Question

CASE STUDY With the advancement in technology and the goal to scale its business, JK Tyre & Industries has been working on a two-pronged strategy to add ‘significant relevance’ to its overall business. Along with the mainstream tyres, the Delhi based company is also running a fleet operating management business and a mobility business vertical. “In the fleet management business, from selling a tyre as a commodity, it becomes a kind of service. We have tied up with 1300 of the 1800 large fleets across India. We provide all the services and the customer pays for the tyre’s upfront cost.” Anuj Kathuria, India President, JK Tyres, said. Any fleet of 100 trucks/buses, or more, is considered a ‘large fleet’. An initiative like the fleet management service also contributes to sustained relationship with customers, leading to repeat purchases of tyres by them. The customer base of 1300 fleet operators hasn’t come easily for JK Tyres, an early mover with such a business intervention in the industry. The customer base has been built over the past two decades. Under the fleet management business, JK Tyres is also offering tire-as-a-service. It has about 250 pit stops, close to 100 truck wheel centres, where its services are provided. The company, which has also developed a tyre with 80% biodegradable materials, says that the ‘green tyre’ is close to a market launch. The tyre major has a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

With reference to the above case study answer the following question:

Explain how ‘Industrialisation’ and ‘Transport’ cause ecological damage.

Answer 1

According to the case study, JK Tyre & Industries is an industrial corporation involved in the transportation industry, both of which contribute to environmental degradation. The company’s efforts to manufacture ‘green tyres’ and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 reflect an awareness of these consequences.

Industrialisation as a Cause of Ecological Damage:

1. Clearing of Forest Land: Industries require enormous swaths of land, which results in the clearing of both forest and fertile agricultural land. This leads to deforestation and loss of natural habitats.
2. Loss of Biodiversity: Natural ecosystems are being destroyed to create industries, resulting in the permanent loss of biological variety.
3. Industrial Waste: Industries generate chemicals, fertilisers, dyes, paints, and other waste materials that have a direct negative impact on the environment.
4. Air and Water Pollution: Industrialisation contributes significantly to air pollution (by emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide) and water pollution (via effluent discharge into rivers and water bodies).

Transport as a Cause of Ecological Damage:

1. Encroachment on Natural Habitats: Roads that were once croplands, forests, and even marshes are now occupied. Even in the villages, new roads and trains are being built.
2. Filling of Wetlands: Shallow lakes, ponds, and other wetland habitats are being filled due to a lack of available land. This destroys ecosystems and impacts migrating birds.
3. Construction in Traditional Areas: Traditional ecosystems are being transformed to accommodate schools, hospitals, community centers, sports facilities, and government buildings.
4. Vehicular Pollution: Vehicles emit toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, resulting in severe air pollution. This is a substantial source of greenhouse gases, pollution, and acid rain.