Definitions [2]
Definition: Pollution
Pollution is the addition of any such constituent to air, water or land which deteriorates the natural quality of the environment.
Definition: Pollutant
Pollutant is any such constituent which causes pollution.
Key Points
Key Points: Forest Conservation
- Forests are declining due to deforestation, caused by agriculture expansion, overgrazing, urbanisation, industries and river valley projects.
- Loss of forest cover leads to soil erosion, floods and droughts, as forests help regulate water flow and rainfall.
- Forests absorb carbon dioxide; their decline increases greenhouse effect and global warming.
- India needs forest conservation to protect soil fertility, groundwater, climate balance and wildlife habitats.
- Reduced forests lower agricultural productivity by decreasing humus content and causing land degradation.
Key Points:
| Movement / Case | Place & Year | Key People / Groups | Main Issue | Outcome / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishnoi Agitation | Khejarli, Rajasthan (1731) | Amrita Devi Bishnoi & Bishnoi community | Protection of Khejri trees from felling | 363 people sacrificed lives; inspired conservation ethics; Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award instituted |
| Chipko Movement | Tehri-Garhwal, Uttarakhand (1970) | Sunder Lal Bahuguna, local women | Indiscriminate tree felling causing floods & erosion | Tree hugging stopped felling; ban on tree cutting in Himalayas |
| Appiko Movement | North Kanara, Karnataka (1983) | Local tribals | Commercial deforestation | Tree hugging forced contractors to stop cutting |
| Silent Valley Agitation | Kerala (1970s–80s) | Conservationists & public | Hydroelectric project threatening biodiversity | Project stopped; unique rainforest ecosystem protected |
| Joint Forest Management (JFM) | West Bengal (1972 onwards) | Forest Dept. & villagers (A.K. Banerjee) | Degraded sal forests | Community participation restored forests; shared benefits ensured |
Concepts [10]
- Pollution
- Controlling Vehicular Air Pollution: a Case Study of Delhi
- Effects of Domestic Sewage and Industrial Effluents on Water
- Solid Wastes
- Radioactive Wastes
- Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change
- Ozone Depletion in the Stratosphere
- Degradation by Improper Resource Utilisation and Maintenance
- Forest Conservation
- Case Study of People's Participation in Conservation of Forests
