Unit 5 EVS_ Notes

Page 1: Overview of Environmental Protection Act

• Introduction: Environmental Protection Act (EPA) of 1986

  • Objective: Protect and improve the environment

  • Empowerment: Central Government can establish authorities for monitoring and prevention of pollution

  • Legislation: Comprehensive framework aimed at environmental protection.

• Background: Origin of the Act

  • Initiated from the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (1972)

  • India’s participation aimed at improving the human environment.

• Constitutional Provisions: Framework for enactment

  • Article 253: Allows legislation to fulfill international obligations.

  • Article 48A: Mandates the state to improve and protect the environment.

  • Article 51A: Encourages every citizen to contribute to environmental protection.

• Coverage: Applicability of the Act

  • Enforced throughout India, including Jammu & Kashmir.

Page 2: Objectives and Provisions of the EPA

• Aims and Objectives of the EPA:

  1. Implement decisions from the 1972 Stockholm Conference.

  2. Creation of a regulatory authority to oversee industrial impact.

  3. Coordination among various agencies under existing laws.

  4. Establishment of statutory laws for environmental protection.

  5. Punitive measures for environmental violations (prison terms, fines).

  6. Promotion of sustainable environmental development.

  7. Protection of the right to life as per Article 21 of the Constitution.

• Main Provisions of the EPA:

  • Central authority can take necessary measures for environmental protection.

  • Implementation of nationwide programs and environmental quality standards.

  • Power to restrict industrial locations and analyze environmental samples.

  • Mechanism for citizen complaints regarding violations.

• Drawbacks of the Act:

  • Centralization may lead to misuse of power.

  • Lacks provisions for public participation in environmental governance.

  • Incomplete coverage of environmental pollutants (e.g., noise, radiation).

Page 3: Role of NGOs in Environmental Protection

• Introduction to NGOs

  • Non-governmental organizations aim for public service and have grown rapidly in India.

  • Definition: Registered as Trusts, Societies, or non-profit companies.

• Contribution in Environmental Protection:

  • Understanding complex environmental systems and relationships.

  • Stabilizing internal resource management.

  • Awareness-raising and advocacy through campaigns.

  • Example: Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) known for grassroots mobilization.

Page 4: Functions of NGOs

• Key Roles:

  • Raising public awareness on environmental issues and solutions.

  • Facilitating multi-stakeholder discussions.

  • Conducting environmental assessments and participatory appraisals.

  • Monitoring environmental quality and generating resource data.

  • Organizing educational seminars and sharing information.

Page 5: Human Population and the Environment

• Current Population Dynamics:

  • 2015: Global population exceeded 7.3 billion, expected to reach 9.2 billion by 2050.

  • Historical context: Slow population growth until 1804; rapid increase post-1804 due to improved living conditions.

Page 6: Causes of Population Growth

• Factors Contributing to Growth:

  • Decreased death rates, improved healthcare, and sanitation.

  • In agricultural societies, larger families are seen as an asset.

• Population Parameters:

  1. Birth Rate (Natality): Births per 1000 per year.

  2. Death Rate: Deaths per 1000 per year.

  3. Immigration/Emigration: Movements that affect population sizes.

Page 7: Population Characteristics and Pyramids

• Population Structure: Divided into age groups:

  • Pre-productive (0-14 years), Reproductive (15-44 years), Post-reproductive (45+).

• Population Pyramid Analysis:

  • Illustrates demographic trends like birth and death rates.

  • Various shapes indicate different population growth patterns:

    1. Expanding Pyramid: High birth, high death rates (less developed).

    2. Stationary Pyramid: Stable population (developed).

    3. Contractive Pyramid: Low birth and declining population (well-developed).

Page 8: Population Explosion

• Definition: Sudden and substantial increase in population.

• Causes:

  • Improved healthcare leading to lower death rates.

  • Migration for better opportunities.

  • Cultural factors promoting larger families.

Page 9: Effects of Population Explosion

• Consequences:

  • Increased poverty and infant mortality.

  • Environmental degradation and resource exploitation.

  • Development of slums and inadequate basic amenities.

Page 10: Importance of Environmental Education

• Definition: Process for exploring environmental issues and making informed decisions.

• Components:

  • Awareness of environmental challenges and understanding their significance.

  • Skill development for resolving environmental issues.

Page 11: Historical Context of Women's Education

• Importance: Critical for national development and improving quality of life.

• Trends: Women's access to education has fluctuated historically, with a notable decline after the Vedic period.

• Current Rates: Female literacy at 70.3% versus 84.7% for males in India.

Page 12: Need and Importance of Women's Education

• Fundamental Rights: Education as a basic human right.

• Promotion of Equality: Education fosters societal equality and challenges gender bias.

• Financial Independence: Education empowers women and fosters self-sufficiency.

Page 13: Women's Education Welfare Programs

• Government Initiatives:

  1. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Aims to prevent female foeticide and promote female education.

  2. Working Women’s Hostels: Facilitates safe accommodation for working women.

  3. Training and Employment Assistance Program (STEP): Empowers women through skill development.

  4. Mahila-E-Haat: Platform for women entrepreneurs.

  5. SABLA: Nutritional support and skill training.

  6. One-Stop Centre: Services for victims of violence.

  7. Nari Shakti Puraskar: Honors women for contributions to society.