Negative factors worsening the existing situation
As noted in a further interviews with Hazaribagh residents the
following has been observed
Clearance of mining activities compromising further forest
cover
Waste disposal in the Hazaribagh Lake
People taking bath with soap
Religious waste
No MRV (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification)
Unauthorised LMVs/HMVs with poor pollution control
Appendix - World Bank Assignment
Date: 3rd May 2015
Interviewee: Dr. Kiran Rana (Retd.) Location: Hazaribag,
Jharkhand, India
Experience: 40+ years of teaching experience in Economics
department in Vinoba Bhave University, and Womens College,
Hazaribag.
Hazaribag is a hill station located next to a national forest
providing rich tree cover around the region. Over the last few
decades there has been a gradual
reduction in the forest cover to cater to growing population
needs. This can be visually observed on the journeys on the
National Highways where now one
can observe barren lands in the distance, which was once covered
by dense forest.
In addition to the visual difference, one can also experience
the change in the weather conditions. About two decades back peak
summer comprised of
relatively mild peak temperatures as compared to the
neighbouring towns (Gaya and Ranchi). But, in recent times the peak
temperatures are about the
same. In the earlier decades, power cuts during summer did not
matter much to human residents but now it is difZicult because of
with sustained peak
temperatures.
The increased temperature is also impacting the crown jewel of
the town the Hazaribag Lake! The lake has always been the mainstay
of the town for
morning exercise, school athletics and general hangout. It has
been this way because of the central location and the abundant
water reserves. It also serves
as the main water supply for the town. In the last decade,
residents have complained of water shortage in the lake and that
can be visually observed on a
visit to the lake. This has affected the Zishery business of the
town.
The reduction in forest cover has been exacerbated with the
construction of wider national highways and no plan to replantation
of the uprooted trees.
There has been a substantial increase in population of the town
with resultant increases in housing and petrol/diesel motor
vehicles. With the amount of
Greenhouse gases increasing and reduction in forest cover the
greenhouse impact looks only worsening.
To stop the worsening of the climate change as Zirst step
widespread corrective actions need to be taken to recover the lost
forest. On a wider level climate
change syllabus needs to be introduced in the education system
for the next generation to imbibe the necessary practices and also
enable them to
question/correct the earlier generation. Widespread energy and
transport policy reforms need to be introduced for controlling
greenhouse gases emissions.
