The main reasons responsible for environmental degradation are as follows:
(i) Rapid Growth of Population:
One of the main causes of environmental degradation is population explosion or rapid growth of population. The pressure of population on land has increased at a high speed. As a result, land has been badly exploited. Moreover it has caused substantial conversion of forest land into land for industrial use or construction activity.
(ii) Poverty of the Masses:
A large section of Indian population is very poor. These people cut trees to sell fuel wood to earn their livelihood and thereby exploit natural capital.
(iii) Increasing Urbanisation:
Increasing urbanisation has caused pressure on housing and other civic amenities. It has raised demand for land and excessive exploitation of other natural resources.
(iv) Increasing Use of Insecticides and Pesticides:
The excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides has also added to environmental pollution.
(v) Rapid Industrialisation:
Rapid industrialisation has also contributed to air, water and noise pollution. Industrial smoke is a serious pollutant.
(vi) Multiplicity of Transport Vehicles:
Multiplicity of transport vehicles has substantially increased noise and air pollution not in cities but also in small towns of the country.
(vii) Disregard of Civil Norms:
The people in India do not try to maintain civil norms. Often, the roads are littered and loudspeakers are indiscriminately used. Environmental pollution is the common problem of every body. In short, environmental pollution is largely the consequence of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. Moreover man’s disregard of civil norms has created many problems.
Effects of Environment:
1. Physical Environment:
Healthy physical environment is the basic requirement for our economic and social soundness. Need of the hour is that there should not be air, water and even noise pollution. The refreshing atmosphere will improve the health standard of the people. It will build sound mind and sound body. Consequently health, energetic and efficient working force will add considerably to the production and the productivity of the nation.
2. Economic Environment:
Our economic development and growth is also considerably affected by economic environment. The survival and success of a business enterprise is fully decided by the economic environment and market conditions.
The constituents of economic environment are summarized below:
(i) Income level of the people
(ii) Market situations
(iii) Availability of sources of capital
(iv) Changes in interest and income tax rates.
(v) Govt., policies
(vi) Economic conditions of the country.
3. Political Environment:
Political environment refers to the influence made by political institution in an economy. In other words, economic development and growth is also affected by the ideologies, thinking and policies of the government.
These institutions are:
(ii) Executive and
(iii) Judiciary. The overall success depends on the political stability in the country.
Political environment is influenced by the following forces:
(i) Ideology of the government.
(ii) Trade union activities.
(iii) Govt., policies regarding agricultural, industrial and development of trade.
(iv) Monetary and Fiscal policy of the Govt.
4. Social Environment:
The sociological and cultural factors have a considerable influence on non-economic environment of the country. The balanced and rapid economic growth needs harmonious social environment. It helps to arouse social consciousness among people. It requires that there must be peaceful atmosphere in the country. In case of social disturbances and unrest all economic activities are stopped. Consequently, economic development suffers very badly. It is thus, greatly influenced by people’s attitude, role of family, religion and education.
Suggestions to overcome the Problem:
To protect environment, following suggestions are given:
(i) Social Awareness:
It is the need of the hour to spread social awareness about the dangers of pollution. It is also required how each individual can contribute to check this problem.
(ii) Population Control:
If environment is to be protected it is essential to check population growth.
(iii) Strict Application of Environment Conservation Act:
The Environment (Protection) Act was passed in 1986 in India. Its objective was to check deterioration in the quality of environment. This legislative measure should be strictly enforced.
(iv) Control over Industrial and Agricultural Pollution:
It is necessary for environmental protection that air and water pollution caused by industrial development should be controlled properly. To avoid agricultural pollution, use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers should be minimized.
(v) Afforestation Campaign:
Extensive afforestation campaign should be launched in the interest of environment protection.
(vi) Water Management:
River waters should be made clean. Moreover, provision should be made to supply clean drinking water to the rural population.
(vii) Management of Solid Waste:
Planned management of solid waste is very essential. It is suggested that rural garbage be converted into compost.
(viii) Improvement in Housing:
Living places of the people should be made neat and clean. Slums should be replaced by airy and well lighted dwelling houses. To conclude the discussion, it is said that economic development and environment protection should be made complementary to each other. Clean environment is the basic requirement of healthy living.