Environment Degradation

8/4/2019 Environment Degradation

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CHAPTER 1

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

1.1. Introduction

At the beginning of the 21st century environmental issues have

emerged as a major concern for the welfare of people. In India, the

concept of environment degradation can be seen starting from the

period of Vedas. As per Rig-Veda

O mother earth let thy bosom be free from sickness and decay

May we through long life be active and vigilant

And serve thee with Devotion

- Rig-Veda

Moreover, father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi also focused his work on

environment along with freedom movement, equality and social justice.

As per Father of the Nation

The earth provides enough

To satisfy every mans need,

But not for every mans greed.

- Mahatma Gandhi

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1.2. Definition

Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment

through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil; the

destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife.

1.3. Concept of Environmental Degradation

Environmental degradation is of many types. When natural habitats are

destroyed or natural resources are depleted, environment is degraded.

Environmental Change and Human Health, a special section of World

Resources 1998-99 in this report describes how preventable illnesses

and premature deaths are still occurring in very large numbers. If vast

improvements are made in human health, millions of people will be

living longer, healthier lives than ever before. In these poorest regions

of the world an estimated one in five children will not live to see their

fifth birthday, primarily because of environment-related diseases.

Eleven million children die worldwide annually, equal to the combined

populations of Norway and Switzerland, and mostly due to malaria,

acute respiratory infections or diarrhea - illnesses that are largely

preventable.

1.4. Causes of Environmental Degradation

The rapidly growing population and economic development are leading

to the environmental degradation in India through the uncontrolled

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growth of urbanization and industrialization, expansion and massive

intensification of agriculture, and the destruction of forests.

India's water supply and sanitation issues are related to many

environmental issues. One of the primary causes of environmental

degradation in a country could be attributed to rapid growth of

population, which adversely affects the natural resources and

environment. Population growth and economic development are

contributing too many serious environmental calamities in India. These

include heavy pressure on land, land degradation, forests, habitat

destruction and loss of biodiversity. Changing consumption pattern has

led to rising demand for energy. The final outcomes of this are air

pollution, global warming, climate change, water scarcity and water

pollution.

An estimated 60% of cultivated land suffers from soil erosion, water

logging, and salinity. From 1947 to 2002, average annual per capita

water availability declined by almost 70% to 1,822 cubic meters, and

overexploitation of groundwater is problematic in the states of

Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Forest area covers 18.34% of

Indias geographic area (637000 km).

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Environment Degradation caused by Sustainable and Unsustainable Practices

Nearly half of the countrys forest cover is found in the state of Madhya

Pradesh (20.7%) and the seven states of the northeast (25.7%); the

latter is experiencing net forest loss. Forest cover is declining because

of harvesting for fuel wood and the expansion of agricultural land.

These trends, combined with increasing industrial and motor vehicle

pollution output, have led to atmospheric temperature increases,

shifting precipitation patterns, and declining intervals of drought

recurrence in many areas.

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CHAPTOR 2

THE UNDERLYING CAUSES

Environmental degradation is a result of the dynamic interplay of

socio-economic, institutional and technological activities.

Environmental changes may be driven by many factors including

economic growth, population growth, urbanization, intensification of

agriculture, rising energy use and transportation. Poverty still remains a

problem at the root of several environmental problems.

2.1. Population

Population is an important source of development, yet it is a major

source of environmental degradation when it exceeds the threshold

limits of the support systems. Unless the relationship between the

multiplying population and the life support system can be stabilized,

development programmes, howsoever, innovative are not likely to yield

desired results. Population impacts on the environment primarily

through the use of natural resources and production of wastes and is

associated with environmental stresses like loss of biodiversity, air and

water pollution and increased pressure on arable land. Between

population and environment, a vigorous drive for population control

need hardly be over emphasized.

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2.2. Poverty

Poverty is said to be both cause and effect of environmental

degradation. The circular link between poverty and environment is an

extremely complex phenomenon. Inequality may foster unsustainability

because the poor, who rely on natural resources more than the rich,

deplete natural resources faster as they have no real prospects of

gaining access to other types of resources. Moreover, degraded

environment can accelerate the process of impoverishment, again

because the poor depend directly on natural assets. Although there has

been a significant drop in the poverty ratio in the country from 55

percent in 1973 to 36 percent in 1993-94, the absolute number of poor

have, however, remained constant at around 320 million over the years.

Acceleration in poverty alleviation is imperative to break this link

between poverty and the environment.

2.3. Urbanization

Lack of opportunities for gainful employment in villages and the

ecological stresses is leading to an ever increasing movement of poor

families to towns. There has been an eightfold increase in urban

population over 1901-1991. During the past two decades of 1971-91,

Indias urban population has doubled from 109 million to 218 million

and is estimated to reach 300 million by 2000 AD. 42. Such rapid and

unplanned expansion of cities has resulted in degradation of urban

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environment. It has widened the gap between demand and supply of

infrastructural services such as energy, housing, transport,

communication, education, water supply and sewerage and recreational

amenities, thus depleting the precious environmental resource base of

the cities. The result is the growing trend in deterioration of air and

water quality, generation of wastes, the proliferation of slums and

undesirable land use changes, all of which contribute to urban poverty.

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CHAPTER 3

ROLE OF NGOs

Late Prime Minister Nehru and Mrs. Gandhi relentlessly campaigned

for protection, conservation and development of the environment. They

brought in several legislations and policies concerning environment.

Sundarlal Bhauguna through Chipko movement campaigned for

protection of environment. Annahazare campaigned for rain water

harvesting. Arundati Roy and Medha Patkar campaigned against major

dams.

The wonderful team of P.V. Narasihma Rao, Manmohan Singh,Chidambaram, Ahluwalia, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi as well as Vajpayee and

Yashwanth Sinha campaigned for environment degradation.

3.1. Introduction

The past few years have witnessed a sweeping change in the attitudes,

approaches and policies of the Indian system with regard to relations

with NGOs and their participation in the work of India. While this has

been most visible in the recent series of Indian summits and

conferences, measures to strengthen cooperation with NGOs are being

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taken across the entire Indian system and in virtually all areas of its

activity:

Policy research and analysis

Policy dialogue and normative work

Monitoring and advocacy

Operational development activities

Humanitarian work, particularly responding to emergencies and

to the needs of refugees

Promoting human rights, democratization, disarmament and

peace

Information dissemination and raising public awareness of the

issues and challenges on the Indias agenda.

Today, in the context of Indian reform, virtually all Indian system

departments, agencies, programmes and funds are engaged in

fundamental reviews of their relations with organizations of civil

society. In some cases, the functions of NGO liaison offices are being

recast from public relations and information to a role more integrated

with the substantive programme of the agency concerned. Guidelines

for working with NGOs are being developed or updated, and more

enabling and pro-active approaches to cooperating with local and

regional NGOs are being developed for the Indian system's regional

and country offices. Many Indian agencies and bodies now hold

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periodic consultations with NGOs on substantive issues, policy

questions and programme strategies.

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3.1. The Energy and Resources Institute

TERI, The Energy and Resources Institute, established in 1974, is a

research institute based in New Delhi focusing its research activities in

the fields of energy, environment and sustainable development. TERI is

an independent not-for-profit research institute focused on energy,

environment and sustainable development, devoted to efficient and

sustainable use of natural resources.

The origins of TERI lie in Mithapur, a remote town in Gujarat, where a

TATA engineer Darbari Seth was concerned about the enormous

quantities of energy his factory spent on desalination. He proposed the

idea of a research institute to tackle the depletion of natural resources

and energy scarcity. J. R. D. Tata, chairman of the TATA Group, liked

the idea and accepted the proposal. TERI was setup with a modest

corpus of 35 million rupees. On the invitation of the then Prime

Minister Indira Gandhi, TERI registered in Delhi in 1974 as the Tata

Energy Research Institute. As the scope of its activities widened over a

period of time, it was renamed The Energy and Resources Institute in

2003.

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TERIs active participation in environment

3.1.1. Role of TERI

TERI is a leading Indian non government organization (NGO), a global

think tank conducting research and analysis in the genres of energy and

environment, is a university with a vast focus, which ranges from micro

organisms to global climate change and everything in between. In its 30

years of existence, TERI has completed more than 2600 projects. TERI

has about 20 divisions and some important divisions are:

1. Biotechnology and Management of Bioresources division

2. Climate Change Division

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3. Energy-Environment Technology Division

4. Policy Analysis Division

5. Water Resources Policy and Management Division

6. Social Transformation Division

3.3. Graham Bharti Samiti

Gram Bharati Samiti (GBS) or Society for Rural Development was

founded in April 1984 with the aim of "establishing a society based on

humanitarian, democratic values and ecologically balanced habitat". It

was registered on 28, July 1984 under the Rajasthan Societies

Registration Act (1958) and has been accredited by the United Nations

INCD process.

The organization also enjoys special consultative status with the United

Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). GBS has been

registered for exemption from Income Tax under the Income Tax Act

1961 of India.

GBS has been nominated as NGO Delegate for Asia Pacific in the

UNAIDS PCB represented by Mr. Bhawani Shanker Kusum, its

Secretary.

3.3.1. Projects and Activities

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Since 1991 GBS has been working in the area of Todaladi in an effort

to develop a wasteland area of 8 hectares. This area was renamed

Gandhivan (meaning forest of Gandhi) and is now an agriculturally

productive success.

The aim of this project was to halt desertification and work with the

local people to rejuvenate the environment. It can now boast many new

species of plants and trees after many years of hard work and attracts

much wildlife.

GBS also works with the local communities to improve their living

standards and in 2008 opened a sunday school providing free teaching

and resources to children who may not go to school (especially girls)

and are instead encouraged or even forced to work for their families

shepherding animals.

The area is exemplery and has been recognised so by many

international agencies, who have given GBS' Gandhivan project awards

and recognition.

GBS has been working on protection and improvement of environment

with a focus on wastelands development. A project initiated in 1991

near a small village Todaladi on the foothills of Aravallis in the remote

of district Jaipur is a mile stone in this direction.

It has appreciated widely at national and international levels and got

some prestigious awards including 'Ford Conservation and

Environment Award' and 'Indira Priydarshani Vrikshamitra Puraskar'.

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With a thick forest of over 80,000 plants of various species of fuel,

fodder, fruits, timber, shadow and flowers etc. and devices of rain water

harvesting, soil and moisture conservation, sand dunes stabilization,

regeneration of indigenous plant species etc. it was selected by UNDP

as one of the best practices on wastelands.

3.4. OSAI Environmental Organization - India

OSAIs efforts are mainly directed at conservation and

rejuvenation of the environment. Western Ghats is one of the most

important lifelines of South India. So their main effort is to conserve

the Western Ghats in such a way that they sustain the rich biodiversity

of this ecologically sensitive area. It is their firm belief that any nature

conservation effort without the involvement of the locals would not

bear the desired results.

OSAIs most important objective is to sensitize and create

environmental awareness among the people of this area about the

landscape, the water bodies, and its flora and fauna. OSAI also believe

that students with proper environmental awareness can be the best

custodians of our environment. So OSAI laid a great emphasis on

environmental education and nurturing the young minds.

Critical policy decisions are mainly based on the availability of

objective scientific data. Hence, OSAI do engage themselves in

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environmental research projects and make their voice heard in the

corridors of power.

Sustainable development is another key area where OSAI focus

their energy on. OSAI understand the need to have a holistic approach

to development and hence partner with locals in areas such as organic

farming and watershed management.

3.4.1. Project Banyan

A home to a variety of birds and insects, almost all of the banyan

trees we see today were planted decades ago. Sadly, due to its size and

the space needed, we are losing this beautiful and gigantic tree one by

one. If the trend continues, 50 years from now, we won't even have a

single banyan tree to show to our grandchildren.

In this regard, Project Banyan requires your help to grow and

maintain these giants in our country. Planting and nurturing a small

sapling is a simple way to say "I CARE". To say I care for myself, my

community, my nation, and my environment.

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The Banyan Tree (Ficus Benghalensis)

The Project Banyan was launched at Stanes Hr. Sec. School on

10.06.2009. The first banyan sapling was planted by Conservator of

Forests, Coimbatore Circle, R. Kannan, and I.F.S.

3.5. Greenpeace

Greenpeace is an International organization working in 40

countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

Greenpeace has been campaigning against environmental degradation

since 1971 when a small boat of volunteers and journalists sailed into

Amchitka, an area north of Alaska where the US Government wasconducting underground nuclear tests. This tradition of 'bearing

witness' in a non-violent manner continues today, and our ships are an

important part of all our campaign work.

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As a global organization, Greenpeace focuses on the most critical

worldwide environmental issues such as:-

Oceans and ancient forests protection;

Fossil fuel phase out and the promotion of renewable energies to

stop climate change;

Nuclear disarmament and an end to nuclear contamination;

Elimination of toxic chemicals; and

Preventing the release of genetically engineered organisms into

nature.

3.5.1. Function of Greenpeace in Marine Pollution

Oil pollution from accidents and

Illegally discharged tank cleaning wastes

The high visibility of oil spills upon marine environments

Also campaigns for marine domestic sewage,

Industrial discharges and leakages from waste tips,

Sea dumping operations, oil production, and

Mining, agriculture nutrients and pesticides, waste heat sources,

and

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Radioactive discharges

3.5.2. Campaigns of Greenpeace

Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organization that uses

non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental

problems, and force solutions for a green and peaceful future.

Greenpeace's goal is to ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in

all its diversity.

Greenpeace organizes public campaigns for:

The protection of oceans and ancient forests.

The phase out of fossil fuels and the promotion of renewable

energy to stop climate change.

The elimination of toxic chemicals.

The prevention of genetically modified organisms being released

into nature.

An end to the nuclear threat and nuclear contamination.

Safe and sustainable trade.

Ironically, 2006 is the "United Nations Year of the Turtle" - yet theiractivists in Orissa have documented over two thousand dead turtles

along the coast, from Ramchandi to the Jatadhar river mouth. The vast

majority of these deaths are caused by illegal fishing, particularly

trawling, in no-trawling zones.

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Greenpeaces one of the campaign against saving of turtles

In an earlier activity, a visit was made to the Chief Wildlife Warden,

and a turtle graveyard at his doorstep, asking him what he has done to

prevent these deaths. Surprisingly, he responded by saying that his

department had neither the expertise nor the infrastructure required to

adequately protect the turtles.

3.6. Monsanto

The crisis of pollution and depletion of water resources is viewed by

Monsanto as a business opportunity. In India, Monsanto has bought

MAHYCO, Maharashtra Hybrid Company, EID Parry and Rallis. Mr.

Jack Kennedy of Monsanto has said, "We propose to penetrate the

Indian agricultural sector in a big way. MAHYCO is a good vehicle."

Since water is as central to food production as seed is, and without

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water life is not possible, Monsanto is now trying to establish its

control over water. During 1999, Monsanto plans to launch a new water

business, starting with India and Mexico since both these countries are

facing water shortages."

Monsanto is seeing a new business opportunity because of the

emerging water crisis and the funding available to make this vital

resource available to people. For Monsanto, "sustainable development"

means the conversion of an ecological crisis into a market of scarce

resources.

By 2010, about 2.5 billion people in the world are projected to lack

access to safe drinking water. At least 30 per cent of the population in

China, India, Mexico and the U.S. is expected to face severe water

stress. Control over this scarce and vital resource will, of course, be a

source of guaranteed profits. As John Bastin of the European Bank of

Reconstruction and Development has said, "Water is the last

infrastructure frontier for private investors."

3.6.1. Functions of Monsanto

This is the amount currently spent by NGOs for water development

projects and local government water supply schemes and Monsanto

hopes to tap these public finances for providing water to rural

communities and convert water supply into a market. Monsanto would

like to divert this public money from public supply of water to

establishing the company's water monopoly.

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Monsanto also plans to penetrate the Indian market for safe water by

establishing a joint venture with Eureka Forbes/Tata, which controls 70

per cent of the UV Technologies. To enter the water business,

Monsanto has acquired an equity stake in Water Health International

(WHI) with an option to buy the rest of the business. The joint venture

with Tata/Eureka Forbes is supposed to provide market access and

fabricate, distribute, service water systems; Monsanto will leverage

their brand equity in the Indian market.

Another new business that Monsanto started in 1999 in Asia isaquaculture. It will build on the foundation of Monsanto's agricultural

biotechnology and capabilities for fish feed and fish breeding. The

Supreme Court has banned industrial shrimp farming because of its

catastrophic consequences. However, the Government, under pressure

from the aquaculture industry, is attempting to change the laws to undo

the court order.

3.7. Environment Support Group (ESG)

Environment Support Group (ESG) is an independent not-for-profit

non-governmental organization, founded in 1996 and registered as a

Public Charitable Trust in 1998. Its main functions involve research,

training, campaign support, and advocacy on a variety of environmental

and social justice issues.

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ESG is amongst the foremost proponents in India for the reform of

environmental decision making processes urging that the same be made

more participatory and environmentally and socially just. ESG initiated

or supported campaigns have been largely successful despite the nature

of the issues being highly controversial and politically sensitive with

national-level implications. In acknowledgement of its influencing role,

ESG's services have been sought by a variety of regional, national and

international agencies.

The experience of ESG's staff, supporters and advisors ranges fromenvironmental science, policy and law, environmental engineering,

biological and ecological sciences, legal activism, urban planning and

development, democratization and decentralization of processes,

community organizing, education and training.

Environment Support Group is an openly structured organization that

has achieved high levels of participation in its activities from its Full

Time Staff, Trustees, Volunteers and Advisory Panel.

ESG has worked with a wide range of organizations and coalitions at

the local, regional, national and international levels in a variety of

collaborations.

3.7.1. Functions of ESG

1. Research functions include a range of activities from broad-based

research initiatives such as monitoring and identifying major policy and

investment decisions and their impacts, to conducting specific research

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into individual projects to understand their socio-economic and

environmental impacts. We continuously update such information and

feed-forward to a various civil society organizations in order to

influence various decision making levels of the Government.

2. Documentation and Publication involves specific focus on issues of

law and policy relating to Environment and Conservation. We monitor

developments, investments and policies by sourcing of a variety of

literature (newspaper and magazines, scientific journals, company

profiles, government orders, policy statements, etc.) and make itavailable to campaigns, training initiatives, media advocacy, lobbying,

public interest litigation's (PILs), publications, etc.

3. Legal Support to local communities and campaign networks to

access various legally mandated avenues in ensuring social and

environmental justice concerns are not compromised in decisions

affecting their life and livelihood. When need arises this relationship

advances to supporting Public Interest Litigation by enabling the

affected communities to represent their cause by litigation

documentation and providing public interest lawyering support. ESG

has independently initiated or intervened with PILs on certain issues

when needed.

4. Training involves development of training modules and conducting

of workshops on a range of topics such as environment and social

justice issues, legislation and policies, perspectives of development,

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alternatives, campaign strategies, etc. for a variety of focus groups at

local and regional levels.

5. Campaign activities involve addressing environmental and social

justice concerns with local communities, the media, administration,

legislature, judiciary, business community and the public.

3.8. Environment & Wildlife (CREDO)

In June-July 2001, the Centre for Research into Environment andDevelopment Online (CREDO) was established in New Delhi. Its

mandate originated in a belief that the democratization and

dissemination of clear and comprehensible information are of cardinal

importance in the vastly complicated matter of development.

CREDO has a team with multidisciplinary backgrounds,

including in sociology, resource management, extension, economics,

development studies, journalism, art and design, programming, and

communications. We are committed to using our disciplines to bridge

the substantial digital divide in the development sector by facilitating

the exchange of information and provide a platform for the symbiosis

of traditional knowledge, successful grassroots movements and

alternative technologies. We find the Internet the perfect international

interactive platform for global outreach and information access.

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Role of CREDO

1. Jammanch offers free services, including Web space and site

construction and pagemaking tools, to organizations and individuals

involved in sustainable development. It seeks to empower them to

contact and interact with each other through the Website, the

foundation of which is information collation, hosting and

dissemination. CREDO collects and collates relevant information from

thousands of sources, both primary and tertiary. Access to this

information is free and easy. Since non-governmental organizations(NGOs) are the intermediaries in the development process, CREDO

found it imperative to draw them into utilizing the substantial benefits

of the Internet to fulfill their objectives.

2. In line with the facilitating of Web presence, CREDO builds

Websites for other NGOs. Being one ourselves, we know what NGOs

in the development sector need, their motivations, requirements and

financial and logistical constraints. CREDO provides its services at a

fraction of the cost of commercial service providers.

3. CREDO undertakes both office-based and active research,

participatory training and evaluation of issues relating to gender and

equity, development imperatives, development laws and human rights,

disaster management and mitigation, water resources, environment,

agriculture, education, and child welfare.

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4. CREDO also gives grassroots facilitators and workers electronic

training in order to empower them to use the development vehicle of

the 21st century.

5. CREDO also strengthens the networking agenda by developing a

whole raft of communications resources for organizations and people,

both on general mandate and particular issues. We function as an active

and holistic advocacy and outreach facilitator for the non-profit sector.

3.9. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is an independent,

public interest organization which aims to increase public awareness on

science, technology, environment and development. The Centre was

started in 1980. For more than two decades, CSE has been creating

awareness about the environmental challenges facing our nation.

Searching for solutions that people and communities can implement

themselves.

CSE has been creating public environmental awareness, pushing

the government to create frameworks for individual and community

actions, and seeking balanced and informed analysis of the global

politics of environment. More importantly, CSE is working for clean

air by introducing CNG buses in Delhi. This leads to reduce particulate

pollution and also campaigning for air pollution and it causes one death

every hour.

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3.10. Winrock International India (WII)

Winrock International India (WII)[xvii] is a non-profit

organization and working in the areas of natural resources

management, clean energy and climate change. Winrock

International India has been accorded recognition as a Scientific and

Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Department of

Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science &

Technology, Government of India, under the Scheme on

Recognition of Scientific and Industrial Research Organizations

(SIROs)-1988.

3.10.1. Efforts of WII

1. Encourage and empower primary users of natural resources to

sustainably manage the resources that they depend on using

participatory approaches, and develop long-term strategies to adopt

livelihoods of their choice,

2. Promote energy efficiency and use of renewable energy for rural

development and for a cleaner environment,

3. Understand and address the challenges of global climate change,

and

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4. Reach out to involve people, communities and institutions to

strengthen our efforts to develop and implement sustainable

solutions.

3.10.2. Prime Focused Areas of WII:

1. Energy and Environment (E&E)

2. Natural Resources Management (NRM)

3. Climate Change (CLC)

4. Outreach

In each of these areas we plan, monitor and implement projects,

emphasizing the development of local institutions, leadership and

skills at all levels. Our ultimate aim is putting ideas to work to

change the lives of our project beneficiaries. Many years of

experience in diverse regions and cultures across the world give us

the insight and ability to respond to the specific needs of both

funding institutions and clients. Our internal support structure

ensures that each activity is managed professionally, and we take

pride in matching global resources to local requirements in an

optimal and cost-effective manner.

The Energy and Environment (E&E) Program of Winrock

International India (WII) promotes sustainable energy development

through accelerated commercialization of energy efficiency and

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clean and renewable energy technologies. The overarching goal is to

bring about significant improvement in the quality of life of the

people through sustainable solutions linked to the development

process and livelihoods.

3.11. Watershed Development

Sustainable participatory watershed management can be defined

as Utilization and conservation of land, water and forest resources

at farm house- hold and community or given watershed level for

continuously improved livelihood and overall human development.

It is defined as an imaginary unit area where all the falling water is

supposed to be draining through a single common outlet. It is a Unit

area of integrated Natural & Human Resources Development. It is a

unit area of a Common drainage, more or less of village catchments

for integrated village development. Treatment practices for

maximization of potential of Natural & Human Resources. It is a

approach of integrated and sustainable development with effective

participation of the people.

3.11.1. Components of Watershed Development

The following are the major components in the process of watershed

development:

Human Resource Development (Community Development)

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Soil and Land Management

Water Management

Crop Management

Afforestation

Pasture/Fodder Development

Livestock Management

Rural Energy Management

Farm and non-farm value addition activities

All these components are interdependent and interactive.

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CHAPTER 4

JFM AND PEOPLES PARTICIPATION

4.1. Introduction

JFM is a forest management strategy under which the government and

the village community enter into an agreement to jointly protect and

manage forestland adjoining villages and to share responsibilities and

benefits. The village community is represented through an institution

specifically formed for the purpose. This institution is known by

different names in different states but most commonly referred to as the

Forest Protection Committee (FPC).

In some states, panchayats can also enter into a JFM agreement with

the Forest Department. Under JFM, the FPC takes the responsibility of

protecting a forest patch from fire, grazing and illegal harvesting. In

return, it gets greater access to forest produce and a share in income

earned from that forest patch.

4.2 Purpose

The JFM programme has led to considerable involvement of NGOs in

the forestry sector although there is significant variation from state to

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state. Over 250 NGOs are involved in the JFM programme in Andhra

Pradesh alone.

Andhra Pradesh has substantial funding (Rs354 crores), for JFM from

the World Bank. In keeping with World Banks world-wide policy of

involving NGOs wherever appropriate as facilitators of participatory

development, the Andhra Pradesh JFM Resolution (1993) specifies

NGO roles more comprehensively than any other state Resolution. Still,

their representation in the VSS is conditional upon 'need'.

4.3. Role of JFM in Andhra Pradesh

The role for NGO involvement in JFM as outlined by the Andhra

Pradesh state comes under three broad headings:

1. Support role to the Forest Department and to other NGOs:

organizing orientation programmes; coordinating training for Forest

Department, other NGOs and members of the VSS; preparation of

communication packages on JFM for the Forest Department, other

NGOs and VSS.

2. Village-level activities: disseminating information on government

programmes; liaison with government and communities for approval of

the VSS so as to get access to land, access to funds and facilitation of

implementation; arranging funds for JFM implementation from sources

other than Forest Department; strengthening peoples involvement

through capacity-building of VSS committees for democratic

functioning and conflict management; organizing events and activities

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such as womens camps, tree nurseries, peripheral tree and fodder

plantations, and promotion of biogas and fuel-saving stoves to reduce

extraction from forest lands; and documentation of field experience to

identify emerging issues

3. Research and networking with Forest Department and NGOs on

institutional, economic and ecological aspects of JFM. NGOs involved

in JFM in Andhra Pradesh have networked at the state as well as

district level. Aranyika is an example of an older existing network,

which with the initiation of the JFM programme and later involvementof and formation of SPWD'S national JFM network, became a member

of the network though not all members of the Aranyika network are

members of the JFM network. The Aranyika Network started

functioning in 1988. Now there are 16 active voluntary organizations as

members and another 10 NGOs as participants and proposed members.

So far their network is limited to Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh andOrissa. The main objective is the development of tribal society in the

Integrated Tribal Development areas by reviving the traditional system

and strengthening people's platform. The Aranyika members have

reached a consensus to take up JFM as a common action programme

pooling all the resources available from among the tribals, NGOs and

researchers. There have been several meetings and training camps

under this network.

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CHAPTER 5

POLLUTION CONTROL

The role of NGOs for pollution control activities can hardly be over-

emphasized[xix]. An NGO Cell has been set up at Central Pollution

Control Board to coordinate the following tasks:

Enlist environmental NGOs involved in activities related to

pollution control with CPCB;

Establish NGO network in consultation with State Pollution

Control Boards/Zonal Offices of CPCB;

Provide training to the NGOs and equip them with facilities, like

water testing kits, analytical instruments, books, literature etc. In

order to enhance their capabilities in the field of pollution

control; and

Organize mass awareness programmes and pollution control

activities through NGOs.

Implementation of the various provisions of pollution control for

past more than two decades

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Working for participation of masses in achieving the targets

committed in the Policy Statements for Abatement of Pollution

Demonstration on Public interest litigations

Significant pressure on polluting industries for adopting pollution

control measures.

Providing information on mass awareness with regard to control

of pollution

Conducting preliminary river and air surveys for identification of

any pollution source

Keeping vigil on abstraction of water/discharge of sewage trade

effluent by any industry in quantity in relation to flow/volume

Conducting sampling and analysis of river/well water to ascertain

the quality of river/well water

Providing information on poisonous, noxious or polluting matter

into any stream or well or on land or in air

Providing information on river stretch requires prohibition on use

for disposal of polluting matters (for notification under Section

24 of the Water Act)

Providing information on violation of consent such as discharges

in odd hours etc

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Providing information on fish kill or other sudden damage to the

environment

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CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION

The total number of NGOs in the country is about more than 1.5

million; while the world over the number crossed more than 5 million.

Commercialization of NGOs has no doubt led to their rapid growth and

changing their paradigm shift from non profits to profits making

organizations in the 21st century. Multi-sectoral coordination and

convergence and holistic and sustainable development can be achieved

with participation of NGOs.

Social development is growing rapidly alongside information

Technology

NGOs are playing crucial role in Environmental Protection,

conservation and development.

Government, NGO and people collaboration is the imminent

need of the hour.

NGOs are the watchdogs of the environmental issues

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CHAPTER 6

REFERENCES

Books:

Brandon Carter and Kirsten Honmann, (1991-92), Valuing

Environmental Costs in India

Websites:

http://www.gbsjp.org.html

http://www.sustain.org/biotech/News/news.cfm?News_ID=3202

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Energy_and_Resources_Institute.htm

www.indiahabitat.org/http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?

title=Ministry_of_Environment_and_Forests&redirect=no

Documents

Environment Degradation