The environment is the surrounding conditions that influence human life. It is the evaluation of the natural resources. According to the Environment Act 1986, water, air, plants, micro-organisms, and the inter-relationship between human beings and other creatures form the environment.
Functions of Environment
It maintains life by offering biodiversity.
It sustains life.
It offers aesthetic scenery and living conditions etc.
Economic activities, such as production and consumption, have added to environmental degradation. The rate of exploitation of resources has surpassed the speed of their revival, causing concern for the population.
The environment and sustainable development projects in India are trying to overcome the problem of pollution. Students can learn about these concepts by reading through this segment and strengthen their knowledge about our environment.
What is Pollution and Its Types?
Pollution refers to those activities that harm the environment through man-made ways. It damages the purity of water, land, and air, thereby degrading the living conditions. Environment and sustainable development projects are adapting ways for healthy living, which will contain the degradation of our environment and depletion of the natural resources.
The types of pollution are as follows.
Air Pollution
The degradation caused to air quality due to the burning of waste and release of pollutants.
Water Pollution
Water resources like rivers, lakes, etc., are considerably depleted due to pollution. Humans dump wastes into the waterbodies, which makes the water undrinkable and of low quality. The use of non-renewable resources has gradually depleted these reserves and increased health issues. These issues increase the need for an introduction on environment and sustainable development in regular life.
Noise Pollution
It is caused by creating excessive noise beyond the recommended decibels.
Ozone Layer Depletion
In this phenomenon, the Earth's ozone layer gets depleted due to the release of CFC or chlorofluorocarbon from various appliances. These compounds are chlorine compounds, which are generally found in refrigerators and air conditioners.
Land Pollution
Our land suffers from various types of degradation caused mainly by unsuitable administration practices.
The factors responsible for land degradation in India are as follows.
Deforestation
Shifting cultivation
Overuse of fuelwood and fodder
Forest fires and overgrazing
Improper dump wastage
Excessive extraction of groundwater
Using too many pesticides and chemicals for agriculture
Due to these causes, there is an immediate need for environmental sustainability in India.
What is Environment and Sustainable Development?
The environmental problems that influence sustainable development have increased massiveley in the last few decades. Therefore, every individual must try to save the environment. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) explains the environment and sustainable development introduction in India to save resources for the future generation.
Today, environment and sustainable development project improves living standards, improves nutrition, alleviates poverty, and minimises cultural and social instability. By following the features of sustainable development per capita income worldwide can be improved with population control, practical usage of resources, reliance on renewable sources, etc.
The sustainable development in India examples, and more information on these topics can be found on Vedantu. It offers quality study materials and notes for exam and revision purposes. Students can avail of the online classes and solutions on these topics from Vedantu.
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FAQs on India's Environment and Sustainable Development
1. What is meant by sustainable development and why is it crucial for India's future?
Sustainable development is a strategy that aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is crucial for India because the country faces the dual challenge of achieving rapid economic growth to lift millions out of poverty while also preserving its natural resources, which are under immense pressure from a large population and industrialisation.
2. What are the main functions of the environment that are studied in economics?
In economics, the environment is considered to have four primary functions:
- Provides Resources: It offers renewable (like forests, water) and non-renewable (like minerals, fossil fuels) resources which are essential for production.
- Assimilates Waste: The environment absorbs and neutralises the waste and pollution generated by economic activities.
- Sustains Life: It provides essential genetic and biodiversity, which are crucial for the continuation of life.
- Provides Aesthetic Services: It offers scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, which enhance the quality of life.
3. How does the 'carrying capacity' of the environment differ from its 'absorptive capacity'?
This is a key distinction in environmental economics. Carrying capacity refers to the environment's ability to regenerate resources. For example, the rate at which a forest can regrow trees. Absorptive capacity refers to the environment's ability to absorb and render harmless the waste and pollution generated. Environmental crises occur when the rate of resource extraction exceeds the carrying capacity, or the rate of pollution exceeds the absorptive capacity.
4. What are some of the major environmental challenges currently facing India?
India faces several significant environmental challenges, including:
- Air Pollution: High levels of particulate matter in cities, primarily from vehicles, industries, and crop burning.
- Water Contamination: Pollution of rivers and groundwater from industrial effluents and untreated domestic sewage.
- Land Degradation: Loss of soil fertility due to deforestation, excessive use of chemical fertilisers, and improper land use.
- Loss of Biodiversity: The threat to various species of plants and animals due to habitat destruction.
5. What is the role of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in protecting India's environment?
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), established in 1974, plays a vital role in environmental protection. Its main functions include advising the central government on matters of pollution, setting standards for air and water quality, coordinating with State Pollution Control Boards, and organising nationwide programmes for pollution prevention and control as per the guidelines for the 2025-26 period.
6. What are some key strategies India is adopting to achieve sustainable development?
India is implementing several strategies for sustainable development, focusing on:
- Use of Non-Conventional Energy Sources: Promoting solar and wind energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Clean Fuel Initiatives: Encouraging the use of LPG and Gobar Gas in rural areas and CNG in urban public transport.
- Waste Management: Implementing solid waste management practices and promoting concepts like bio-composting.
- Traditional Knowledge: Reviving and promoting eco-friendly traditional practices in medicine (AYUSH) and agriculture (organic farming).
7. Why is a shift to organic farming considered a strategy for sustainable development?
A shift to organic farming is a sustainable strategy because it helps maintain long-term soil fertility without using synthetic chemical fertilisers and pesticides. This prevents land degradation and water pollution, protects biodiversity (by being safer for insects and birds), and produces healthier food. It works in harmony with the environment's natural cycles rather than depleting its resources, making it a sustainable agricultural model for the future.
8. Can rapid economic growth and environmental conservation truly coexist in the Indian context?
Yes, they can, but it requires careful planning. The conventional view sees them as a trade-off. However, the concept of sustainable development argues that they are interdependent. Ignoring environmental concerns can halt long-term economic growth due to resource depletion, natural disasters, and high public health costs. By adopting green technologies, pricing environmental damage (the 'polluter pays' principle), and investing in renewable resources, India can pursue a path where economic development does not come at the cost of environmental destruction.
