Ecological Hazards in the Himalayas
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India’s progress and development is closely linked with the ecology and environment of the Himalayas. It has been estimated that about 1.5 million hectares of forest cover disappear every year. Another 1.0 million hectares are estimated as becoming non-productive as a result of improper use. Out of the total 329 million hectares of landmass, about 53% are degraded in one form or another. The ecological degradation is increasing on account of fast depletion of grazing lands, wild animals, rare plants and natural resources of water, springs, lakes and minerals.
Deforestation has not only seriously affected the output of fodder, fuel, and food but also destroyed the homes of numerous tribal communities, birds, reptiles and wild animals. The climate of the subcontinent is undergoing a rapid change on account of deforestation. The social forestry programme, initially set up to alleviate the fuel and fodder shortages, has in fact become an instrument to provide raw material to the paper, pulp and building industry, thus ignoring the very people it was designed to help.
The rapid industrialisation has polluted to atmosphere in the foot hills of the Himalayas. The crystal clear water of the Himalayan rivers has been polluted. The rapid urbanisation is adding fuel to the fire. It is believed that if the steps are not taken in time irreversible damage to the environment will be caused and there would be wilderness everywhere. The present book is written with the objective of creating environmental awareness among the masses and to suggest how the ecological balance can be maintained. Today the Himalayas are under environmental threat and this challenge has to be faced.
| Common | |
| Author | S. K. Chadha |
| Binding | Hardcover |
| Edition | 1 |
| ISBN | 81-7132-022-0 |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | viii+150 |
| Publication Year | 1989 |
| Publisher | Pointer Publishers, Jaipur |