Environmental Status & Policy in India - Hardcover

Environmental pollution is one of the major problems faced by the world community, especially in the cities of developing countries which have experienced unbridled growth of population, urbanization, and industrialization. In India, the unplanned location of industries in and around urban areas and the volume of traffic have caused serious pollution problems, leading to deteriorating environmental conditions adversely impacting the health of the people. Environmental degradation has been caused by a variety of social, economic, institutional, and technological factors. Rapidly growing population, urbanization, industrial activities, and increasing use of pesticides and fossil fuels have all resulted in considerable deterioration of the quality and sustainability of the environment. Other serious and more insidious consequences for human health arise through poorly planned developmental activities. In particular, there is the whole range of communicable diseases that are becoming more widespread. This book provides an exhaustive account of environmental problems in India and the attending consequences. The policies and programs of the government are discussed and the areas covered include: legal provisions and institutional framework for environmental protection * recent policy initiatives for environmental protection * land and soil degradation * water resources and pollution * air and noise pollution * forest resources and conservation * mineral exploration/exploitation * protection of biological diversity of India * urbanization * rural development * disaster mitigation and management * global climate change.