The Chipko Movement, which began in the 1970s in India, was a non-violent protest aimed at stopping the widespread deforestation in the Himalayan region. The term “Chipko” means “to hug” in Hindi, and the movement’s central tactic involved villagers, primarily women, hugging trees to prevent loggers from cutting them down. Led by prominent figures like…
Month: May 2025
Goals and Activities of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank that aims to promote social and economic development in Asia through various programs and projects. ADB’s work focuses on reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and improving living standards. Three Goals of ADB: Two Activities Performed by ADB:
Environmental Legislation in India Related to Air and Water Pollution
In India, environmental protection laws, particularly those related to air and water pollution, are aimed at preventing and controlling the degradation of natural resources. These laws have evolved over time in response to growing concerns about the detrimental impact of industrialization and urbanization on the environment. Air Pollution Legislation: Water Pollution Legislation:
Definition of a Bio-Village, Practices Followed, and Advantages
A bio-village is a community-based initiative that promotes sustainable living through the integration of environmentally friendly practices with local agricultural, cultural, and economic systems. The concept of a bio-village emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of humans with nature, using ecological principles to guide development and livelihood practices. It is a response to the over-exploitation of natural…
Role of Traditional Knowledge in Health and Medicine and the Emergence of Bioprospecting
Traditional knowledge in health and medicine refers to the practices, skills, and know-how passed down through generations, often within specific cultural communities. It encompasses the use of plants, animals, minerals, and other natural resources for treating various ailments, based on empirical knowledge developed over time. In India, and other parts of the world, traditional medicine…
The 5 M’s in Production Technology & Alternative Manufacturing Paradigm
The 5 M’s—Man, Machine, Material, Method, and Measurement—comprise the core inputs and processes in any production system: 1. Man (Human Resources) 2. Machine (Equipment and Automation) 3. Material (Raw Materials and Inputs) 4. Method (Processes and Workflows) 5. Measurement (Monitoring and Control) Alternative Manufacturing Technological Paradigm An alternative manufacturing paradigm shifts away from traditional mass…
Priority Areas for Government Action in Sustainable Development
Governments play a pivotal role in steering national and international sustainable development efforts. Four priority areas where policy intervention can yield significant, long-term benefits are: 1. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks 2. Investment in Green Infrastructure 3. Education, Research, and Capacity Building 4. Social Equity and Inclusion Indigenous and Local Communities: Recognize community land rights, traditional…
Role of Information Technology in Environment and Human Health
Information Technology (IT), which includes computing, data storage, telecommunications, and remote sensing, plays a transformative role in the domains of environmental management and public health. The speed, accuracy, and connectivity offered by IT are essential for collecting, processing, analyzing, and disseminating vast environmental and health data. 1. Environmental Monitoring and Management IT enables real-time monitoring…
Principles of Environmental Education
Environmental Education (EE) is a process of recognizing values and clarifying concepts in order to develop skills and attitudes necessary to understand and appreciate the interrelatedness among human beings, their culture, and their biophysical surroundings. It involves practice in decision-making and self-formulation of a code of behavior about issues concerning environmental quality. The UNESCO Tbilisi…
Sustainable Development of Hill Areas
Hill and mountain regions such as the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and the Aravallis in India are ecologically fragile yet economically vital. These regions are sources of biodiversity, fresh water, and medicinal plants and play a vital role in maintaining climatic and hydrological balance. However, these areas face challenges like deforestation, soil erosion, landslides, overgrazing,…
Role of Agriculture in Sustainable Development
Agriculture is central to the concept of sustainable development, especially in developing countries like India, where a large portion of the population relies directly on agriculture for livelihood, food security, and cultural identity. Sustainable development in agriculture refers to practices that meet current food needs without compromising the environment or the ability of future generations…
Classification of Industry on the Basis of Capital Investment
Industries can be classified in various ways—by nature of activity, size, ownership, etc. One important basis of classification is the amount of capital investment, which reflects the scale of operations and technological sophistication. In India, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) classifies industries as follows: 1. Micro Industry Micro industries are essential…