Public Awareness Programmes

In India, birds and animals are considered to be cultural assets and have a profound effect on Indian art, sculpture, literature and religion. It is imperative that we protect wildlife. An awareness should be created amongst the masses using the various media of communication like the TV, radio, newspapers and the magazines.

Protection of Forests and Wild Life Through Legislations

The Forest Conservation Act 1980 was passed to check the indiscriminate use of forest for other purposes. This act was amended in 1988 which made provisions for dealing with violators.

Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 was re-amended in 1983, 86 and 1991. It provides special protection to wildlife and in particular, to the endangered species of fauna.

In 1998, Indian government banned the exhibition and training of bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers and lions and took legal measures to prevent poaching, illegal trade of furs, skin, horns, teeth, bones, musk, tusk and feathers.

Conservation and Management of Water Resources

Due to depletion of underground water, the tube wells dry up, thereby causing severe water shortage.

Measures for avoiding misuse and wastage of potable water

• Development of integrated watershed for drinking, irrigation and industrial use

• Adoption of various flood control methods

• Transfer of surplus water by interlinking of Indian rivers

• Identifying the over-exploited areas of fresh water by extensive hydrological surveys

Rajendra Singh

known as 'water man', has developed a technique for harvesting rainwater and also revived the age-old technique of collection of rainwater in dams to increase water table. For this outstanding contribution, he got the Magsaysay award in 2001.

There is an urgent need to avoid the wastage and misuse of water through wastage of water by leaking taps and excessive irrigation of crop fields.

Some Important Sources of Water Pollution

• Domestic sewage

• Mining and industrial wastes

• Herbicides and pesticides

• Detergent and fertilisers

• Mineral oils and heavy metals

• Organic wastes

• Radioactive wastes