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The State of Jharkhand: Environmental Concerns
The word Jharkhand connotes an area of land covered with forests. The word Jharkhand has been derived from the Sanskrit word, Jhari Khanda the ancient name depicting the regions’ dense forest. Thus, naturally as well as symbolically, the states’ very existence is associated with forests. Another remarkable aspect is the presence of various ethnic groups in the region such as Munda, Ho, Oraon, Santhal, Paharia, Chero, Birjea, Asura, Kharia and many others. These indigenous tribes have lived in harmonious relationship with their Environment and have developed a culture, which is completely nature centric. The tribals have a symbiotic relationship with nature as is reflected from the festivals like Karma and Sarhul, wherein trees are worshiped. Since these aboriginal races are closely connected with nature, the large scale exploitation of natural Resources has not only had an adverse impact on the environment, but has also drastically affected their lives.
Rich Mineral Resources: Bane or Boon
Boon: The State of Jharkhand has immensely rich mineral resources amounting to approximately 50% of the countries’ resources. Minerals like iron Ore, coal, copper, mica, bauxite, manganese, lime stone, uranium and many more are found in abundance in the State. Several Steel giants, Thermal Power Generation Units and aluminum Plants are dependent on supply of iron, coal and bauxite available in the State. Massive Industrialization, a booming economy and EMPLOYMENT opportunities are some of the boons of being a mineral rich state.
Bane: Unfortunately, being rich in mineral resources did not aid to its Growth rather, it destroyed the basic essence of the State, i.e. its rich greenery, flowing streams, virgin waterfalls and rare wild animals. Uncontrolled mining and the greed to extract more and more from the Earth has not only destroyed the forest area, but also the wild life and the livelihood of the tribal communities, who are fully dependent on the forests. The density of Saranda Forest once popularly known as a forest where the sun rays had difficulty in penetrating and where the elephants had a cozy habitat is decreasing day by day. Mining can never be a innocuous activity. Unless the mining activities are checked, carefully planned and executed they are bound to ruin the land, water, forest and air. Due to haphazard mining, rich forests and agricultural lands of the indigenous tribals is lying waste. Due to open cast mining operations, there has been and alteration of Soil profile and degradation of the productive capacity of the lands. During production, coal carries methane gas which can ignite spontaneously. Since, the last 70 years, an underground fire has raged in the Jharia Coalfields, burning millions of tones of coal. Due to unsustainable mining of Natural Resources, the Bio-diversity in the State has been badly affected. Due to decreasing forest area, the number of elephants, tiger, leopard, sloth bear and other such animals is decreasing day by day. Large scale mining operations have adversely affected ground water table. Damodar, once consider a sacred river by the tribals is a black shrunken sewage cannel filled with filth and contaminated with toxic materials like arsenic, mercury, fluoride and lead. The water of Damodar was once the support system of the local inhabitants, but now it can neither be used for drinking nor for bathing. Similarly, Subarnrekha which means streak of gold was the lifeline of tribal communities, but is now a recipient of domestic, industrial and radioactive pollution. Once home of rich aquatic life and fishery, today has very little to offer to those who live around her. Due to the uranium mining in Jadugora, the people in the area are affected by the radiation and are falling prey to innumerable diseases like fatigue, lack of appetite, thalassemia, downs’ syndrome, skeletal deformities and many more. Unfortunately, much has not been done on behalf of the State to combat the pollution or to protect and preserve the rich natural heritage, which is the symbolism of the State. Till the recent past we have seen that the Pollution Control Board, which is the major stake holder in matters concerning environment was defunct in the State and was an office probably only to fill-up political vacancies. The lethargic Attitude of the Pollution Control Board is apparent from the Saga of pollution related activities spread across the State. It is high time that the watch dog of the environment wakes-up to the call of nature and realizes that they are accountable and answerable, if pollution is not being checked and the environment at large is suffering. As per the report of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a horrific picture of devastation has been wrought by mining in the country. The statistics of the report reveal a shocking and alarming situation:
- Between 1950 and 1991, mining displaced about 2.6 million people – not even 25 percent of these displaced have been rehabilitated. About 52 percent of these displaced were tribals.
- For every 1 percent that mining contributes to India’s GDP, it displaces 3-4 times more people than all the development projects put together.
- Forest land diversion for mining has been going up. So has water use and Air Pollution in the mining hotspots. An estimated 1.64 lakh hectare of forest land has already been diverted for mining in the country. Iron ore mining in India used up 77 million tone of water in 2005-06, enough to meet the daily water needs of more than 3 million people.
- Mining of Major Minerals generated about 1.84 billion tone of waste in 2006 most of which has not been disposed of properly. Coal mining has been the chief culprit: every tone of coal extracted generates 3-4 tone of wastes.
In Jharkhand, rampant mining has turned large tracts of forests into wasteland. According to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, between 1985-2004, more than 9,000 hectare of forest land had been diverted for mining in the state. This was approximately 10 percent of the total forest and diverted for mining in India- and this did not include the thousands of hectares diverted by the coal mining sector. Naturally, Jharkhand’s people, who include, the fifth highest concentration of forest dwellers and tribals in the country, have been badly hit. It is estimated that 55 percent of the people displaced due to mining in the state are tribals. Says the CSE report: “The very people for whom Jharkhand was ostensibly created are now being sacrificed in the name of their own state’s development”. The Jharkhand High Court being the highest court of the land could not have sat with closed eyes over the massive environmental destruction and in a series of Public Interest Litigation, at times suo-moto and at times on the call of public spirited citizens has taken cognizance of environmental issues and has directed the State Government to perform its statutory duties.
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Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or Light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Pollution is often classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution. Air pollution, Water Pollution, soil contamination, Noise Pollution and light pollution are some of the different types of pollution.
Air pollution is the contamination of the air by harmful substances. These substances can be in the form of gases, particles, or biological Molecules. Air pollution can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and Oceans. This contamination can be caused by human activities, such as industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff. Water pollution can cause a variety of Health problems, including cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.
Land pollution is the contamination of the land by harmful substances. These substances can be in the form of chemicals, metals, or radioactive materials. Land pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and reproductive problems.
Noise pollution is the unwanted or excessive Sound that can have harmful effects on human health and the environment. Noise pollution can cause hearing loss, Stress, and sleep problems.
Light pollution is the excessive use of artificial light. This light can interfere with astronomical observations, disrupt wildlife, and cause health problems in humans.
Thermal pollution is the release of heated water into the environment. This can cause a variety of problems, including the death of fish and other aquatic life, and changes in the water temperature.
Electromagnetic pollution is the exposure to electromagnetic fields. These fields can be generated by power lines, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Electromagnetic pollution has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer and reproductive problems.
Nuclear pollution is the contamination of the environment by radioactive materials. This contamination can be caused by nuclear accidents, nuclear weapons testing, and the disposal of nuclear waste. Nuclear pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and reproductive problems.
Chemical pollution is the contamination of the environment by chemicals. These chemicals can be in the form of pesticides, herbicides, and industrial waste. Chemical pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and reproductive problems.
Biological pollution is the contamination of the environment by living organisms. These organisms can be in the form of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Biological pollution can cause a variety of health problems, including cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.
Plastic pollution is the contamination of the environment by plastic. Plastic can be found in the air, water, and land. Plastic pollution can harm wildlife and cause health problems in humans.
Marine pollution is the contamination of the ocean by harmful substances. These substances can be in the form of oil, sewage, and plastic. Marine pollution can harm marine life and cause health problems in humans.
Pollution is a major problem that affects the health of humans and the environment. It is important to take steps to reduce pollution and protect our planet.
There are many ways to reduce pollution. Some of these ways include:
- Using less energy.
- Recycling and composting.
- Driving less and walking or biking more.
- Conserving water.
- Using less plastic.
- Eating less meat.
- Supporting businesses that are environmentally friendly.
We can all make a difference by reducing pollution. By taking small steps, we can make a big impact on the health of our planet.
What is Climate change?
Climate Change is the long-term shifts in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Climate change may cause weather patterns to be less predictable. A region might experience lower or higher than Average temperatures. Climate change may cause more frequent and severe weather events, such as storms, floods and droughts.
What are the Causes of Climate Change?
The main cause of climate change is the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping energy in the Atmosphere and causing it to warm. Human activities are the main source of greenhouse gas emissions. The burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat and transportation is the largest source of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Other human activities that contribute to climate change include deforestation, agriculture and industrial processes.
What are the effects of climate change?
Climate change is already having a significant impact on the planet. The average global temperature has increased by about 1 degree Celsius since the late 19th century. This warming is causing a number of changes, including rising sea levels, melting Glaciers and ice sheets, more extreme weather events, and changes in plant and animal life.
What can be done to address climate change?
There are a number of things that can be done to address climate change. These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in RENEWABLE ENERGY sources, improving Energy Efficiency, and protecting forests. Individuals can also take steps to reduce their impact on climate change, such as driving less, using less energy in their homes, and eating less meat.
What is air pollution?
Air pollution is the contamination of the air by harmful substances. These substances can come from natural sources, such as Volcanoes-2/”>Volcanoes, or from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels. Air pollution can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
What are the causes of air pollution?
The main causes of air pollution are the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Other sources of air pollution include industrial emissions, vehicle emissions, and agricultural emissions.
What are the effects of air pollution?
Air pollution can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Air pollution can also damage crops and Ecosystems.
What can be done to address air pollution?
There are a number of things that can be done to address air pollution. These include reducing emissions from fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency, and using cleaner sources of energy. Individuals can also take steps to reduce their impact on air pollution, such as driving less, using public transportation, and walking or biking whenever possible.
What is water pollution?
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, with harmful substances. These substances can come from natural sources, such as runoff from farms, or from human activities, such as industrial waste and sewage. Water pollution can cause a number of health problems, including gastrointestinal problems, reproductive problems, and neurological problems.
What are the causes of water pollution?
The main causes of water pollution are industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff. Other sources of water pollution include oil spills, mining waste, and urban runoff.
What are the effects of water pollution?
Water pollution can cause a number of health problems, including gastrointestinal problems, reproductive problems, and neurological problems. Water pollution can also damage ecosystems, such as coral reefs and wetlands.
What can be done to address water pollution?
There are a number of things that can be done to address water pollution. These include reducing pollution from industrial sources, improving wastewater treatment, and protecting Water Resources. Individuals can also take steps to reduce their impact on water pollution, such as reducing their water consumption, using less fertilizer, and not littering.
What is the main cause of air pollution?
(A) Cars
(B) Factories
(C) Power plants
(D) All of the aboveWhat is the main cause of water pollution?
(A) Sewage
(B) Agriculture
(C) Industry
(D) All of the aboveWhat is the main cause of land pollution?
(A) Mining
(B) Agriculture
(C) Construction
(D) All of the aboveWhat is the main cause of noise pollution?
(A) Traffic
(B) Construction
(C) Factories
(D) All of the aboveWhat is the main cause of light pollution?
(A) Streetlights
(B) Advertising
(C) Airports
(D) All of the aboveWhat are the effects of air pollution?
(A) Respiratory problems
(B) Heart disease
(C) Cancer
(D) All of the aboveWhat are the effects of water pollution?
(A) Diarrhea
(B) Cholera
(C) Typhoid
(D) All of the aboveWhat are the effects of land pollution?
(A) Soil contamination
(B) Water contamination
(C) Air contamination
(D) All of the aboveWhat are the effects of noise pollution?
(A) Hearing loss
(B) Sleep disturbance
(C) Stress
(D) All of the aboveWhat are the effects of light pollution?
(A) Astronomical interference
(B) Biological disruption
(C) Psychological effects
(D) All of the aboveWhat are some ways to reduce air pollution?
(A) Drive less
(B) Use public transportation
(C) Walk or bike
(D) All of the aboveWhat are some ways to reduce water pollution?
(A) Reduce, reuse, and recycle
(B) Properly dispose of waste
(C) Use less water
(D) All of the aboveWhat are some ways to reduce land pollution?
(A) Reduce, reuse, and recycle
(B) Properly dispose of waste
(C) Use less land
(D) All of the aboveWhat are some ways to reduce noise pollution?
(A) Install soundproofing
(B) Use quieter appliances
(C) Avoid loud noises
(D) All of the aboveWhat are some ways to reduce light pollution?
(A) Turn off lights when you leave a room
(B) Use energy-efficient light bulbs
(C) Plant trees
(D) All of the aboveWhat is the Montreal Protocol?
(A) An international treaty to protect the ozone layer
(B) An international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(C) An international treaty to reduce air pollution
(D) An international treaty to reduce water pollutionWhat is the Kyoto Protocol?
(A) An international treaty to protect the ozone layer
(B) An international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(C) An international treaty to reduce air pollution
(D) An international treaty to reduce water pollutionWhat is the Paris Agreement?
(A) An international treaty to protect the ozone layer
(B) An international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(C) An international treaty to reduce air pollution
(D) An international treaty to reduce water pollutionWhat is the Clean Air Act?
(A) A United States federal law that regulates air pollution
(B) A United States federal law that regulates water pollution
(C) A United States federal law that regulates land pollution
(D) A United States federal law that regulates noise pollutionWhat is the Clean Water Act?
(A) A United States federal law that regulates air pollution
(B) A United States federal law that regulates water pollution
(C) A United States federal law that regulates land pollution
(D) A United States federal law that regulates noise pollution