ChapterPDF Available

Balancing Economic Growth and Preservation of Biodiversity in India:A Case of Gujarat

Authors:

Abstract

Economic development often brings with challenges to ecology. The nature provides the resources to sustain basic life of the planet and also ingredients that go in to various economic productions. In this process the larger ecology gets affected due to mining, logging, large construction activities, expansion of human settlements, emission of various gases in the air and discharge of untreated effluents to water bodies. These became detrimental to the natural habitats of other species. Over the decades many flora, fauna, animals, birds and aquatic animals got extinct or they are near extinction. The scientific studies show the unregulated exploitation of nature ultimately threatens the survival of life itself on earth including humans. The realization led to various policy interventions to restore nature, protect bio-diversity, emphasis on sustainable use of natural resources and address climate issues. India being one of the most populous countries faces twin challenges of need ° for accelerating economic growth to meet the needs of its population and also conservation of its bio-diversity and natural habitats. The present study looks into the state of Gujarat in western India to look at the challenges the state is facing in balancing its strive for economic growth at the same time to take care of mother nature. The participation of local community in protecting bio-diversity in the state could be scaled up to achieve sustainable Development that helps in just use of natural resources and protect the at national and international level. Keywords: Ecology, Conservation, Economic development, Community participation and Sustainability
Biodiversity of Our
Mother Earth
Dr. Debabrata Das
IN
Bharti Publications
New Delhi- 110002 (INDIA)
Copyright © Editors
Title:
Biodiversity of Our Mother Earth
Editor:
Dr. Debabrata Das
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
transmitted, in any from or by any means, without permission. Any
person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication
may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.
First Published, 2022
ISBN: 978-93-94779-42-6
Published by:
Bharti Publications
4819/24, 2nd Floor, Mathur Lane
Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New Delhi-110002
Phone: 011-23247537, 46172797
Mobile : +91-989-989-7381
E-mail : bhartipublications@gmail.com
info@bharatipublications.com
Website : www.bhartipublications.com
Printed in India, by: Sagar Color Scan, Delhi
Disclaimer
The views expressed in the book are of the authors and
not necessarily of the publisher and editors. Authors themselves are
responsible for any kind of Plagiarism found in their chapters and
any related issues found with the book.
CONTENTS
Foreword
Preface
1.
Impact of Monoculture Rubber Plantation on non
Human Primates and Plant Diversity in South Tripura
Prasenjit Patari, Sabyasachi Dasgupta
2.
Study on Successful Phytoremediation in
Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil and Water
in Different Parts of the World: A RevieW Study
Huidrom Babina Devi, Sabyasachi Dasgupta
3.
Edible Plants as a Basis of Sustainable Livelihood
in Mithila area of North Bihar
Vidyanath Jha & Ramesh Kumar
4.
Air Pollution & Its Health Impact in the Urban
Population of India: Current Scenario in Three Major
Metropolitan Cities
Partha Sarathi Singh, Debosree Ghosh,
Suvendu Ghosh & Syed Benazir Firdaus
5.
In-vitro Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidants
of the Ornamental Plant
Pandanus veitchii
A. Raja Rajeswari & M. K. Nisha
6.
Pharmacognostic Study and Phytochemical
Evaluation of
Barieria cuspidata
Heyne ex Nees
E. Gaayathiri Devi and M.K. Nisha
7.
Green Chemistry: The Roles of Polymers
Dr. Rabindra Dey
v-vi
1-26
27-43
44-56
57-74
75-85
86-95
96-101
Amp
Biodiversity of Our Mother Earth
8.
Species Diversity: Components, Importance,
102-125
Threats and Conservation
Dr. Bireshwar Bera
9.
A Survey on Floral Biodiversity in Avinashilingam
126-135
Institute for Home Science and Higher Education
for Woman (Campus I), Coimbatore, Tamilnadu
D.
Leena Lavanya, N. Lavanya, K. Deepika, &
E.
Gayathri Devi
10. Insect Pest's Diversity of Rice Fields in Central India 136-146
Dr. Madhukar F. Jadhao
11. Ecosystem Restoration: A Possible Way to Reclaim
147-157
Ecosystem Degradation
Dr. S. Revathi Lakshmi
12. Agro-Biodiversity for Sustainable Food and
158-165
Nutrition System
Devanand Maurya, Tinku Kumar, Chayan Adhikari,
Akash Kumar & Amit Jugnu Bishwas
13. Protecting Biodiversity Hotspots: Need of Today
166-184
Pragalbh Tiwari
14. Microbial Diversity: Exploring Microbial Diversity
185-195
of our
Ecosystem
Mark Rector Charles, Jyoti Maurya,
Maryam Sohail, Devika Singh, Anmol Gupta
15. Prioritising Biodiversity for a Sustainable Future
196-205
Ms. Vishwa Parab & Dr. Gayathri N.
16. Biodiversitry and Bioresource: A General Discussion 206-219
Dr. Debabrata Das
17. Mushrooms of Sal Forest in West Bengal and
220-231
Micro-economy for Rural People
Dr. Pampi Ghosh
18. Faunal Biodiversity, Conservation and
232-245
Sustainability in Baburaoji Gholap
College Campus Pune, Maharashtra
Dr. Vaishali M Bansod & Shubham Dound
Dr. J. K. De, M.Sc., Ph.
D, Gold Medalist,
Former Office:
Zoological Survey of
Member XXII-Ind. Antarctic Sci. Expedition,
India, Govt. of India
Former Scientist-D (Dy. Director)
M- Block, New Alipore,
Kolkata-700053
FOREWORD
Our mother earth provides everything to sustain basic life in the
planet. Even traditional medicine and a large number of drugs
are derived from the plant extracts. Ecosystems support all life on
our mother Earth. Our country in one hand faces challenges for
accelerating economic growth for its population and on the other
hand takes steps for conservation of its biodiversity and natural
habitats. Yet they are under severe threats because of growing
human populations overlap with established wildlife habitat.
The speed of destruction of biodiversity of our planet is accelerated
due to deforestation, land-use changes, intensified agriculture
and livestock production or the growing illegal wildlife trade.
Biodiversity of our mother earth is disrupted by climate change
and man-made changes to nature. If every one of us plays a role
in restoring our damaged ecosystems, we will succeed to end
poverty, combat climate change and prevent mass extinction of
fauna and flora on the planet which is losing 4.7 million hectares
of forests every year. It is estimated that around one million animal
and plant species are now threatened with extinction.
The unregulated exploitation of nature and natural resources
ultimately threatens the survival of life itself on earth including
humans. Already many flora and fauna got extinct or they are
at near extinction. The Government has already taken major
steps by establishing and declaring rich biodiversity areas as
National Parks, Sanctuaries and Biosphere reserves for protecting
endangered species as in-situ conservation. The National Wildlife
Action Plan of 1983, emphasized the role of ex-situ conservation
in national conservation efforts particularly the fauna. Supporting
the conservation of endangered species which have no chance of
survival in wild, a last chance of survival through coordinated
breeding under ex-situ condition (Zoos, Rescue Centre) condition
Biodiversity of Our Mother Earth
and raise stock for rehabilitating them in the wild as and when it is
appropriate and desirable.
The mission of this book is to diversify, educate, and activate the
environmental movement worldwide and how we take action on
climate, to preserve Earth's natural resources for future generations
and to protect our health, families and livelihood.
In this book, authors have contributed valuable research articles
on different aspects, which will certainly be helpful to the readers,
scholars, academicians and policy makers to take major steps
for protection of our biodiversity for the future generation. I am
thankful to all the authors, reviewers and especially to the editor,
Dr. Debabrata Das, Associate Prof. of Botany & Nature lover for
their endless labour in publishing this book.
Dated: The 24th September, 2022
(Dr. J. K. De)
Resi. Rajlakshrni, 18j, Anjangarh, Birati, Kolkata-700051.,
e-mail: jkdezsi@gmail.com.,
Contact no. 9432499611 / 7980148693
PREFACE
Biodiversity is the diversity of biological organisms of our mother
earth. Small to smaller, even big to bigger organisms are under
this category. On this planet, we grow step by step and use
natural resources in a general way. Our nearby creatures make the
environment congenial and even accelerate the biogeochemical
process through natural means. The energy trapping event and
transfer of energy is due to the source and sink relAionship of this
planet. Planet is small in the Universe but its sphere is universal
in a visible and invisible form to us. Interactions of componential
factors govern the process that we see. Death and decay of any
living organism causes the biomass balance and nutrient cycling
through the process of succession. Biodiversity is not only confined
within species but its magnitude spreads over time on ecosystem
or landscape basis and within organisms its diversity persists on
genes. But fear is that, genetic erosion going on, and diversity tends
to reduce it to some extent. So, genetic and ecosystem diversity are
the both ends of species diversity.
Mother earth carries many things; among them the most important
one is flora and fauna. Small tiny bacteria to large structures like
angiosperms and gymnosperms are under such a category. Small
animals to big and bigger animals are also included in this habitat.
So, diversity can be measured on the basis of its nature, type, size,
shape, composition and micro-molecular component basis.
Biodiversity may be found in the deep sea, in the atmosphere,
hydrosphere and even the higher depth of lithosphere which are
important for our purpose. So, crucially our earth is our mother
Biodiversity of Our Mother Earth
which supports the growth and development of many organisms.
In this book, authors are trying to show many vivid examples
through their articles with explanations to know biodiversity
and its significance globally. Remembering the theme in mind, a
present book has been prepared. Hope that all readers will enjoy
its inner meaning, beauty, sphere and scope even its international
importance to do something new for the society. Save our mother
earth and save our biodiversity for future generations.
Thanks,
(Dr. Debabrata Das)
s
j
22
Balancing Economic Growth and
Preservation of Biodiversity in India:
A Case of Gujarat
Rudra Narayan Mishra*
*Assistant Professor, Gujarat Institute of Development Research,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
ABSTRACT
Economic development often brings with challenges to ecology. The
nature provides the resources to sustain basic life of the planet and
also ingredients that go in to various economic productions. In this
process the larger ecology gets affected due to mining, logging, large
construction activities, expansion of human settlements, emission of
various gases in the air and discharge of untreated effluents to water
bodies. These became detrimental to the natural habitats of other species.
Over the decades many flora, fauna, animals, birds and aquatic animals
got extinct or they are near extinction. The scientific studies show the
unregulated exploitation of nature ultimately threatens the survival
of life itself on earth including humans. The realization led to various
policy interventions to restore nature, protect bio-diversity, emphasis
on sustainable use of natural resources and address climate issues. India
being one of the most populous countries faces twin challenges of need
°
for accelerating economic growth to meet the needs of its population and
also conservation of its bio-diversity and natural habitats. The present
study looks into the state of Gujarat in western India to look at the
challenges the state is facing in balancing its strive for economic growth
at the same time to take care of mother nature. The participation of local
community in protecting bio-diversity in the state could be scaled up
to achieve sustainable development that helps in just use of natural
resources and protect the at national and international level.
Keywords: Ecology, Conservation, Economic development,
Community participation and Sustainability
Balancing Economic Growth and Preservation... 1111
INTRODUCTION
Often it is argued, the economic growth takes considerable toll
on the natural environment and detrimental to the conservation
of biodiversity. The pressure on biodiversity from the economic
activity prominently arises from loss of forest cover for extraction of
minerals, logs and harvest of water resources to generate electricity,
use of fossil fuels resulting in, increasing carbon emissions, and
pollution of air and water resources that are crucial to sustain any
form of life on earth, fragmentation and destruction of natural
habitats supporting bio-diversity. India as a country is not unique
to this problem. It has one-sixth of world population with just
two percent of land mass on earth and with four percent of fresh
water sources on the planet. Still the country supports 7%-8% of the
recorded species of the world. Given the colonial rules for centuries;
first from invaders from central Asia and then Europeans, its people
were pushed to starvation and destitution. After independence
and partition of the subcontinent some of the most fertile land
mass was lost whereas higher proportion of the population stayed
back in India. The challenges were many; to feed hungry masses,
to build social and physical infrastructures, improve quality of life
and reduce the dependence on foreign goods to build domestic
economy. The Indian economy needs annual growth rate of 8%-10%
per annuam for two to three decades from 2012 onwards to meet
its development objectives (Parikh et al; 2012). This journey has to
be inclusive and sustainable without harming the environment and
the • ecology. The therefore recommends for valuation of natural
resources in the country which will help better management of these
resources, sustainable use and equitable social (ibid).
The country decided to go for large scale industrialization,
especially manufacturing steel, cement, automobiles, shipping,
railways, electricity and consumer goods to accelerate the pace of
economic growth. The construction of steel plants, dams, power
plants, mega factories, transmission lines, highways, canals and
growth of urban areas to accommodate the sea of workers whose
labour is needed to operate, maintain and expand these production
centers forced us to divert massive amount of forest lands, fertile
tracts and waterbodies rich in flora, fauna and species to make way
for construction activities. Along with these we also set on the path
of green revolution promoting water intensive crops, hybrid seeds,
use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and preservative to feed our
massive population. While we succeeded in our effort to transform
our country from begging bowl to granary of the world in many
Biodiversity of Our Mother Earth
types of cereals and pulses, fruits and vegetables, we also destroyed
our local and trans local ecosystems through pollution of water
bodies from use of chemical agents which resulted in many species
to go extinct. However we realized our mistakes and emphasize on
sustainable growth where both economy and environment will be in
equilibrium of harmony to enable the bio-diversity to survive. The
Climate Risk-Index, 2021, shows that India ranks seven in overall
climate vulnerability rankings but tops the list in terms of fatalities
due to extreme climate events and also ranks first in economic
losses due to these events (David et al, 2021). India is at risk of
losing it economic growth momentum due to 'non-linear events'
phenomenon where an ecosystem fundamentally shifts after passing
a specific environmental threshold and resultant environmental
damages are' irreversible (Picciariello et al; 2021). This will have
significant bearing on livelihood of millions of Indians especially
those from weaker sections (ibid).
In this paper we will look at how the Gujarat which has contributed
immensely to the transformation of Indian economy through
building network of roads and railways, canal system to irrigate
semi-dried and dried parts of the state to increase the agricultural
output and become the hub of manufacturing of chemicals, textiles,
pharmaceuticals, machine tools, automobiles, agro food processing
units and an impressive growth in micro-small-medium-enterprises
(MSMEs). The state is one of the major 'destination for migrants
from impoverished parts of the, mainly from central and eastern
states, to look for livelihood opportunities.
Gujarat has four out of ten biogeographic regions of the country
and 5 biotic provinces. These four biogeographic regions are Indian
Desert (Zone 3), Semi-arid Region (Zone 4), Western Ghats forest
(Zone 5) and Estuaries and Mangroves of coastal belt (Zone 10).
The state is also confluence of four major hill ranges like Aravallis,
Vindhyas, Satpudas and Sahyadris (Western Ghats). The natural
ecosystems of Gujarat consists deserts with open scrubs, desert
thorn forest and grasslands, hill tracts with four forest types (3B:
South Indian Moist Deciduous forest, 4B: Swamp or tidal forests/
mangroves, 5B; Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous forests and 6B;
Northern Tropical Thorn forests respectively), coral-reefs, estuaries
and fresh and brackish water wetlands abundant with avian life
(Gujarat Forest Department; 2020).
Material and Methods:
The paper looks at these challenges and
the measures that came as response from the state, civil society and
ordinary citizens to balance the growth and ecological challenges
Balancing Economic Growth and Preservation... \VIE
from the available secondary literature in forms of journal papers,
books, reports, statistics and media contents to understand the
state's challenges to maintain harmony in its quest for economic
growth and nature. The lessons learnt have been summarized and
can give useful insight to address the challenges faced by the Gujarat
as well as other states.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The journey of Gujarat in its growth performance is not without
criticism towards conservation of biodiversity and natural habitats
sustaining them. Of the 38 critically polluted areas/clusters in the
country Gujarat has five, viz. Ankleshwar, Vapi, Rajkot, Surat, Vatva
and Vadodara with Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index
(CEPI) above 70 (MoEFC, GoI, 2021). Though among the twenty
states it ranks sixteen in overall vulnerability index for the combined
risk of hydro-met disasters and their compounded impact on climate
vulnerability with a score of 0.280 in the report titled 'Mapping
India's Climate Vulnerability — A District Level Assessment', the
state nonetheless facing extreme climates like cyclones and storm
surges more frequently in recent years (Mohanty and Wadhwan;
2021). Out of the 33 districts in the state, 29 districts covering 85%
of the state, are now having risk from extreme climate events (ibid).
The state is also prone to extreme heat waves during the summer
and the incidence of the drought has gone by nine times between
1970 and 2019, whereas extreme floods have gone up by four times
during the same period (Mohanty; 2019).
Districts like Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Kheda, Rajkot, and
Surendranagar, are now drought host spots whereas Anand,
Narmada, Sabarkantha, and Surat districts are seeing frequent
floods (ibid). Districts like Bharuch and Vadodara are reporting
both extreme floods and drought both!! Jamnagar, Rajkot, Surat,
and Valsad are seeing storm surges in recent years due to frequent
cyclonic activities which causes loss to standing crops and affect the
physical infrastructures (ibid). Changing land use, deforestation,
encroachment of wet lands and water bodies are found to be
contributing to the local climate change in the state between 1970-
2019 (ibid).
In 2021, the state witnessed Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm
'TAUKTAE', which destroyed large tracts of crops, plantation,
destruction of infrastructures like ports, communication and power
supply in coastal areas of Amreli and adjoining areas. The storm
that was most devastating of the five cyclonic events that took place
Amw
Biodiversity of Our Mother Earth
in the country that year; others being Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
YAAS, Severe Cyclonic Storm SHAHEEN (remnant of GULAB),
Cyclonic Storm GULAB and Jawad. The increasing cyclonic events
in the Arabian sea in recent years is attributed to the global warming
and changing climate and increasingly affecting the western states,
mostly Gujarat due to its long coast line (MoES, Government of
India; 2021).
A recent study by Gujarat Ecological Commission (GEC, 2022),
Gandhinagar on ecological profile of two of the districts in the
state; Aravali and Sabarkantha, found the granite mining, tourism,
invasive plant species like Lantana Camara and Prosopis juliflora,
fragmentation in natural corridors of wild life due to construction of
state and national highways, human-wild life conflicts, unregulated
grazing in forest tracts, dependency on fire wood for cooking and
lack of adequate infrastructure to harvest rain water and to treat
unban sewage are affecting the ecosystems in these two districts.
These two districts are part of larger Aravali mountain range which
is facing onslaught on its ecosystem from developmental activities.
The district and sub-district level of ecological profiling will help in
creating an environmental data bank for future planners to address
the developmental needs of the population and conserving ecology.
The mountain tracts in these two districts are also home to various
medicinal plants and herbs, which can be commercially grown
to provide employment to the people in the area. Traditionally
the people in the area protect these plants, shrubs and herbs in
community owned sacred groves. The future conservation efforts
most strengthen such ancient institutions. The Ethnobotanical and
Nutraceutical studies will help documentation traditional botanical
knowledge of tribals and may go long way in promoting active
participation of communities in conservation efforts (MoEFC,GoI;
2021).
Another report titled 'Climate Change and Environment Action
Plan of Ahmedabad district' (Vasudha Foundation, 2022), suggests
the largest city of the state of Gujarat will see 8-17% increase in
seasonal rain fall, under RCP4.5 and 13 to 40 percent under RCP8.5
emission scenarios. The number of warmer days in a year can go up
by 45%. The average temperature may rise by 1.2%-3.5% depending
upon the various emission scenarios in the district. There is 78%
increase in green gases in the city from 2005 onwards. The district
has very less forest cover (less than 1% of the state total) and in terms
of population it has the eighth largest city in India. The district has
23.11% of total 4, 89, 617 SMEs in the state. One-fifth of registered
Balancing Economic Growth and Preservation... In
vehicles in Gujarat are in the district. In growing rice which is a water-
intensive crop and uses lot of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and
fossil fuel comparted to other cereals, the district's share in the state
is little below 20%. Ahmedabad city's population density is twice
that of the national average which indicates very high population
pressure on the natural ecosystem of the district. Shifting from fossil
fuel to solar, wind and battery charged equipments and gadgets for
domestic use, public transport, street lighting, water supply and
commercial activities will help to control emissions of harmful gases
in urban areas, like Ahmedabad. The city has 60 lakes, manmade
and natural, but due to developmental activities most of them dried
up in recent years. The future urban development of Ahmedabad
city and for that matter any city in the state and in the country must
adopt an eco-friendly approach (NMSH 2021). The district is also
home to Nalsarovar, a ramsar site housing migratory birds and
facing increasing threat from constructions in the periphery.
The above study suggests the climate change could affect the
production of wheat, maize, rice and bajra in the district in near
future. The rice production could be reduced by 30% in the district
due to extreme weather and heat conditions in Kharrif season in
Ahmedabad district. A similar report in context of Rajkot, another
major city of Gujarat shows increase in number of warmer days by
10.0% due to climate change. The rainfall is projected to increase
by minimum of 10.0% to 46.0% maximum depending upon the
greenhouse emissions level. A study by Gujarat Institute of Desert
Ecology (GUIDE) study (2019), indicates the state could lose 40% of
its coconut production in coastal regions and a significant decline in
marine catch due to frequent cyclonic storms.
The Nal Sarovar which falls in Ahmedabad district is facing an
immediate crisis to its biodiversity. The lake bed and its surroundings
are facing anthropogenic pressure from activities like grazing,
collection of fodder (Stall feed — Phragmites karka)
and
firewood,
Collection of thatching material
(Typha angustata),
fishing, boating
and poaching of water fouls and migratory birds for exotic meat
(Nirmal Kumar et al; 2007). This natural shallow lake is home to 48
species of, phytoplanktons, 76 species of zooplanktons, 71 flowering
plants, twenty odd species of fish, 11 species of herpetofauna, 216
species of birds including 160 species of waterfowl of both resident
and migratory species, and 13 mammalian species including two
threatened species viz. Indian Wild Ass and Blackbuck listed in
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (ibid). To save the lake and its bio-
diversity no mechanised boats are used for fishing or tourism which
Biodiversity of Our Mother Earth
is a commendable practice. There is need for awareness drive among
the local communities to save the ecology of this ramsar site. Similar
ecological issues in other wetlands of the state like Barmi-Chhari-
Dhand in Kachchh, Ranns of Kachchh, Little Rarm of Kachchh
(LRK), Khijadia lakes in Saurashtra, Thol Dam, Ajwa, Wadhwana
and Pavagadh Lakes affects various flora, fauna, mammals, aquatic
life and wild life. There is urgent need for conservation of these
wetlands to protect the various life forms and livelihood of people
dependent on these ecosystems (Stanley; 2004). Vadodara city, the
cultural capital of the state is having severe water logging due to
encroachment of natural drainage systems and wet lands in recent
years (Gayali and Lakhmapurakar; 2019). The other major urban
areas including Ahmedabad are also facing similar problems. The
conservation small and large wet lands and the channels that feed
them will help to address urban flash floods in the state. Vadodara
city has Vishamitri river flowing through the city which is habitat to
Indian crocodiles. There is ongoing human-wild life conflict in the
city but people generally do not kill the crocodiles involved in the
attack. This tolerance towards wild life is a good lesson for the rest
of the country.
Gujarat also saw large scale destruction of mangroves due to
development of physical infrastructure; mainly ports, large
power generation plants, coastal highways along with growth of
aquaculture and harvesting mangroves for fodder and fuel. The
increasing tidal waves, storm surges due to cyclones and other
natural phenomenon eroded the coast line and pose threat of salinity
ingress in ground water reserves and fresh water storages near coast
line. It has potential to uproot the human settlement near the coast
as the increasing salinity make the land uncultivable. The rapid
infrastructure development in gulf of Kachchh especially the string
of twenty odd minor and major ports and the associated dredging to
keep these ports functioning is a major challenge to the stability of
the associated marine ecosystem in the area (Thivakaran et al; 2018).
Gujarat undertook largest mangrove restoration project in public-
private-partnership mode with active participation of communities
to restore the part of the lost mangroves, especially in (GEC; 2012,
Thivakaran; 2017, Thivakaran et al; 2018). Still the progress is a small
fraction of the potential given the fact that the state has the largest
coast line in India (1600 km) and 258-1,153 square km of mangrove
regeneration potential (Shah and Ramesh; 2022). Mangroves though
constitute 1% of global forest cover, they are the second largest
ecosystems in the world next to coral reefs and 80.0% of global fish
Balancing Economic Growth and Preservation... 1111S
catch depends on mangroves. So healthy mangroves are essential to
the sustainability of the marine economy upon which people living
in coast depends to large extent for food and nutritional security and
livelihood.
Gujarat is also the only habitat to Asiatic lions and Wild Ass. While
the lions roam in coastal belts of Saurashtra the latter is native to
Kachchh. Most of the Asiatic lions are concentrated in Gir sanctuary
area but due to conservation efforts their population is spreading
out of the sanctuary. The lions haunted to extinction were brought
back through determined state effort and support from the local
communities, especially Maldharis who are in the receiving end
when lions hunt their cattle. Still they stood behind the conservation
effort and today the number of lions stands more than 700 individuals
in recent times spreading across 16000 square kilometers across five
districts of the state. There is hardly any violence between the state
and local population when it comes to conservation of the big cats in
the area unlike what is reported in most other states in the country.
On the other hand there is frequent human-wild life conflict
involving bears and leopards in the tribal dominated districts in
the state. There are five sloth bear sanctuaries in the state, viz.,
Shoolpaneshwar, Jambughoda, Ratanmahel, Jassore and Balaram
Ambaji wildlife Sanctuaries (Dharaiya 2011). The latter two
sanctuaries have highest concentration of the sloth bears in the
country and the state. The study found the sloth bears and humans
living in the periphery of the sanctuaries share 35 plants and animal
species for food. This increases the risk of human-wild life conflict
especially in summer and winter months when villagers enter
the bear habitat to collect minor forest produce like honey, gum,
fruits of Cassia fistula and Zizyphus, fodder and fuel wood. The
study recommends the recommended that the local forest divisions
should regularly organize workshops and awareness campaigns
for the local community to educate them about bear ecology and
preventing encounters with the animal (ibid). In case of leopard-
human conflict in areas surrounding Surat (Suthar et al; 2018) and Gir
regions in the state (Alam and Kumar; 2012), there is no competition
for food but the adaption of the wild cats to prey base consisting
domesticated animals and cultivation of taller crops like sugarcane
provide the leopards good habitats to hide and hunt the prey. The
leopards in Gujarat have come back from possible extinction due to
conservation efforts and support of the local communities. Now the
time has come to devise appropriate interventions to protect human
settlements from growing population of these wild cats.
imp
Biodiversity of Our Mother Earth
Promotion of Agroforesty systems will be helpful in building
resilient agricultural systems and rural livelihoods that withstands
challenges due to climate change and natural calamities and help
in livelihood diversification of those dependent on forest for their
livelihood (Sen et al; 2021). A climate resilient agricultural eco-system
encompasses principle of ground water management, development
of micro watershed, adopting technologies and crop practices that
need less water, less fossil-fuel and higher profit margin (ibid).
Empowering women to govern the institutions to manage the
natural resources could have beneficial effect on ecology (Agarwal;
2010). Studies show women's presence makes critical difference in
all aspects of forest governance and lead to effective participation,
rule making, checking violations, improving forest conditions and
equitable distribution of forest produce (ibid).
CONCLUSION
The discussions above can be summarized to learn few lesson for
future intervention to rejuvenate and protect fragile ecosystems of
Gujarat and elsewhere.
First, the challenges to climate related vulnerability, conservation
of bio-diversity and progress in sustainable development goal can
be achieved if we include the spatial, temporal and site specific
indicators. The participation of the community in achieving the
goals associated with bio-diversity conservation is extremely
important. Rather than top-down approach the policy makers
most take a look at grass root level sensitization, mobilization and
execution of the programmes related to bio-diversity conservation.
The local community's feedback and their knowledge about these
events in the past will help to mobilise resources to create climate
resilient infrastructure and promote bio-diversity in micro setups.
Mapping the community's exposure to the past extreme climate
events and their response thereto, their methods of protecting the
local flora, fauns and natural habitats and its inhabitants will cause a
more inclusive approach to address the problems with bio-diversity
and it's conservation, just use of natural resources and maintain
ecological balance in harmony with nature without affecting the
economic acceleration. The Gujarat forest department in its action
plan for restoration of biological hotspots with financial help
from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has strongly
advocated for participation of local community in the effort towards
regeneration, conservation and management of these hotspots. The
use of information-communication-technology trilogy (ICT) will
Balancing Economic Growth and Preservation... 1111
further boost the timely intervention in case of natural disasters and
grievance redressal as envisaged in the action plan.
The civil societies in case of Gujarat have demonstrated that local
participation can lead to protection of environment, reviving
forests/green patches, water bodies and bringing back wild life.
The grass root institutions like local governments (gram panchayats
in villages and urban local bodies) must be taken in to confidence
while planning, executing, monitoring and doing impact evaluation
of the programmes related to conservation of the bio-diversity,
management of natural resources and rebuilding the ecological
harmony in a given micro set up.
Second, Promoting startups that help in producing consumer goods,
technology and services that help in improving environment, cutting
down the emissions and effluent discharge and help to build an
economy which is sync with the nature rather than in conflict with it
will incentivize in the private capital to be an important stakeholder
in our pursuit to achieve the balance between economy, society and
nature.
Third, at the intellectual level we have to focus on research that draws
lessons from various disciplines; natural sciences, social sciences,
legal studies, engineering and management studies to evolve more
holistic theories and practices towards both micro and macro level
eco systems. In this regards greater emphasis on field based studies
with participatory approach will help to integrate the common belief
systems, customary practices and traditional knowledge systems
with scientific rigor of modern knowledge creation to develop
solution that help in conservation of ecology and heal the wounds
of Mother Nature due to human activity so far.
Fourth, the initiatives like taluka level ecological profile in Gujarat
should be scaled up. It will be helpful for policy makers to draw future
developmental plans that will not be in conflict with the surrounding
ecology. This approach is become much more important if the
human inhabitants in the ecology belong to socially disadvantaged
and economically weaker sections like tribal population in Aravali
and Sabarkantha in the state of Gujarat.
Fifth, the convergence of the various government programmes will
help to build necessary infrastructure and its maintenance as seen in
case of Ahmedabad and Rajkot districts. Schemes like MGNREGS is
being used to create infrastructure for drought proofing, creating,
renovating and maintaining natural water storages like ponds
and lakes and creating farm ponds. Under Pradhan Mantri Krishi
/my
Biodiversity of Our Mother Earth
Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), micro irrigations systems like drips
and sprinlders are being used to save water in irrigating crops.
Under Green India Mission (GIM), the forest cover in the district
is being increased through social forestry, agro forestry, restoration
of wetlands, and plantation in institutional lands, urban forests
and promoting alternatives to use of fossil fuel. Under Atal Mission
for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), water
Supply; sewage management; storm water drainage; green space
development; urban transport being focused in the district. Thus the
state through its agencies creating an ecosystem for sustainable and
environment friendly urban space which will ultimately go big way
in conservation and restoration of overall ecology in the district.
Similar initiatives were needed to be scaled up across the country.
Sixth, Gujarat is one of the fine examples of how public-private-
Partnership (PPP) mode can work to restore marine ecology. Twenty
odds leading industries in the state came together with the state
government to create a fund and action plan to restore mangroves
in the state coast line to check erosion due to large waves and storm
surge through creating natural barrier, to check salinity in ground
water near the coast line and help in harvesting fresh water that
otherwise flows down to the sea. It also helps in resorting fish
population in brackish water of mangroves and grazing lands for
livestock. The success of the state in restoring mangroves in 25000 ha.
of coastline, highest in India through participation of large corporate
needs to be emulated. Also the participation of local community in
post-plantation maintenance has ensured greater chance for the
planted saplings to survive.
Seventh, the participation of local communities in conservation of
Asiatic lions in their last abode in the state is a good example to
design conservation programmes elsewhere. The communities
admire the big cats even if they prey upon their livestock and do
not retaliate through killing or injuring the felines. Of course the
state has devised a compensation plan in such cases of loss of life
and livestock from lions. But without the moral support from the
community such packages hardly shows any result in most part of
the country.
Eighth, the urban spaces need to focus on climate-sensitive
development and preservation and rejuvenation of water bodies,
green spaces, and eco-sensitive areas. The use of satellite based
communication technologies will help in mapping of all eco-sensitive
zones, biodiversity rich areas, natural assets in the city and their
Balancing Economic Growth and Preservation...
maintenance using an ecological approach. The residential societies
must adopt roof top water harvest, urban gardening to grow herbs,
organic vegetables and flowers through hydroponics. This will go
in long way in promoting healthy eating and addressing nutritional
security. The treatment of urban effluents and waste water from
industries and households need to be 100% treated before their
discharge in to natural water bodies.
Ninth, The introduction of environmental education in school
curricula, especially primary schools will also be helpful to create
a futuristic society that value conservation efforts to restore/
protect ecology, wild life and natural resources for future use. Our
teachers need to be trained to undertake such lesson to the young
minds. The evaluation of children must have a component to value
their understanding and participation in activities that helps in
conservation efforts and lifestyles that limits the waste generation
and emissions.
Tenth, the society needs to rethink its ways of celebration of
religious, social and political events which uses lots of plastic and
non-bio-degradable articles and to the least use of fossil fuels. An
ecofriendly approach is need of the hour both, within the house and
society at large. The present generation needs to be role model for
future generation to cultivate ecofriendly life styles. Limiting carbon
foot print should be the aim of systems. Then we will be successful
to protect' the Mother Nature and its all forms of life who have equal
right over this planet.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author expresses sincere gratitude to the anonymous referee
for the valuable comments during the preparation of this paper.
However the author is solely responsible for any error. The author
also express gratitude towards the support received from the
institute for preparing this article.
REFERENCES
1. Agarwal, Bina. 2010. Connecting with Civil Society: Weaving a Web
of Strategic Alliances', Gender and Green Governance: The Political
Economy of Women's Presence Within and Beyond Community Forestry
(Oxford, 2010; online edn, Oxford Academic, 1 September. 2010),
https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199569687.003.0010,
accessed 20
September. 2022.
Biodiversity of Our Mother Earth
2.
Alain, M.S. and Kumar, S. (2012). Investigating Human-Leopard
Conflict In and Around Gir Protected Areas - Concept Paper. Gujarat
Forest Department, Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir, Junagadh, Gujarat,
India.
file:///C:/Users/Rudra-PC/Desktop/indian%20environment%20
report%202021/InvestigatingHuman-LeopardConflictinGirPA.pdf,
accessed 20 September. 2022.
3.
Climate Change and Environment Action Plan of Ahmedabad District,
Vasudha Foundation, 2022. http://www.vasudha-foundation.org/wp-
content/uploads/DCEAP-AHMEDABAD-21-Feb-2022.pdf,
accessed 02
September. 2022.
4.
Climate Change and Environment Action Plan of Rajkot District, Vasudha
Foundation, 2022. http://www.vasudha-foundation.org/wp-content/
uploads/Executive-Summary-Rajkot.pdf, accessed 02 September. 2022
5.
Dharaya Nishith. 2011, Evaluating habitat and human bear conflict in
north Gujarat, India, to seek solution for human-bear coexistence. https://
ruffordorg.s3.amazonaws.com/media/project_reports/14.11.07%20
Detailed%20Final%20Report.pdf, accessed 05 September. 2022
6.
_Eckstein David, Vera Kiinzel and Laura Schafer. 2021_ Who suffers Most
from Extreme Weather Events? Weather-related Loss Events in 2019
and 2000 to 2019, Germanwatch e.V. https://www.germanwatch.org/
sites/default/files/Global%20Climate%20Risk%20Index%202021_2.pdf,
accessed 05 September. 2022.
7.
Gavali Deepa and Jayendra Lakhmapurkar. 2019. Shrinking wetland area
of Vadodara City - an urban mess.
plaplavit.
Vol. 9, No. 1, 13-16. file:///C:/
Users/Rudra-PC/Desktop/indian%20environmene/020report%202021/
DeepaJayendra-Feb_2019.pdf, accessed 20 September, 2022.
8.
Geevan, C.P., Dixit, A.M. and Silori, C.S. 2003. Ecological-Economic
Analysis of Grassland Systems: Resource Dynamics and Management
Challenges — Kachchh District (Gujarat). https://www.researchgate.net/
publication/303919995_Ecological_Economic_Analysis_of_Grassland_
Systems_Resource_Dynamics_and_Management_Challenges-,
Kachchh_District_Gujarat, accessed 02 September. 2022.
9.
Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) Gandhinagar and Environmental
Information System (ENVIS), India (2022). Ecological Profile, Ten
Talukas of Aravalli and Sabarkantha Districts, Gujarat, Part-1. http://
gujenvis.nic.in/PDF/EcologicaP/020Profile/020-%20Aravalli%20W/020
Sabarkanthe/020Districts%202022.pdf, accessed 02 September. 2022.
10.
Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC), Gandhinagar. 2012. Mangrove
Restoration through Public-Private Partnership; Gujarat. http://gujenvis.
nic.in/PDF/PPP%20Mangrove.pdf,
accessed 08 September. 2022.
Balancing Economic Growth and Preservation... 111
11.
Gujarat Forest Department. 2020. The Preparatory Survey on Project
for Ecosystem Restoration in Gujarat in India. Final Report. https://
openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/1000042664.pdf,
accessed 08 September.
2022.
12.
Mauskar Jayant M and Sayanangshu Modak. 2021. The Imperatives of
India's Climate Response. Observer Research Foundation. https://www.
orfonline.org/research/the-imperatives-of-indias-climate-response/,
accessed 08 September. 2022.
13.
Ministry of Urban Affairs, Government of India (Go!). 2021. National
Mission on Sustainable Habitat; 2021-2030. https://www.mohua.govin/
upload/uploadfilesffiles/NMSH-2021.pdf, accessed 08 September. 2022.
14.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of
India. 2021 online material is accessed on Septemberember 8, 2022 from
link https://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Environment-AR-
English-2020-21.pdf,
accessed 08 September. 2022.
15.
Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India (Go!). 2021. Annual
Report 2020-21 of India Meteorological Department. https://mausam.
imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/ar2021.pdf,
accessed 08 September. 2022
16.
Mohanty, Abinash, and Shreya Wadhawan. 2021. Mapping India's
Climate Vulnerability —A District Level Assessment. New Delhi: Council
on Energy, Environment and Water.
17.
https://www.ceew.in/sites/default/files/ceew-study-on-climate-change
-
vulnerability-index-and-district-level-risk-assessment.pdf, accessed 02
September. 2022.
18.
Mohanty, Abinash. 2020. Preparing India for Extreme Climate Events:
Mapping Hotspots and Response Mechanisms. New Delhi: Council on
Energy, Environment and Water. https://www.ceew.in/sites/default/
files/CEEW-Preparing-India-for-extreme-climate-events_10Dec20.pdf,
accessed 04 September. 2022.
19.
Nirmal Kumar J. I, Hiren Soni And And Rita N. Kumar. 2007.
Anthropogenic Pressures of Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat,
India.
International Journal of Nature and Conservation.
2007. 19 (2): 209-
231. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282757585,
accessed 02
September. 2022.
20.
Parikh KS, Ravindranath NH, Murthy IK, Mehra S. Kumar R, James EJ,
Vivekanandan E, Mukhopadhyay P (2012) The Economics of Ecosystems
and Biodiversity - India: Initial Assessment and Scoping Report. Working
Document 157pp.
21.
Picciariello, A., Colenbrander, S., Bazaz, A. and Roy, R. (2021)
The costs of
climate change in India: a review of the climate-related risks facing India, and
their economic and social costs.
ODI Literature review. London: ODI (www.
odi.org/en/publi
cations/the-costs-of-climate-change-inindia-a-review-
of-the-climate-related-risks-facing-india-and-their-economic-and-social-
costs), accessed 20 September. 2022.
/1111W Biodiversity of Our Mother Earth
22.
Stanley D. Oswin. 2004. Wetland Ecosystems And Coastal Habitat
Diversity In Gujarat, India.
Journal of Coastal Development.
Volume 7,
Number 2, February 2004: 49-64.
23.
Shah Hardik and R Ramesh. 2022. Development-aligned mangrove
conservation strategy for enhanced blue economy: A successful model
from Gujarat, India.
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science,
Volume 274,
ISSN 0272-7714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2022.107929,
accessed 17
September. 2022.
24.
Sen Biswajit. 2021. State of India's Livlihoods. Access Development
Services
2021.
https://grameenfoundation.in/wp-content/
uploads/2022/01/State-of-Indias-Livelihoods-Report-2021-page-62 -169.
pdf, accessed 17 September. 2022.
25.
Suthar A.R, Lakhmapurkar J, Gavali D, Nayyar P. (2018), Assessment of
HumanLeopard Conflict in human dominated landscape and mitigation
measures: A Case Study from Surat District, Gujarat. Technical
Report, Gujarat Ecology Society, Vadodara, India. 32 pp. file:///C:/
Users/Rudra-PC/Desktop/indian%20environment%20report%202021/
LeopardReportSuratFinalGES.pdf, accessed 16 September. 2022.
7
6. Thivakaran, G.A., 2017. Mangrove restoration: an overview of coastal
afforestation in India in Wetland Science: Perspectives From South Asia
edited by Anjan Kumar Prusty, Rachna Chandra, P.A. Azeez., Chapter
26, pp. 501-512. Published by Springer Nature, ISBN 978-81-322-3713-
6 ISBN 978-81-322-3715-0 (eBook). https://www.researchgate.net/
publication/316312092, accessed 02 September. 2022.
27. Thivakaran, Alagiri & Sharma, Seema & Chowdhury, Abhiroop &
Murugan, Arumugam. (2018). Status, structure and environmental
variations in semi-arid mangroves of India. Journal of Forestry Research.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327754748,
accessed 17
September. 2022.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
Article
Full-text available
The paper describes the loss of wetlands in Vadodara Urban area with respect to the administrative wards. The paper described loss of waterbodies leading to waterlogging problem every year during the monsoons. The paper recommends need to be integrated waterbodies in the urban development schemes and link the role of water bodies in the Disaster Risk Management of a city.
Chapter
Full-text available
Mangroves, a major wetland type in the intertidal belt, are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. With their annual disappearance at the rate ~1%, mangrove conservation through plantation has gained an unprecedented significance in the recent decades. Many South and Southeast Asian countries are regularly engaged in mangrove restoration initiatives through massive plantation initiatives. Akin to this trend, mangrove wetland restoration in terms of plantation is underway in the Indian state of Gujarat where plantation to the tune of 30,000 ha has been completed so far. The Gulf of Kachchh (GoK) coast of Gujarat in India has witnessed sustained mangrove plantation efforts in the last two decades. Avicennia marina is the preferred candidate species in this region due to its environmental plasticity. In the Gulf of Kachchh, three different plantation techniques, namely, (a) transplantation of nursery-raised saplings, (b) raised bed method, and (c) direct propagule dibbling, are generally followed either singly or in combination to raise mangrove plantation. These different techniques have their own pros and cons though transplantation of nursery-raised saplings is considered as most successful. Many unresolved issues such as high incidence of mortality, poor site selection, poor technical skills, and legal bottlenecks in obtaining appropriate sites cripple mangrove plantation in the GoK. Proactively involving coastal industries in mangrove restoration activities together with participation of other stakeholder coastal communities could be more meaningful and productive. Thus, an integrated sustainable mangrove management plan encompassing different stakeholders is suggested. It is also recommended that instead of plantation as the sole measure of restoration, other restoration techniques such as biophysical amendments could be undertaken.
Article
Full-text available
The Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (NSBS) is an important Protected Area (PA) and one of the proposed Ramsar sites of Gujarat State; encompassing an area of 120 sq. km. It is situated along the western border of Ahmedabad district and southern border of Surendranagar district. The area lies between 22 0 78' N to 22 0 96' N latitude and 71 0 92' E to 72 0 64' E longitude. The Sanctuary supports floral as well as faunal elements with rich diversity. The entire area experiences three seasons. Winter being the coldest with minimum of 7 0 C temperature, while the hottest summer with 45 0 C and monsoon experiences 600 mm average rainfall. Geologically, the basaltic rocks of the area belonging to Deccan trap interspersed with igneous and metamorphic rocks of Cretaceous sandstones. In the present study, 8 villages were selected to investigate various anthropogenic interventions. Besides human (n=47,550) and livestock population (n=20,387) of these villages, collection of fuelwood, generation of income through fishing, boating, horse-riding and poaching of waterfowls by local people were identified as the major threats of anthropogenic pressures. The local inhabitants reside within and outside the PA zone are partly or fully dependent upon the water reserve for their livelihood. The paper mainly focuses on human generated threats like plant removal for fodder and fuelwood, fishing, boating, horse-riding and hunting and poaching of waterfowl within sanctuary area. Among the studied parameters, human and cattle population, fishing, boating, horse-riding and poaching go parallel to each other. The anthropogenic influence was found maximum in Ranagadh village, followed by Shiyal, Nani Kathechi, Kayla and Shahpur villages. However, such pressures were low in Durgi, Vekaria and Meni villages. The quantification of each pressure and salient findings are discussed in the paper.
Article
Mangrove protection and restoration have been prioritised in India, and as a result of concerted interventions by key maritime states, mangrove cover has increased significantly in the last few decades. Mangrove restoration efforts have received considerable attention in the States of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh for their role in the mitigation of storms and cyclones. The ‘community-based restoration' strategy, in particular, is credited with expansion of mangrove regions across India. This study highlights the mechanism of successful mangrove restoration and conservation through various efforts of the government, private sector, and the coastal community in the state of Gujarat, India. Despite rapid coastal development, mangrove cover has also steadily increased in the last few decades in the State, clearly indicating a balanced approach towards enhancing blue economy. This is credited to the vision of the Government of Gujarat, India for putting in place appropriate policies and their effective implementation. Restoration of degraded mangrove and afforestation of new mangroves were made successful by applying scientific transplantation of saplings, utilization of local resources, involvement of public and private sectors and efficient monitoring activities. The Government of Gujarat has developed a comprehensive approach to integrate diverse sectors to effectively conserve mangroves and adopting a community-based restoration model. Such efforts at the regional level are the first-ever large-scale restoration and afforestation measures in India.
Article
Wetland ecosystems are the major contributors for the nations' wildlife biodiversity, productivity and economy. The paper elaborates the habitat diversity of wetlands in Gujarat, India, the floral and faunal diversity of each ecosystem, the major industrial and development pressures posed by the mangroves and coastal ecosystems. Thus indicates the significance and necessity for wetland habitat conservation.
Investigating Human-Leopard Conflict In and Around Gir Protected Areas -Concept Paper. Gujarat Forest Department, Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir
  • M S Alain
  • S Kumar
Alain, M.S. and Kumar, S. (2012). Investigating Human-Leopard Conflict In and Around Gir Protected Areas -Concept Paper. Gujarat Forest Department, Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir, Junagadh, Gujarat, India. file:///C:/Users/Rudra-PC/Desktop/indian%20environment%20
2021_ Who suffers Most from Extreme Weather Events? Weather-related Loss Events in
  • Vera David
  • Laura Kiinzel
  • Schafer
_Eckstein David, Vera Kiinzel and Laura Schafer. 2021_ Who suffers Most from Extreme Weather Events? Weather-related Loss Events in 2019 and 2000 to 2019, Germanwatch e.V. https://www.germanwatch.org/ sites/default/files/Global%20Climate%20Risk%20Index%202021_2.pdf, accessed 05 September. 2022.
The Preparatory Survey on Project for Ecosystem Restoration in Gujarat in India
  • Gujarat Forest Department
Gujarat Forest Department. 2020. The Preparatory Survey on Project for Ecosystem Restoration in Gujarat in India. Final Report. https:// openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/1000042664.pdf, accessed 08 September. 2022.