environment vs development case study

The environment-development divide: is there room for dialogue?

If we accept the premise that ecological concerns are as worthy as developmental needs , then the decision to have a mine, dam, or road needs to be weighted by its ecological detriment

Sustainability

The Sustainability section of Case Studies in the Environment probes the goals, science, methodologies, performance, and feedback loops of initiatives around the world to promote ecologically sustainable development. Case studies spotlight the work of sub-national and non-state actors, including businesses, cities, neighborhoods, and NGOs, in utilizing scientific and technological advances as well as promoting sustainability management and practices. In line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, The scope of these cases includes, but is not limited to, clean energy, climate action, water quality and management, air quality and control, environment and health, responsible consumption and production, industry innovation, and sustainable communities and economic growth. Cases support researchers, educators, and practitioners by providing contents that deepen the knowledge of the scientific, management and policy challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing search for science-based, economically viable paths to sustainability. Cases that discuss innovative pedagogy or enhance environmental education are also welcome.

Sustainability innovations in California agriculture: A Q&A with CSE authors Robin Marsh and Micah Elias

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Model Answers

Q: Critically examine the dialectics between ‘development and environment’.

Question asked in UPSC Sociology 2022 Paper 2. Download our app for last 20 year question with model answers.

Model Answer:

Development vs Environment

The dialectics between development and environment in India can be understood as a complex interplay of economic growth, social progress, and ecological sustainability. India, as a developing country, faces the challenge of balancing rapid industrialization and urbanization with the need to preserve its natural resources and maintain ecological balance. This dialectical relationship is characterized by contradictions, conflicts, and interdependencies that shape the country’s development trajectory and environmental policies.

On the one hand, development is seen as a necessary process to improve the living standards of the population, create job opportunities, and reduce poverty. India’s economic growth, driven by industrialization and urbanization, has lifted millions out of poverty and improved the quality of life for many. However, this development has come at a significant environmental cost. Rapid industrialization has led to the degradation of land, water, and air quality, posing severe threats to public health and the country’s biodiversity. The construction of large infrastructure projects, such as dams and highways, has often resulted in the displacement of local communities and the destruction of ecosystems.

On the other hand, the environment is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in ensuring sustainable development. India’s rich natural resources, including forests, rivers, and biodiversity, are essential for the well-being of its people and the functioning of its economy. The degradation of these resources not only threatens the livelihoods of millions who depend on them but also undermines the long-term prospects for economic growth and social progress. Moreover, climate change poses significant risks to India’s development, as it exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and creates new challenges for agriculture, water management, and disaster risk reduction.

The dialectics between development and environment in India can be seen in the tensions between different actors and interests. The state, as the primary agent of development, often prioritizes economic growth over environmental concerns, leading to policies and practices that undermine ecological sustainability. At the same time, civil society organizations, local communities, and environmental activists have been increasingly vocal in demanding greater attention to environmental issues and advocating for more sustainable development models.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to reconcile development and environmental imperatives in India. This is reflected in the country’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its efforts to integrate environmental concerns into development planning and policymaking. The National Green Tribunal , established in 2010, is an example of an institutional mechanism designed to address environmental disputes and promote sustainable development.

However, the dialectics between development and environment in India remain fraught with challenges. The country’s development trajectory is still heavily reliant on resource-intensive and environmentally damaging industries, such as coal mining and thermal power generation. Moreover, the enforcement of environmental regulations remains weak, and the capacity of institutions to manage the complex interdependencies between development and environment is limited.

In conclusion, the dialectics between development and environment in India are characterized by contradictions, conflicts, and interdependencies that shape the country’s development trajectory and environmental policies. While there has been some progress in recognizing the need for a more sustainable development model, significant challenges remain in reconciling the imperatives of economic growth, social progress, and ecological sustainability. Addressing these challenges will require a fundamental transformation in the way development is conceived and pursued, as well as a strengthening of institutions and governance mechanisms to ensure that environmental concerns are effectively integrated into development planning and policymaking.

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Environment Vs Development Initiative: One of the Most Common Topics in UPSC Exams

Heard about the Kerala landslide? The landslide of Kerala has taken nearly 50 lives and left others homeless, as a result of the continued heavy rains in Kerala. Caused by climate change, such dangers are becoming more frequent in other areas of India. Furthermore, the effect of climate change is not restricted to landslides but also results in destructive flooding coexisting with prolonged dry seasons and habitat loss.

Man-made alterations and natural development for economic development are, however, the biggest causes of climate change and its consequences. This is due to the implicit assumption that growth policies encourage economic well being, whereas environmental protections have been seen to be limiting it.

Let us take you on a tour on this interesting topic “Environment vs Development Initiative”

Environment vs Development Initiative: Environment for UPSC

Development and the environment are all important. The environment is usually the area around us where we work and make a decent living and conform ourselves to the environments and their changes. Inclusionary development is not feasible without an appropriate focus on the conservation of the environment.

We can see that in today’s era the development and the environment are two sides of a single coin. We are worried about the atmosphere as major problems such as global warming, greenhouse effect, water and air pollution are rising on a regular basis however, at the very same time as poverty eradication and economic growth rise, sustainability is necessary.

Without economic development, a country cannot recover from the vicious cycle of poverty. There is a significant need to find a balance between economic prosperity and the usage of natural resources. Development without an atmosphere has no significance. We need to conserve our energy for future centuries and this can be done only by understanding the idea of sustainable development.

Also Read: How do Pressure Groups and Movements Strengthen Democracy? What are Pressure Groups?

Environment and Sustainable Development: Environment for UPSC

While environmental protection and sustainable growth can appear to be the same, there are a variety of aspects in which they vary in their priorities. They both share the same overall aim of protecting natural resources and developing more energy-efficient programs and initiatives, but the two organisations that work on them do not agree on the goals of the operation. Getting a clear sense of how different and the same problems are will help you know how to handle coping with all of them.

Goal of Environmental Sustainability

The aim of environmental protection is to preserve renewable resources and create new sources of energy while at the same time reducing emissions and harming the ecosystem. For global protection, the future as calculated in 50, 100 and 1,000 years – is a fundamental theory. Many of the initiatives rooted in environmental preservation would include replanting forests, restoring wetlands and shielding natural areas from mineral harvesting. The strongest critique of environmental protection policies is that their goals might be at odds with the demands of a rising industrial community.

Also Read: Tribes of Meghalaya: Check-out Everything about the Tribes, Culture, Dress & Festival of Meghalaya

Goal of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is the process of constructing land and building projects in a way that decreases their environmental effects by encouraging them to develop energy-saving self-sufficiency projects. This may take the form of installing a solar panel or wind turbines at manufacturing sites, using geothermal heating methods, or even engaging in caps and trade deals. The main critique of sustainable development is that this does not do much to safeguard the environment at current and is focused on the idea that the destruction done in one part of the planet will be vastly outweighed by providing environmental safeguards in the other.

How to Promote Both? Environment and Sustainable Development

The ideal solution is to educate consumers and business, to leave behind every approach to growth and preservation and to follow a rational ratio strategy that finds the best of all worlds. This is very difficult to achieve since it involves an aspect of sacrifice to be embraced by the current culture. To this end, both parties need to work together to dedicate themselves to developing policies, investment schemes and tax credits that encourage economic growth while identifying environmental goals in diverse ways that will also support local populations back.

Difference between Environment and Ecology

The world is all that affects us, while the ecosystem is how it functions. It relates to the study of the relationship between species and their environment. Ecology attempts to consider life cycles, adaptation and biodiversity. Environment, on the other side, seeks to recognise internal and external factors influencing the population

Follow the table below to learn some more differences between environment and ecology

Also Read: Glacial Lake Outburst Flood: Things to Know about Glacial Lake Outburst Flood for UPSC

Environment and Development: Environment for UPSC

ESCAP seeks a development strategy that focuses on incorporating environmental resilience into development policymaking, in general by converting resource limitations and the changing climate into an economic incentive that creates a double benefit of higher economic growth required to minimise poverty with a smaller environmental effect by enhancing resource production and growing resource quality.

Economic development cannot, in itself, be an endpoint. Benefits from current development have not been fairly spread and environmental and social externalities are getting weaker. Nevertheless, poverty reduction and decent job production cannot be accomplished without economic development. That is why we need sustainable growth with various economic, social and environmental characteristics, such as high economic fluidity, social inclusion and environmental balance.

The Green Growth Solution, which has been implemented in the ESCAP area since 2005, focuses on enhancing the ecological sustainability of economic growth as an effective instrument for sustainable development and is a crucial policy for the green economy in the light of sustainable development and poverty end.

About Glacial Lake Outburst Flood: Environment for UPSC

The Uttarakhand incident occurred on a Sunday morning when a glacier burst into the Tapovan region. The landslide also carried muck and rubble to the river.

Glaciers are large masses of steadily flowing ice. So, as the ice retreats, it leaves behind a large impact on the surface, covering it with fresh water and creating a pool. This is defined as a moraine, which can be plundered by a fragile pile of rubble and submerged ice. Moraine dammed reservoirs weaken as the water level increases and the ice recedes. They could collapse under tension from the expanding lake, contributing to major floods. Glacial lakes can vary in size, but can contain millions to tens of millions of cubic metres of water, experts claim. Water outbursts may also occur due to erosion, snow or rock landslide, earthquakes or volcanic eruptions beneath the surface.

The glacial outbursts are also due to global warming. If the temperature rises during the summers, the glaciers melt, leaving behind water-filled, precarious moraine-dammed reservoirs.

In the UPSC exams or the interview, the topic of environment and sustainability is very common. An aspirant must have the knowledge of these two terms properly. The environmental problems are sickening the Earth and living beings, which is why sustainability is much needed. To serve the country as an IAS officer, you have to look after all the problems from society to the environment. 

For more blogs like this, follow the content section of UPSC Pathshala .

Good luck!!!

Also Read: How to Prepare for IPS Exam without Coaching? Here’s How You Can Start Preparing at Home

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The 360° UPSC Debate| Himalayan States: Environmental concerns vs development

The occurrence of recent disasters such as landslides, rains, cloudbursts, and the subsidence in joshimath in the himalayan states has highlighted the imperative of prioritising environmental preservation over development. however, there is an ongoing debate on whether environmental concerns be traded for development in himalayan states.

The Himalayan mountain ranges extend from the western region of Afghanistan to the eastern region of Myanmar, serving as the prominent geological features in nations such as India, China, and Pakistan. Rivers such as the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra play a crucial role in supporting a population of over 1.5 billion individuals and facilitating various businesses, hence contributing to the rapid economic development witnessed in these regions. Additionally, they flow through one of the most unstable geopolitical boundaries. The occurrence of recent disasters such as landslides, cloudbursts, and the subsidence in Joshimath in the Himalayan States has highlighted the imperative of prioritising environmental preservation over development. The proposed action has the potential to increase the susceptibility of the already precarious and environmentally delicate area, exacerbating its vulnerability and rendering development more detrimental.

However, there is an ongoing debate on whether environmental concerns be traded for development in Himalayan states.

Argument 1-Development cannot come at the cost of environment

“There exist approximately 70 ongoing or planned projects along the Ganga river which is characterised as “bumper to bumper development”

The frightening footage of the latest disaster in Himalayan states shows multi-storey buildings crashing into the river like a deck of cards, and cars, bridges, and buildings being sucked into a powerful vortex. According to activists, the prevention of these circumstances may have been achieved had the state administration responded to the request to halt construction activities and encroachment on the riverbed. According to scientific experts, the construction of dams on the Ganga river, encroachment on its riverbed, and mining operations in the area are causing significant detrimental effects on the region. According to Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, a significant number of projects lack rigorous studies of their environmental and social impacts.

Mallika Bhanot, member of Ganga Ahvaan, a public forum dedicated to the preservation of the sacred Ganga river, reports that a total of 244 dams are currently under construction along the river’s course. It is worth noting that only three dams were halted following the declaration of a 100-kilometer segment, extending from the glacial source at Gaumukh to Uttarkashi town, as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) in December 2012. The opposition from the Uttarakhand government towards the government notification in New Delhi has been highlighted by Bhanot. It is worth noting that this notification was developed after a comprehensive evaluation of the geographical features and with the primary objective of safeguarding human lives in an area susceptible to landslides.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), located in New Delhi, has also established a connection between the disaster and the approach to development used in this unique location. CSE Director-General Sunita Narain raises a pertinent query regarding the consideration given by the Central or state government to the collective ramifications of hydropower projects on the rivers and mountains, given the significant economic significance of energy generating. At present, there exist approximately 70 ongoing or planned projects along the Ganga river, with the objective of producing an estimated 10,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The model was characterised as “bumper to bumper development”, wherein projects are undertaken in rapid succession without any gaps in between.

According to Narain, the implementation of diversion channels and reservoirs will have a significant impact on around 80 percent of the Bhagirathi, which is the second head stream of the Ganga river, as well as approximately 65 percent of the Alakananda. In the arid season, extensive sections of the river will experience full desiccation. According to her, these efforts prove to be highly profitable for developers, hence creating significant barriers for tiny environmental groups to effectively express their concerns. There are numerous environmentally friendly alternatives available, such as the use of smoke from burning pine needles to drive turbines for electricity generation, biomass energy, and the implementation of micro hydro plants with a capacity to produce two MW of power. However, firms are not inclined to favour these less lucrative initiatives. According to Narain, the causation of this specific calamity cannot be fully ascribed to climate change. However, it is obvious that there is an observable increase in the occurrence of strong and extreme weather events, particularly characterised by a heavier and more unpredictable monsoon.

The prevailing consensus among scholars is that climate change is mostly attributed to the combustion of fossil fuels and the subsequent release of excessive carbon dioxide into the Earth’s atmosphere. Consequently, it is evident that the present environmental crisis is predominantly caused by human activities. The occurrence of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in 2021, characterised by the descent of boulders and debris from the mountains, serves as an additional indication that the intricate equilibrium of natural forces has been perturbed. Consequently, the Himalayan States are currently experiencing the consequences of this disruption.

Argument 2-Hydropower boon or Hydropower Curse?

“The inclusion of hydropower in India’s strategic plans is a subject of intense scholarly discourse”

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India, emphasised the significance of dams in his vision for the nation by referring to them as ‘temples of modern India.’ The rivers originating from the Himalayas have served as a significant energy resource for the countries situated along the mountainous regions. According to Maharaj Pandit, a professor specialising in environmental studies at the University of Delhi, an estimated 1,300 hydropower facilities have been constructed or are in the planning stages around the region. India is projected to experience a more rapid growth in energy demand compared to other nations during the next twenty years. It is imperative for global emission reduction endeavours to secure alternative supplies to oil and coal in order to effectively meet the increased demand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to augment the renewable energy capacity to 450 gigawatts in the next decade. The inclusion of hydropower in India’s strategic plans is a subject of intense scholarly discourse. It is imperative for proponents to address the inherent variability of electricity generated by solar and wind sources. ‘The flexibility holds significant importance for India’s sustainable transition in the green energy sector, stated Harsh Shah, the CEO of IndiGrid, an investment trust supported by KKR & Co. that possesses transmission lines responsible for delivering power from Himalayan power plants. The utilisation of hydroelectric power plays a crucial role in India’s pursuit of achieving its renewable energy objectives. However, the extensive development of infrastructure in geologically unstable mountainous regions has generated significant controversy.

Following a catastrophic flooding event in Uttarakhand in 2013, which resulted in the loss of over 6,000 lives, an investigative committee constituted by the Supreme Court determined that the presence of hydropower dams exacerbated the disaster. Consequently, the committee cautioned against the construction of such dams in environmentally vulnerable regions situated at high altitudes. According to experts, authorities are engaging in a level of manipulation of the natural world that is beyond what is deemed appropriate.

The proportion of hydropower in India’s electricity composition has experienced a decline, decreasing from 23% in the year 2000 to 12% in recent years. This reduction can be attributed to the substantial decrease in the cost of alternative sources, such as solar energy. Critics contend that the impetus for the rapid proliferation of hydropower facilities is not primarily rooted in the pursuit of energy security, but rather in the financial gains they provide for local governments and developers.

The construction of roads has also been a subject of controversy. India is now undertaking the construction of a 500-mile infrastructure initiative referred to as the Char Dham Highway, with the aim of connecting multiple significant Hindu pilgrimage sites located in the Uttarakhand region.

According to official sources, the proposed initiative entails the expansion of small mountainous thoroughfares to approximately 30 feet. This endeavour is anticipated to attract pilgrims and visitors, hence fostering economic advantages. Additionally, it is expected to facilitate convenient military passage to India’s border with China. According to Ravi Chopra, an environmentalist who chaired a commission ordered by the Supreme Court to investigate the project, the act of cutting down trees intensifies existing risks such as landslides. He further stated that the proposal is in opposition to earlier recommendations set by the road ministry, which discourage the construction of expansive highways in hilly regions.

Argument 3-Not only development but fraught geopolitics is also responsible

“A regrettable consequence has been the entanglement of climate and environmental concerns within the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region”

The mountains serve as significant geopolitical boundaries across the globe, with notable examples include the 2,000-mile border between India and China, as well as the Line of Control that separates India and Pakistan in the region of Kashmir. The relationship between these neighbouring nations is characterised by tension, particularly in light of anticipated population and economic expansion, as well as the exacerbating effects of climate change. This is expected to heighten the struggle for shared resources, like water sourced from the Himalayan rivers.

Aditya Valiathan Pillai from the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi expressed that a regrettable consequence has been the entanglement of climate and environmental concerns within the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region. It is imperative for nations to establish a comprehensive, realistic, and non-partisan framework that addresses the long-term challenges pertaining to the survival of civilizations.

An agreement was made by the eight nations in the Himalayan region to collaborate on climate action. However, it is widely argued that the effectiveness of collaboration and information exchange about matters such as river flows is impeded by strategic considerations and a sense of distrust. According to Dipak Gyawali, a former minister of water resources in Nepal, the issue of climate change is often perceived as a distant and abstract menace. According to him the typical politician in the developing regions faces a multitude of immediate and ongoing challenges. The issue of climate change is often perceived as being too distant in the future to be of immediate concern.

Several nations in the Himalayas experience persistent water scarcity. According to data from the World Bank, the United States possesses over 2.3 million gallons of renewable freshwater resources per individual annually. In contrast, China has 528,000 gallons, India has 264,000 gallons, and Pakistan has less than 79,000 gallons of renewable freshwater resources per person. The escalating demand for water to support the expansion of urban areas, agricultural activities, and industrial operations places further pressure on the rivers traversing these politically unstable regions.

Argument 4-If not trade off, then a fine line on development and conservation

“The tourism industry in this particular region is responsible for the generation of around eight million tonnes of garbage annually”

According to Karan Singh, a former Union minister, there is an urgent need for quick regulation of all operations. The presence of a vegetation cover in the surrounding valleys of the glaciers is of utmost importance, as it serves as a protective barrier, effectively mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. According to a report released by Niti Aayog in 2018, a significant concern has been raised regarding the potential depletion of around 60 percent of water sources in the Indian Himalayan area. Therefore, it is imperative to sustain a substantial vegetation cover in the Himalayan region as well. In order to address this matter, it is recommended that the upper stretch of Himalayan valleys be designated as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).

The tourism industry in this particular region is responsible for the generation of around eight million tonnes of garbage annually. In addition to this, there is an annual production of one million tonnes of waste by the metropolitan population. According to projections, the number of tourists visiting the hill States is expected to reach 240 million annually by the year 2025, a significant increase from the recorded figure of 100 million in 2018. Failure to handle the issue of solid waste disposal in a scientific manner may have detrimental consequences for the delicate environment of the Himalayas, which the country cannot afford to bear. Considering the fact that the primary sources of all significant glacial rivers can be traced back to these mountain ranges, it is not arduous to envision the potentially disastrous consequences that may arise.

The influx of visitors will result in not just heightened levels of human waste and pollution stemming from transportation activities, but also an incessant proliferation of hotel construction and the continued endorsement of increasingly large-scale development initiatives. Numerous scholars emphasise the necessity of regulating the sector through a comprehensive scientific evaluation of the specific geographic area. This task may provide challenges, as the tourism industry plays a crucial role in generating essential economic resources for the state. According to government estimates, the average daily expenditure per visitor is approximately $38, a significant portion of which is contributed to the government through the payment of entrance fees for religious sites. However, although the revenue generated from religious and cultural tourism serves as a crucial source of support for numerous individuals, it is imperative to acknowledge that its long-term viability hinges upon the integration of measures that address the susceptibility of the region.

Following the catastrophic Kedarnath floods of 2013, the Supreme Court issued a directive to temporarily suspend hydroelectric projects in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins. This decision was made in order to conduct a comprehensive evaluation on the potential role of these projects in exacerbating the extent of the damage caused by the floods. In recent years, there has been significant contention surrounding this matter, particularly due to the interdependence between hydroprojects and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) initiative. In order to preserve the ecological integrity of the river, it is imperative to ensure its unobstructed flow, hence necessitating the removal of hydropower projects as they provide a hindrance.

The committee of experts has made a recommendation to the Court advocating for the cancellation of nearly all hydroelectric projects that have been approved by the Government for development. The proponents of six of these projects have addressed the Court, arguing that they had secured earlier clearances and that abandoning these projects would result in substantial financial losses. Subsequently, the Centre has endeavoured to navigate a delicate balance between preserving portion of these resources while formally recognising the associated environmental implications.

The government has expressed a lack of enthusiasm towards new hydropower projects and is now granting permission for projects that have reached a minimum completion threshold of 50%, taking into consideration the irrecoverable costs incurred thus far. Although similar remarks have been expressed within the legislative body, they are not present in the most recent legal document submitted to the Court. Consequently, there are apprehensions over the extent to which this represents a genuine and enduring commitment to the stated policy. The Himalayan states are not exempt from the requirements of its citizens for dependable electricity supply and infrastructure. In addition to enhancing discussion, it is imperative for power firms and the governing body to foster increased confidence among the local inhabitants of the region. Furthermore, infrastructure expansion must take into consideration the limitations specific to the region.

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Chapter 9 Environment And Sustainable Development Case Study Questions

Please see Chapter 9 Environment And Sustainable Development Case Study Questions and answers below. We have provided Case Study Questions for Class 11 Economics with answers for all chapters. Students should read the case study for Chapter 9 Environment And Sustainable Development which is an important chapter in Class 11 Economics and then attempt the questions provided below. Our teachers have provided answers too so that students can check their solutions.

Case Study Questions Chapter 9 Environment And Sustainable Development

CASE STUDY-1

In recent years, awareness of the harmful effect of chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides on our health is on rise. Conventional agriculture relies heavily on chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides etc which enter the food supply and penetrate the water resources, harm the livestock, deplete the soil and devastate natural eco systems. Efforts in evolving technologies which are eco-friendly, are essential for sustainable development and one such technology which is ecofriendly is organic farming. In short, organic agriculture is a whole system of farming which restores, maintains and enhances the ecological balance. There is an increasing demand for organically grown food to enhance food safety throughout the world.

Questions :

Question. In context of sustainable development, which of the following is / are strategies to achieve it? (a). us of sustained methods of farming (b). use of bio pest (c). use of natural manure (d). all the above   

Question. Green Revolution was a major reason of rise in productivity of farming. What are the advantages of conventional farming methods? (a). higher output (b). cost effective (c). wider range (d). all of these   

Question .  ___________ is more popular non-farm activity after farming.   

Pisciculture

Question. ___________ helps in maintaining ecological balance.    

Organic food.

CASE STUDY-2

Sustainable development is one which is directly concerned with increasing the material standards of living of the poor at the grass-root level. This can be quantitatively measured in terms of increased income,real income, educational services,health care, sanitation, water supply etc.In more specific terms, sustainable development aims at decreasing the absolute poverty of the poor by providing lasting and secure livelihoods that minimise resource depletion, environmental degradation,cultural disruption and social instability.

Question. The concept of sustainable development is related to:  (a) Rural development (b) Growth rate of GDP (c) Human development (d) Environment   

Question. _____________ means the ability of the environment to observe degradation. (Absorptive capacity / supplies resources)   

  Absorptive capacity

Question. The economic development that we have achieved so far has come at a very heavy price that is environment pollution. (true / false )  

Question. What happens when the rate of resource extraction, exceeds that of their regeneration?  

Answer . The environment fails to perform its third and vital function of life substance and this results in an environmental crisis. This is the situation today all over the world .

CASE STUDY-3

Environment and economy are interdependent and need each other hence development that ignores Its repercussions on the environment will destroy the environment that sustains life forms development that will allow all future generations to have a potential average quality of life that is at least as high is that which is being enjoyed by current generation. In the initial stages of development the demand for environmental resources was less than its supply but now what today is facing with increased demand of environmental resources but their supply is limited due to their over use and misuse. The concept of sustainable development states as development that meets the needs to the present generation without compromising the ability all future generation to meet their own needs.

Question. How economic development put greater pressure on environment?

Answer . Demand is increasing day by day over environmental resource is which is creating pressure to the environment.

Question. State one aim of sustainable development

Answer . It will fulfil the need of present generation without compromising the ability of future generation to meet the own needs.

Question. The definition given in Above paragraph was given by___________.   

Question. Define the term carrying capacity.

Answer . The resource extraction is not above the resource regeneration the resources and waste generated are within assimilating capacity of the environment.

CASE STUDY-4 Changes observed in Earth’s climate since the early 20th century are primarily driven by human activities, particularly fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere, raising Earth’s average surface temperature. These human-produced temperature increases are commonly referred to as global warming. Natural processes can also contribute to climate change, including internal variability (e.g., cyclical ocean patterns like El Niño, La Niña and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation) and external forcings. (e.g., volcanic activity, changes in the Sun’s energy output, variations in Earth’s orbit).

Question. Identify the two major environmental issues facing the world.

Answer . Global warming and ozone depletion

Question. __________ is the observed and projected increase in the average temperature of earth’s atmosphere and oceans     

Global warming

Question. What has caused global warming?

Answer . The global warming is due to increase in the greenhouse gas concentrations, like water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane and ozone in the atmosphere.

Question. ________ gas is released in animal waste, is one of the factors contributing to global warming . 

Methane gas

CASE STUDY-5

According to recent information McDonald has set an example of using paper straws instead of plastic ones to save the environment and adopt the path of sustainable development, More over they are recycling the used cooking oil for the bio diesel in their stores operating in 119 countries with 31000 restaurants in operation. It has a long-standing commitment to environmental protection. It has innovative programmes for recycling, resource conservation and waste reduction. McDonald is using the “ bin it” logo to promote clean society so that the rubbish packaging should not be dumped by the road side. It is also promoting going green to save energy and reducing waste, minimizing the use of water .

Question. Sustainable development refers to (a) being miserly with resources (b) full utilization of natural resources (c) judicious use of natural resources (d) none of these   

Question. Ruthless use of natural resources adversely affects the regeneration capacity of environment. (True/False)  

Question. Which is not the cause of environmental degradation: (a) Increasing urbanization (b) Afforestation (c) industrialization (d) widespread poverty   

Question. Carrying capacity of environment refers to___________ capacity of environment.   

CASE STUDY-6

Environment and economy are interdependent and need each other. Hence, development that ignores its  repercussions on the environment will destroy the environment that sustains life forms. The concept of sustainable  development was emphasised by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), which defined it as: ‘Development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs’. The Brundtland Commission emphasises on protecting the future generation. This is in line with the argument of the environmentalists who emphasise that we have a moral obligation to hand over the planet earth in good order to the future generation; that is, the present generation should bequeath a better environment to the future generation.

Question. The concept of sustainable development is related to: (a). Rural development (b). Growth rate of GDP (c). Human development (d). Environment   

Question. Following is an advantage of sustainable economic development (a). Higher per capita income (b). Rapid industrialization (c). Beneficial to future generations (d). Agricultural development 

Question. Global warming is caused by: (a). Nitrogen (b). Oxygen gas (c). Green house gases (d). Hot climate 

Question. What is sustainable development?

Answer . ‘Sustainable development’is development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs

CASE STUDY-7

In order to address two major environmental concerns in India, viz. water and air pollution, the government set up CPCB. This was followed by states establishing their own state level boards to address all the environmental concerns. They investigate, collect and disseminate information relating to water, air and land pollution, lay down standards for sewage/trade effluent and emissions. These boards provide technical assistance to governments in promoting cleanliness of streams and wells by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country

Question. What is full form of CPCB?

Answer . Central Pollution Control Board

Question. When was CPCB established?

Answer . 1974

Question. Define pollution.

Answer . Unfavourable change of surroundings which take place mainly because of human activities.

Question. What does environment include?

Answer . Biotic and Abiotic factors.

CASE STUDY-8

Degradation of land in terms of soil erosion is a serious concern in the context of environmental issues in India. According to one estimate, India is suffering soil erosion to the tune of nearly 5 billions tonnes a year. Implying a colossal loss of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are the essential ingredients of soil fertility and essential inputs of crop production. Principal Factors Contributing to Land Degradation in India are loss of vegetation due to desertification and deforestation (Desertification refers to spread of deserts in arid and semi-arid areas. It occurs due to excessive grazing),Multiple cropping along with subsistence farming by the small and marginal holders who fail to replenish fertility of the soil, Excessive use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides which raise productivity but are a challenge to soil fertility, low water-table, owing to excessive use of groundwater, soil erosion occurring due to floods and strong winds, and soil alkalinity/salinity occurring due to water logging.

Question. Implying a colossal loss of ____ which are the essential ingredients of soil fertility and essential inputs of crop production.    

nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium

Question. Multiple cropping along with subsistence farming is not contributing to land degradation. (True/False)   

Question. What are the factors responsible for land degradation in India?

Answer . Factors responsible for Land Degradation in India are loss of vegetation due to desertification and deforestation (Desertification refers to spread of deserts in arid and semi-arid areas. It occurs due to excessive grazing),Multiple cropping along with subsistence farming by the small and marginal holders who fail to replenish fertility of the soil, Excessive use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides which raise productivity but are a challenge to soil fertility, low water-table, owing to excessive use of groundwater, soil erosion occurring due to floods and strong winds, and soil alkalinity/salinity occurring due to water logging.

Question. What do you mean by desertification?

Answer . Desertification refers to spread of deserts in arid and semi-arid areas. It occurs due to excessive grazing  

CASE STUDY-9

The government will put up inexpensive water-quality testing infrastructure accessible to every village to achieve the government’s mission to provide safe drinking water to all by 2024, minister Shekhawat said The Union government will train five women from every village to test the quality of water at nominal charges as part of the  ambitious Jal Jeevan mission, Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Shekhawat said on Friday, delivering the keynote address at the Hindustan Times Environment Conclave. “When we need to tests our blood, we all know where to go. But we have problems to test the water we drink. We will set up laboratories that will provide water quality tests for nominal charges,” the minister said. The minister said the sustainable environment could not be based on the development of any one nation or segment of society. “It has to be based on the ecological integrity of every human being,” he said.

Question. Air, water, land etc include non-living elements and are called _________elements of environment.  

Question. What led to severity of testing the quality of water?

Answer . Water contamination: Discharge of domestic and industrial waste pollutes the water and makes it unfit for use.

Question. What do you mean by Sustainable development?

Answer . Sustainable development is the development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs.

Question. Sustainable development can be achieved by; (a) Restriction use of renewable resources (b) Controlling the growth of Population (c) Controlling Pollution (d) All of these   

CASE STUDY-10

The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection , and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. Economic and social progress over the last century has been accompanied by environmental degradation that is endangering the very systems on which our future development — indeed, our very survival — depends. Sustainable Consumption and Production (known as SCP) is about doing more and better with less. It is also about decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation , increasing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles. We are currently consuming more resources than ever, exceeding the planet’s capacity for generation. In the meantime, waste and pollution grows, and the gap between rich and poor is widening. Health, education, equity and empowerment are all adversely affected. Crucially, SCP can contribute substantially to poverty alleviation and the transition towards low-carbon and green  economies. To do this, SCP requires building cooperation among many different stakeholders as well as across sectors in all countries.

Question. Environment includes all ___________ & _________ factors that influence each other.    

Biotic & Abiotic

Question. _______________ capacity means the ability of the environment to absorb the waste generated in the activities of consumption and production  .  

Question. Large scale deforestation to meet growing demand is an example of ________ (overuse/misuse) of resources.    

Question. Name the two environmental issues facing the world today.

Answer . Global warming and ozone depletion.

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Important Case Laws on Environmental Law

• Environment Law Subject-wise Law Notes
• May 1, 2021

Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India [1]

• This is a leading case in which the Supreme Court critically analyzed the relationship between environment and development.
• The petitioner- Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum, filed a Public Interest Litigation U/A 32 of Indian Constitution against the large-scale pollution caused to River Palar due to the discharge of untreated effluents by the tanneries and other industries in the State of Tamil Nadu. The water of River Palar is the main source of drinking and bathing water for the surrounding people.
• Further, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Research Centre, Vellore found that nearly 35,000 hectares of agricultural land has become either totally or partially unfit for cultivation.
• The question which arose for consideration before the Supreme Court was whether the tanneries should be allowed to continue to operate at the cost of lives of lakhs of people.
• The Supreme Court examining the report delivered its judgment making all efforts to maintain a harmony between environment and development.
• The Court admitted that these Tanneries in India are the major foreign exchange earner and also provides employment to several thousands of people. But at the same time, it destroys the environment and poses a health hazard to everyone.
• The court delivering its judgment in favor of petitioners directed all the Tanneries to deposit a sum of Rs. 10,000 as fine in the office of Collector as fine
• The Court further directed the State of Tamil Nadu to award Mr. M. C. Mehta with a sum of Rs. 50,000 as appreciation towards his efforts for protection of Environment.
• The Court in this case also emphasized on the constitution of Green Benches in India dealing specifically with matters relating to environment protection and also for speedy and expeditious disposal of environmental cases.

M. C. Mehta v. Union of India [2] (Ganga River Pollution Case)

• On a PIL filed by the Mr. M. C. Mehta U/A 32 of Indian Constitution, it was observed by the Supreme Court that water of River Ganga was highly toxic near Kanpur city- as the Tanneries in the area were discharging their untreated effluents into the River.Also, nine nallahs were discharging sewage effluents and sludge into the river. Similarly, dead bodies and half-burnt bodies were also been thrown into the river. Also, the water supply and sanitary conditions in the entire city was inadequate and not up to the marks of a normal city.
• The petitioner demanded the issuance of a writ/order/direction to restrain the State of U.P from letting out trade effluents into River Ganga.
• It was contended by the respondents that the Tanneries from the Kanpur city- due to their lack of physical facilities and technical know-how and funds- it was not possible for them to install the proper treatment facilities.
• The Court rejecting their contentions said that “the financial capacity of a tannery should be considered irrelevant while requiring them to establish primary trea6tment plants… Just like an industry which cannot pay minimum wages to its workers cannot be allowed to exist, the tannerieswhich cannot set up a primary treatment plant cannot be permitted to continue.”
• Further, the court observed that the contents of iron and manganese were higher from the ISI limits of river water which was found to be very harmful for consumption.
• The court ordered the Tanneries which did not appeared before the court should stop functioning and before they restart , they must install pre-treatment machineries for trade effluents.
• Therefore, the court held the Kanpur Mahanagarpalika liable and also passed several direction for the PCA (Prevention, Control and Abatement) of pollution of River Ganga, some of which were:
• Increase of size of sewers in labor colonies;
• Construction of several numbers of latrines and urinals;
• Preventing the throwing the dead bodies and half-burnt bodies or ashes after Funeral ceremonies into the river;
• Installing treatment plants in tanneries and other factories;
• Observe the ‘Keep the village clean week’
• Addition of slides relating to importance and purity of water in the theatre at the time of intervals.

Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board v. M. V. Nayadu [3]

• The respondents applied for the consent for establishment of the industry to the Commissioner of industries. The issuance of license was subjected to various conditions which include3d a condition to obtain a certificate from the SPCB for pollution control and equipment proposed to be installed met their requirements.
• The application was rejected by A. P. PCB as the industry was a polluting unit and fell under “Red Category” and the proposed site was within the radius of 102kms of the two lakes- Himayat Sgar Lake and Osman Sagar Lake- which were the primary source of drinking water for the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
• The Corporation again, after a year applied for the permission and clearance but the APPCB rejected the application again on the same grounds.
• Aggrieved the respondents moved before the Appellate Authority. The Appellate Authority issued directions to APPCB to grant its consent fir establishment of industry.
• But before this order was passed by the Tribunal, the Respondents had already filed a PIL before the High Court of Andhra Pradesh stating the order of APPCB to be arbitrary. The High Court allowing the PIL also directed the APPCB to grant its consent for the same.
• Aggrieved, the APPCB went in appeal u/A 136 to Supreme Court against the orders of High Court. The Supreme Court made various observations and allowed the appeal agreeing to the decisions of the APPCB for not granting the consent.
• The court observed that “In the environmental field, where the uncertainty of scientific opinions have created serious problems for the courts- Uncertainty becomes a problem when scientific knowledge is institutionalized in policy-making by agencies and courts.” The judges realized that Precautionary Principle and Polluter Pays Principle are now part of environmental jurisprudence of the country.
• The court also referred to cases of Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum and Shri Ram Food and Fertilizers Gas Leakage case.

S Jagannath v. Union of India [4]

• The petitioner through the present PIL has sought the enforcement of CRZ Notification, 1991 for prohibiting the intensive and semi-intensive type of prawn farming in the ecologically fragile coastal areas and constitution of a National Coastal Management Authority for safeguarding the marine life and coastal areas.
• Due to the commercial aquaculture farming there is a considerable degradation of the mangrove ecosystems, pollution of potable waters, and reduction in fish catch. The groundwater has become contaminated sue to seepage of impounded water from the aquaculture farms. Further. The court observed that most of the coastal land recently converted into shrimp farms was previously used for food crops and traditional fishing.
• Further, the expansion of the modern Shrimp ponds in the coastal area has meant that the local fishermen could reach the beach only after trespassing these Shrimp farms or by taking a long detour.
• The court observed that sea coasts and beached are the gift on nature to the mankind. The aesthetic qualities and the recreational utility of the said area have to be maintained. Any activity which has the effect of degrading the environment cannot be permitted.
• The effluents discharged by the commercial shrimp culture farms are covered by the definition of environmental pollutant, environmental pollution and hazardous substance. The NEERI Report indicates that these effluents are in excess of the prescribed standards. Further, no action is being taken by the authority Under the EPA, 1986 or the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling Rules), 1989 or the Water Act, 1974 or the Fisheries Act, 1897or the WPA, 1972 etc.
• The court ordered the following:
• No part of the agricultural land and the salt farms could be converted into Aquaculture farms;
• An authority shall be constituted under the Central Government under Sec 8(3) of the EPA, 1986;
• The authority so constituted shall implement the Precautionary Principle and the Polluter Pays Principle.
•  No shrimp culture ponds can be constructed in the coastal areas;
• Aquaculture industries functioning at present within 1km radius of the Chilika Lake must compensate the affected persons;
• Aquaculture functioning outside the CRZ should obtain prior permission and clearance from the authority within the prescribed time limit failing which they must stop their operations.

Goa Foundation v. Konkan Railways Corporation [5]

• It was a longstanding demand of the people in the region for a cheap and fast transport to improve the economic conditions and to make accessible the hinterlands in the State of Maharashtra, State of Goa and State of Karnataka. The Central Government was considering providing a railway line for a considerable length of time but the project was postponed from time to time due to lack of requisite funds. Ultimately the Central Government took a decision to provide the line and to achieve that purpose. The Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd., a public limited Company, was set up. 
• The petitioner claims to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, river and wild life and to have compassion for living creatures. The petitioners approached this Court by filing the present petition under Art 226 of the Constitution with the prayer that the Corporation should be compelled to procure environment clearance for the alignment passing through the State of Goa from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, and until such clearance is secured all the work in respect of providing railway line should be withheld.
• The grievance of the petitioners is that the proposed alignment has been planned and undertaken without an adequate Environment Impact Assessment (E.I.A.).
• The petitioners claimed that the proposed alignment is wholly destructive of the environment and the eco-system and violates the citizens” rights under Art. 21 of the Constitution. The petitioners also claim that even though the ecological damage will not be felt immediately, such damage will be gradual and will lead to the deterioration of the land quality and will affect large number of people.
• The court observed that: “The Courts are bound to take into consideration the comparative hardship which the people in the region will suffer by stalling the project of great public utility. No development is possible without some adverse effect on the ecology and environment but the projects of public utility cannot be abandoned and it is necessary to adjust the interest of the people as well as the necessity to maintain the environment. The balance has to be struck between the two interests and this exercise must be left to the persons who are familiar and specialized in the field.”
• Accordingly, the petition was dismissed.

Narula Dyeing and Printing Works v. Union of India [6]

• The’ petitioners — Industrial units have challenged the action of the State Government taken under Sec. 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, giving directions to them to stop production activities and take necessary steps to make the waste water being discharged by the units to conform to the standards specified by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board and not to restart the production activities without the permission of State Government and Forest and Environment Department. 
• On behalf of the State Government and other respondents, it was contended that these units were not having an operative effluent treatment plant and that they had not abided by the terms of the consent letters given by the State Board under Sec 25(2) of the Water Act.
• Sec 25 of the Water Act prescribes restrictions on new out-lets and new discharges. It inter alia provides that no person shall, without the previous consent of the State Board, establish any industry or process which is likely to discharge sewerage or trade effluent into the stream or well or sewer or on land. The consent of the State Board can be obtained by an application made under Sec 25(2) of the Water Act. Under Sub-section (4) of Section 25 the State Board may grant its consent subject to conditions as it may impose. The State Board may impose conditions including conditions as to the nature and composition, temperature, volume or rate of discharge of the effluent from the premises from which the discharge is to be made. 
• The court also agreed with the Respondents contention and held that the State Board has all the powers to impose conditions upon the said industry in the light of Sec 25 of the Water Act, 1974 in order to PCA of the Water pollution
• Accordingly, the petition was dismissed and the petitioners were directed to comply with the directions of the State Government.

Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v. Union of India [7]

• In this case, 5 factories were producing Hyaluronic Acid [H-acid] in Bicchari village, Udaipur. These units were discharging highly toxic untreated effluents i.e. iron and gypsum based sludge.
• The result was long-lasting damage to the underground soil, underground water and environment in general. The water in around 60 wells spread over 350 hectares turned red and became unfit for drinking and other household purposes. The entire land of 350 hectares became infertile.
• The Sub-Divisional Magistrate acting under the powers given to him under Sec 144 Cr.P.C ordered to show cause as to why these factories should not be shut down.
• Accordingly, a writ petition was filed by the Environmentalist organization- Indian Council for Enviro-legal Action before the Supreme Court to look into the above matter.
• The court dealt in detail the matters concerned above referred to the cases of Rylands versus Fletcher, Oleum Gas Leakage case , Bhopal Gas Tragedy etc. and applied the Principle of Absolute Liability.
• The Court ordered closure of factories and also ordered them to pay damages up to the tune of Rs. 4 Crores for reversal of ecology of the area.
• The Court also suggested setting up of Green Benches in all the State High Courts.

Bombay Environmental Action Group v. State of Maharashtra [8]

• This writ petition was brought forward by the petitioner- Bombay Environmental Action Group, in order to challenge the permission granted by the Central and State Government for construction of a 500MW Thermal Power Station at District Thane against environmental norms.
• The petitioners contended the project would ruin the ecology of that area, further leading to adversely affecting the aquatic life nearby.
• The defendants contended that there was no possibility of any loss to the surrounding environment as there was no vegetation in that land which could be felled; the land was almost infertile and useless. In addition to this, there was no habitation anywhere near the site area.
• The court therefore, analyzed the provisions of EPA, 1986 and the CRZ Notification and found out that the environmental clearance given by the MoEF was contrary to the Environmental norms.
• But still the petition was not allowed as the greater good requires no electricity cut in India.
• The Court held that- “environmental issues are relevant and deserve consideration. But the needs of the environment require to be balanced with the needs of the Community at large and the needs of developing countries. If one finds that all the safeguards have been taken and followed properly, there is no need for Judiciary to interfere.”

M. C. Mehta v. Union of India [Shri Ram Food and Fertilizers Case / Oleum Gas Leakage Case] [9]

• The rule of Absolute Liability which is a more stringent rule than Strict Liability was laid down in this case. This case is more popular as the oleum gas leakage case .
• Shri Ram Food and fertilizers Industry is a subsidiary of the Delhi Cloth Mills Ltd. Located in a thickly populated area of Delhi.
• On 4 th December 1985, there was a leakage of oleum gas from the Sulphuric acid plant resulting in the death of an advocate and several injuries to other persons. Again, on 6 th December 1985, there was a minor leakage of Oleum gas from the same plant. Against a complaint under Sec 133 Cr.P.C., the District Magistrate directed the management of Shri Ram Food and Fertilizers Industry to close the unit and to show cause the reason within seven days in writing.
• The petitioner Mr. M. C. Mehta files a PIL u/A 32 of Indian Constitution. The petitioner in his petition requested the Court to direct the Government to take necessary steps to avoid such leakages from the industries engaged in dangerous and hazardous manufacturing processes. He also reminded the Court of the recent incident of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and prayed the Court to direct the management to shift these industries somewhere far from the city.
• The issues before the Supreme Court in this case were:
• Whether the plant can be allowed to continue or not?
• If not, what measures are require to be taken to prevent the leakages, explosion, air and water pollution? 
• Whether there are any safety devices existing in the Plant or not?
• The Supreme Court after great debate and discussion, decided to permit Shri Ram Food and Fertilizers Industry to restore its operations. The Court observed that although such industries are dangerous, they are very essential for the economic and social progress of the country.
• The court directed the management to deposit in the court Rs. 20 lakhs as security for payment of compensation to the victims. Further, all the recommendations of the expert committees are to be complied by the Industry and safety equipment are to be installed at the first instance.
• The court further directed the industries to establish and develop a green belt of 1-5 kms in width around such industries.
• The court appreciated the petitioner Mr. M.C. Mehta for filing a number of PIL and ordered the Shri Ram Food and Fertilizers to pay Rs. 10,000 towards the costs.
• The court directed the Central Government to set up an Environmental Court.

M. C. MEHTA v. Union Carbide Commission [10]

• On December 1984, there was a leakage of poisonous gas – Methyl Isocynate (MIC) from the Union Carbide Corporation India Limited, located at Bhopal which is a subsidiary of UCC, U.S.A.
• This disaster is described as the world’s worst industrial disaster ad it claimed lives of 2,260 people and caused serious injuries to about 6 lakh of people.
• The Government of India, on behalf of the victims filed a suit in U.S District Court, New York. The U.S District Court dismissed all the suits and petitions an representations on the ground of forum non-conveniens i.e. the suits can be more conveniently tried in India.
• Again the UOI filed this present suit through M.C. Mehta versus UCC in the District Court of Bhopal claiming 3.3 billion U.S dollars i.e. Rs. 3900 crores as compensation. The District Court ordered UCC to pay interim relief of 270 million U.S. Dollars i.e. Rs. 350 crore to the victims.
• Aggrieved the UCC filed a civil Revision petition before the High Court at Madhya Pradesh, which reduced the amount from rs. 350 Crores to Rs. 250 Crores.
• Aggrieved both the parties preferred appeals before the Supreme Court on different issues. Several municipal and international issues were involved in this case for considerations. Some such issues were:
• Whether the Parent Company is liable for the torts of its Subsidiary Company abroad? The UCC has maintained it is only morally but not legally liable for its actions.
• Whether the Home State i.e. USA can be held responsible for the hazardous activities of UCC’s Subsidiary Company abroad?
• Whether the Host State i.e. India responsible for enforcing the safety standards for the protection of life and environment and the extent of liability to the victims for the rehabilitation in the event of accidents?
• When the matter was pending before the Supreme Court another incident took place in the Shri Ram Food and Fertilizers Industry of New Delhi. In that case, the Supreme Court evolved the Principle of Absolute Liability from the 1868 Principle of Absolute Liability.
• Keeping that decision in mind the Supreme Court directed the UCC to pay sum of 470 Million U.S. Dollars i.e. Rs. 750 crore towards compensation to the victims for the full and final settlement in satisfaction of all past, present and future claims and the same was accepted by both the parties.
• The Court by exercising its extraordinary jurisdiction quashed all proceedings civil, criminal etc against the UCC.

Sachidanad Pandey v. State of West Bengal [11]

• There was in Alipore- a zoological garden which was in the outskirts of the Calcutta city but overtime the city has grown so much so that now the Zoological garden is in the heart of the city.
• In May 1980, the Taj Group of Hotels wanted to construct a five-star hotel in that area. Accordingly, it was proposed that a four-acre land could be carved out from the Zoological garden for the construction of the hotel.
• Later on looking at the blueprint of the hotel, the Managing Committee of the Zoo raised various objections which were withdrawn later after a compromise. This compromise was settled on the terms of construction of not a 60-storey hotel but a garden hotel.
• Accordingly, 5 petitioners filed a PIL to restrain the Zoo authorities from giving this land to the Hotel Group. The Single Bench High Court judge dismissed the petition and the same was confirmed by the Division Bench of the same High Court.
• Hence, the Appeal was preferred u/A136 to the Supreme Court.
• It was argued from the petitioner’s side that the Principles of Natural Justice has not been observed and those who were interested in the welfare of the zoo were not heard in the matter before the decision was taken.
• This however, was rejected by the court referring to trhe fact that all required precautions have been taken by the Taj Group.
• The Apex Court in unequivocal terms pronounced that “whenever the matter of ecology is brought before the Court, the Court are not to shrug its shoulders saying that it is a matter for policy making authority.”
• But the court at the same time also observed that the approach of the Taj Group of hotels has been credibly fair as they have given all the assurances to preserve the Zoo and its inmates. They also agreed to build a garden hotel keeping in view the ecology of the area and for the protection of the migratory birds.
• The appeal was therefore, dismissed and the construction was allowed.

Tarun Bharat Sangh, Alwar v. Union of India [12]

• The petitioners have brought this PIL for enforcement of certain notifications under the WPA, 1972; EPA, 1986; and various Forests Laws in areas declared as Reserved Forests in Alwar District of Rajasthan.
• The area now more popular as the Sariska Tiger Park has been declared as the Game Reserve, a Sanctuary, a National Park, a Reserved forests and a Protected Area.
• Thus it is very obvious that any mining activity in that area shall be contrary to and impermissible as under the Forest Conservation Act of 1980
• The Government of Rajasthan has illegally and arbitrarily issued about 400 mining licenses and thereby enabled them to carry on the mining operations- which according to the petitioners will tend to degrade and diminish the ecology of the area.
• The Court after observing various laws and facts went on praising the importance and beauty of the ecology and its resources and said that “every source from which man has increased his power has been used to diminish the prospects of his successors.”
• The Court directed the Central Government to act under Sec 3 of the EPA, 1986 and appoint a Committee to ensure the enforcement of the above laws and to prevent devastation of the environment and wild life within the protected area. The committee shall access the damage alone to the environment and wildlife and make appropriate recommendations to this Court as to ascertain the remedial measures.
• The Court further declared that no mining activity can be carried out in the said area.

Pradeep Krishnen v. Union of India [13]

• The petitioner filed a PIL U/A 32 challenging constitutional validity of an order issued by the State of M.P. permitting collection of Tendu leaves from sanctuaries and National Parks  by villagers living around the boundaries – contending it to be contravening the provisions of WPA, 1972 and violative of Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties.
• He further contended that illegal felling of trees and excessive grazing has led to loss of vegetation cover.
• He also argued that the State of M.P. had rightfully imposed a ban previously in the year 1992 but the said ban was lifted because of the growing business pressures.
• The petitioners contended that by lifting the said previous ban the State has ignored the Flora and Fauna of the area and further that the presence of human beings is a huge threat to the environment and wildlife of the area.
• The court highlighted the importance of Art. 48A and Art 51 A (g).
• Further, the court held that for the tribal to acquire any rights over the forest land in the sanctuaries and national parks- proper procedures have to be followed under the WPA, 1972. Till such procedure is complete, the State government cannot bar entry of the villagers or tribal into the Forest- until such entry is likely to result in the destruction or damage to the environment of the area.

Ivory Traders and Manufacturers Association v. Union of India [14]

• There are two sets of writ petitions in this case. The first was with regard to the challenge to the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the WPA, 1972 as amended in 1991 and the second was the challenge to the same thing except that the petitioners contended that they deal with ivory derived from the mammoth, an extinct species of the wild animals, not covered by the WPA, 1972
• The provisions of WPA, 1972 as amended in 1991 put a ban on all dealings of ivory and which was contended by the petitioners as unreasonable, unfair and arbitrary and violative of their Freedom of Trade as provided under Art. 19 (1) (g).
• The petitioners further contended that even though theb1991 Amendment Act extinguishes their title over the imported ivory which was lawfully acquired by them- they should be at least allowed to sell their stocks of ivory and the products made therefrom and the Government should buy the same.
• They also contended that the Parliament is not competent to legislate on the matter of remains of ivory coming from an extinct mammoth and the WPA,1972 specifically does not deal with this kind of ivory at all.
• On the other hand, the respondents argued that the WPA, 1972 has been enacted to provide protection and conservation to the wild life and further that the trade in wild life or any part thereto is antithetic to conservation. They further contended that these restrictions were reasonable and necessary in Public Interest and were meant to give efforts to the DPSP’s. further, after the Amendment Act coming into force from 1991 till July 1992, the petitioners have enough time to liquidate their stocks but they did not do so.
• The Court observed that the Principal Act of 1972 and the Amendment Acts of 1982, 1986, 1991 case to the conclusion that the population of elephant has gone down and it has now become endangered species.
• The Parliament judged the situation has rightfully prohibited trade in ivory articles by fulfilling its constitutional obligation u/A 48A and international obligation under CITES, 1973.
• The court declared that trade and businesses at the costs of disrupting life forms cannot  be permitted even once.
• Further, the reiterated that rights under Art 19 (1) (g) are not absolute rights and restrictions can be imposed on them in Public interest.
• The Court realized that 50 years ago, the urgency to preserve the elephant may not have been the upper most priority of human beings as at that point of time it was not at the verge of extinction as it is now and therefore, the Court held that the State was totally justified in imposing restrictions on killing of elephants.
• The court declared that:
• No citizen has the Fundamental Right to trade in  ivory and ivory articles
• The prohibition is in the public interest
• The ban is not violative of Art.14 and does not suffer from any un reasonableness, unfairness and arbitrariness.

Indian Handicrafts Emporium v. Union of India [15]

• The question on issue in this case was whether putting a prohibition on the trade of Indian ivory is constitutional or not?
• The case runs on the same lines as that of the case of Ivory Traders and Manufacturers Association versus UOI .
• The Supreme Court held that trade in ivory is totally prohibited under Chapter II-A and any person who has obtained a certificate from the Chief Wild life Warden (CWW) may keep possession of such product but cannot sell it further. Such restriction is a reasonable restriction u/A 19 (1) (g).

Animal and Environmental Legal Defence Fund v. Union of India [16]

• The petitioners are an association of lawyers and other persons challenging the validity of the order of CWW granting 305 fishing permits to the tribal residing in the Pench National Park situated in the heart of Pench National Park Tiger Reserve. The said area was also a reserve forest.
• U/S 19 of the WPA, 1972 the Collector of the area was required to publish a proclamation and allow the opportunity to people to claim their forests rights.
• Since 1977, no one came to claim their rights on account of illiteracy and unawareness. However in the year 1994 three applications regarding claims had been received. The tribal people have claimed that their fishing rights should be preserved as this is their only source of livelihood.
• The petitioner prayed that if 305 fishing licenses are granted, it will seriously affect the ecology of the area and further, it humanly impossible to monitor 305 fishing licenses operating together.
• Further the petitioners are of the view that the population of Crocodiles, turtles and Migratory Birds might face severe extinction.
• The Court noticed that some efforts have already been made by the State of Maharashtra of limiting the damage by imposing conditions on these licenses.
• The court therefore, issued additional conditions on these licenses:
• Each permit holder shall hold photo ID along with his photograph
• These permits are neither transferable nor heritable.
• Each permit holder shall have the right to enter the National Park and reach the reservoir using the highway only.
• A daily record of entry and exit of such permit holders has to be maintained in a register.
• The fishermen shall be prohibited from lighting fires in the forests for cooking purpose.

Centre For Environmental Law WWF-I v. Union of India [17]

• In this case, the court suo motu gave the directions to 17 States to comply with the provisions under Sec 33-A and Sec 34 of WPA, 1972
• Sec 33-A deals with immunization aloof the livestock in the sanctuaries
• Sec 34 deal with the Registration of the persons in the forest area possessing arms within 2 months

Fatehsang Gimba Vasava v. State of Gujarat [18]

• The petition has been brought forward by the poor adivasis in the State of Gujarat as they were deprived of the forests rights conferred upon them by the State Government.
• The petitioners contended that they have certain rights in the reserved forests (residence and collection of forest produce) for their hutment and livelihood.
• On the other hand, the forest officers thinking that these articles are covered under the term ‘ minor forest produce ’ under Sec 2(4) of the Indian Forest Act, 1927- refused them permission for collection of these articles from the forest areas without a transit permit.
• The Court in this case observed that the sole purpose of grating certain special privileges to the residents of forest villages is to give them a source of livelihood.
• The court further observed that the term ‘forest produce’ under Sec 2 (4) of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 definitely include bamboo within its ambit but it does not include products made from bamboo, because once the produce becomes a product brought about by human labor- it cases tho come within the ambit of the Section.
• The Court directed the State officials to restore the rights of the aadivasis and allow them with the bamboo to earn their livelihood.

Rural Litigation Entitlement Kendra (RLEK) v. Union of India [19]

• This is the first environmental PIL in India.
• RLEK, a voluntary organization, wrote a letter to Supreme Court which was treated as a petition. The letter disclosed the unauthorized and illegal mining activities carried in the entire stretch of Doon Valley.
• There was reduction in the Green Belt from 70% to 10%.
• The reckless mining operations, careless disposal of mine debris and unregulated blasting operations disturbed the natural water systems and the supply of water for drinking and irrigation purposes went down.
• Further the quarrying operations destroyed the homes of many migratory birds and compelled the residents of that area to shift from that place.
• The Supreme Court acting promptly prohibited the mining operations with a view to determine if the mines were operated with the safety standards.
• The Supreme Court appointed the Bhargava Committee- to assess the total effects of the mines in the ecology of the area. On the recommendations of the Bhargava Committee, the court ordered that these operation in such an ecologically sensitive area has to be stopped.
• The court further observed that preservation of ecology is a task which not only the States but also the Citizens must undertake u/A 51 A (g).
• The court directed the State to pay Rs. 10,000 to RLEK for their efforts and take steps towards restoration of the ecology.

Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar [20]

• The present writ petition alleges that the west Bokaro Collaries and the Tata Iron and Steel Co. are polluting River Bokaro by discharging slurry from their washeries into the river.
• The petitioner further alleges that the State of Bihar and SPCB have failed to rake appropriate steps under the Water Act, 1974 for PCA of water pollution.
• The respondents denied the petitioners allegations by saying that all effective steps have been taken by them to prevent the pollution.
• The court agreeing with the respondents dismissed the petition for the following reasons:
• A person whose fundamental right has been violated can take recourse to Art 32 for prevention of water pollution. But PIL cannot be invoked by a person or a group of person to satisfy his/her personal grudge. It is the duty of the court to discourage such actions.
• The court then went into the facts and observed that the petitioner has been purchasing the slurry from the respondents for the last several years. With the passage of time, the petitioner wanted more and more slurry but the respondents refused to sell additional slurry.
• The petition was accordingly dismissed.

T. Damodar Rao v. Special Officer, Municipal Corporation, Hyderabad [21]

• The question involved in this case whether the Life Insurance Co. can legally use that land owned by them in a recreational zone for residential purposes which was an act contrary to the developmental plans of the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad.
• In this case, the writ petition was filed by some of the residents who lived around the Park claiming that construction of residential colony in an area reserved for recreational purposes amounts to violation of their Right to Life u/A 21.
• The court in this case held that any construction of residential house on the land allotted for recreational park would upset the environmental balance of the area.
• The court directed the Government to remove any such construction on recreational zones.

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[1] .AIR 1996 SC 2715: (1996) 5 SCC 647

[2] (1997) 2 SCC 353

[3] . AIR 1999SC 812: 2001 (2) SCC 62

[4] . (1997) 2 SCC 87: AIR 1997 SC 811

[5] . AIR 1992 BOM 471

[6] . AIR 1995 GUJ 185

[7] . AIR 1996 SC 1446: (1996) 3 SCC 212

[8] . AIR 1991 BOM 301

[9] . (1986) 2 SCC 176

[10] . (1991) 4 SCC 584

[11] . (1987) 2 SCC 295

[12] 1998 SUPP (3) SCC 115

[13] . 1996 (8) SCC 599

[14] . AIR 1997 DEL 267

[15] . AIR 2003 SC 3240

[16] . AIR 1997 SC 107

[17] . AIR 1999 SC 354

[18] . AIR 1987 GUJ 9

[19] . AIR 1988 SC 2187

[20] . AIE 1991 SC 420

[21] . AIR 1987 AP 171

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Urban energy planning towards achieving an economically and environmentally optimized energy flow by 2050 based on different scenarios (a case study)

• Published: 05 April 2024

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• Mohammad Hossein Jahangir   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0991-7646 1 ,
• Reza Mokhtari 1 ,
• Fatemeh Salmanpour 1 &
• Hossein Yousefi 1  

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With the global population on the rise and the pressing challenges of energy crises and climate change, there is an ever-increasing need for innovative strategies to address these issues. Industrial cities play a pivotal role in these challenges, and prompt action is essential to mitigate their impacts. This research focuses on investigating Isfahan province, which serves as the industrial core of Iran and exhibits a substantial demand for electricity and natural gas. Currently, Iran relies solely on a national strategic energy plan for energy system development. This study aims to underscore the significance of formulating a comprehensive long-term urban energy plan tailored to regional resources. Such plans offer valuable insights to policymakers, aiding them in recognizing opportunities for energy system development and prioritizing infrastructure projects. To achieve this goal, an optimized energy planning process has been employed, targeting the reduction of both CO 2 emissions and total costs in Isfahan by the year 2050. Key decision variables considered in this planning process include the sizing of solar plants, wind farms, biogas facilities, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, and the extent of district heating coverage. The excess heat generated by industrial processes is harnessed and distributed through the district heating network to support residential heating needs. The findings of this study reveal that an optimized strategy could result in substantial benefits. Specifically, it is projected that this strategy could lead to a reduction of 9 million metric tons of CO 2 emissions compared to the basic strategy and save approximately 3.8 billion dollars in costs by 2050. Furthermore, the results emphasize that, despite being a relatively expensive solution, district heating has the potential to achieve significant savings in natural gas consumption.

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Jahangir, M.H., Mokhtari, R., Salmanpour, F. et al. Urban energy planning towards achieving an economically and environmentally optimized energy flow by 2050 based on different scenarios (a case study). Environ Dev Sustain (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-04754-8

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-04754-8

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