With 1.3 billion population, India is far behind most of the countries in preserving its environment and ecology. In the name of economic growth, India has turned blind eye on its environmental issues instead of tackling it. Neglecting the environment can create havoc and the damage may become irreparable.
Deforestation:
Deforestation can also mean the conversion of forest land to productive land for agricultural uses. This results in better and more abundant production of food and materials, virtually eradicating periods of want and lack. Economically, deforestation has contributed much in giving many communities the opportunity to make positive changes in their times. Unfortunately, the negative consequences of deforestation for outweigh its positive effects.
Some of the negative aspects are 1) Food problem, 2) Flooding, 3) Loss of biodiversity, 4) Displacement of Indigenous communities, 5) Climate change, 6) Economic loss and 7) Health Issues.
Air Pollution:
Air pollution is one of the worst scourges to have affected India. Average life expectancies are likely to go down by about 15 months because of air pollution. 11 out of 20 most polluted (in terms of air pollution) cities in the world are in India.
Groundwater Depletion:
Rapidly depleting levels of groundwater is one of the biggest threat to food security and livelihood in the country. There is a 6% point decline in the availability of rain water within 10 metres from ground level.
Loss of Biodiversity:
Some 47 species of plants and animals in India are listed as critically endangered. Loss of ecology and natural habitats have left many indigenous species in grave danger of going extinct. Industrialization, Urbanization have rendered these animals critically endangered and the flora or herbal treasure of India in near-extinction conditions. Unless this changes, there is little hope for improvement.
CPJ will work to sensitize the community, strictly implement laws and rules related to environmental issues, engage and lobby with law makers and bureaucrats etc.
