10

Pankaj Shrivastava‘s book is an introduction to different aspects of

environmental pollution in the light of tremendous achievements in the last few decades
in a very comprehensive and thought provoking manner. The book features the
contributions from eminent environmentalists, educationists, researchers and
professionals. This book will serve a multidisciplinary source book and will be of
immense use for those working in the field of environmental sciences, environmental
engineering, ecology, microbiology, cyanobacteria and different aspects of
environmental pollution as well as to all those interested in the protection of
environment in any way. The book aims to highlight most interesting and promising
areas of environment for future research and development programmes.11

9Prasad, S.N., Environmental Hazards: Challenges And Management, Lucknow,

Pointer Publication, India, 2008.
10Aaradhana, P.S., Environmental Management, New Delhi, Rajat Publication, 1998.
11Pankaj Shrivastava, Environmental Pollution and Its Management, New Delhi, APH, 2000.
 Pushpam Kumar‘s book is an attempt to explore the critical aspects of
environmental economics which help in attaining the objective of sustainable
development. Sustainability of the economic system essentially revolves around the
maintenance of environmental stock intact. Most of the environmental resources (quality
and quantity) are exhaustible for the time horizon relevant for economic analysis. These
environmental resources (e.g. air, water, soil, biodiversity etc.) are generally unpriced
and unaccountable based on the assumption of ‗free gift of nature‘ or ‗externalities‘.
Incorporation of environmental resources in economic modelling and national income
accounting system and finally economic valuation in Cost Benefit framework of these
resources that fall outside the domain of the market forces have been emphasised as the
thrust issues in this book.12

The book written by I.S. Chauban and Arun Chauban‘s is the outcome of
an empirical study of the socio-economic consequences of environmental degradation in
Lillooet—a town in Western Canada. It describes how a society perceives environmental
hazards, how it responds to them and how it develops a public policy to manage them.
The present study will provide to the planners, policy-makers, and panchayats in India,
an excellent example to emulate at the local, regional, or national level and to manage
the environment in such a manner that it continues to cater our growing needs without
being impaired for our future generations.13

V.K. Prabhakar in his book states that the term ‗Pollution‘ has become so
common now when almost all things are polluted and it has affected and endangered all
the fauna and flora on the earth. Environmental pollution is categorically described in the
present volume in its all dimensions. Topics like – environmental pollution; air
pollution; water pollution; noise pollution; nuclear pollution; environmental protection;

12Pushpam Kumar, Environmental Economics For Sustainable Development: Some Issues In

Modeling, Accounting and Valuation, New Delhi, Manak, 2001.
13CHAUBAN I.S., AND ARUN CHAUBAN, ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION: SOCIO-
ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES, NEW DELHI, RAWAT PUBLICATION, 1998.
Water Pollution Act, 1974; Environmental Protection Act, 1986 etc. encompassing
authoritative details.14

S.B. Kumar, in his book opined that Gandhism is a living thought for not
only solving social, economic and political problems but also the ecological and
environmental problems facing the present world. It is becoming more and more relevant
with the passage of time. The developmental status of the world is unsatisfactory and it
has given birth to the degradation of environment and depletion of scarce natural
resources. Looking at the present way of finding solutions to the problems facing
humanity one can hardly hold an optimistic view that the present solution shall be found
to arrest the pace of degradation of environment. In such a dilemma the only ray of hope
comes from the Gandhian way of finding solutions. There has been massive literature on
or about Gandhi but his relevance in preservation of nature and natural resources has
hardly been touched judiciously. Therefore, reconstruction of Gandhism is necessary.
We have to interpret Gandhism in terms of ecological challenges, degradation of
environment, consumerism, and imperatives of globalisation, liberalisation and so on.
The book interprets Gandhism keeping in view the problems threatening 21st century.15

Arvind Kumar‘s book is a unique compilation of 65 current research

articles of eminent ecologists from different parts of India for assessing the impact of
ecodegradation on agriculture in the light of recent advances during last decade. This
book has been a milestone in the field of agricultural ecology because its aim is to
highlight the present status of environment in relation to agriculture. The book discusses
exhaustive studies on various aspects of agricultural sciences such as impact of coal
mining industries on agriculture, agro-ecological environment and stored food grain
ecosystem, agrochemicals and reproductive toxicity, sustainable management of natural

14Prabhakar,
V.K., (Ed.), Environmental Pollution, New Delhi, Anmol Publication, India, 2001.
15S.B.
KUMAR, ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND GANDHIAN SOLUTIONS : THE ONLY RAY
OF HOPE TO THE PRESENT AILING WORLD, DEEP AND DEEP, INDIA, 2002.
resources in cropping systems, studies on seed conservation, plant pesticides in the
control of forests pests, etc.16

S. Bhatt and Akhtar Majeed in their book state that issues concerning
environment cannot remain local because the effects of environmental mis-management
cross state and national boundaries. Pollution cannot remain the concern of the place
where it originates because it goes on to affect a much bigger geographical area.
Environmental activists insist that natural endowments can be better managed and
effectively regulated at the local level. But, they also apprehend a dilution of regulatory
enforcement at the local level. ―In times of global concerns about environmental issues,
a system of cooperative federalism can offer a framework where responsibilities are
shared. Instead of just imposing national or international mandates on the lower tiers of
governance, environmental protection would be better managed if the latter are given
more role in the regulation and enforcement. Environment is an area where federal
devolution can provide the solution for welfare governance‖.17

According to Anjila Gupta, the constituents of environment are

transnational and follow no artificial boundaries, national or state. The environmental
nuisance in one state pollutes the environment of the other. While meeting the industrial
needs of one state not only local environmental disturbances are created but the
environment of the other states also is affected. It is worth noticing that, greed of a few
advanced nations leads to the environmental tampering of a majority of the states. This
type of feeding of the industrial needs at the cost of environment, the need of
replenishing the environment to a sustainable level and the problem of "unlimited wants
v/s limited resources" lead to the economics of environment. The environmental
pollution by the Developed Countries (DCs) arises much more due to the "greed" rather
than the "need" factor dominant in less developed countries (LDCs). This "greed" versus

16ARVIND KUMAR, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND AGRICULTURE, APH, INDIA, 2002.

17S.Bhatt And Akhtar Majeed, Environmental Management And Federalism : The Indian
Experience, Uppal Publication, India, 2002.
"need" phenomenon gives rise to disparities in the economics of environment between
developed and less developed economies.18

Ramila Bisht‘s book seeks to examine the environment in its totality and
its impact on health in a Himalayan eco-system. As a fragile and threatened life-support
system, the problems of this region have been a matter of considerable concern in recent
years. Using an environmental health approach, which sees health issues embedded
within the natural, social, political and economic systems, the author explores the
subjective and objective components of people‘s health in Pauri Garhwal district of
Uttaranchal. She brings forth evidence, which demonstrates the importance of
ecological, socio-economic and political linkages in health. Environmental degradation,
erosion of subsistence economy, food scarcity, subsequent malnutrition and ill-health are
closely related and constitute a vicious circle that perpetuates stagnation. Economic
poverty rooted in physical and environmental poverty creates the conditions in which
diseases originate. The study highlights the problems of this hill region, and makes a
strong case for bearing in mind its peculiarities and specificities in the development of
health service models and creative strategies of problem resolution.19

Benimadhab Chatterjee, in his book states that environmental pollution is

now assuming a dangerous proportion throughout the world. The need for environmental
protection is an area which has been at the forefront of social concern during the last two
decades at both national and international levels. This book endeavours to provide a
relatively complete, comprehensive and valid account and analysis of problems of
implementation of environmental laws in India. The approach of the book is to look into
the problems with the comprehensiveness of both substantive and procedural aspects of

18ANJILA GUPTA, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES V/S LESS

DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, NEW DELHI, INTERNATIONAL BOOK DISTRIBUTOR, 2002.
19Ramila Bisht, Environmental Health in Garhwal Himalaya: A Study of Pauri Garhwal, New

Delhi, Indus Publication, 2002.

environmental laws. The book contains all major case laws in India having impact in the
implementation process.20

S.P. Das Gupta edited book contains scientific papers on environmental

problems of the world. These were selected from the papers presented at the Centre for
Study of Man and Environment during its Silver Jubilee (1999-2000). Each paper
highlights some of the vital environmental issues of the day. The first paper by Dr. J.
Schmoelling, A German scientist, deals with industrial pollution. The question of
development of the coastal zone has been discussed in the second paper by Professor
John Pethick of England. The next two papers deal with the growing hazards of
radiation. The fifth paper highlights the problem of air pollution brought about by pollen
grains. In the next paper different methods of bio-assaying the environmental quality
have been put forward. The seventh paper deals with the environmental risk of extraction
of groundwater in Kolkata. The next two papers draw attention to the phenomena of
climate. The tenth paper recounts the phenomenon of the noosphere in the evolutionary
process of man. Last paper is on the geological evolution of the Ganges delta in the light
of arsenic contamination in groundwater. It will be seen that each article has struck at the
vitally important environmental issues that we are currently faced with.21

M.Z.A. Khan and S.K. Agarwal, in their book deal with local, regional and
global problems at micro and macro-levels. It provides theoretical as well as behavioural
bases as well as case studies. It is a compilation of selected research papers which deals
with basic theme of geography and environment.22

According to P.C.Trivedi, pollution refers to the excess concentrations of

substances in the environment that are harmful to us and may be the cause of widespread

20Benimadhab Chatterjee, Environmental Laws: Implementation Problems And Perspectives:

Policy and Process; Role of Courts; Role of People and Ngos, Deep and Deep, India, 2002.

21S.P. Das Gupta (Ed.), Environmental Issues for the 21 Century, Mittal Publication,
India, 2003.
22M.Z.A. Khan and S.K. Agarwal, Environmental Geography, Mumbai: APH, 2004.
environmental problems. Humans are causing accelerated pollution rates because of the
quantity of waste we produce and the substances within our waste output management
may be achieved through pollution control as well as remediation and restoration.
Because of the difficulty in implementing pollution control, persuasion, regulation or
economic incentives are often necessary. Much current research concerns how to deal
more effectively with hazardous wastes. The present book 'Environmental Pollution and
Management' incorporates critical articles on various facets of environmental pollution
and its possible management strategies.23

Padmanabh Dwivedi in his book opines that humanity is faced with a huge
challenge. Climate change, bio-diversity, desertification, threatening food security and
increasing pollution are the major threats to the future. Natural resources, both on land
and water, are increasingly in demand to cater to the human needs and expectations.
There has been significant damage resulting through pollution from various human
activities. There is an urgent need for meaningful and co-ordinated environmental
management, whereby capacity building can be strengthened and a symbiotic
partnership between human beings and the environment are established. This book
highlights critical environmental issues, and touches upon various environmental
pollution with focus on the causes, sources and remediation. The emphasis has been laid
on key environmental management strategies to combat the menace caused by various
pollutants, and also to be prepared in advance to tackle the effects of such pollutants as
well as natural hazards.24

Mahesh V. Joshi‘s book is trying to throw the light on various pollution

problems, its causes and remedies etc. This book has noted urbanization and
industrialization as a main cause of pollution problems. Also it has discussed issues
connected to air pollution, water pollution, land pollution and noise pollution. Further it

23P.C.Trivedi,Environmental Pollution and Management, Mumbai, Aavishkar, 2004

24Padmanabh Dwivedi, Environmental Pollution and Environmental Management, Chennai,
Scientific Publication, 2004.
stresses the importance of forests and spells out various forest policies of the
government, besides explaining the Gandhian views on environment and environmental
policy.25

Abhijit Dutta, Sunita Dutta and P.N. Pandey, in their book state that it took
nature 600 million years to develop environment as it exist today but man, with only one
million years of existence has altered the environment in such a manner which threaten
the very existence of a healthy biosphere. With the development of civilization man has
unwittingly endangered his own surroundings and titled the ecological balance. It is thus
essential that he should learn to survive in a sustainable world in a better environment
and hence should be aware of the problems that arise time and gain. Issue concerning
environment worry not only environmental scientists but should be of concern to every
person of this threatened planet. A pressing need has been felt to educate everybody
regarding the problems of the environment. The book has been divided into twelve
chapters, in a logical sequence. The articles not only deal with the contemporary
environmental problems but also the possible solutions for future environmental
management for the achievement of a sustainable world. This book is the first of its kind
that challenges all possible environmental problems caused by developmental activities
of human beings.26

K.K. Shrivastava‘s book claims to be most comprehensive. In this book the

description and analysis of the subject is in the Indian context and it covers basic
concepts of the syllabi of almost all the Indian Universities on the subject in simple and
lucid language drawing examples from Indian environmental and educational system.
This book is a critical constructure of the subject.27

25Mahesh V. Joshi, Environmental Disasters: Causes, Impact and Remedies, New Delhi,
Adhyayan Publication, 2004.
26Abhijit Dutta, Sunita Dutta and P.N. Pandey, Environmental Issues and Challenges, Mumbai:

APH, 2005.
27K.K. Shrivastava, Environmental Education: Principles, Concepts and Management, New

Delhi, Kanishka Publication, 2004.

 Sawalia Bihari Verma‘s book is a compendium of papers contributed by
distinguished personalities, consultants, and academicians. It has been designed to meet
long-felt need. The venture focusses upon the certain aspects. They are: Gandhi and
environment; green productivity: growth in harmony with nature; agriculture and
improved environment; corporate business : social responsibility; climatic change,
implications for national security; 'barefoot' women solar engineers; effect of air
pollution on health; environmental conservation in road projects; poverty alleviation
programme and environment; environmental degradation in rural areas; people's
participation in environmental protection; environmental law : an international
perspective; international environmental consumerism; and politics of global warming.28

The book titled ‘NGO’s in the Nineties’ by Desmond A. D’Abreo is offered

to its readers in the hope that it will help them to reflect on the present condition of the
voluntary sector and to catalyze a change so that the voluntary agencies and groups will
once more become active agents who work selflessly and ceaselessly for the full
development of our people and of society in which accords to each and everyone
freedom and the respect befitting her or his human dignity!29

Scholars like Anthea and Joan,30 A.P. Barnabas,31 M.L. Chainani,32 David
Horton Smith,33 Beena Desai,34 Indirabai Devdhar,35 W.A. Friedlander,36 M.S. Gore,37

28Sawalia Bihari Verma, Environmental Law, Pollution and Management, Jaipur: University
Book House, India, 2004.
29Desmond A. D’abreo, Ngo’s In the Nineties, Foundation for Educational Innovations in Asia,

Bangalore, 1992.
30Anthea, H., And Joan, M., Social Workers and Volunteers, London: George Allen and Unwin,

1978.
31Barnabas, A.P., Study of Rationalization System of Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organization In

Social Welfare, 1985.

32Chainani, M.L., Rehabilitation of Physically Handicapped, Popular Prakashan, Bombay,

1971.
33David Horton Smith, Voluntary Action Research, Lexington Books, Massachusetts, 1974.
34Desai, Beena: Armed Forces & Disability, Health for the Millions, Vol.21, No.6, New Delhi,

Vhai, 1995.
35Devdhar Indirabai, Social Work and Social Agencies, Pune: Chiranji Granth Prakashan, 1964.
Sumitra Gupta,38 V. Jagannathan,39 Morris Mary,40 A.M. Muzumdar,41 R.S. Pandey and
Advani,42 C.H. Rudolf,43 R. Sankaran and Ivo Rodrigues,44 A.C. Sen,45 S.Y. Siddiqui,46 F.J.
Turner,47 C.R. Bilimoria,48 B.H. Bharucha,49 Geeta Shah and Revati Balu,50 S.D Gokhale,51
S.D. Gokhal,52 Hans Gurmeet,53 V.Jagannadhan,54 Kalindi S. Muzumdar,55 Kavaljit Singh,56
D.V. Kulkarni,57 B.H. Manorama,58 K.K. Mukhopadhyay,59 Murdia Ratna,60 B.V.S.

36Friedlander W.A., Introduction to Social Welfare, London, Macmillan and Company Limited,
1970.
37Gore M.S., Social Work and Social Work Education in India, Bombay, Asia Publishing House,

1963.
38Gupta Sumitra, Social Welfare in India, Allahabad, Chugh Publications, 1989.
39Jagannathan, V: Social Welfare Organizations, India Institute of Public Administration, New

Delhi, 1967.
40Morris Mary, Voluntary Work in the Welfare State, London, Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1969.
41Muzumdar A.M., Social Welfare in India, Bombay, Asia Publishing House, 1964.
42Pandey, R.S., Advani, Perspectives in Disability and Rehabilitation, New Delhi, Vikas

Publishing House Private Limited, 1995.

43Rudolf C.H., Voluntary Action And Development, New Delhi, Concept Publishing Company,

1988
44Sankaran R. and Ivo Rodrigues, A Handbook To The Management Of Voluntary

Organizations, Alpha Publications, Madras, 1983.

45Sen, A.C., (Ed.), Voluntary Agencies In India, Delhi, Impex India, 1971.
46Siddiqui, S.Y., Social Work and Social Action, Human Publications, New Delhi, 1984.
47Turner, F.J., Social Work Treatment, Collier Macmillan Publisher, London, 1986.
48Bilimoria, C.R., Voluntary Social Work in History And Philosophy of Social Work, A.R. Wadia,

Allied Publications Private Limited, Bombay, 1967.

49Bharucha B.H., Future of Voluntary Social Work In India, Indian Journal of Social Work,

March, 1961.
50Geeta Shah And Revati Balu, Short-Term Training Course In Social Work for Volunteers, The

Indian Journal of Social Work, Vol. LVI, No.1, January 1995,93-101.

51Gokhale S.D., Role and Responsibilities Of International Agencies In Social Development,

International Social Work, 26:3 (1983), 24-32.

52Gore M.S. And Khandekar, Quarter Century of Social Welfare In India, In S.D. Gokhal’s

Social Welfare Legend And Legacy, Popular Prakashan, Bombay, 1974.

53Gurmeet Hans, Student Volunteers For Social Service, The Indian Journal of Social Work,

Vol. LVI, No.1, January 1995, 39-53.

54Jagannadham V., Social Realities and Voluntary Agencies, Voluntary Action, 18:7-8 (July-

August 1976), 91-2.

55Kalindi S. Muzumdar, Voluntary Social Work: A Need For Introspection, The Indian Journal

of Social Work, Vol. Lvi, No.1 January 1995, 29-33.

56Kavaljit Singh, The Role of Voluntary Agencies In Economic Readjustment, Indian Express,

27th June, 1992, P.9.

57Kulkarni D.V., Social Administration in Public Social Welfare Agencies, Encyclopedia of Social

Work, Vol. II, 1968.

58Manorama, B.H., Women’s Education: Role of Voluntary Agencies, Social Welfare, Vol. XI, No.

8, June 1965.
59Mukhopadhyay K.K., Volunteerism And Volunteers In Welfare And Development: Some

Observations, The Indian Journal Of Social Work, Vol. LVI, No.1, January, 73-91, 1995.
Patrudu,61 Sachida Nanda,62 Sanjit Roy,63 D.P.Sethi,64 S. Galab,65 Sindhu Phadke,66 K.
Cherian,67 H. Anthea and M. Joan,68 S.W.H. Beveridge,69 J. Bartolomeo Palisin,70 A.R.
Wadia,71 B.H. Bharucha,72 Abhijit Bhattacharjee,73 Bunker Roy,74 B.R. Compton,75 and D.
Paul Chowdhary76 have written books on social welfare and Non Governmental
organizations.

A glance of the books and articles reviewed and appended in the

bibliography have not analyzed in detail the awareness levels and the participation of
Environmental Non Governmental Organizations engaged in the preservation of

60Murdia Ratna, Task Structures and Management Process in Human Service Organizations,
The Indian Journal of Social Work, 39:3 (Oct.), 273-86, 1978.
61Patrudu, B.V.S., Voluntary Social Welfare Institutions, Social Welfare, Vol. XI, No.12, March,

P.30. 1965.
62Sachida Nanda, Voluntary Agencies and The Challenge of The Eighties, Journal of Social and

Economic Studies, 9:2 (September), 149-67, 1981

63Sanjit Roy, Government As Donor For Voluntary Action, Voluntary Action, Vol. 25, No.6.,

Jan. 1983
64Sethi D.P., The Voluntary Organizations In Social Welfare, Social Welfare, Vol. XI, No. 10,

Jan.1965
65S. Galab, Rural Employment Programmes: Case For Involving Voluntary Organizations,

Economic And Political Weekly, 6th March 1993, 409

66Sindhu Phadke, Voluntary Resource Development: Content and Organizational Aspects, The

Indian Journal of Social Work, Vol. LVI, No. 1, January 1995, 54-62
67Cherian K., Management Process In Voluntary Social Welfare Organization, Tata Institute Of

Social Sciences, Bombay, 1977 (Unpublished).

68Anthea H. And Joan, M., Social Workers and Volunteers, George Allen and Unwin, London,

1978.
69Beveridge, S.W.H., Voluntary Action: A Report on Methods of Social Advances, London, 1946,

Voluntary Action In A Changing World, National Council of Social Services, Bedford Square
Press, London, 1979.
70Bartolomeo J. Palisi, A Critical Study Of The Voluntary Association Concept, Sociology And

Social Research, Vol. 52, No. 4., July 1968, 392-405.

71Bilimoria C.R., Voluntary Social Work, In History And Philosophy of Social Work, A.R. Wadia,

Allied Publications Pvt. Ltd., Bombay, 1967.

72Bharucha B.H., Future of Voluntary Social Work in India, Indian Journal of Social Work,

March 1961.
73Bhattacharjee Abhijit, Voluntary Agencies: Identity Crisis, Mainstream, 27th July, 1985, 16-

20.
74Bunker Roy, Threats To Volunteerism: Why A Code Of Conduct Is Necessary, The Indian

Journal Of Social Work, Vol. LVI, No.1, January 1995, 35-37.

75Compton B.R., Introduction to Social Welfare And Social Work: Structure, Function And

Process, The Dorsey Press Home Wood, Illinois, 1980.

76Chowdhary D. Paul, “Field Counseling for Welfare Agencies”, Social Welfare, 18.5, August,

1971, 7-8.
environment. Therefore the researcher thought it appropriate to take up a research
study on Environmental Non Governmental Organizations.

1.4. Delimitation:

The research work has been delimited as follows:

1. The environmental issues and the movements have all India focus.

2. The awareness and participation assessment of NGOs has been done within

Tamil Nadu as it would be extremely difficult to collect data at all India level

3. Hence the survey has been done only with reference to the NGOs in

Tamil Nadu

4. The Census method has been followed in collecting the information from the

NGOs. As a result the Environmental NGOs in Tamil Nadu who could be

contacted for data are the respondents for the study.

1.5. Objectives
The important objectives of the study are:

1. To examine the nature and types of environmental issues

2. To examine the nature and types of environmental movements in India
3. To provide an outline about the environmental policies and the actions at national
level
4. To assess the level of awareness and participation of environmental NGOs in
Tamil Nadu

1.6. Method of Research

 Study Design

The primary purpose of the study is not the testing of any hypothesis.

Being an exploratory-cum-descriptive study, its basic thrust is to gain familiarity and

insight into the role of Environmental Non Governmental Organizations in the

preservation of environment and to assess their awareness of and participation in

environmental issues with reference to Tamil Nadu.

Case study involves a deeper investigation of a single unit. A single unit

may be an individual, a family, an institution, a District, a Community or a State. Case

study research views single unit as a whole. It makes an intensive study of complex

factors diverted towards a single case. It is concerned with everything that is significant.

Case study method has been made use of as Tamil Nadu is selected as the unit of study

for detailed discussions and analyses.

Sources of Data

The data for this study have been collected both from primary and

secondary sources. The primary sources of data have been collected from the schedules

furnished to the respondents of the contact persons of the Environmental Non

Governmental Organizations engaged in the preservation of environment in Tamil Nadu.

The secondary sources of data have been collected from the Books, Articles, Reports,

Acts and Monographs.

Universe of the Study

 The survey focuses essentially the Environmental Non Governmental

Organizations engaged in the preservation of environment in Tamil Nadu. In each

Environmental Non Governmental Organization there is a head. He is known as

Managing Trustee, Chairman, President, Secretary, Director, Executive Director and the

like. The researcher has identified these Heads of Environmental Non Governmental

Organizations as the contact persons. The data pertaining to the study have been

collected from the contact persons of the Environmental Non Governmental

Organizations engaged in the preservation of environment in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, all

the contact persons of Environmental Non Governmental Organizations engaged in the

preservation of environment form the universe of the study.

Selection of the Respondents

There are 249 Environmental Non Governmental Organizations engaged in

the preservation of environment in Tamil Nadu. The researcher wanted to collect data

from all the Contact Persons of Environmental Non Governmental Organizations

engaged in the preservation of environment in Tamil Nadu. But he was able to collect

data only from 166 contact persons of the Environmental Non Governmental

Organizations engaged in the preservation of environment. Therefore, 166 contact

persons out of 249 contact persons of the Environmental Non Governmental

Organizations engaged in the preservation of environment have become the sample of

the study. The selection of sample of respondents from the universe of the study is

furnished in table 4.1.

 Table 4.1

Selection of Sample of Respondents

Number of Selected Number of

Sl.No. Name of the District
ENGOs ENGOs
1. Tiruvallur 4 3
2. Kanchipuram 8 5
3. Chennai 24 18
4. Vellore 16 12
5. Dharmapuri 7 4
6. Salem 10 8
7. Cuddalore 7 4
8. Ariyalur 2 2
9. Nagapattinam 3 2
10. Thiruvarur 4 3
11. Thanjavur 9 6
12. Namakkal 10 8
13. Erode 11 9
14. Nilgiris 9 5
15. Coimbatore 13 7
16. Karur 12 6
 17. Madurai 49 32
18. Ramanathapuram 6 4
19. Theni 13 9
20. Virudhunagar 4 3
21. Tuticorin 7 4
22. Thirunelveli 15 8
23. Kanyakumari 6 4
Total 249 166

Interview Schedule

Interview schedule have been designed to collect the information from the

contact persons relating to awareness and participation of the respondents in the

various aspects of environmental policies and actions taken in Tamil Nadu.

Data Collection

Collection of data has been an important and rich experience in the whole
of this research process. It took part-time fieldwork for almost one year. Since the
respondents have been selected from 23 Districts, traveling took quite a lot of time and
effort in the collection of primary data. Once all the respondents were selected the
researcher sought prior permission from the respondents through letters and telephones.
This approach was found to be very useful and practical, as the respondents were well
informed to the purpose of the study and assured of its confidential nature. It took almost
about three hours to interview each respondent. They took more time because, very often
during the interview they were deviating from the topic while freely sharing their
experience about their awareness and participation of environmental policies and actions
taken in Tamil Nadu. Despite various difficulties, this experience was very enriching and
rewarding in terms of understanding the awareness and participation of the respondents
about environmental policies and actions taken to preserve the environment in Tamil
Nadu.

Method of Data Collection

Personal interview with the help of the structured interview schedule was
the main method used for the collection of primary data from the respondents. This
approach in data collection helped the researcher in many ways. Initially, most of the
respondents were skeptic about this study. But person-to-person approach provided
sufficient room for clarifying their doubts and explaining the purpose of the study. The
researcher got an opportunity to stay with the respondents during data collection. It was a
very helpful exposure where he got an ample chance to observe and discuss the
environmental issues relating to awareness and participation of the respondents.

Pre-Test

Having prepared the interview schedule, pre-testing was done in order to

ensure against difficulties of comprehension and ambiguities of questions. Responses
were coded and a preliminary analysis was made to see whether the interview schedule
would yield the required data. Necessary changes were made in the interview schedule
accordingly.
Data Processing

The data were processed manually and were reported mostly in the form of
percentage.

Data Analysis

Descriptive, analytical and empirical methods have been made use of to

analyze the data. The researcher also has made use of simple statistical tools in the
analysis of the data.

Presentation of the Report

After processing and analyzing the raw data the report writing work was
undertaken. Sufficient care was taken to present the report as per the requirement of the
study designed.

1.7. Plan of the Study

The study is organised in six chapters. Chapter I is the introductory chapter

that contains the statement of the problem, review of literature, objectives, methodology,
and the plan of the study. Besides it also spells out the delimitation of the research work.
Chapter II brings out the nature and types environmental issues. Chapter III focuses on
the nature and types of several environmental movements across the country. Chapter IV
details the various policies and actions taken at the national level relating to the
preservation of environment. Chapter V assesses the awareness and participation of
NGOs in Tamil Nadu in environmental issues, based on the responses obtained from the
field survey. Chapter VI records the findings and conclusions of the study.