Environment and Sustainable Development | Class 11 Economics Notes

7.3 STATE OF INDIA'S ENVIRONMENT

India is endowed with abundant natural resources including fertile soil, numerous rivers, forests, mineral deposits, mountain ranges, and a vast coastline. The Deccan Plateau's black soil supports cotton cultivation, while the Indo-Gangetic plains are among the most fertile and densely populated regions globally. India holds significant reserves of iron-ore, coal, natural gas, bauxite, copper, diamonds, gold, and other minerals. Despite this richness, developmental activities have exerted immense pressure on these finite resources, impacting human health and well-being. India faces a dual environmental threat: poverty-induced degradation and pollution from affluence and industrial growth. Major environmental concerns include land degradation, biodiversity loss, urban air pollution (especially vehicular), freshwater management, and solid waste management. Land degradation arises from deforestation, unsustainable fuelwood extraction, shifting cultivation, forest fires, overgrazing, poor soil conservation, improper crop rotation, excessive agro-chemical use, irrigation mismanagement, groundwater extraction, open access resource exploitation, and poverty. The per capita forest land is only 0.06 hectare against the required 0.47 hectare, leading to excessive forest felling. Soil erosion is severe, with 5.3 billion tonnes of soil lost annually. The high population density (17% of world population on 2.5% of land) intensifies resource pressure, causing nutrient loss from soil and increased environmental degradation. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state boards work to monitor and control water and air pollution, setting standards and conducting research. Urban air pollution is mainly from vehicles, with registered vehicles increasing from 3 lakh in 1951 to 35 crore in 2022, where two-wheelers and cars constitute 85%. India is among the top ten industrialized nations, but industrialization has led to unplanned urbanisation, pollution, and accident risks. The CPCB identifies 17 categories of significantly polluting industries. Despite government efforts, sustainable development requires conscious public participation to protect the environment for future generations.

📊 Diagram: Figure 7.2 shows the Damodar Valley's industrial region with pollution affecting the river. Figure 7.3 illustrates deforestation leading to land degradation and biodiversity loss.

🧪 Activity: Students are encouraged to visit local factories or irrigation departments to learn about pollution control measures and collect awareness materials on pollution.

🔗 Connection: Leads to the next section on sustainable development as a solution to environmental challenges.