Browsing by Subject "Environment"

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Open Access
A Comprehensive Illustration of Water Pollution Being a Pitfall of Human Activities
(University of North Bengal, 2024) Biswas, Samar Kumar; Dutta, Tanushree
Water is one of the prime utilized environmental resources that is currently under threat for its quality and continued existence. Pollution has a significant influence on this matter of concern. The existence of impurities in water that change its chemical and biological composition is referred to as water pollution i.e. a major threat to symbiosis between human beings and the environment. Due to its multipurpose use, the sources of water contamination must be varied. Thus, in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the pertinent inclusive circumstances and responsible causes of water pollution, laboratory tests have been performed on water samples to identify any pollution. Additionally, three distinct sites on the bank of the Mahananda River in Siliguri City have been chosen and relevant information regarding the genesis of water pollution has been gathered. The current study investigates the many causes of water contamination with proper analytical descriptions in Siliguri City as well as people's perspectives on the sources from a social standpoint.
Open Access
Environment Protection and E-Waste Management in India
(University of North Bengal, 2021-09) Singh, Haribansh; Chaturvedi, S. K.
E-waste is nowadays one of the emerging pollutants which draw the attention of people throughout the world. Management of e-waste is a serious concern for the International community. Pollution caused by it is not only for India but for other developed and developing counties. In absence of any specific legislation on E-waste, the options available are Rules and Regulations made by government in India. The latest introduction of the scheme of the government in the form of E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016 provides an opportunity to look into the existing e-waste management process and also ponder on the effectiveness of the same. The unique feature of Environmental regime in India is to have different legislations on different environmental issues. In order to prevent and control water pollution and air pollution, the Water (Prevention & Control) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control) Act, 1981 have been enacted by the Parliament. To tackle the issues of environmental protection comprehensively, an umbrella and enabling legislation namely, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has been passed. The Rules of 2016 which replaced ‘the E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011’ made under this Act of 1986. There are many issues which require serious consideration and compelling need to make identification and compliance. The matters pertaining to fraudulent traders, environmentally unsound practices and some changes introduced by the new Rules on e-waste management require severe scrutiny and review. Electronic equipments, especially computers, are often discarded by the people from time to time on invention of latest and sophisticated technology which has rendered existing equipments and related knowledge obsolete and undesirable. The process of recycling or collection or taken back policy of e-waste is the need of the hour.
Open Access
Environmental Justice: An Outlook
(University of North Bengal, 2025) Sarkar, Pankoj Kanti
Environmental justice has emerged as a central theme in contemporary global environmentalism since the 1970s. Environmental justice has become an essential counterpoint to conventional environmentalism, focusing on the connection between social equity and environmental concerns. It highlights how marginalized communities often bear the brunt of environmental degradation and advocates for their inclusion in environmental policymaking. This movement seeks to address not only ecological concerns but also the social, political, and economic realities that shape environmental harm and benefit distribution. Environmental justice emphasizes collective experiences of injustice and aims to empower affected communities to achieve self-determination. It broadens the scope of environmentalism to include everyday issues affecting human life, such as housing and employment and seeks to redistribute the loads of environmental harm more equitably. Despite the absence of a universally accepted explanation of environmental justice, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) characterizes it as ensuring fair treatment and significant involvement of all people in environmental decision-making. The movement demands a transformative perspective that integrates environmental protection with social justice, advocating for a holistic understanding of justice that encompasses both human and non-human well-being. Overall, the discussions surrounding intrinsic value, environmental ethics, and justice reveal a complex interplay of philosophical perspectives and practical considerations, underscoring the need for inclusive and equitable approaches to addressing environmental challenges.
Open Access
Examination of Legal Framework for Solid Waste Disposal and Management in the United Kingdom and South Africa: Lesson for Nigeria
(University of North Bengal, 2023-03) Yahaya, Ganiyu; Kehinde, olufunke Adeola.
One of the most pervasive environmental threats in the world is solid waste, which includes trash, refuse, garbage, and rubbish from residential and business operations. The threat is present in many nations, including Nigeria. Despite the existence of the necessary legal frameworks (rules and institutions), the inefficiency for the control and management of solid waste in Nigeria is very frightening. This article looks at the legislative frameworks for solid waste in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria in an effort to learn from them for Nigeria. To obtain data for a comparative comparison, the doctrinal approach of legal research was used. The analysis found that in order to manage and control the threat in accordance with the standard for best practices around the world, the existing legislative frameworks is insufficient. However, this paper came to the conclusion that the problem is not solely due to the inadequate legal framework; it is also due to the general lack of concern individuals have for solid waste management and control, which makes it impossible to achieve success despite significant effort. Lessons were drawn for a better control and management of solid waste in Nigeria as a way ahead.
Open Access
Jute and Sustainable Development- A Study of Its Socio- Economic and Environmental Prospects
(University of North Bengal, 2020-09) Chakraborty, Ruchita
Jute is a natural plant fibre that has been traditionally used as a packaging textile, but over the past decades, it has been rapidly replaced with synthetic substitutes. However, in the wake of the global consciousness regarding environmental crisis and sustainable development, the rejuvenation of the industry seems to answer a number of calls. On one hand, its usage in the packaging industry can reduce plastic wastes considerably. Again, in the backdrop of the environmental international instruments in recent years, jute can be a viable alternative to achieve the goals towards maintaining ecological balance. On the other hand, the industry being a source of income for more than 40 lakh families, its revival is expected to benefit the nation socio-economically as well. In this context this paper explores the usage of the fibre as an environmental friendly alternative to various widely used synthetic commodities. It also locates the different environmental standards set by the world community that can be achieved with its increased usage. Further, in the context of the two important recent instruments- the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Pact, this paper examines the various dimensions that the golden fibre can effectively answer.
Open Access
Livestock economics and its impact on the environment of North Sikkim
(University of North Bengal, 1995) Paljor, Sonam; Sahu, R
Open Access
Meaning ain’t just in the head”: From meaning to reference
(University of North Bengal, 2024-03) Barman, Jayanta
Open Access
Role and status of sherpa and tamang women in forest villages of Darjeeling hills : a comperative study
(University of North Bengal, 2023) Lama, Dipika; Bhui, Ujjwal
Tribals are the original inhabitants of the forest and are known by different names such as Vanyajati (forest communities) and Vanavasi (inhabitants of forests). Tribals depend on the forests for food, fuelwood, timber, material for crafts, fodder, and medicinal plants, and it is often the tribal women who collect these resources. They are also known as the “Sentinels or Custodians” of forest and its natural resources. Since time immemorial these people living in the forests have developed a cordial relationship with the forest and have vast knowledge about different plant species and other forest products used for different purposes. Women are the worst victims of environmental degradation as they are solely dependent on natural resources for their livelihood. Women all over the world share a special relationship with the environment and tend to be more concerned about the availability and access to natural resources. The knowledge that the tribal women possess is generally transmitted from generation to generation and it plays an important role in the conservation and uses of forest resources. This in turn helps in alleviating the problems at the local level and it will not further lead to the conflicting situation. Various researches all over the world show that both environmental and ecological security risks affect women more than the men. The traditional concept of security focuses on the protection of state from external military threats but now it is replaced by concepts such as economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, energy security, cyber security and human security. At present non-traditional security concepts are challenges to the survival and well being of people all over the world. The present study tries to show how the tribal women residing in the forest villages of the Eastern Himalayas play a significant role in protecting the forest environment as their livelihood revolves around it. On the other hand, these women play an important role in the family and society and help contribute to the overall development of society. With this background, the present study tries to investigate the role and status of Sherpa and Tamang women residing in the forest villages of Darjeeling Hills with the help of various indicators on socio-economic factors, historical background and the Sherpa and Tamang women's relationship with the forest and the various roles played by them in the conservation of the environment. The present study is conducted in the forest villages situated in the three subdivisions of Darjeeling Hills namely Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong (presently Kalimpong subdivision is converted into a district). Darjeeling Hills is located in the northernmost part of West Bengal comprising both plains and the hills. Fifteen forest villages have been selected from Darjeeling subdivision, Kurseong subdivision and Kalimpong subdivision. From each subdivision five forest villages have been selected. Tribal communities such as Sherpas, Tamangs, Lepchas, and Bhutias are found in the study area. However, the tribal communities such as Sherpas and Tamangs are in maximum number and are found in a majority of the forest villages. So, women respondents from the Sherpa and Tamang communities have been selected for the present study. For the selection of the respondents stratified random sampling techniques have been used from the area under study. A total of 300 respondents have been selected. 150 each from Sherpa and Tamang women have been selected since it is based on the comparative study. From each subdivision, 100 respondents were interviewed and from each forest village, 20 respondents were selected. Primary and secondary techniques have been used for the collection of data. Primary data have been collected through intensive field surveys, face-to-face interaction, and observation, with the help of a semi-structured open-ended interview schedule. Whereas, secondary data is mostly collected from books, journals, newspapers, internet sources, census reports, and government reports provided by the panchayat office and the forest department. Different parameters were taken into consideration to understand the role and status of the Sherpa and Tamang women in the forest villages of Darjeeling Hills. The forest villages' geographical isolation makes them more vulnerable to initiating better economic activities for the villagers. Selected forest villages are located in different geographical settings. The majority of the forest villages are located in the hilly areas and other forest villages are located in the foothills. Since agriculture is the main occupation of the respondents, they grow different types of vegetables according to their geographical conditions. The entire agricultural operations such as seed selection, weeding, sowing, watering, and storing are performed by the women. Other economic activities include livestock rearing, daily wage workers, and other miscellaneous activities. At present, Sherpas residing in the forest villages are trying new avenues i.e. homestays and are making good profit out of it. They economically contribute to their families’ well-being which automatically enhances their status in the family and society. The role played by Sherpa and Tamang women for their family and society is commendable and their decision is crucial for the overall development of the society. Apart from these, their role in the protection of the environment is significant as they are very much concerned about the forest environment and are devoted to combating environmental degradation. Various governmental and nongovernmental agencies provided various facilities to these respondents which helped them in uplifting their status. The present study is divided into seven chapters and makes a modest attempt to study the Sherpa and Tamang communities in detail. The findings of the study will surely provide insight into the Sherpa and Tamang women who have been residing in the forest villages of Darjeeling Hills. Therefore, this study aims to delve into a deeper understanding of these tribal women residing in the Eastern Himalayas.
Open Access
A Socio- Legal Analysis of the Forestry and Wildlife Offences with Special Reference to North Bengal Region
(University of North Bengal, 2024-03) Bandyopadhyay, Souradipta
Environmental criminal activities pose a grave peril not only to our present life but to our future as well. Unfortunately, national borders do not restrict environmental crimes such as forestry and wildlife offences. These crimes often occur hand to hand with other types of offences. Unlike any other crimes, green crimes pose a threat to human existence. Thus it's high time to safeguard the floras and faunas of our nation. The forest areas of North Bengal are not only a blessing of nature but also a dwelling place for numerous exotic species. A considerable amount of forest cover is situated under the demography of North Bengal. However, this heaven is not secure anymore. Due to its crucial position, this area has become a transit point of trans-boundary crimes and trafficking. Despite strict vigil and numerous legislations, it is becoming difficult to counter such diverse crimes. Through this following piece of work, the author has thus attempted to accentuate the forestry and wildlife crimes that are transpiring right now in this region along with their causes and reasons. The paper also has tried to touch the grey areas of this aspect to understand the contemporary scenario of this region. To discover the above-stated reasons the researcher has taken reference from various primary and secondary data. Finally, the researcher has also endeavored to furnish acuities to constrain the ongoing menace and prevent the circumstances of the forest areas of North Bengal.
Open Access
Understanding the functional attributes of different microbial enzymes in bioremediation
(University of North Bengal, 2020-03) Malakar, Neha; Mitra, Sreya; Toppo, Prabha; Mathur, Piyush
Bioremediation uses biological organisms and their metabolic processes in order to degrade contaminants present in water, soil etc. Microbes have the vast potential are the major resource for bioprocess of using microbial enzymes reduces the toxicity of pollutants caused by the waste materials like pesticides, insecticides, plastics, other hydrocarbon-containing substances and obtain novel useful substances for mankind and the environment. Enzymes produced by bacteria, fungi, plants play a key role in the biodegradation of toxic organic compounds. The purpose of bioremediation processes that will an eco-friendly and cost-effective mechanism. The aim is to develop an advanced technique in bioprocesses that will help to minimize toxin risk and thereby acquire new, usable substances. Some of the bioremediation-related compounds like oxidoreductases hydrolases, dioxygenase, peroxidases, and laccase are most widely considered. The aim of the review is to express the role of microbial enzymes on the bioremediation of toxic, hazardous environmental pollutants.